Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by extremeenigma02

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Original Character, Spike, Comedy, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Main 6
Length: 133302

You all know the story of The Elements of Harmony and the six ponies who represent them. What you might not know is that there is not just six elements, there are seven. This is the story of Storm Shield, the seventh Element of Harmony

Have you ever wondered how different the story of My Little Pony would have gone if there was another Element of Harmony?

Storm Shield was your average everyday unicorn stallion who never truly saw himself as a hero. He attended Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns which is where he met a very studious mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle. Though their relationship got off to a rocky start in the beginning, they soon became the best of friends. Aside from Storm, Twilight never truly cared much for making other friends. That is until one day when the Princess assigns Twilight and Storm to travel to Ponyville and from there, the adventure of a lifetime began.

This story is a recreation of the Friendship is Magic series but with an added OC to the story. This will continue all the way up until the final season

Published 2020-06-20 17:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2021-09-29 15:37:08 UTC

Friendship is Magic: Part 1

It begins with a book sitting on the grass, a brown cover with various symbols along the corners. A symbol of a golden unicorn with green eyes is perched along the center. It is here the book opens itself to a single page containing four familiar words. And it is here, where it all began…

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria…

The scene shifts to the magical land of Equestria itself, as the clouds roll to the side revealing it’s beautiful landscape. A magnificent castle sat perched along the mountains, as a waterfall fell to the surface below. Overlooking this castle was a city perched along a set of clouds, a rainbow streaming to several sides. Below these structures, there was a tiny village with several streams of river flowing across. Equestria, a wondrous world inhabited by the dominant species of this awe-inspiring land: The ponies. Speaking of which…

There were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land.

The two figures in questions were unlike any equine like creatures any creature had ever seen. While they resembled the size of horses, they had feather wing appendages sticking from their backs and spiral horns protruding from their foreheads. Whereas the creature on the left had a white coat with a pink mane, tail, and wings, the equine on the opposite end of the cloud had a dark bluish coat with light blue wings, tail, and mane. They were known… As the alicorns, the most powerful race in all of Ponykind and the sole rulers and protectors of this world.

To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

A display of their powers is shown, the elder pony using her magic to raise the sun to single the start of a brand new day, helping the crops to grow, and provide warmth during the summer. And every night, the youngest would lift the moon to signal the end of the day, even to help the oceans rise on occasion. Though different in terms of how they used their magic, these two ponies, sisters, represented the yin-and-yang of this land. For every day, there must always be night just as after every night there comes a moment to pave way to the dawn. And it’s been like that for generations to come… But this cycle would not last…

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.

Indeed, as the younger sister looked down upon her subjects, she noticed the difference that day and night brought upon her subjects. Every pony seemed busy during the day, harvesting their crops, managing their daily business, or simply playing together out on the fields. But when the night came, the moon in full view and the stars illuminating the night sky like a picture on a dark canvas, they would just lie there in either their homes or outside sleeping away. Seeing this happen for a lengthy period of time, it not only made the young sister very sad… It infuriated her.

One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn.

On that day, while the land was still dark and the subjects were afraid that they’d never see the light of day, a confrontation took place between the two sisters, the two rulers they looked up to for guidance and leadership. The eldest tried to employ her sister to reconsider her actions, but as it appears… It was already too late. For it seemed that the younger sister had lost faith in her subjects and the respect towards her elder sibling. But what the elder sister did not know was that it only got worse…

The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.

Through magical enchantment and terrible smoke, a terrible transformation took place. The young sister’s eyes turned demon-like, a chest plate and helmet appeared on her body, and her mane shifted into an everflowing display. The once proud younger ruler would become an infamous creature of the night, the stuff of nightmares for all the ponies during that period in time.

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night.

Seeing all her subjects helpless and afraid, fearing what this terrible power would do to Equestria should this continue, the elder sister had only one choice… One that she would come to regret for the rest of her life.

Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponydom: the Elements of Harmony.

Yes, the Elements of Harmony. Six of the most powerful gemstones in six shades of color: Red, orange, green, blue, pink, and violet. Hidden deep within the castle, they laid to rest and were only to be called upon in the event of an emergency. In which case, the elder sister needed these crystals, these very elements, to combat her own sister and save Equestria.

Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon.

And so, it happened: Wearing a tiara upon her brow, one of the elements embedded in the center, she used the combined power of the elements themselves to overcome the creature known as Nightmare Moon, the pony formerly who sister. After a great conjuring of magic, all that remained of Nightmare Moon was her face implanted upon the surface of the moon, a shining symbol of her defeat.

Ever since that faithful day, the elder sister now assumed a throne just for herself. Using her power to raise both the sun and the moon, all by herself, each day passing turning to weeks, weeks turning to months, and months turning to years… And eventually, generations.

The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

<>

As the page rests on where the story ends, a single figure had been reading the contents of that very book. A unicorn laying on her stomach along the grass, near a crystal clear lake in the Canterlot Castle gardens. Her moderate violet eyes skim the pages, her dark sapphire blue mane with moderate purple and brilliant raspberry streaks hung over her pale, light grayish mulberry coat. Her most notable feature is a cutie mark of a sparkling purple star surrounded by tiny white stars, five of them, along her flanks.

For some time, Twilight had gone over the ancient tome she found in the library, thinking to herself about what she just read.

“Hmm… Elements of Harmony. I know I’ve heard of those before… But where?”

https://m.

Meanwhile, a gentle breeze flowed through his mane, as a unicorn stallion sat along the courtyards of Canterlot Castle. His name is Storm Shield, who kept his eyes closed tightly so his mind could deeply focus on his latest spell. Six giant boulders were entrapped in his magical aura, suspended perfectly still in mid-air. It had been almost half an hour since he had been like this, his goal overall was to hold them completely still for as long as his magic could hold them. For he knew, it takes one single lapse in concentration, just one, and the entire spell would…

“Hey Storm!”

Storm’s green eyes instantly snapped open, as the boulders fell back to the ground with a thunderous crash.

… Fail.

Storm groaned in dissatisfaction, as he slowly turned his head to see none other than his old classmate, Twilight Sparkle, standing next to him.

“Oh, come on, Twi,” Storm groaned. “Did you not notice I was in the middle of a spell?”

“Sorry Storm, but we’ve got something big to work on,” Twilight said, urgently.

“… Now?”

“Now.”

Storm rolled his eyes over his best friend’s words… Well, ‘best friend’ was putting it lightly. When it comes to Twilight, it’s only when something urgent comes up does she require his immediate attention. It didn’t matter how big or small the task was, she wouldn’t let it go until the matter is dealt with. Plus, she didn’t really have a ton of ‘friends’ in Canterlot, not even when they went to school together, but she usually called on him because the tan coated unicorn with the red-and-black striped mane wouldn’t say ‘no’.

Storm begrudgingly got on his hooves, following the lavender mare off to Celestia only knows what. Despite whatever the case might be, a small smile formed on Storm’s face when Twilight wasn’t looking. Maybe it was just by chance, but for Twilight to call on him and not any other pony she knows for a favor… He kind of felt there must’ve been something special about him she noticed, if it wasn’t his cutie mark of a shield with a star, with two swords crossed. Besides, it’s not often they hang out, so Storm wanted to make the best of this.

As they stroll down the path, they soon found themselves blocked by the only other friends they had in Canterlot: Minuette, Lemon Heart, and Twinkleshine.

“There you are, Twilight!” Twinkleshine said. “Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

“Is it today?” Storm Shield asked, smiling. “I almost forgot! Don’t worry, we’ll be there for sure.”

“Oh sorry, girls,” Twilight replied gently. “I’ve got a lot of studying to catch on. Plus, Storm and I are busy today… All day.”

Storm turned to his friend with a glare, but again ‘friend’ was probably not the best choice. Every time some pony would ask to hang out or do something fun, like with the girls, Twilight always shot them down. She always preferred studying over bonding with friends any day.

The only other pony she seemed to spend any time with is Storm. But even then, they never really talked or had ice cream, she’d have her face buried in a book while Storm was mostly around to jot down notes. Before Storm could say anything, Twilight zipped past the girls and galloped down the path as all four ponies stared after her.

“Twilight!” Storm called out, turning to the stunned girls sheepishly. “Um… Could you excuse me please? I’ll be right back.”

The girls just stood there as Storm dashed after Twilight Sparkle, barely catching up. But clearly, the three friends looked indignant as they watched both unicorns disappear.

“Does that pony do anything except study?” Twinkleshine remarked, with a sigh. “I think she’s more interested in books than friends.”

“How does Storm put up with her?” Lemon Heart added.

The two other unicorns just shrug silently.

<>

Far along the courtyard, Twilight busily dashed about the grounds at high speed, with Storm following close behind. They just crossed a bridge when Lyra Heartstrings waved to Twilight, but the latter zipped by without noticing. Storm skidded to a stop to greet Lyra.

“Hey Lyra,” Storm said, quickly. “Sorry, can’t talk. Need to stop Twilight from skipping another party; can you tell the others we’re going to be late? Great, see ya!”

Storm took off at high speed once more, nearly blowing Lyra and the pony beside her away with a huge gust of wind, disappearing into the distance. It wasn’t long before he finally caught up to Twilight, running beside the purple pony and not exactly happy.

“Twilight Sparkle, we need to…”

“I know I’ve heard the Elements of Harmony,” She said aloud.

Storm rolled his eyes, as they continue to run back towards a tall, golden tower representing both her home and her research lab. But Storm, quite frankly, was losing patience with the mare.

“Do you ever listen to me?!” He bellowed.

Sadly, his words fell on deaf ears the moment they arrived at the entrance. Since Twilight was so determined to uncover what she searched for, she didn’t know until too late that a tiny reptilian creature was making his way out of the tower with a package in his claws. She bashed him out of the way the instant she opened the front door.

“Ow!” Spike groaned.

Storm had rushed past Twilight and noticed the figure rubbing his head from the pain. It was a tiny little dragon with Moderate pistachio eyes, moderate harlequin spikes, light mulberry scales with a light spring budish gray underbelly and light lime green ear fronds. This was Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s assistant… Correction, her number one assistant. Nonetheless, Storm helped him to his feet.

“You alright, little buddy?” Storm asked, concerned.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Spike answered.

“Spike! Spi-ike!” Twilight called. “Spike?”

She climbed up the steps to the research department of her home, not realizing she almost ran over her number one assistant, who only groaned in response.

“Down here! Thanks for asking!” Storm called out, in frustration.

“There you are!” Twilight called out. “Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.”

It was then Twilight eventually noticed, while Storm and Spike climbed the stairs, that a bashed package was stuck to the end of Spike’s tail.

“What’s that for?” She asked.

“It was a gift for Moon Dancer, but…”

Spike yelped as the gift was set aside, as Storm looked down.

“Oh, how cute… You bought her a teddy bear.”

“Well, giving it away mostly… Considering I’ve grown out of it.”

“Oh boys, you know we don’t have time for that sort of thing,” Twilight frowned.

“When exactly do we ever have time for anything?” Storm asked. “You’ve been cooped up in this library since last week; you work too much.”

“Exactly, we’re on a break!” Spike added.

Twilight just ignored the two, as she used her magic, a pale, light grayish orchid aura, summoning a number of books before her, quickly looking them over one by one.

“No, no, no… No, no, no!”

Twilight grunted in frustration, seeing none of these titles showed the information she needed. Storm rolled his eyes, sighing while shaking his head.

“Spike!”

Spike just sighed, as he effortlessly heads toward another tall ladder, scanning another bookshelf before grabbing the book with ease.

“It’s over here!” Spike called out, the book in his arms.

Just then, the book and the dragon were pulled towards Twilight. Storm noticed Spike quickly plummeting towards the floor and rushed forward catching Spike on his back before he hit the floor.

“Ah! Elements, Elements…” Twilight said aloud, searching the pages.

“Do you not even care that poor Spike almost face-planted on the ground?” Storm asked, in disbelief.

Once again, Twilight refused to acknowledge his question. She skimmed over the contents of the book, in deep concentration.

“E… E… E… Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?”

Spike and Storm just sighed. Not only was their day-off ruined, now they were left cleaning up Twilight’s mess… Again. As a matter of fact, this wasn’t the first time she left the two boys on cleaning duty, specifically putting the books back in their proper place. The glares on their faces showed just how annoyed they were about it.

“Mare in the Moon?” Spike pondered.

“What does that old ponies’ tale have to do with anything?” Storm asked.

“Mare… Mare… Aha!” Twilight exclaimed, finding what she was looking for.

“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!”

“Spike, Storm! Do you know what this means?” Twilight asked.

Of course, Spike was fighting not to lose balance on Storm’s back as the two tried to balance themselves on a dangerously wobbling ladder. Storm tried to keep the ladder steady, but the number of books and Spike’s own wobbling made the task very difficult.

“No… Whoa! OW!”

Spike tumbled once more, but this time Twilight caught him with ease. Storm just looked from atop the ladder, relieved that Spike was alright but turned towards Twilight rather glumly.

“We’re not going to Moon Dancer’s party, are we?” He asked, in a bored tone.

“Take a note please, to the Princess,” Twilight asked Spike.

“Okie-dokie!” Spike said.

He grabbed a quill and some paper, hopping off Twilight’s back, and got ready to write. Suffice to say, Spike had gotten good at writing as fast as Twilight could speak. Storm could do the same, but his penmanship was rather… Sub-par.

“My dearest teacher,” Twilight began, pacing about the room. “My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on,” Spike interrupts.

While Spike was a fast writer, sometimes Twilight had a tendency of using words far too… Complex for his caliber.

“Preci… Preci…”

“Threshold,” Twilight proposed instead.

“Threh…”

“Storm, are you going to help him out?” Twilight asked, annoyed.

“You could say please once in a while,” Storm points out.

Of course, Storm was good at multiple tasks, but if he hadn’t acknowledged by now, he wasn’t good at ‘everything’…

“Uh brink?” Twilight proposed.

Spike was still struggling until Twilight grunted impatiently.

“Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen!”

That was more than enough for Spike, as he continued writing along. As Storm shook his head, he could’ve sworn he saw the image of a malicious looking mare on the hourglass in the room, completely unnoticed by Twilight Sparkle. He rubbed his eyes while she talked, but the image just disappeared. Perhaps it was a trickle of light or perhaps… Something else.

“For you see, the mythical ‘Mare in the Moon’ is in fact ‘Nightmare Moon’, and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student…”

“Ahem,” Storm coughed.

While Twilight did most of the work on this particular research project, she always forgets to credit Storm Shield for everything else they’d do together. He could only forego being left out so many times and this was it.

“Fine… Faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield,” Twilight added, with an eyeroll, while staring out her large glass window wall.

“Twilight Sparkle and Storm,” Spike replied slowly. “Got it!”

“Great! Send it!” Twilight replied excitedly.

“Now?”

“Of course!”

Spike was about to send it when he realized something important.

“Uh, I dunno, Twilight,” Spike replied, holding the letter. “Princess Celestia’s a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it’s like, the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s just it, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, in his face. “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…”

“Important!” Twilight bellowed.

“Whoa!” Spike exclaimed.

The little dragon tumbled backwards toward a bookshelf. Luckily, Storm caught the little guy in a magic bubble before the impact. Spike sighed in relief, turning toward Storm.

“Thanks man.”

Storm smiled with a nod, before turning back to Twilight and regained his frown.

“You really need to take it easy, Twilight,” Storm suggests. “Let’s just calm down, think this over for a sec…”

“NOW!”

“Okay, okay!” Spike retorted.

Taking a deep breath, Spike blew a green flame over the letter as it magically disappeared into the sky.

“There, it’s on its way. But I wouldn’t hold your breath…”

“Oh, I’m not worried, Spike,” Twilight replied, confidently. “The Princess trusts me completely. In all my years she’s been my… Er, Storm and I’s… mentor, she’s never once doubted me.”

“You know Twi, there’s more to life than studying all the time,” Storm points out. “Take me for example! I hardly ever studied when it comes to magic and I turned out just fine.”

“True, but you are good at different things,” Spike said.

“Exactly! The little guy knows what I’m talking about.”

BELCH!

All of a sudden, Spike let out a loud belch and another letter magically appeared before them.

“See?” Twilight replied with a smile. “I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

“I knew she would take immediate action,” Storm mocked, silently. “Ooh boy…”

While the two ponies bickered behind each other’s flanks, Spike opens the letter and cleared his throat.

“My dearest, most faithful students, Twilight and Storm,” Spike read, mimicking a regal tone. “You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely…”

“Mm-hm!” Twilight nodded smugly, as Storm rolled his eyes beside her.

“… but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Spike finished.

Twilight gasped, as Storm chuckled to himself.

“Called it!” He said, proudly.

<>

Soon enough, the two ponies and Spike were on a flying chariot pulled by two strong royal Pegasus pony guards. The two guards were assigned to carry them towards their mission above the clouds. Storm clearly enjoyed the ride, while Twilight kept pouting while leaning over the edge of the chariot. Along the way, Spike continued to read the letter Celestia sent.

“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying, so I’m sending you and Storm to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete… Make some friends!”

Twilight sighed to herself, not looking forward to the mission at all. Specifically, the second half. Storm, on the other hoof, was much more enthusiastic.

“Well, under the circumstances,” Storm spoke to Twilight. “I always said we needed to get out of Canterlot. I could use a nice change of scenery myself.”

“True,” Spike added. “Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“Yes, yes it does,” Twilight said, now smiling. “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.”

“Then… When will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Spike asked.

“Yeah Twi,” Storm added. “Don’t get me wrong; I’ll help anyway I can. You’re not the only one whose sensing trouble. But the rest of us, maybe we’d like some time to actually make some friends… For once!”

“She said to check on the preparations,” Twilight retorted. “I’m her student, and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me, or us, making friends.”

As they talked, the chariot descended into what appears to be an open street right in the middle of the town called ‘Ponyville’.

“Yeah? Well, I’m her student too you know?” Storm argued. “Least I’m willing to put down the books and make an effort at this friendship gig.”

Storm didn’t argue any further when he heard the two royal guards give a horse-like whinny.

“Thank you, sirs,” Twilight replied.

“Thanks for the smooth ride fellas,” Storm added, taking out a bag of bits. “Here’s some bits for the road back; buy yourself something nice.

The two stallions huffed in appreciation, as the two ponies and little dragon scanned about the town. Just then, a particularly pink pony with cotton candy style mane and tail, with balloons for a cutie mark on her flanks, approached them.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about,” Spike suggested. “Come on, Twilight, just try!”

“Sure, go ahead!” Storm added. “Some pony came to greet us; it be rude if we didn’t say hello.”

Twilight noticed the pink pony standing in front of her, trying her best to smile.

“Um… Hello?” She said, slowly.

“The name’s Storm, Storm Shield,” Storm introduced himself. “And you are?”

GASP!

The pink pony gasped in utter surprise, before zipping away at top speed. If Twilight and Storm hadn’t ducked, she’d have collided with their heads, and took them clean off.

“Well, that was interesting all right,” Twilight said, unamused.

“Random too,” Storm added, nodding.

<>

Eventually, the motley little group walked through an entire crop of Apple trees before eventually winding upon a large farm. Spike proceeds to take out the long checklist and began reading it off.

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer’s checklist,” Spike read aloud. “Number One – Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.”

“YEEHAW!”

The group turns noticing an orange pony, with a blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails. She also had a brown Stetson hat on her head and a cutie mark of three apples on her flanks. The pony proceeds to knock apples from a tree, by bucking the tree with her hind legs with incredible strength.

“Whoa!” Storm exclaimed, clearly impressed.

“Let’s get this over with,” Twilight sighed.

They made their way towards the orange pony, who was admiring her work, all the apples she bucked neatly stacked in barrels.

“Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—”

Just then, Twilight was caught off-guard as the orange pony began to roughly shake her hoof.

“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight,” The orange pony greets, with a thick country accent. “A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!”

“Pleased to meet you, Applejack,” Storm added, trying to introduce himself. “The name’s Storm Shield.”

“Friends?” Twilight replied. “Actually, I… Er… We…”

“So, what can I do you two for?” Applejack asked.

Poor Twilight’s hoof still shook about, so Storm had to grab it with his magic to make her stop. Spike just snickered until Twilight glared at him, before clearing her throat.

“Well, we are in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight explained.

“And, from what we understand, you’re in charge of the food?” Storm finished.

“We sure as sugar are!” Applejack said, proudly. “Would you care to sample some?”

“Well, I am a little hungry,” Storm smiled.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight added.

Storm turned to Twilight, glaring at her. But before either could say anything, they heard a triangle ring.

“Soup’s on, every pony!” Applejack called out.

“Soup?” Storm asked.

Suddenly, they heard a loud thumping as Storm, Twilight, and Spike were whisked away by a huge mass of ponies and brought before a round table with a green checked colored cloth. All three felt rather frazzled, until Applejack sat nearby.

“Now, why don’t I introduce y’all to the Apple Family?” Applejack proposed.

“Thanks, but we really need to hurry—” Twilight began.

“This here is Apple Fritter—” Applejack began

She proceeds to introduce each family member, who each brought an apple treat to the table.

“—Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicous, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp..."

Applejack took a deep breath to regain some air.

“… Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.”

On the last name, the trio turns to an elderly pony sleeping on a rocking chair. She had a light gray mane and a light lime green coat. She wore an orange scarf with white lacing around the edges with red apples for the design. On her flank is a cutie mark resembling a pie. This was Granny Smith, who unbeknownst to Twilight and her two companions is the patriarch of the Apple Family… And more.

“Up’n’attem, Granny Smith, we got guests!” Applejack called out.

The elderly pony woke from her slumber with a loud snort.

“Wha…? Soup’s on?” She retorted. “I’m up, and here I come, ah’m comin’…”

As Granny Smith slowly joins the family, her ankles cracking with each step, Applejack turns over to the family as they surround the three newcomers. It was then Storm noticed a green apple shoved into Twilight’s mouth, making him chuckle a bit.

“Why, I’d say you’re already part of the family,” Applejack declared.

Storm and Spike both smiled widely and happily, even began to speak to several of the Apple Family. Twilight, meanwhile, spat the now chewed apple from her mouth and gave a nervous laugh.

“Okay, well,” She replied slowly. “I can see the food situation has been handled. So, we’ll be on our way…”

Twilight had just turned to leave when a small yellow filly with a red mane and big pink bow walk shyly up to her. Storm remembered her name being Apple Bloom.

“Aren’t you gonna say for brunch?” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

She gave Twilight and Storm the cutest little puppy dog eyes any pony had ever seen.

“Aw… How can we say no to that face?” Storm smirked.

In all honesty, he wasn’t in a big hurry to leave. But Twilight, on the other hoof…

“Sorry,” Twilight said, trying to minimize the damage. “But we have an awful lot to do…”

Every pony gave a long, disappointed sigh, until Storm stepped up and took the lead.

“Now hold up, every pony,” Storm spoke up. “Pay no mind to what she said. Why we’d be honored to share brunch with you all, as a gesture of friendship.”

The last word he growled quietly towards Twilight Sparkle, as he shot her a glare. Twilight glared back, as the two ended up in a standoff for the next few seconds. They kept their gaze locked, waiting for one of them to crack, until Twilight finally blinked and looked away with a huff.

“… Fine,” Twilight conceded.

Storm smirked in victory, while the Apple family cheered and invited their guests to the table to eat.

<>

A couple hours passed before Twilight and the boys finally left. Suffice to say, Spike and Storm felt very satisfied.

“Food’s all taken care of,” Spike said. “Next is the weather.”

“I say all the food was awesome,” Storm replied, happily. “If I didn’t love apples before, I’m starting to now! What do you say, Twi?”

Twilight Sparkle, needless to say, lagged behind the both of them and moaned. Her stomach bulged greatly.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned. “I ate too much pie…”

“Told you so,” Storm pointed out. “Sampling means taking ‘small’ amounts of everything. Not devouring everything shoved at you. But did you listen? No! Still, you always had the appetite of a horse.”

Twilight just grunted angrily, while Storm smirked for teasing her, as they kept moving. While they bickered, Spike examined a few clouds hanging over the sky.

“Hmm… There’s supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” Spike pondered.

“Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight pointed out.

Suddenly, a blue Pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail came crashing down on both Storm and Twilight. It should also be noted there was a cloud shooting a rainbow-colored lightning bolt cutie mark along her flanks. The initial impact sent Twilight and Storm flying into a giant patch of mud. They moaned angrily, coated badly in mud. The blue pony just laughed sheepishly.

“Uh… ‘scuse me?” She replied.

As the Pegasus hovered about, Storm and Twilight both gave a death glare while she just laughed.

“Lemme help you,” The blue pony offered.

She grabs a nearby rain cloud and made it downpour with her hooves hopping on the cloud. The rainwater soaked the two ponies, while the blue pony, from above the cloud, laughed sheepishly once more.

“Oops, I guess I over did it,” She remarked.

“Oh, you don’t say,” Storm retorted. “Might as well just throw us in a lake.”

“Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Bow Dry!”

She created a large wind tunnel around the two unicorns, drying them both off quickly.

“No, no. Don’t thank me,” The blue pony replied, before facing the two. “You’re quite welcome.”

It was then the Pegasus saw that her trick worked a little too well. While both unicorns were dry, their manes and tails were now frizzy and poofy. Storm resembled a disco pony, while Twilight was in no better condition. The sight was too much, and both the Pegasus and Spike burst out laughing, falling onto their backs. Storm and Twilight just stood and glare.

“Let me guess,” Twilight retorted. “You’re Rainbow Dash.”

The Pegasus, hearing her name, stopped laughing and quickly got up, knocking Spike aside.

“The one and only. Why, you’ve heard of me?”

“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” Twilight remarked with a sigh. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this here is Storm Shield, and the Princess sent us to check on the weather.”

Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable on a cloud above them. She didn’t seem the least bit motivated to actually do the job.

“Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap,” Rainbow waved off. “I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“What kind of practice can a pony accomplish lazing about on a cloud?” Storm asked, confused.

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said, excitedly.

She motions toward a nearby poster showing what appears to be a bunch of Pegasus ponies dressed in flight suits, which feature a shade of gold and aquamarine along with a ‘winged bolt’ logo.

“They’re gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!”

“The… Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked, with a smirk.

“Yep!”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them!”

“Pfft! Please! They’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”

“Or crash lands into other ponies!” Storm added.

When the two unicorns started talking, Rainbow Dash was very cross over their choice of words.

“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow retorted.

“Prove it!” Twilight and Storm challenged.

The latter pulled out a stopwatch and the moment he pushed the button, Rainbow zoomed high into the sky, bucking off the remaining clouds in a rapid session. Both Storm and Twilight were agape, as Rainbow returned with a whoosh.

“Loop-de-loop around, and wham!” Rainbow Dash said, finishing up. “What’d I say? Ten… Seconds… Flat. I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”

Twilight, Storm, and Spike stared with their jaws dropped. All that moved was Storm’s eyes, as he turned down at the stopwatch… And when he stopped the clock, it was exactly ten seconds. The blue Pegasus wasn’t exaggerating, she meant it. Speaking of which, she laughed at their initial shock as she flew around them.

“You should see the looks on your faces,” Rainbow laughed. “Ha! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. You too Storm Shield! I can’t wait to hang out some more.”

By the time Storm Shield shook himself out of shock, Rainbow Dash zoomed away.

“Maybe don’t slam us into the ground next time, and we’re good!” Storm called out.

“Wow, she’s amazing!” Spike said, with a laugh.

“… Yeah, you’re right,” Storm admitted.

It was then Storm turned and noticed Spike playing with Twilight’s still puffy mane. Twilight growled at the fact her mane was still a mess when she felt two eyes watching her. With a roll of her eyes, she turns to Storm.

“What?!”

“You know Twi,” Storm said. “I always find frizzy manes beautiful.”

Twilight sent a heated glare towards her friend, before walking off. Storm, on the other hoof, just smiled.

“I meant what I said,” He replied, softly.

<>

Their next leg of the trip lead the trio into a large building with a round dome. It was apparently supposed to be where the main ceremony would take place later tonight.

“Decorations,” Spike said, in awe. “Beautiful…”

“Yes, the décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight nodded. “This ought’a be quick. I’ll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.”

“Not the décor,” Spike said, clearly dazed. “Her!”

Storm and Twilight turn ahead and before their eyes was a marshmallow-coated unicorn, with a beautiful curled dark purple mane and tail. Along her flank appear to be three blue gemstones on each side. She was apparently deep in thought, shuffling through some ribbons with her magic.

“No, no, no, oh!” She exclaimed. “Goodness no.”

“How are my spines?” Spike asked, worried. “Are they straight?”

“You’re fine, little buddy,” Storm said, patting the dragon’s back.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, before stepping forward.

“Good afternoon—” Twilight tried to address.

However, the other unicorn seemed far too focused to acknowledge the newcomer.

“Just a moment, please!” The Unicorn replied, continuing her work. “I’m in the zone, as it were. Oh yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help up-AAAH! Oh, my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

Puzzled, Twilight looked up at her mane. Storm’s eyes were already locked onto hers, after Rarity said that. He had studied Prench back in Canterlot High and that was one word he knew.

“Oh, you mean my mane?” Twilight clarified. “Well, it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations, and then I’ll be out of your hair!”

“Out of my hair?” Rarity exclaimed. “What about your hair?”

Rarity began pushing Twilight out the building from the flank.

“Wait! Where are we going?!” Twilight called out. “Help!”

Storm just casually walked beside her, while Spike was too mesmerized to be of any help.

“I think she’s taking us to that building there,” Storm pointed out. “Is that a boutique?”

“That would be right dear,” Rarity replied. “My humble abode, I own and operate the place myself.”

It was then Rarity realized something as she pushed Twilight along.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Storm’s the name, Miss Rarity,” Storm said, bowing. “Storm Shield. But you may call me ‘Storm’.”

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you,” Rarity smiled. “Ah, here we are!”

It wasn’t long before Twilight stood in the center of what was indeed a clothing boutique Storm had visited plenty of boutiques in Canterlot, when the other girls would drag him along for one of their shopping weekends. And of course, being the only guy in the group, guess who carried the bags? But something about this particular boutique carried a certain charm, as Storm looked around. All the while, Rarity shuffled through various outfits for Twilight.

“No, no, uh-uh,” Rarity said to herself. “Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… Shiny…”

“Considering how bright the sun is,” Storm said. “What good’s a dress if it blinds every pony who looks at you?”

“Storm!” Twilight sneered.

“What? I’m just saying!” Storm replied, innocently. “You hang out with Lemon Heart like I do; you learn a thing or two about fine couture.”

Just then, Twilight was garbed in some form of cyan-colored dress with a large emerald up front, as Rarity proceeds to tie the back straps, roughly pulling them against Twilight’s chest.

“Now go on, my dears,” She continued. “You were telling me where you’re both from.”

Twilight strained to answer, since the dress was a tad tight from all the tugging, but she did her best.

“I’ve… That is we… Were sent… From Canterlot… To—”

“Huh?” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity suddenly released the straps, sending Twilight tumbling forward.

“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! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I…”

Rarity held Twilight close, though the latter was uncomfortable. Suddenly, Rarity noticed the broach on the dress.

“Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!”

Rarity dashed away, as Twilight used a nearby screen to quickly remove the dress.

“Quick!” Twilight called out. “Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!”

“Spike was too dazed, but somehow used his smitten feelings to hover with his tail, as Twilight scooped him up and dashed away. Storm, meanwhile, was still in deep thought.

“Rubies might actually work with Twilight,” He pondered aloud. “Especially if they are more pinkish like salmon. Personally, I consider myself an amethyst guy… WHOA!!!”

Storm’s thoughts were interrupted as Twilight used her aura to drag him out of the boutique. By that point, all three were outside the shop and continued their way down the path.

“Wasn’t she wonderful?” Spike asked, out of the blue.

Storm turned to Spike and smirked, he could tell the purple dragon had been struck with Cupid’s arrow. He knew that feeling very well.

“Focus Casanova,” Twilight joked, sarcastically. “What’s next on the list?”

Spike quickly recomposed himself, before checking the list.

“Oh, uh, music!” He answered. “It’s the last one!”

It was then they heard a multitude of birds singing. Hiding in a bush, they saw all the birds gathered into a large tree and apparently conducted by a yellow Pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail, complete with butterfly cutie marks on her flanks. During this mesmerizing rehearsal, something caught her attention.

“Oh my,” She said, very softly. “Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a ‘teeny-tiny’ bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three—”

“Hello!”

Twilight called out at the worst possible time. All the birds were startled and flew away, even the yellow Pegasus gave a frightened yelp before turning around. From the look on her face, Twilight soon realized her mistake.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry,” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. We’re just here to check up on the music and it’s sounding beautiful.”

The yellow Pegasus said nothing, but turn away shyly, rubbing a hoof upon the ground. Storm couldn’t resist a smile; he was always a sucker for shy girls.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight continued. “And this is Storm Shield.”

“Afternoon,” Storm greeted.

Again, the yellow Pegasus said nothing. She seemed to grow more shy with each passing day.

“And… What’s your name?” Storm asked, trying to be friendly.

“Um… I’m Fluttershy,” The Pegasus replied.

Of course, her voice was so quiet, Storm was surprised even ‘he’ could hear her name. All the same, the name suited her perfectly.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Twilight asked, unable to hear.

“Um… My name is Fluttershy,” She replied again, more softly.

“Didn’t quite catch that,” Twilight added, feeling awkward.

“She said Fluttershy!” Storm shouted.

Fluttershy just squeaked as the rest of the birds returned to the tree. Storm meant to apologize for the sudden outburst when Twilight interrupted him.

“Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.”

Fluttershy only squeaked again. This time, Storm knew it was Twilight who startled her.

“Oookay…” Twilight replied uneasily, turning to Spike and Storm. “Well, that was easy.”

The moment Spike appeared Fluttershy instantly turned around, wide eyed and smiling.

“A baby dragon!” Fluttershy exclaimed, more audibly.

Her sudden outburst made the birds fly away as she raced towards Spike, bucking Twilight out of the way.

“Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before. He’s sooo cute!”

“Well, well, well…!” Spike smiled.

Twilight glared over being pushed, as Storm went over to help her.

“You alright, Twi?” He asked.

“What do you think?” Twilight grumbled.

“Oh my, he talks!” Fluttershy exclaimed again. “I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don’t even know what to say!”

By then, Twilight used her magic to scoop Spike onto her back and started walking.

“Well, in that case, we’d better be going,” Twilight said.

The unicorns started walking back to town for the library, when Fluttershy started to follow them.

“Wait, wait! What’s his name?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m Spike,” Spike replied.

“Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?”

“Well, what do you wanna know?”

“Absolutely everything…”

Twilight groaned, as she continued her way towards the library with the rest following close behind.

“Well… I started out as a cute little purple and green egg…” Spike began.

<>

It was sunset, even then Fluttershy and Spike were still in conversation, while Twilight’s mood couldn’t get any more sour. Storm had purposely lagged behind to hear the conversation, even adding his own two bits once in a while. All the while, Fluttershy listened attentively.

“…And that’s the story of my whole entire life!” Spike concluded.

By then, they finally arrived at the front of a grand oak tree that marked the town’s library.

“Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Fluttershy replied happily.

Just then, Spike was startled when Twilight did a fast one eighty.

“I’m so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Twilight said plainly. “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“No, I don’t… WHOA!”

Spike was taken aback again, as Twilight sent him flying off her back and onto the ground with a thud.

“Aww, wook at dat,” Twilight said in baby talk. “He’s so sweepy, he can’t even keep his widdle bawance!”

Storm Shield rolled his eyes, while Spike glared. But somehow, Fluttershy actually believed Twilight.

“Poor thing,” She replied, scooping him up. “You simply must get into bed…”

Fluttershy opened the door to tuck him in, but Twilight interrupts and shoves Fluttershy out. Storm just watched this entire scenario in complete shock.

“Yes, yes,” Twilight replied quickly. “We’ll get right on that. Well, g-night!”

Twilight then pulls Storm inside, slamming the door behind them.

“Huh, rude much?” Spike pointed out, with a glare.

“I’ll say,” Storm added.

Even in pitch darkness, Storm’s bitter look could be seen in the dark.

“Sorry guys, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time!” Twilight replied.

Once again, Storm groaned and rolled his eyes.

“You’re seriously still hung up on all this, Twi? You’ve already sent your letter to the Princess, who I believe wrote back to tell you to, oh I don’t know… Chill out and make some friends!”

“Right,” Twilight added. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where’s the light?”

Before Storm could say more, the lights turned on and the trio found themselves surrounded by numerous ponies. The place itself was heavily decorated. And they all jumped as a honk went off.

“SURPRISE!!!” The ponies shouted, blowing kazoos.

Twilight just groaned, while Spike and Storm were still in shock.

“SURPRISE!”

Before the trio was the pink pony they just met, before taking off earlier that day.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh-huh-huh?”

“Looks like some pony had her fair share of sugar today…” Storm thought to himself.

“Very surprised,” Twilight said. “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that’s silly!” Pinkie Pie answered. “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y’see, I saw you when you two first got here, remember? You were all “hello” and I was all (GASP), remember? Y’see I’ve never saw you two before and if I’ve never saw you before that meant that you’re both new, ‘cause I know every pony, and I mean every pony in Ponvyille!”

“O-kay…” Storm said, uneasily.

Twilight just groaned, as she approached a table with all the cups and sodas for a quick drink.

“And if you’re new,” Pinkie Pie continued. “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 (GASP)! I must throw you a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!”

Storm had a tough time keeping track of what Pinkie Pie said, but soon noticed the five other girls he and Twilight met today. As he went over to converse with them, Twilight seemed to tune them all out and sipped her drink. Suddenly, she lifts her head, turned around, and her cheeks puffed out as her face went deep red.

“Are you all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Twilight said nothing, as flames erupted from her mane, tail, and her mouth before she rushed off. Once the flames fizzled out, she dashed upstairs without another word.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Storm rolled his eyes, as Spike examined the soda bottle Twilight drank from.

“Hot sauce,” Spike read on the label. Storm just sighed with a head shake.

“What in Equestria is that doing with the soda?” He asked.

Just then Pinkie Pie dumped a large dollop of it atop a cupcake and gobbled it up. Storm and the others made faces.

“Ooh…!” Pinkie Pie remarked, as she ate it. “What?” It’s good!”

“If… You… Say so…” Storm said, with a face hoof.

Losing his appetite, Storm looks up sadly toward the staircase leading to what was apparently Twilight’s bedroom. Rarity noticed his body language and stood beside him.

“You seem worried about Twilight,” Rarity observed. “Why not go check up on her?”

“Eh… I don’t know what good it will do…” Storm said. “Twilight’s not exactly the most social pony, and I speak from experience.”

“Well, why don’t you tell us more about yourself, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“Me? Well, sure! I’m an open book. You can ask me ‘anything’ that pops in your head, while I get to know you girls a bit.”

The girls beckon Storm to join the party as he began to share parts of his part with them. While he had to do his best to make things interesting, seeing the girls intrigued by his story made him feel slightly better. Either way, for the first time in a while, Storm Shield enjoyed himself.

<>

It was well into the night when he and Spike finally decided to visit Twilight. Twilight groaned from all the noise and loud music downstairs, practically burying her head underneath a large pillow as she sat in her bed. Suddenly, the doors burst open as Storm and Spike came in. The little dragon had a nightshade over his head.

“Hey Twilight!” Spike called out. “Pinkie Pie’s starting ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’! Wanna play?”

“Yeah, come on down and have a little fun,” Storm urged. “I did a killer singing duet with Rarity, tried some awesome candy from this Bon Bon mare, and just won my first dance contest! And all I had to do was perform the limbo by staying exactly one inch from the ground leaning back. The girls had to pin Rainbow Dash down since she kept demanding a rematch. Yeesh… Not like losing’s the end of the world, you know?”

That sounded hypocritical, since Storm hated losing too. But he ignored the feeling. Twilight, on the other hoof, was clearly irritated.

“NO!” Twilight barked. “All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!”

“It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Celebrtation,” Spike answered. “Every pony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party!”

“You really should lighten up, Twilight,” Twilight imitated, mockingly. “It is a party!”

Spike just left, while Storm stood on the rails with his hoofs folded, a disappointed look on his face. Storm finally had enough of her attitude today and decided something had to be said.

“Twilight, in all seriousness, you’re really missing out on all the fun,” Storm states. “Celestia did say we were to make friends. I’ve already made five since we’ve been here, and there could be more since every pony here enjoys chatting with me. Spike and I are having a great time, but I really hoped you’d join in. But if you’d rather sit here and pout the whole night, go right ahead. Just don’t ask me to watch.”

Twilight still remained silent, neither saying a word nor turning to him. Storm Shield just sighed, before closing the door, with one last look to her before turning around to join in on the party games. Twilight just stared at the ceiling, hugging her pillow close.

“Ugh, here I thought I’d have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!”

And yet, despite all the frustration, Twilight couldn’t stop remembering the last thing she read.

“Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.”

“I hope the Princess was right…” Twilight said, worried. “I hope it really is just an old pony tale…”

It wasn’t long before Storm walked back into the room, with Spike on his back.

“C’mon, Twilight!” Spike called out. “It’s time to watch the sunrise!”

Twilight looked toward the moon one last time, the silhouette of Nightmare Moon’s face remained on the surface and several stars shined around it, but nothing seemed to change. She crawled off the bed and found Storm Shield waiting for her. While his face remained stern, he still offered her a hoof. Twilight just stares at him before placing her hoof on top. Storm smiles approvingly, before escorting her out the library towards the main building for the ceremony.

The building itself wasn’t particularly large, but somehow it fit every pony who came to see the sunrise, with plenty of room to spare. Twilight was still worried as she stood beside Storm waiting for the ceremony to begin. Just then, Pinkie Pie swooped in from nearby.

“Isn’t this exciting?” She asked, out of the blue. “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 (GASP) but I mean really, who can top that?”

Twilight just gave Storm a curious, yet annoyed look.

“If you drank five bottles of soda and a bottle of hot sauce, you’d be hyper too,” Storm whispered.

Twilight just rolled her eyes when a cream-colored mare with a whitish mane, tail, a scroll tied in a blue ribbon for a cutie mark, and glasses upon her nose appeared. This was the Mayor of Ponyville known as… Well, ‘Mayor Mare’. Storm had a chance to speak to her during the party, and while she did give him a funny look for some reason, they did share a friendly chat. As soon as Fluttershy’s birds performed their opening number, she took center stage.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” She announced proudly. “As Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.”

All the ponies cheered proudly, stomping their hooves at the start of the upcoming arty. But while she spoke, Twilight looked up and saw the stars approach the moon and the Mare in the Moon’s silhouette disappeared from the moon’s surface. This made her rather nervous, as the Mayor continued on completely blissfully.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! 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, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria…”

“Ready?” Fluttershy asked her birds, who simply nods.

“… Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare announced.

A spotlight appears where the Princess is set to arrive, and Rarity opens the curtains… But she wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Rarity said, shocked.

The rest of the ponies chattered quietly and nervously in the background.

“This can’t be good,” Twilight said.

“Spike, please tell me Celestia’s just handling our warning,” Storm added, hopefully.

“Maybe… She’s running a little late?” Spike asked, nervously.

“Remain calm, every pony,” Mayor Mare replied, keeping the peace. “There must be a reasonable explanation!”

“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Is she hiding?”

Rarity searched the area where Celestia was supposed to be, but all she could say is…

“She’s gone!”

Every pony gasped, the news of Celestia’s disappearance hitting them like a boulder to the chest.

“Ooh, she’s good!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Just then, she gave a great yelp as every pony gasped once more. Only this time, a dark, cloudy mist entered the hall. They all watched fearfully, as the mist slowly took form, morphing into the shape of a tall, dark alicorn in light blue armor.

“Oh no…” Twilight panicked, quietly.

“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight and Storm said, in unison.

Spike was so shocked, he practically fainted, falling off the seat of Storm’s back. Nightmare Moon laughed menacingly before the ponies surrounding her.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” She said, boldly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

For the moment, most ponies were afraid to say a word. They did nothing but look at her fearfully. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof…

“What did you do with our Princess?!” She demanded angrily.

The Pegasus tried to confront Nightmare Moon herself, only for a certain cow pony to hold her back by the tail.

“Whoa there, Nelly…” Applejack muffled.

Nightmare Moon chuckled at the gesture, but then her expression quickly changed.

“Why, am I not royal enough for you?” She asked angrily. “Don’t you know who I am?”

The dread silence and blank expression on every pony’s faces showed they clearly didn’t. Even Storm Shield himself felt uncomfortable know that no pony else, minus Twilight and himself, knew exactly who she was.

“Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!” Pinkie remarked excitedly. “Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty…”

Pinkie Pie was quickly shushed, as an apple cupcake was shoved down her throat. Suffice to say, Nightmare Moon was furious. She glared angrily, first to Fluttershy, who couldn’t look her in the eye, and eventually turned to Rarity.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She demanded. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”

“We did.”

Nightmare Moon turned as Storm Shield stepped forward, followed by Twilight Sparkle.

“And I know who you are,” Twilight said. “You’re the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!”

All the other ponies gasped, knowing that an ancient story they’ve been told as foals and colts was suddenly real. And a once mythical figure now stood before their eyes.

“Well, well, well,” Nightmare Moon said. “Some ponies who remember me. Then you two also know why I’m here.”

“You’re here to… To…” Twilight gulped.

Either she had forgotten, or she was afraid that the next thing she’d say would make it worse for all the town ponies. Either way, she felt a twinge of regret.

“You’re here to snuff out the light forever,” Storm growled. “And bring about eternal darkness…”

Nightmare Moon just chuckled, all that was on her mind was that she had successfully made a triumphant return.

“Remember this day, little ponies,” Nightmare Moon declared. “For it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”

Nightmare Moon laughed manically, as the thunder clashed alongside her. Every pony, especially Twilight and Storm, could only watch in pure horror. Nightmare Moon had returned and the only pony who can stand to her, the princess they all need the most, had vanished. But even after all of that, even after an age old prophecy had been fulfilled, the worst was still to come.

To be continued…

The Ticketmaster

It was a beautiful sunny morning at Sweet Apple Acres, as Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield spent the day helping Applejack around the farm. They had both been working hard gathering basket after basket of apples gathered from the orchard. Spike was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight’s back, apparently entertaining himself by separating the fresh apples from the… Not-so-fresh apples.

“No, nope, nope…” Spike muttered, tossing apples from Twilight’s basket.

“Thanks for allowing us to help on the farm today,” Storm Shield thanked.

“Thank you kindly, Twilight, for helping me out,” Applejack said. “I bet Big MacIntosh that 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.”

Hearing the silly idea, Storm cracked up as a picture of Big MacIntosh walking around town in one of Granny Smith’s girdles played in his head.

“Boy, I’ll tell you what,” Storm chuckled. “I’d pay every bit in my saddlebag to see that.”

“No problem at all, Applejack,” Twilight said. “I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.”

“I know, right?” Spike asked.

A tossed apple hits Twilight along the head. She turns around with a glare, as Spike smiled apologetically.

“Puh-lease, Spike,” She groaned. “You’ve been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!”

Just then, Storm Shield approaches Applejack hauling several four-wheeled wooden freight cars, each loaded to the brim with the remaining Apples she needed. Twilight and Spike’s mouths hung agape as he came to a complete stop, swatting the sweat off his brow with one hoof.

“Phew! This should seal that bet for ya, A.J.!” Storm declared.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack replied excitedly. “Now that’s wut I’m talkin’ about! But uh… How’d y’all manage tah gather up that many apples?”

“Oh, well that’s a little tricky. You see, back when Twilight and I still lived in Canterlot, I worked pretty closely with Princess Celestia for the last few days testing a difficult duplication spell. Eventually, I became good enough to duplicate myself as many times as I see fit. Basically, I made multiple copies of myself to buck as many trees as possible.”

This caused Twilight to snap her head in his direction, a shocked expression plastered on her face.

“Since when did you and the Princess start doing duplication lessons?” She asked.

“Uh… About a week or two ago?” Storm responded.

Twilight narrowed her eyes toward her best friend, trying to figure out if what he said was true.

“I don’t believe it,” She said skeptically.

Storm just gave a mischievous smirk, as he ignited his horn with his magic. Within a few flashes of bright red light, Storm stood amongst a small group of other Storm replicas.

“How do you like them apples?” All the Storms said in unison.

Twilight’s jaw dropped, as her eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks. Spike waved his claw in front of her face, trying to snap her out of it. But she remained in a daze, while Applejack and Storm shared a good laugh while exchanging a high hoof. He ignites his magic again, making all the duplicates disappear, and continued hauling the freight cars to the barn. Once Twilight finally snapped back to reality, she too let out a laugh.

“Now why can’t you be creative like Storm?” Twilight asked Spike. “We’re all working hard.”

“Exactly!” Spike said, missing her point. “You three were taking so long, I missed snack-time.”

Twilight was about to retort when her stomach grumbled loudly. She just laughed nervously.

“Eh, I guess we better get some food,” Twilight replied.

In the meantime, Spike kept digging into her basket searching for a good apple.

“Nope,” He mumbled. “Worm… A-ha!”

Spike pulled out a large sparkling, shiny red apple. Twilight could feel her mouth water at the very sight of the fruit in Spike’s claws.

“Oh Spike, that looks delicious,” Twilight said, eager for a bite.

Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth much to Twilight’s shock.

“Spike!” She called out, annoyed and disappointed.

You know, if that had been Storm, he’d have surrendered it to Twilight without a second thought!

Totally agree on that, man!

“What?” Spike asked, innocently.

Just then, he gave out a large belch. Twilight ducked as a green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the two girls.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight gasped.

Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it.

“Hear ye, hear ye,” He read aloud. “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, Storm Shield, and one guest.”

Applejack and Twilight just smile and gasp excitedly.

“The Grand Galloping Gala!”

Meanwhile, Storm Shield had just finished stashing away all the apples, got plenty of grumbling from Big Mac, and had just arrived back when he found the girls hopping up and down excitedly with Spike between them. Looking to one side rather puzzled, Storm Shield joins up with the girls and proceeds to hop along beside them.

“Hiya girls,” Storm replied, mid bounce. “What’s up?”

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” They cheered.

“Whoo-hoo!” Applejack added.

“Hooray! The Grand Galloping Gala!” Storm smiled, confused. “What about the Gala?”

While the three ponies were hopping about, Spike just looked indignant. He stuck a finger in his mouth until he burped again, as another scroll appears.

“Look, three tickets!” Storm said.

Storm Shield stopped bouncing long enough to catch the one ticket addressed to him.

“Sweet!” He exclaimed, holding the ticket with his magic.

“Wow, great!” Twilight said. “I’ve never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?”

“No, and I plan to keep it that way,” Spike said. “I don’t want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.”

“Now, hold on!” Storm replied. “I’ll have you know us boys like going to these events too, Spike.”

The next part Storm Shield speaks softly.

“Plus, it’s a great opportunity to ask some pony for a date…”

Storm smiled to himself as Twilight Sparkle spoke up.

“Aw, come on Spike,” Twilight said. “A dance would be nice.”

“I’d share a dance with you,” Storm said, up front. “I have been taking lessons.”

“Well, of course you would,” Twilight replied, looking at him. “You’re my best friend. I’d be happy to share a dance with you while the night is young.”

“Best friend?” Storm thought. “Of course!”

By now, the cow pony had just gotten the giggles out of her system and overheard her friends’ conversation.

“Nice?” Applejack said. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’ve love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin’ our tasty vittles ‘til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Hmm?” Storm Shield thought, scratching his chin.

<>

Sure enough, as Applejack spoke, a dream sequence displayed a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came together with bags of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods the cow pony could sell.

“You could make bank, as the old term goes,” Storm answered.

“Exactly,” Applejack said. “Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin’ up ‘round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big MacIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.”

Visions of run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean as a whistle. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until ‘POOF!’ her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly repaired hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again.

<>

Storm Shield nodded his head, lost in his thoughts as Applejack continued.

“Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala,” Applejack finished.

Twilight and Storm exchanged quick smiles to each other, before nodding with approval.

“Oh, well in that case,” Twilight began. “Would you like to—”

“Whoa!”

“Huh?” Storm turned. “OOOOMPH!!!”

Just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, a certain blue Pegasus, from out of the blue, crashed upon all three of them. The impact knocked all the apples Applejack and Twilight had in their baskets onto the ground. Storm Shield grumbled as he got to his hooves and brushed the dirt off his coat.

“Rainbow Dash, do you have anything better to do than dive bombing us?” Storm asked.

“Ugh,” Rainbow groaned.

It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to quickly hop back into the air, while the others were still crouched onto the ground.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin’?”

“No, I was busy napping,” Rainbow Dash replied.

It was then Storm noticed a pillow and blanket conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and how they never noticed was beyond him.

“Hmm… Sure you were,” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes.

“And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?” Rainbow finished.

“Yeah, but—”

“YES!!!” Rainbow cut off Twilight. “This is soawesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…

“Three… Two… One…” Storm replied.

<>

A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky.

“Everyone would be watching the sky,” Rainbow explained, between scenes. “Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!”

Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies.

“I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut,” Rainbow continued. “Then I would mesmerize ‘em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!”

In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash performed all those maneuvers perfectly, although the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for her wildly and even the three Wonderbolts’ jaws dropped.

“The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.”

By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow Dash shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky.

<>

By which time, the thought across Storm Shield’s mind made his eyes roll. True, he supported her dream as much as any pony. Add to the fact that he’d want nothing more than to see her make the team someday. But deep down, he knew she needed some serious work on perfecting those ‘maneuvers’ of hers. Less dive-bombs upon him and Twilight, and she especially needed to quit bragging… Or else that was going to get her in trouble.

“Don’t you see, guys?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “This could be my one chance to show ‘em my stuff. You gotta take me!”

Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground.

“Hold on just one pony pickin’ minute here,” Applejack said, with a hard spit. “I asked for that ticket first!”

“So?” Rainbow shot back. “That doesn’t mean you own it.”

“Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.”

The two ponies find a nearby stump and began to groan loudly trying to out-stretch each other. This didn’t go on for long when Twilight shoved them apart.

“Girls, these are my… Er… our… tickets,” Twilight said firmly. “We’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 Sparkle turned towards Storm Shield on that last sentence.

“Sounds reasonable to me,” Storm Shield nodded, with a smile. “All right girls. What’s your proposal?”

“Drummin’ up business for the farm?” Applejack proposed.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow proposed.

“Money t’ fix Granny’s hip,” Applejack added.

“Living the dream,” Rainbow added.

Hearing all those reasons at once, Twilight and Storm just exchanged nervous looks.

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” She concluded, turning to Storm.

“Yeah… More than I thought,” Storm replied slowly.

Just then, both their stomachs start to rumble. The two unicorns chuckle toward each other.

“Listen to that, I am starving,” Twilight said, as Spike climbed on her back. “And Storm appears to be hungry as well, aren’t you?”

“Totally! I didn’t even have breakfast,” Storm nodded.

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach.”

“Agreed, a full belly leads to a clear mind,” Storm replied, turning to the girls. “So we’ll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get back to you two, okay?”

“Plus I really need to speak to Twilight about the Gala… Alone…” He thought to himself.

“Okay,” Applejack and Rainbow said sadly.

Once Storm and Twilight left the farm, the Earth Pony and Pegasus glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to arm wrestle once more, determined to prove who’s the best.

<>

Meanwhile, the two Unicorns and Spike had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just nearing a building known in Ponyville as ‘Sugarcube Corner’.

“So, who are you gonna give the tickets to, you guys?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know Spike,” Twilight admitted. “But I really can’t think straight when I’m hungry, so where should we eat?”

“Well,” Storm pondered. “I was talking to the Mayor just the other day, and she referred to this sweet little café just down the…”

CRASH!!!

“OOMPH!”

Suddenly, something only Storm would describe as ‘the pink blur’ barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike’s hands and landed right on Pinkie’s nose.

“GAH!” Pinkie shouted, dashing about. “Bats! Bats on my face! Help!”

In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie came to a stop when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely.

“Wait, these aren’t… tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Oh no…” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes. “Here we go again!”

<>

This time, they were all drawn into Pinkie’s mind, as she imagined the Grand Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine.

“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!”

As if that wasn’t enough, Pinkie began singing.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Hip hip
Hooray!
It’s the best place for me,
For Pinkie…

And the party pony kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would:

“With the decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!”

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
‘Cause it’s the most galarrific superbly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy!
Wheee!!

<>

Storm Shield just stared blankly towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number, which he felt coming from a mile away. Meanwhile, Spike picked up the tickets.

“I’m going to tell her,” Storm stated bluntly.

“Don’t you dare!” Twilight scolds.

“Oh thank you, Twilight and Storm,” Pinkie said happily. “It’s the most wonderful-est gift ever.”

“Um, actually—” Twilight tried to explain.

“GASP!”

A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was just Rarity the fashionista from the Carousel Boutique.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Pinkie answered. “Twilight and Storm are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.”

“The gala?!” Rarity exclaimed. “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.”

That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone.

“Him!” Pinkie copied her tone, appearing puzzled. “Who?”

“Him…”

<>

Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful golden yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching the regal Princess Celestia in all her glory.

“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.”

Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with the display.

“Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself,” Rarity continued. “And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to ‘him’, her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot.”

As Celestia stepped aside, there beside her was the ‘eligible unicorn stallion’. With alluring light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and matching blue bow tie along the light grayish coat, with a compass rose for a Cutie Mark. Indeed, the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life.

The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of the high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ever crafted for a mare of such flare.

“Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt,” Rarity said dreamily. “Our courtship would be ‘magnificent’! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, ‘Yes!’”

The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the altar, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness to holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and her perfect groom.

“We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…” Rarity giggled. “… What I would become upon marrying ‘him’, the stallion of my dreams.”

<>

“Oh please,” Storm mumbled, under his breath. “Blueblood’s not that amazing.”

“You know who she’s talking about?” Twilight asked, overhearing him.

“Prince Blueblood? The ‘great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great…’ Phew, a lot of greats… ‘great-great nephew’ on Celestia’s and Luna’s mother side, 52 times removed, roughly speaking… Yeah, I know all about that pompous jerk.”

“What did he do that was so bad?” Twilight asked, curiously.

“Well… At first, it was nothing,” Storm explained. “I met him during one of Celestia’s royal gatherings. The princess asked me to converse with him, I guess she figured we’d be good friends or something. But the moment I start talking with him, and no pony else was looking, he used his magic to make my mouth disappear.”

Twilight and Spike covered their mouths to hide their snickering.

“Yeah, yeah… Yuck it up,” Storm frowned, folding his hooves.

“Well, I’m sure he was just teasing, darling,” Rarity assured.

“Maybe…”

“But Storm, and 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? Hmph.”

Rarity turned her head with a huff. Before Twilight and Storm could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws.

“Hey!” Spike called out.

But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards… Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her ‘GASP’.

“Angel, these are perfect,” Fluttershy replied softly.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie shot dirty glares at each other. Well, mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a beach ball.

“Uh, listen you guys,” Twilight said. “We haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.”

“You haven’t?” Rarity and Pinkie retorted together.

“Trust me when I tell you this Rarity,” Storm warned. “You’re better off marrying a Windigo than Blueblood.”

Rarity gasped loudly, looking quite offended by his remark. Before she could retort, however, Fluttershy approaches them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight, Storm,” Fluttershy said, gently. “I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…”

“You?” Rarity exclaimed, knowing what the Pegasus was asking. “You want to go to the gala?”

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy replied.

That answer received a swift jab from Angel Bunny insisting on the Yellow Pegasus to go on.

“I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…”

A sigh escapes Storm Shield’s lips, as he points his hoof to the side signaling for a scene change.

<>

A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. Not to mention the assortment of wondrous critters that appeared and gathered all around the shy Yellow Pegasus.

“… It’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance,” Fluttershy explained. “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!”

<>

The scene shifts back as Fluttershy hovered happily before Storm and Twilight, as she cuddled Angel in her arms.

“Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds… beautiful…?” Twilight asked, unsure of herself.

“Actually, the gardens are beautiful,” Storm replied. “I’d go there a few times when I needed a study break.”

“Oh! Do you know if everything I said is there?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.

“The flora, yes. But all the fauna… Well…”

“Wait, just a minute!”

A familiar raspy voice made Twilight and Storm look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the roof top of a nearby house.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight retorted angrily, as the blue Pegasus flew toward them.

“Have you been following us all day?” Storm asked, in the same tone.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe…” Rainbow stumbled. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two…”

“Excuse me?” Storm retorted, offended.

“… giving that ticket away to just anybody,” Rainbow finished, ignoring Storm’s glare.

“Wait just another minute,” Applejack called out, approaching Twilight.

“Applejack,” Twilight replied sternly. “Were you following us too?”

“Are you following us too?” Storm asked, heated.

“No,” She replied quickly.

“Thank goodness…”

“I was followin’ this one,” Applejack motioned to Rainbow Dash. “To make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.”

“Your ticket?” Rainbow retorted.

“But Twilight and Storm are taking me!” Pinkie shot back.

Before Storm or Twilight could protest, all the other ponies started arguing over each other. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns before Twilight and Storm finally had enough.

"QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!" They both screamed as they stood on their hind legs.

“And then I said, “Oatmeal, are you craz—”

“AHEM!” Storm cleared his throat.

Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realizing that the arguing had stopped.

“Oh…” Pinkie said sheepishly.

“Girls, there’s no use in arguing,” Twilight pointed out.

“But Twilight…” Rarity tried to protest.

“Zip it!” Storm hissed, holding a hoof to her mouth. “This is our decision; we’re gonna make it on our own.”

“And we certainly can’t think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added.

Just then, both stomachs of Twilight and Storm’s grumbled loudly.

“Not to mention hunger,” Storm grumbled.

“Now go on, shoo!” Twilight finished.

“And no more fighting with each other,” Storm added.

The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves.

“And don’t worry, we’ll figure this out…” Twilight added.

But the mares had already disappeared, leaving Twilight alone with Spike somewhere to the side, out of sight, and Storm Shield, who merely sighed.

“… Somehow…” Storm added quietly.

He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Storm gives her a side hug.

“Come on,” Storm ushered. “Let’s grab some lunch, my treat.”

Twilight just gave a small smile as he guided her… And Spike, who had caught up and was about to climb upon Twilight.

“Take my back for a change, Spike,” Storm offered. “Twi needs to rest.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Spike did just so as they headed towards the café Storm recommended.

<>

Upon arrival, neither Twilight nor Storm could relax, not with the most important decision on their minds. Twilight was slouching on her seat, while Storm sat next to her with his front legs bent as if he had elbows on the table.

“Oh Spike, what are we gonna do?” Twilight asked worried. “All five of our best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.”

“Best friends?” Storm asked, sitting up. “We’ve really gotten that close that quickly? Or… Maybe it’s just you girls…”

“Of course we’ve gotten that close!” Twilight answered. “And don’t say that. That includes you too. Why wouldn’t you be included?”

Storm felt a tad flustered as he answered.

“Uh… Well, I… Uh…” Storm stammered. “I’m a guy?”

“Being a boy doesn’t matter, you’re part of our group. Which makes you my best friend too.”

Storm Shield nodded, as Twilight put her train of thought on her other friends. Using her magic, she pulls the petals off one of the table flowers.

“But who do we choose? Applejack, or Rainbow dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity… Oh, who should go with us?”

Twilight’s stomach grumbled again, as she used her tongue to eat up the petals. Storm just watched her as their waiter, Savior Fare, approached the table.

“Have you made your decision?” He asked, with a French accent.

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” She bellowed.

Every pony turned and stared at the unicorn sitting straight up, her hooves in the air. Storm face-hoofed himself, hiding from the embarrassment.

“Twilight, he just wants to take your order,” Spike points out, toward the menu.

Twilight blinked a few times before recomposing herself.

“Oh,” She replied, calmly. “I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

“I’ll take the toasted hay burger on sourdough please,” Storm requested.

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked.

The only response from the Professional waiter was an indignant glare.

“No? Okay…” Spike sighed, tossing the menu behind him. “… I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy.”

Savior Fare was already walking away before Spike finished placing his order. As Savior Fare went back inside, the group had a brief moment to talk.

“What do you think, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I think we have to try another restaurant,” Spike answered. “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?”

“Spike, only you can eat gemstones,” Storm answered. “Ponies can’t; it would break their teeth. They prefer them for currency… And in Rarity’s case… fine couture…”

“I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take!” Twilight snapped.

“Oh, you’re still on that?” Spike asked annoyed.

“Spike, listen,” Twilight insisted.

She leans toward him on the table with her front hooves, knocking the flower vase off the table.

“How do we choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at us? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies.”

“Even if I gave up my ticket, we’d still have two disappointed ponies to deal with,” Storm added. “There’s no good solution with this!”

“What if we…”

Just then, Twilight was cut off when Savior Fare reappeared with their order.

“Ah, your food,” He replied, setting the plates on the table.

Spike was already munching away, while Twilight and Storm smiled at their food.

“Merci,” Storm said.

“Oh thank you,” Twilight sighed. “This looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once we eat.”

“Down the hatch!” Storm nodded in agreement.

They both use their magic to lift the sandwiches to their mouths when the other ponies galloped passed them and into the indoor section of the café. The two unicorns drop their sandwiches back on their plates, turning in confusion.

“Em, madam, monsieur?” Savior Fare replied, concerned. “Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?”

“It’s not raining…” Twilight replied.

BOOM!

A thunderclap caused the trio to look around, noticing how everywhere, minus their table, was getting a large downpour.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“Okay, which weather-pony goofed and brought this over here?” Storm demanded.

It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a very familiar blue Pegasus appeared. The moment he saw her, Storm gave her a stern glare.

“Hi there, best friends forever I’ve ever had!” Rainbow said, sweetly. “Enjoying the sunny weather?”

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked suspiciously.

“Whaddya mean?” Rainbow replied innocently. “I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that’s all.”

Storm and Twilight shifted looks from Rainbow, the surrounding rain, their food, to each other, and at Rainbow once more.

“Rainbow, you’re not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?” Twilight asked.

“You’re not the type to swallow your pride like that,” Storm added slowly.

“Me?” Rainbow chuckled. “No-no-no, of course not.”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight said.

“Sure…” Storm added.

Suffice to say, neither pony believed her.

“Seriously, I’d do it for anypony,” Rainbow added.

Just then, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The two unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the seen exposed her bluff.

“Heh, heh, eh…” Rainbow gulped.

“Rainbow Dash, we’re not comfortable accepting unwanted favors,” Storm told her.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight added.

“Ugh, fine,” Rainbow said.

The cyan blue Pegasus quickly zipped the hole. Storm just groaned, turning to Twilight indignantly.

“That’s better,” Twilight sighed, pleased with herself.

“Uh hey, Twi,” Storm spoke up. “There’s one more thing I wanted to ask you while we were here.”

“What is it Storm?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Well you see, in regard to the Grand Galloping Gala, I wanted to know if…”

Two seconds later, Storm, Twilight, and their sandwiches were soaked from the oncoming downpour. Both Twilight and Storm groaned in agitation.

“Moment ruined,” Storm thought.

Spike covered his mouth trying not to laugh, having already finished his food. Just then, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella.

“Twilight! Storm! It’s raining,” She said plainly.

“No, really?” Twilight retorted sarcastically.

“And we thought someone was dumping the world’s largest bucket of water all over us,” Storm added, in the same tone.

“Come with me before you catch a cold,” Rarity said.

The fashionista pulls Twilight away, as Storm watched the two girls disappear.

“Whelp! Guess I’m the one catching a… WHOA!!!”

Rarity drags him with her magic toward shelter within Carousel Boutique.

<>

As soon as they were both inside, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield shook the water off their coats and mane. Once dry, they looked as sharp as ever…. Except for Rarity, who got soaked to the bone from all the shaking about and glared at the two.

“Heh-heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said apologetically.

“Yeah…” Storm chuckled timidly. “We probably should’ve just asked for a towel.”

“Oh no, it’s quite all right,” Rarity replied. “After all, we are…”

Suddenly, Rarity was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight’s side.

“… The best friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?”

“Uh…”

Based on their expression, both Twilight and Storm were afraid to find out.

“Makeovers!” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity shoved a dressing screen in front of her and Twilight, knocking Storm and Spike aside as Rarity roughly dressed up Twilight.

“Ugh, Rarity, ow!” Twilight groaned. “This really isn’t fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that’s too tight!”

As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitted in a glittery little dress.

I don’t know… Looks more like a fancy saddle for horse shows…

Oh, what do you know about fashion?

I don’t.

“There,” Rarity said. “Oh, you’re simply darling.”

Twilight looked at the dress and smiled.

“Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn’t it?” She replied.

“You look very pretty in it,” Storm added, with a sly smile.

Twilight just blushed and smiled back. Spike made a face, sticking his finger in his mouth. Rarity rushed into him, causing him to stick his entire claw inside his mouth.

“And you,” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.”

Storm snickered, wondering what Rarity had in mind.

“I didn’t forget you, handsome.”

Storm stopped laughing, before he and Spike were shoved behind a screen.

“D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike yelped.

“Oh, hey, ouch, oomph, too tight, ye-ow!” Storm screamed. “Use a shoehorn next time!”

Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wig. Storm was in a similar suit, albeit being dark red with a white powdered upper-class wig and some boots clearly too tight for his hooves. They both stood indignant and embarrassed.

“Oh, Spike… Storm…” Twilight giggled.

“Now you just need a hat,” Rarity said, plopping it on Spike’s head.

“Ugh, I told you, I don’t want any part of this girly gala gunk,” Spike whined. “See you back at the library!”

The baby dragon quickly dashed right out of his clothes and out the boutique.

“Oh, who needs him anyway,” Rarity said, with a laugh.

As the fashionista brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently. Storm just looked rather miserable since Rarity added a matching hat to his attire.

“This is all about you, and how fabulous you two will look at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Storm and Twilight both blinked at one another in realization.

“Wait, the Grand—” They said together.

“And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!” Rarity explained.

The way she went on, Storm and Twilight knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do.

“I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T…”

Rarity soon held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before the fashionista took full dominance of the reflection.

“We would be the bells of the ball, you and I… Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!”

Rarity had stars in her eyes, until she turned toward Twilight and Storm, who gave her death glares.

“Ah,” Rarity laughed nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield, of course.”

“I see what’s going on,” Twilight said angrily.

“You’re just trying to butter us up, so we’d give you the extra ticket!” Storm added.

“Well, it’s not going to work,” Twilight said.

The two unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance.

“You’re going to have to wait for our decision just like everyone else.”

“And no offense, I mean really no offense,” Storm added. “I prefer a nice tux like any other chap. Something modern chic not… Old traditional.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, we’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said firmly.

They just turned to the open-door Spike left through, when suddenly.

“Did somepony say lunch?”

Some pony grabbed Twilight and dragged her outside. Storm stood there indignant.

“Three… Two… WHOA!!!”

Though slightly off, the voice grabbed him too. He and Twilight soon landed in front of a wooden wagon loaded with various apple treats.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s Day One of Ponyville all over again!” Storm grimaced.

It was then their culprit appeared before them: Applejack.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple Brown Betty,” She listed, showing off the last-mentioned dessert. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friends?”

Storm and Twilight stomachs grumbled, as they could feel their tempers slip and Storm’s eye twitched.

“Is that a yes?” Applejack asked.

“No, no!” Twilight snapped, making Applejack drop the last dish. “We don’t know who we’re giving the ticket to.”

“And all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide!” Storm yelled. “In fact…”

“We’re less sure now than we were this morning!” They shouted together.

Groaning, the two unicorns high tail out of there. Applejack just looked stunned as they took off.

“So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack could only say.

<>

It was a short while before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield had a moment to calm down. At least enough to get back to the Grand Oak Library. But it was clear both ponies were frustrated and stressed out after a long day.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked, to no pony. “What are we going to do?!”

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating!” Twilight retorted angrily.

Then they will REALLY hate cosplay conventions.

Storm nodded in agreement, as Twilight opened the door. Before her eyes, various animals dusted and cleaned the interior of the library. They heard a familiar yellow Pegasus humming a sweet tune (The first few notes to the show’s theme song), as she dusted the bookshelves.

“Seriously?!” Storm said aloud.

“Fluttershy, not you too?” Twilight gasped.

“Oh, well, hello Twilight,” Fluttershy greeted. “I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you.”

“It’s summer,” Storm and Twilight said, matter-of-factly.

“Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy replied, flying next to them. “It was Angel’s idea.”

The little bunny smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby.

“You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked, getting to the point.

“Oh no, I’m doing this because you’re my very best friends,” Fluttershy assured. “Right Angel?”

The little bunny just gave her a glare, which said otherwise.

“Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.”

Storm’s jaw dropped completely to the floor, as Angel offered the salad.

“Unbelievable!” He remarked.

“No, no, no!” Twilight said firmly. “Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but we’re not accepting any extra favors until we’ve made our final decision, so we’re going to have to ask you to leave.”

Twilight opened the door when a huge burst of confetti blasted through the door.

“SURPRISE!!!”

Between shouts from the ponies and the trumpets blowing outside, Storm knew what was coming.

“STOP!” Storm shouted.

As if the scene was on a freeze-frame, Storm Shield walks over to Twilight Sparkle and wraps a foreleg around her. Suffice to say, Twilight looked puzzled.

“Go,” Storm said plainly.

The scene resumes, as they were both whisked away and tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie began to sing… Again.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Twilight and Storm are my bestest friends
Whoopie, whoopie!

“Pinkie…” Storm and Twilight said together.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’re the cutest, smartest, all around best ponies, ponies!

“Pinkie…” They repeated.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

“Pinkie!” They said louder.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’ll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me!

“PIIIIIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!”

The two unicorns shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent them landing hard on the ground. Well… Storm landed on the ground, on his stomach, and Twilight lands on his back.

“Why am I always the fall guy?!” Storm groaned painfully. “Why?! WHY?!”

Truth be told: Twilight Sparkle wasn’t very heavy. Still, she did land pretty hard on his back.

“Yes, Twilight? Storm?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket,” Twilight said, as she got off Storm’s back.

“Boy that hurts,” Storm groaned. “I think I’ll just lay here for a while…”

“Wait, what ticket?” A pony named Drizzle asked. “What Gala?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” Pinkie replied.

His eyes widen, Storm crosses a hoof over his throat several times and claps his hoofs together.

“Pinkie, shush, shush, shush!” Storm pleaded under his breath. “ZIP IT! PLEEASE!!!”

But the party pony was completely clueless to Storm’s pleas, much to his chagrin.

“Twilight and Storm have an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie finished.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The nearby ponies exclaimed.

“We’re doomed…” Storm squeaked.

Storm and Twilight suddenly looked very uneasy as they were swamped by dozens of ponies. Ironically, they were all mares.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?!”

“I’ll wash your dishes!”

Soon they began suggesting favors left-and-right, as Spike managed to swoop in and help the two unicorns slip out the crowd. Unfortunately, they were stopped by some pony named ‘Daisy’.

“Would you like help with our gardening?”

“We don’t have one!” Storm answered quickly.

They tried to get away again before they were stopped again.

“I have a cartload of extra carrots,” A pony named Shoeshine proposed.

Soon the crowd had swamped the two again, shouting favor after favor.

“What are we gonna do?” Spike asked.

Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly; Storm and Twilight found themselves ready to panic.

“We’re…”

“… Gonna…”

"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!" Storm and Twilight shouted.

The unicorns jumped high in the air, dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit.

*Deploy Benny Hill Theme here*

On cue, some Benny-Hill style music plays as Twilight and Storm ran for dear life trying to escape the crowd, while Spike held onto Twilight from behind. Storm panicked so badly he actually ran on just his hind legs. They tried just about everything just to get away.

First, they behind the cart with all the apple treats. They watch the mob rush past while they hid, only to be spotted by a pony from the window and another pony popping out of the cart. Soon, they were running again as the mob raced after them, even knocking one towns-pony aside.

A passing elderly couple with a stroller slowly walks down the street as the mob of ponies dashed past them. But it turns out to be Twilight dressed in a blue cloak and Storm dressed like an elderly pony with a cane and giant beard over his face and Spike… Dressed as a baby, with a binky in his mouth. Suddenly, Storm felt the mustache part of his disguise tickling his nostrils as he tried not to sneeze.

“Ah… Ah… AH-CHOO!!!”

Storm sneezed so wildly, that his disguise flew off his face. It was so loud one of the girl ponies turns and points toward the group, forcing them to run away again. They quickly hide under a bridge by the canal, trying to hold onto the bottom. Just as they raced past them, Spike swiped a claw and sighed… Only to accidentally fall into the canal with a ‘SPLASH!’ exposing their hiding spot.

The mob kept racing after the group passing a window to a shop, where mannequins stood in a pose. But it turns out to be two ponies and a Dragon in Disguise: Twilight like a circus clown, Spike like a hula dancer (A girl one), and Storm dressed like a Christmas elf with a beard… A lot of beards.

Technically, the ponies don’t celebrate ‘Christmas’ in Equestria…

Details, buddy… Details…

Bottom line: Nothing worked for this trio. Soon, they ran until they were backed into a corner, as all the ponies approached shouting favor after favor at them. The only favor Storm heard clearly was:

“I’ll do your taxes!”

Storm tried to get in front of Twilight to defend her.

“HALT!” Storm held a hoof up.

But the approaching crowd started to make him nervous, so much that his legs quivered.

“Um… Please?”

But the pressure became so unbearable, for both Storm and Twilight, their horns began to glow brightly and they, along with Spike, disappeared. All the other ponies looked around, exclaiming shock and confusion.

“Where is she? Where’d she go? She’s disappeared? Where’s the handsome pony?”

<>

Fortunately, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle didn’t get very far, as they had triggered a simple teleportation spell, which landed them right back inside the Grand Oaks Library. Both were quite frazzled from the trip and poor Spike was slightly fried.

“Ugh… Warn me next time you two are donna do that,” He groaned dizzily.

“I didn’t even know it was gonna happen,” Twilight protested.

“That’s the trouble with magical surges,” Storm added. “You never know when they happen or what they’ll do. They just trigger under moments of extreme stress.”

“Never mind the lesson,” Twilight snapped, standing upright with her arms spread out. “Now quick, lock the doors!”

Storm put his magic to good use, as the three quickly closed all the doors, locking the bolts, and shut off all the lights. They breathed a sigh of relief, slumping to the floor after finishing the job. Storm and Twilight even shook their hooves up and down.

Suddenly, a light came back on… They look up…

And their five best friends stared down at them, all smiles on their faces, near a high window. Storm and Twilight couldn’t take it anymore.

"YAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Storm and Twilight screamed.

“I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!” Storm screamed, tugging his mane.

“We can’t decide!” Twilight retorted frantically. “We just can’t decide!”

“We know it’s important to all of you and we can’t stand disappointing any of you,” Storm added. “And giving us gifts and doing us favors won’t make any difference.”

“Because you’re all our friends and we wanna make you all happy and we just can’t! We just CAN’T!” They said together.

The two unicorns crunch into the floor, their front hooves covering their heads. The five mares didn’t take long to realize how upset Storm and Twilight felt. In fact, a pair of tears trickled down Storm’s eyes as Applejack walked up to them. She pats a forehoof on Twilight’s back, but still spoke to both of them.

“Twilight, Storm, sugars,” Applejack said gently. “I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on the two of you, and if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad, I promise.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy added. “I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful.”

“And me too,” Pinkie Pie cut in. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.”

“Twilight, Storm,” Rarity joined in. “It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did.”

“Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!” Rainbow said, before singing and dancing in midair. “I got the ticket; I got the ticket—”

Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, and especially Storm shot her a dirty look. Twilight only looked up. Yet both unicorns were still crouched and their forehooves still covered their heads.

“You know,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.”

“We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn’t see how un-gun-ho we were making you,” Applejack pointed out.

“We’re sorry, Storm and Twilight,” The five mares said, in unison.

Storm and Twilight, slightly better, exchanged smiles and a single nod.

“Spike take down a note,” Twilight instructed.

Spike grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic.

Dear Princess Celestia,
We’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. So, though we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

“What?!” The other five mares exclaimed, in shock.

“If my friends can’t all go,” Storm concluded for Twilight. “We don’t wanna go either.”

The other ponies, still in shock over the decision, felt worse about everything.

“Storm, Twilight, you don’t have to do that,” Applejack protested.

“Nope, we’ve made up our mind,” Twilight said, as Storm gave a firm nod. “Spike, you can send the letter now.”

Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it on its way.

“Now you won’t get to go to the gala either,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“Forget about it, Flutters,” Storm brushed off. “It’s just a dumb party anyway.”

“It’s okay, girls,” Twilight assured. “We couldn’t possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us.”

“So, we would rather not go at all,” Storm added, with a smile.

The other mares shared a group hug together, chuckling with each other. Applejack gives Storm a one-on-one hug, leaning against his ear.

“I know yer just thinking about us, sugarcube,” She said to him. “But I know you’re disappointed you won’t take Twilight to the Gala as your date.”

Hearing her say this, Storm’s eyes went wide as a mad blush formed on his cheeks.

“Um—uh---wha---uh—” Storm stammered nervously. “What are you talking about?”

“Aw come on, sugarcube,” Applejack giggled. “Ah’ve seen the way y’all look at Twilight. Ah knew it was only a matter ah time before y’all asked her.”

“Yeah… But it’s just been so crazy today, trying to decide who to take with us, I’ve never got the chance to ask her.”

Applejack gave him a reassuring pat on the back with her hoof.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, Storm. It’ll happen, one way or the other.”

"Hhg… hgh… urk… urk…”

Applejack turns as Spike began making faces as if he were grossed out. At least, that’s how Applejack interpreted his grunts.

“Well wallop my withers, Spike,” Applejack said, approaching the dragon. “Isn’t that just like a boy? Can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.”

“Hey, leave me out of this,” Storm retorted indignantly. “I’ll have you know I like hugs, expressing my feelings, and I’m not afraid to cry… DUCK!!!”

BURP!!!

“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed.

She barely missed getting singed by the green flame Spike spat out between her golden mane and Stenson hat. The flame turns into another letter.

“A letter from the princess?” Twilight said surprised. “That was fast.”

“Guess Celestia must have had time to sort her mail today,” Storm replied.

Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud.

“My faithful students, Twilight and Storm, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?”

And low and behold, a familiar site met their eyes… But ten times greater.

“Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike announced.

All the ponies in the room gasped, excitedly.

“Now we can all go,” Twilight declared happily.

Amazed, Storm turns back toward Applejack, who gestures with her hoof to do what he needs to do. Taking a deep breath and nodding his head, he approached Twilight from behind.

“Uh, hey… Twi?” Storm said, tapping her back.

“Yeah, Storm?” Twilight asked, turning around.

Storm closed his eyes, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. His heart raced a million miles an hour; his breathing becoming labored. Finally, after a moment, he finally spoke:

“Howwouldyouliketogotothegrandgallopinggalawithme?” He blurted our rapidly.

Twilight just stared at him, clearly confused.

“What?”

Storm shook his head quickly, taking deep breaths before finally standing to his full height, looking at Twilight straight in the eyes.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Storm spoke, slower. “Would you like to be my date to the Grand Galloping Gala?”

After finally asking, Storm waited in anticipation expecting Twilight to turn him down. Already prepared for the inevitable heartbreak, he vowed to be a true stallion and accept it maturely.

“I’ve love to!”

His teal blue eyes widened to the size of tea saucers and he actually did a double take to make sure what she just said was actually true.

“Wait, what?”

Twilight just giggled, blushing before responding.

“I said I’d be happy to be your date to the Gala,” She smiled.

Storm released a breath, not realizing he had been holding it in. Storm Shield felt a thousand times lighter, smiling brightly and giddily that she actually agreed. As if everything felt right with the world.

“Of course, seeing as we’re both going to the Gala anyway, it only makes sense we might as well go as friends.”

Suddenly, that good feeling was sucked away instantly as Storm’s happy and giddy smile faded. However, seeing as how there were still five other mares and a little dragon looking at him, he quickly put a kind smile back on his face.

“Why yes! Of course! Yeah, just two best friends hanging out together and dancing. Just what I was thinking.”

Just then, his and Twilight’s stomachs growled. Twilight laughed nervously, while Storm snapped out of his current state.

“Allow us to treat you both to dinner,” Rarity offered.

“What a great way to apologize,” Rainbow declared.

Each pony collected their ticket, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house.

Even if the recipient wasn’t a unicorn…

Yeah, I still don’t get how it works…

“And to celebrate!” Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. “Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!”

“I’ll be right out!” Storm called out.

As all the girls walk out of the room, Storm turned for a moment to let a disappointed frown form on his muzzle. Needless to say, the whole ‘Asking Twilight to be his date to the Grand Galloping Gala’ didn’t exactly go as expected. As he turns back, Twilight looked over her shoulder toward him and gave a happy smile as a slight blush came to her cheeks. This made a small smile form on Storm’s face again.

“Well, even if we are going to the Gala as friends,” Storm thought. “At least that’s a start.”

Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike’s head and floated above hers.

“How come I don’t get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly.

HURK! BURP!

Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia.

“And one for you Spike,” He read.

Spike giggled happily as he held his ticket and left the library. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face.

“I mean, gross, I have to go too?” He remarked.

Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled, as she went to catch up with the rest of their friends. Who knows what made Spike change his mind? But in the end, with the Grand Galloping Gala only months away…

That night would be something they could alllook forward to.

Applebuck Season

Another beautiful morning dawned over the town of Ponyville. In this case, the early morning sun shone above Sweet Apple Acres. On this particular day, Applejack and Big Mac were surveying a large, vast orchard, where every single tree was loaded by the tree trunk with juicy, delicious apples. And yet there was one slight detail to note, specifically from the big red pony.

“Boy howdy!” Applejack said, surveying the trees. “I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o’ apples I ever laid eyes on.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said. “Too big for you to handle on your own.”

“Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. I haven’t met an apple orchard yet that I can’t handle…”

Applejack accidently poked the white bandage, making Big Mac cringe. He turns toward his sister, giving her a death glare.

“… Oops, sorry,” Applejack apologized, sheepishly. “I’ll take a bite out of this job by day’s end.”

“Biting off more than you can chew is just what I’m afraid of,” Big Mac said calmly.

“Are you sayin’ my mouth is makin’ promises my legs can’t keep?” Applejack retorted indignantly.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, plain and simple.

“Why of all the… This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalist of friends and the most dependable of ponies?”

“But still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds o’ apple trees just doesn’t add up to…”

“Don’t you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!” Applejack interrupts, angrily. “I said I could handle the harvest and I’m gonna prove it to you. I’m gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself.”

Yet despite her determination, Applejack just gulped. She truly did have her work cut out for her.

*Deploy Theme Song here*

It wasn’t long before Big Mac let Applejack be, seeing as how there was no talking her out of this. During which time, Applejack made her way toward the apple orchards, looking around.

“Well I better get kickin’,” Applejack said to herself. “These apples aren’t gonna shake themselves outta the trees.”

It was then the ground began to rumble, an apple fell out of a tree, and bonks her square on the head.

“Hey!” Applejack shouts, realizing. “Oh no…”

<>

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was searching for the source of the rumbling. She spots the source from the distance: A herd of mooing cows… Heading straight for Ponyville!”

“STAMPEDE!!!” Rainbow shouted.

All at once, the town ponies began to panic and dashed about.

“Stampede!” A pony named Bon-Bon shouted.

Most of the ponies had already shut their windows, closed their doors, and even pulled the welcome mats inside.

Like that was going to matter…

Anyways, despite all this chaos, Pinkie Pie was bouncing along and giggling to herself.

“H-h-h-h-h-h-hey-y-y-y-y-y…! Th-th-th-this-s-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-m-makes-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-my-y-y-y-y v-v-v-v-voice s-s-s-sound s-s-s-s-silly-y-y-y-y!” Pinkie remarked, her voice vibrating.

“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?!” Twilight retorted, while dashing about. “Run!”

Amongst the crowd, Storm Shield dashed frantically before pulling to stop behind the Mayor. The poor pony tried so hard to keep the peace.

“Everypony calm down,” Mayor Mare said. “There is no need to panic.

“R-r-right,” Storm said, uneasily. “No need to panic; first thing we do is not to panic, heh-heh… We gotta do something!”

“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked worriedly.

It was then Rainbow Dash’s eyes spotted something in the distance.

“Look there!” Rainbow called out.

Amongst the cows, a familiar orange pony and her faithful dog, whose name is Winona, charged beside the stampeding herd.

“YEEHAW!” Applejack chanted.

The ponies stopped running about the moment they saw and heard the cow pony. They give out a loud cheer.

“Move aside, Winona!” Applejack called out. “Put ‘em up, girl!”

Winona barked excitedly, as she ran alongside Applejack. Rarity just moaned, as she and a few other ponies watch the cowpony in action.

“This is the best rodeo show I’ve ever seen!” Pinkie exclaimed, while eating popcorn.

“Yeah… Sure it is, Pinkie,” Storm shook his head.

Twilight Sparkle merely rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s remark. In the meantime, Applejack continued to keep pace with the runaway cows. She gives one cow a bit of a shoulder bump, trying to coarse the cow to move but to no avail.

“Come on, little doggies! Turn!” Applejack called out.

Seeing as how this wasn’t working, Applejack knew she needed a different approach. She gives a shrill whistle toward her canine companion.

“Winona, put ‘em up!”

Winona barked, while giving a light nudge from the other side of the stampede.

“Ha-hah! Gotcha!” Applejack called out.

As Applejack tried to redirect the cows, Winona gave another bark to aid her. The cows were just yards away from the bridge leading to Ponyville when Applejack and Winona successfully got the cows to turn to the side. The herd rushes toward the other side of the river, away from the Ponyville town square.

“Attagirl!” Applejack said, with a grunt. “Yee Haw!”

Once the cows start to slow down, Applejack manages to get ahead of the herd.

“Whoaaa!” Applejack commanded, halting the cows. “Hooie! Now what was that all about?”

One cow, named DaisyJo, moos in response… Before she coughs to clear her throat.

“Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack,” DaisyJo apologized. “But Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes…”

The other cows made startled expressions in agreement.

“… And it just gave us all the willies, don’tcha know.”

Applejack merely smiled in sympathy.

“I completely understand,” Applejack replied gently. “Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville.”

“We certainly will, Applejack,” DaisyJo answered. “So long, Winona!”

The dog barked in reply. And as the cows made their way back towards the farm, all the ponies watching continued to cheer excitedly, chanting Applejack’s name.

“Yee Haw!” Applejack shouted, striking a pose.

“Yee Haw!” Pinkie added, hopping about like a cattle-ranching pony. “Ride ‘em, cowpony!”

Some other ponies merely watched Pinkie, while she just hopped around and tried to mimic Applejack’s pose. But otherwise, they said nothing.

“Huh… That’s actually not a bad imitation,” Storm replied.

Mayor Mare was most impressed… But with Applejack, not of Pinkie’s impression of the farm pony.

“Applejack was just… just…”

“Appletastic!” Pinkie said, from above.

Storm looked up and was visibly shock by Pinkie’s gravity defying moment… Until gravity itself reminds her she couldn’t stay in the air and he watched her fall on her back.

“Exactly,” Mayor Mare replied. “We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town.”

“I know,” Pinkie said, laying on the ground.

Storm smiled, knowing exactly what Pinkie was going to suggest.

“3… 2… 1…” Storm counted.

<>

“A party!” Pinkie called out.

Within a few minutes, all the ponies of Ponyville had town square loaded with decorations, balloons, and party streamers of all kinds. It wasn’t long before Twilight and Spike arrived, just as Rarity tied a beautiful red bow onto a nearby tree.

“We all ready?” Twilight asked.

“Just one last thing,” Rarity said.

Using her magic, she lifts a large gold-colored banner, with an apple on the center, and placed it above the stage where Applejack would come to claim her special prize: A trophy crafted just for her.

“Now we’re ready.”

“Is Applejack all set?” Twilight asked Rarity.

“Actually, I haven’t seen her all week,” Rainbow said, landing beside Rarity.

“Not since the stampede,” Pinkie added, hopping beside the three ponies.

“But she’ll be here for sure,” Rainbow assured. “Applejack is never late.”

Storm Shield suddenly felt concerned as he approached Twilight, while the other girls applied the finishing touch for today’s celebration.

“I should head on over to Sweet Apple Acres and go get her,” Storm suggested.

“Oh, would you please darling?” Rarity asked sweetly.

“No problem, Rarity. I’ll be back with Applejack faster than you can say ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’!”

The girls just turned to each other, with a great deal of confusions before facing Storm. The stallion himself merely chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

“I’m gonna get Applejack now,” He said quickly.

“Please do,” Twilight nodded.

Before long, Storm Shield trots off toward the outskirts of town to Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight Sparkle looks on.

<>

Later that day, all the townponies gathered around the stage, just as Twilight Sparkle made her way towards the podium. She carries a large stage of messily stacked note cards for the occasion. Once she arrives, she used her magic to straighten her cards, holding the first one up to recite her speech.

“Welcome, everypony!” Twilight began. “Today we are here to honor a pony who we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to—”

All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash flies right in front of Twilight, causing her note cards to scatter about.

Did you see Applejack’s slick moves out there?” Rainbow interjected. “What an athlete! This week she’s gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it’s gonna be so awesome!”

“Exactly,” Twilight said, shoving Rainbow aside. “And…”

“This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time,” Pinkie jumped in, right in front of Twilight.

“What does that have to do with Applejack?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me,” Pinkie answered. “Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!”

The other ponies cheered until Twilight shoved Pinkie off the stage.

“Oh-kay, that’s great,” Twilight remarked. “Now if I could just make a point without being inter—”

“Twilight?” A familiar yellow Pegasus said, appearing from the left side of the podium.

“—rupted!” Twilight remarked, glaring at Fluttershy.

“Twilight, I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy replied. “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. She’s gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills.”

Twilight just rolled her eyes, her patience thinning. She gives Fluttershy one dirty glare, before the Pegasus slowly removes herself from the podium.

“Anypony else?” Twilight asked, irritated. “Anyone? No?”

No pony dared make eye contact with her, until she finally settled down.

“Well then, as I was trying to say—”

Then Mayor Mare appears with a toothy grin, a clear sign Twilight had to wrap the speech up. The timing pushed Twilight’s patience to the limit.

“URGH! Never mind!” Twilight barked.

Twilight Sparkle stomped away angrily, letting her cards scatter all over the podium. Mayor Mare just smiled as she approached the podium.

“Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado,” Mayor Mare continued. “It is my pleasure to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!”

The ponies cheer as the curtain opens to reveal… No pony. Soon the cheering turns into a murmur.

“Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean—”

Spike soon realized just how off timing his personal cheer was, especially with Twilight Sparkle glaring at him.

“Heh…”

Soon, there was nothing but silence apart from Mayor Mare clearing her throat. She stood there hoping for something to happen or at least some pony to speak up. But… Nothing.

“Awkward…” Spike whispered, as the rest of their friends agreed.

“I’m here… I’m here…”

All of ponyville turned after hearing the familiar country voice, followed by a yawn and a sigh. There was Applejack, carrying some baskets overloaded with apples, some of them falling to the ground as she made her way through the crowds. Her eyes were so drowsy, there were bags under them. From behind, Storm Shield quietly approached his friends without saying a word.

“Sorry I’m late,” Applejack apologized tiredly. “Whoa—I was just—whoa. Did I get your tail? Miss Mayor. Thank you kindly for this here… award thingy…”

Yawning again, Applejack peers at her face in the reflection against the trophy.

“… It’s so bright and shiny and, heh, heh-heh, I sure do look funny, heh. Ooo-ooo!”

Applejack began leaning back and forth at her reflection with a woozy smirk on her face. Pinkie Pie even joined her.

“Woo-ooo/Ooo-ooo!” They chanted together.

“Okay,” Twilight said nervously, reaching the stage. “Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony.”

“Yeah, I like helping the ponyfolks and… *yawn*… and stuff…”

Applejack suddenly dozed off while standing… For two seconds before shooting up with a snort and shook her head.

“… Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, thanks!”

Applejack grabbed the handle of the trophy by the mouth, dragging it offstage, going down the exact path she came from but walking backwards. The other ponies stayed quiet, as Applejack took her leave.

“Was it just me?” Twilight asked, out of the blue. “Or did Applejack seem a little—”

“Tired?” Rainbow proposed.

“Messy?” Rarity added.

Rarity’s answer received some funny looks from her friends.

“Well, did you see her mane?”

“So what?” Storm remarked quietly. “She’s still pretty.”

“She seemed fine to me,” Pinkie said. “Woo! Woo! Wo—”

But Storm Shield placed a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth before she went on.

“Pinkie, I like you but… Please stop?” Storm asked quietly. “Thank you.”

Twilight Sparkle turned toward him, noticing how his tone seemed rather dreary.

“Storm, what happened?” Twilight asked.

Storm turned to her with a rather sad look on his face.

“Well, I found Applejack working in the orchards,” Storm explained. “She seemed pretty worn out, so much I had to tell her ‘twice’ about the party to get her to stop working. So she followed me, though I saw she was walking very slowly. I tried to offer some help, being a gentleman and all… Then she yelled at my face.”

“What?!” Twilight retorted in surprise.

“That’s what I was thinking! She just explodes at me, telling me to leave her alone and insisted she’d get there herself. I stuck around, only for her to yell at me again, telling me to leave! So, I figured I’d just linger back and give her some breathing room.”

Storm Shield released a sigh, the look of frustration saying it all. Twilight approaches her friend, placing a comforting hoof on his back.

“You okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, totally,” Storm assured. “Don’t worry about me, I’m an adult. I’m not upset… Just never seen Applejack blow up like that before.”

Twilight could only look at him sadly. She knows Storm is the type of stallion to hardly let things get to him, he said he was all right. But she also knows even Storm can get a bit hurt. As Storm looked down, he feels a pair of hooves wrap around him and he turns to see Pinkie Pie, smiling at him. Storm rolled his eyes and smiled.

“Thanks Pinkie,” Storm chuckled.

“It’s what I do,” Pinkie replied.

“So… Is there anything we can do to help her?” Storm asked Twilight.

“Hmm…” Twilight wondered.

<>

It wasn’t much longer before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was busily working hard trying to collect as many apples as she could. As tired and exhausted as she was, she breathed rather heavily while bucking a couple more apple trees.

“Phew!” She muttered.

At times, Applejack nearly fell asleep but caught herself and got back to work. She tried bucking another tree, but it was so far away her rear legs hit air.

“O-oah!”

Applejack stumbled before trying to recompose herself. Twilight and Storm were not too far away when they saw her working.

“What on Earth is that pony doing?” Twilight asked herself.

“Harvesting apples?” Storm proposed, as it was rather obvious.

“I meant that!” Twilight retorted.

Sure enough Applejack mumbled to herself, as she kicked an apple basket over.

“Whoops,” Applejack remarked, cleaning the mess.

“Point made,” Storm nodded. “Come on, then.

Storm and Twilight made their way towards their country-pony friend.

“Hey Applejack!” Twilight called out.

But by then, Applejack had fallen asleep while standing up… again.

“Applejack!” Storm called out, a tad louder.

The orange pony continued to snore.

“Applejack!” Twilight called out.

Storm taps Twilight on the shoulder and silently gestures a count. At three hoof waves, they shout together:

“APPLEJACK!!!”

The orange pony awoke with a start, noticing the two friends standing nearby.

“Oh, howdy, Twilight,” She greeted, trying to sound normal. “Howdy, Storm.”

“What is all this?” Twilight asked curiously.

As they talk, Applejack continues her way and went to buck another tree.

“It’s Applebuck season,” Applejack replied, nearly losing her balance. “Whoa!”

Twilight and Storm used their horns to teleport towards her. By now, they could handle short distances without getting too dizzy.

“Applewhat season?” Twilight asked.

“Neh!” Applejack answered, not bothering to correct her. “It’s what the Apple family calls harvestin’ time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell ‘em.”

Applejack ventured forward, as Storm and Twilight teleported back in front of her once more.

“But why are you doing it all alone?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“’Cause Big MacIntosh hurt himself,” Applejack replied simplied.

“How did he--?” Storm began to ask.

“Ya don’t wanna know,” Applejack answered bluntly.

“Fair enough.”

“What about all those relatives we’ve met when we first came to Ponyville?” Twilight wondered.

“Yeah, I must’ve counted more than a dozen of those ponies,” Storm recalled. “Where are they anyway? Wouldn’t they love to help?”

“They were just here for the Apple family reunion,” Applejack sighed. “They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin’ their own orchards. So, uh, I’m on my own. Which means, I should really get back to work.”

But Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle refused to move, as if they were still trying to process the situation.

“Ahem!” Applejack cleared her throat. “Hint, hint? Get back to work?”

Storm and Twilight just glared.

“Fine,” They answered, with a snooty demeanor.

The two unicorns move out of the way to let her pass. But Applejack just stood still, wobbling a bit from side to side.

“Could you step aside, Twilight? Storm?” She asked woozily.

“We just did,” Twilight answered.

Applejack looked at Twilight, though her vision looked rather fuzzy as Twilight continued to speak.

“Applejack, you don’t look so good.”

Applejack just shook her head again to refocus.

“Eh, don’t any of you six worry none,” Applejack retorted. “I’m just fine and dandy. Whoa!”

Applejack nearly lost her balance again, when Twilight stepped in front of her with Storm doing the same thing.

“Do you… want some help?” Twilight asked.

“Remember how helpful my duplication spell was last time?” Storm reminded her. “We’d be more than happy to help harvest the apples—”

“Help?” Applejack retorted, cutting Storm off. “No way, no how!”

“But there’s no way you can do it all on your own,” Twilight protested.

“I agree with Twilight on this one,” Storm nodded.

“Is that a challenge?” Applejack demanded, getting in their faces.

“This is exactly what I had to put up with earlier today,” Storm warned Twilight.

Suffice to say, Twilight Sparkle felt a little nervous.

“Uhm… no?” Twilight said timidly.

“Well, I’m gonna prove to you both that I can do it!” Applejack snapped. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got apples to buck.”

Storm and Twilight just watched her walk away in a huff.

“Man, that girl is as stubborn as a yak!” Storm grumbled.

“Just don’t let anyone from Yakyakistan hear you say that Storm,” Twilight warned.

“Eh, I’m sure it won’t come back to haunt me… Or will it?”

<>

The next day, Rainbow Dash stood upon a support post of a nearby fence waiting for Applejack to arrive. She tapped one of her front hooves impatiently when her friend finally arrived.

“There you are!” Rainbow exclaimed impatiently.

“I’m a mite sorry, Rainbow,” Applejack yawned. “I was busy applebuckin’ and I guess ah, I closed my eyes for a second and, when I woke up, I was late. Now, what’s this new trick a’ yours?”

“See this contraption?” Rainbow pointed out.

Just a few yards away, a tall platform with a teeter-totter like mechanism nearby stood before them.

“Uh… Yeah?” Applejack answered.

Rainbow began to explain the plan, mentally drawing she wanted Applejack to do.

“Well, I’m gonna stand on one end, then you’re gonna jump down from that platform, launching me into the air faster than I can take off on my own. Once I’m in the air, I’m gonna do some amazing flips and spins that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts.”

“Isn’t that a mite dangerous?” Applejack asked, not fully comprehending the plan.

“Pfft, heh, not for a pony who can fly,” Rainbow said, confidently.

Rainbow zooms about the sky, while Applejack just smiled.

“Well, all right-y then,” Applejack nodded.

A while later, Applejack makes her way to the top of the platform. As she gazed down from the platform, she started feeling a bit nervous. Whether it was her lack of sleep or a sudden case of vertigo, Applejack had trouble focusing on her landing point. Rainbow just sat quietly on her end of the teeter-totter.

“Oh my…”

“Ready?” Rainbow called out. “One… two… THREE!!!”

Applejack made her jump… But landed beside the landing point with a ‘PLOP!’.

“Umm… maybe I wasn’t clear,” Rainbow said slowly. “You’re supposed to land on the other end.”

At that moment, Storm Shield had decided to take a little stroll around town hoping to clear his head. It was then he noticed Rainbow and Applejack in the distance. Rather than draw attention to himself, he decided to watch how things turned out from a few yards away. Luckily, neither pony noticed his presence.

“Got it,” Applejack said, trying again.

Each time, Applejack missed the platform. First landing on her stomach, than her flank, and even on her head. And each time, Storm flinched and groaned watching her miss. Poor Rainbow was losing her patience.

“Applejack, what the hay is going on?” Rainbow demanded. “I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville’s best athlete!”

Applejack shook her head, trying to recompose herself. Storm was just shaking his head indignantly in the distance.

“You are,” Applejack replied. “I’m okay. Really. I-I have an idea. Watch this.”

Applejack groaned as she pulled the other side of the teeter-totter and sat squarely on it.

“Ta da!”

Rainbow just glared, clearly unamused.

“Oh… Maybe not,” Applejack said sheepishly. “Okay, one more try. I’m sure to get it this time.”

Applejack crawled off, causing Rainbow’s end to slap back down to the ground.

“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned, slightly dazed.

Storm worriedly watched as Applejack climbed back to the top of the platform, struggling to vision her target.

“Oh no, what is she up to?” Storm asked to himself.

“Heh-heh… Here I go!” Applejack said.

Storm watched as Applejack backed up, preparing to make the jump. Storm’s eyes shrunk.

“What'll I do? What’ll I do?” Storm asked himself. “What AM I going to do?!”

With no time to think, Storm dashed right up to Rainbow, grabbing her from behind.

“WE GOTTA GO NOW!!!” Storm cried out, trying to pull her off. “ABORT! ABORT! ABORT!”

Rainbow was taken by surprise, as she tried to push him off.

“Storm, what are you…?!”

Just then, Applejack took off for a belly flop and only then did Rainbow realized why Storm was there.

“Wait…!”

Too late. Applejack stuck her landing perfectly, sending both Rainbow and Storm into the air at high speed.

“APPPLEJAAAAAACK…!”

“AAAAAAAH-HOOOO-HOOOO-WHEEEEE…!”

Rainbow and Storm screamed their lungs out, as they went airborne and out of sight.

“You’re welcome!” Applejack said.

Feeling she did her job, Applejack proceeds to head back to the orchard.

<>

A few seconds later, while Twilight was enjoying a book from her bedroom balcony, she heard a set of screams and saw Rainbow hurling toward the front railing. Storm, who was still holding onto her, lost his grip when she hit the railing. The impact sent him flying over Twilight and tumbling head over heels into the library.

“Can I help you?” Twilight asked plainly.

“I think somepony else needs your help,” Rainbow replied wearily.

“Applejack?” Twilight replied.

“Yep,” Rainbow said, lowering her head.

Twilight just felt indignant until she heard a groan from behind her. Storm had landed upside down, his eyes swirling in a dazed manner.

“And how did you get mixed up in all this?” Twilight asked. “You said you were going for a walk.”

“I’m okay…” Storm replied, in a dorky tone. “I’m fluffy.”

Twilight just blinked before rolling her eyes. She knew she needed to speak to Applejack again. But this time… She decided to do it alone.

<>

By now, Applejack was back on the farm resuming her work. The fatigue continued to take its toll on her. She bent down to pick up some apples, only to hit a low branch underneath her head.

“Ow!” She exclaimed.

Applejack rubs the back of her head when Twilight just arrived.

“Applejack, can we talk?” She asked.

Apparently, the impact did a number on Applejack’s hearing. For she was having a difficult time comprehending what Twilight was saying.

“Applejack, can we talk?” Twilight repeated.

But all Applejack could see was Twilight moving her lips and barely hearing what was being said.

“Can bees squawk?” Applejack said loudly. “I don’t think so.”

“No. Can we talk?” Twilight said firmly.

“Twenty stalks? Applejack replied in the same tone. “Bean or celery?”

“No! I need to talk to you!” Twilight snapped, raising her voice.

“You need to talk to the zoo?” Applejack said loudly, more confused than ever. “Well, who’s stoppin’ you?”

“I need to talk to you!” Twilight yelled.

“Oh! Well why didn’t you say?” Applejack said, denying her hearing problems. “What you wanna talk about?”

“Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today.”

“That’s quite neighborly of her.”

“Yes, except that she and Storm crashed onto my balcony after you launched them into the air!” Twilight said indignantly. “And I think Storm may have landed on his head cause he’s claiming he’s the prettiest girl at the gala and singing songs back from magic kindergarten!”

Applejack just blinked before turning her head in shame.

“Oh, yeah,” Applejack said, in her normal voice. “I wasn’t feeling quite like myself this morning.”

“Because you’re working too hard and you need help!” Twilight snapped, approaching her.

But Applejack had been dozing off until her ears shot up.

“What? Kelp? I don’t need kelp,” Applejack retorted. “I don’t even like seaweed!”

“HELP!” Twilight shouted. “You need HELP!”

“Nothin’ doin’, Twilight,” Applejack shot back. “I’m gonna prove to you, t’everypony, that I can do this on my own!”

Applejack turned to leave, only to collide forehead first into that same low branch.

“Ow!” She exclaimed, looking dazed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta help Pinkie Pie.”

“Ugh!” was all Twilight could say, as Applejack wobbled away. But seeing as she couldn’t get through to her, Twilight decided to head back to the library. She could only hope Storm had stopped singing when she got back.

<>

A short time later, Saffron Cake, the wife of Carrot Cake and co-proprietor of the sweetest and most delicious bakery in Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, was double-checking things with their assistant/apprentice, Pinkie Pie.

“Now Pinkie Pie,” Mrs. Cake spoke. “Are you sureyou’re up for baking the muffins and running the store this afternoon?”

It wasn’t that they didn’t trust Pinkie Pie, but the pink pony’s randomness often times made ponies question if she could handle serious responsibility. Pinkie didn’t seem to mind these opinions, as she was ready to prove herself.

“Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie answered. “Plus, I have Ponyville’s prized pony to help me out. Why she’s the best baker ever. Right, Applejack?”

Applejack just gave a rough shake of her head since she was trying not to doze off. Plus, instead of not hearing ponies, everything Applejack washearing felt as if she were underwater or moving in slow motion.

“No?” Mr. Cake asked puzzled. “You’re not the best baker ever?”

“WHAT?” Applejack exclaimed, waking up. “Oh no! I mean, don’t you fret. I can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye.”

Mrs. Cake still didn’t feel sure about this, but she and Mr. Cake really needed to leave for an errand outside the shop and these two ponies were the only help they got.

“All right,” Mrs. Cake sighed. “Well, see you later, girls!”

Mrs. Cake then made her way out of the shop once all was settled. Applejack still shook her head trying to stay away when Pinkie grabbed for her.

“Stop with the shakin’,” Pinkie said. “It’s time to get bakin’!”

Soon, Pinkie Pie had the recipe book open and Applejack stood across the table with the mixing bowl before her.

“All right-y,” Pinkie said. “I’ll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?”

Poor Applejack was still zoning out, and still having hearing trouble as much as she tried to deny it.

“Eh, uh, whu, what was that?” Applejack asked.

“Chocolate chips,” Pinkie repeated.

“Chips… got it!” Applejack replied, grabbing a bag off the shelf. “Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie. What next?”

“Baking soda,” Pinkie said next.

“Soda,” Applejack repeated, grabbing a bottle from the fridge. “Perfect. That’ll get the tater chips nice and wet. Now what?”

“A cup of flour.”

“A cup o’ sour? Well, lemons are sure sour. One cup o’ sour, comin’ up. Anything else, Pinkie?”

“One last thing. Wheat germ.”

“Wheat worms?” Applejack repeated, making a face. “Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms.”

Applejack went outside and dig up some earthworms to dump in the bowl with all the other ingredients. Pinkie by this time just dumped the sugar and eggs without looking at the bowl.

“Now that’s gonna be delicious,” Pinkie said excitedly.

“If you say so,” Applejack said.

Either Applejack trusted Pinkie’s judgment or Pinkie put too much trust in Applejack. In any case, had any pony actually saw what’s inside the bowl, they’d be noticing a different story.

<>

Regardless of the mixture, once the muffins were cooked, they were placed on a tray before a group of ponies waiting excitedly to try a free sample.

“Free muffin sample spectacular!” Pinkie shouted excitedly.

“Mmm, muffins!” The ponies said excitedly.

One by one, pony after pony grabbed a muffin to eat.

“Yeah! Muffin Spectacles!” Applejack added. “Get ‘em while their hot.”

Whether Applejack’s lack of sleep and hearing was to blame, or the fact Pinkie didn’t bother to double check the batter was the cause, no one knows but the consequences would be disastrous. One pony obliviously walked into the scene, Storm Shield, slightly normal, was strolling through town with a hoof over his head. He was just passing through when a whiff of the muffins brushed along his muzzle.

“Hmm… That’s an interesting scent,” Storm replied.

Just then, Pinkie Pie zipped right beside him with two muffins.

“HIYA, Stormy!” Pinkie greeted cheerfully. “Gee, you feeling all right? You don’t look too good.”

“Eh, just going through a light headache,” Storm groaned. “Otherwise, I’ll live.”

“Aw, I hope so. Here, have a muffin! Always makes me feel better.”

“Oh, well if you insist…”

Storm Shield picks up a muffin and takes a big bite out of the pastry. His taste buds start doing the mumbo as he chews the bits of the muffin slowly, he starts making faces as he detects some rather interesting flavors.

“Mmm… I’m detecting a salty-caramel texture…” Storm listed, smacking his lips. “Yet tarty and… savory? Pinkie, what kind of muffin is this?”

“Aren’t they delicious?” Pinkie asked, biting the other muffin. “Just baked them fresh out of the oven. Applejack was more than nice enough to help me out, even though she’s been acting funny.”

“Oh yeah, Applejack is really… Applejack?”

Storm’s eyes widen the moment that name came up. Slowly, he peers his eyes toward the muffin noticing something sticking out of the muffin… A half a worm wiggling. Storm then turns his eyes as Pinkie Pie was eating the very same muffin, along with all the other ponies near Sugarcube Corner. By the time Storm realized what was going on, he had already swallowed the muffin he just ate.

“Oh no…” Storm spoke grimly.

<>

It wasn’t long before Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrived at what appeared to be a temporary hospital.

“We came as soon as we heard,” Twilight said.

“Oh thank you, Twilight,” A white pony named Nurse Redheart said. “We need all the help we can get.”

Twilight Sparkle gasped as the sight of dozens of ponies, looking very sick and moaning, caught her attention. But what really drew her eyes is a very sickly, Storm Shield, just emptying his lunch in a bucket. By the time he lifted his head, he was all green in the face like all the others, even Pinkie Pie.

“Nurse… A little help?” Storm asked, moaning. “I think I need a new bucket!”

“Oh no! Storm!” Twilight yelled, approaching him.

As Twilight checked on her friend, Spike took a muffin and began to sniff it out.

“What happened?” Twilight asked. “Are you okay?”

“It’s a long story, I’m hoping it’s not contagious,” Storm answered worriedly. “I don’t know any germ-shield spells, ugh…”

“No, no,” Nurse Redheart said. “It was a mishap with some baked goods.”

“No, not baked goods,” Pinkie groaned. “Baked bads.”

Pinkie groaned again, as Storm flinched uncomfortably and turned back towards Twilight.

“Storm, why would you eat a bad muffin?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know…” Storm moaned. “Why don’t you ask Applejack? She had a hoof in baking these monstrosities!”

“Applejack,” Twilight sneered.

“Want one?” Spike asked.

Spike was chomping what was apparently the bad muffins that had been made. Twilight and Storm just made a face when Storm reeled back down and puked in his bucket while Twilight flinched. She turned to the horizon glaring indignantly to find a certain farm pony once again.

<>

Speaking of which, Applejack was already back at the farm. She was so exhausted to even get all the apples into the baskets and was using a single cart to carry them all. She continues to grunt and snore as she tried to keep herself from falling asleep. Then she reached for a larger basket to dump her apples into it, only to end up tilting the kart too far back and ended up stuck in the harness… Upside down… And now asleep. That was when Twilight Sparkle, and a remarkably recovered Storm Shield, arrived.

“Applejack, we need to talk,” Twilight said.

“What? Huh?”

Applejack was startled when she noticed the pair, all while she was still upside down.

“Oh, it’s you Twilight… Storm…” Applejack yawned. “… I know what you two are gonna say, but the answer is still no.”

“Not to upset your apple cart,” Twilight said. “But you need help.”

“You’re upside down like an acrobat for crying out loud,” Storm added.

“Hardy har!” Applejack groaned. “And no I don’t.”

“Here, let us help,” Twilight offered.

“Help? No thanks,” Applejack rebutted.

With a groan, Applejack tried to get herself and the cart upright.

“A little more… Little… There…”

Storm and Twilight just groaned, even though Applejack did succeed in getting herself upright.

“That was sad,” Storm remarked.

“I’ll prove that this here apple can handle theseapples. Come on… apples… fall off!”

Applejack grunted and bucked, she used one and eventually both hind legs trying to buck the apples off the tree.

“A.J., you’re beating a dead… tree,” Twilight pointed out.

Applejack turned and found that not only was the tree fruitless, but only a few leaves had fallen off.

“I knew that,” Applejack said plainly.

As the cowgirl walked away, Twilight and Storm followed close behind.

“Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about,” Twilight spoke. “Storm and I just came back from Urgent Care—"

“You know, I’m a little busy to get lectured right now!” Applejack said.

By now, the poor girl was losing her patience and was unwilling to admit she messed up… yet again.

“Too busy to even know that I’m still lying in a hospital bed and puking carrots in agony?!” Storm asked, irritated. “I haven’t even eaten carrots!”

“What are ya talkin’ about?” Applejack asked, confused. “Ya look just fine ta me.”

“Applejack, this is one of his clones you’re talking to,” Twilight corrected. “I insisted for Storm to stay in bed and he only agreed if a part of him goes.”

“… Prove it.”

“The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side,” Storm Shield recited.

“Which is completely wrong, not even the ‘real’ Storm would say that!” Twilight added. ''If you'd just let us help--"

“Urgh! No, no, NO!” Applejack retorted angrily. “How many times do I gotta say it? I don’t need no help from nopony!”

Applejack didn’t get very far when she bumped noses with… another Storm Shield. She turns back and forth, but this time her vision isn’t messing with her. There were two Storm Shields and the one in front of her was very cross.

“Storm is willing to duplicate himself a few more times, since he's your best friend!” The Duplicate Storm snapped. “Need we remind you that we helped you win that bet with Big Mac?”

“He’s right, you know?” The other Storm spoke.

“I said NO!” Applejack yelled.

“Fine!” The Duplicate yelled. “But the ‘real’ Storm asked that we send you a message and I quote, ‘A.J., do us all a favor: Focus on the apples and stop trying to help the other ponies! Your ‘help’ isn’t helping anypony at all!’… End quote.”

Applejack got right into the duplicate’s face, as if she could stare through its eyes and see the ‘real’ Storm Shield watching from a distance.

“Don’t… Tell… Me… What… To… Do!!!” Applejack said, in a low voice.

Angrily, Applejack stomped away leaving Twilight Sparkle and the duplicates in the dust. To say the second Duplicate was furious would be an understatement. He was so mad, literal steam erupts from his ears and the duplicate blew up in a puff of smoke. Twilight was visibly upset, not only because of how Applejack reacted but how the duplicate’s disappear made the other woozy.

“Sorry Twilight,” Storm spoke, through his duplicate. “Lost my concentration for a moment; sometimes your friend really rubs me the wrong way.”

“I know, Storm,” Twilight sighed. “Ugh! That pony is stubborn as a mule.”

“You said it,” Duplicate Storm agreed, angrily.

A familiar neighing was heard causing the two to turn, with an apologetic smile.

“No offense,” Twilight spoke.

“None taken,” The mule said.

How he showed up out of the blue was any pony’s guess.

<>

Later, Applejack was with Fluttershy in an area just outside Ponyville. This particular spot was loaded to the brim with bunnies of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

“Oh Applejack!” Fluttershy said happily. “Thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit roundup.”

“Ugh!” Applejack groaned, irritated. “Why are we doin’ this?”

“Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born,” Fluttershy explained. “So it’s my job to get a count of all the new families.”

“Fine!” Applejack snapped. “Can we just get on with it?”

“Certainly,” Fluttershy replied, oblivious to Applejack’s sour mood. “But remember, these are bunnies we’re dealing with, not cows. They’re a timid bunch and need to be treated gently.”

“I do NOT need any direction on corallin’ critters,” Applejack snapped. “Right, Winona?”

Her faithful dog barked excitedly.

“Okay, little bunnies!” Fluttershy called out. “I need you to all gather here in the middle.”

All of a sudden, Applejack charged forward and began rounding them up her own way, completely ignoring Fluttershy’s advice.

“That’s right! Let’s go, bunnies. In the center. Hop to it.”

Obviously, Applejack’s way wasn’t very effective. In fact, some of the bunnies ran away from her.

“Swell. Just swell. Put ‘em up, Winona!”

Winona barked on command, as they chased the bunnies about.

“Applejack! Winona! Stop!” Fluttershy cried out. “You’re scaring them!”

“We know what we’re doin’,” Applejack retorted. “Get along, little bunnies.”

After some effort, Applejack and Winona were able to successfully gather the bunnies into the middle area that Fluttershy wanted. Unfortunately, the poor bunnies were trembling and terrified. A worried Fluttershy knew what would happen next.

“Oh no,” Fluttershy said softly.

And it wasn’t long before the bunnies were overwhelmed, as they charged between Applejack and Winona towards Ponyville.

<>

Once again, another earthquake-like rumble was heard and felt by the man ponies in town. Rainbow Dash took to the air and began surveying the land. She soon saw the smoke cloud approaching.

“STAMPEDE!” She called out.

Unlike last time, while all the ponies locked their doors and shut the windows, there was no stopping the bunnies from charging over the bridge and into the town. Near the temporary hospital tent, a slightly weak Storm Shield pushed the flaps open and looked out.

“What is going on out here?!” Storm called out.

“Stamped!” Daisy called out, before yelping.

Confused, Storm looked ahead, and his eyes went wide. For right before him, the rampaging bunnies were hopping through the town.

“THE RABBITS ARE FIGHTING BACK!!!” Storm screamed, closing the flap.

All the other ponies were screaming, desperately seeking some place to hide. One pony, Lily Valley by name, saw the bunnies hopping madly toward her. She was so frightened, the poor mare passed out on the street. And yet, all the bunnies did was run around her and kept going.

<>

A couple minutes later, Twilight Sparkle was enjoying a nice little walk. After the heated confrontation with Applejack and shortly before disappearing, Storm Shield’s duplicate suggested for Twilight to take a nice relaxing walk through Ponyville to clear her mind. Twilight agreed and soon found herself in good spirits, humming a merry tune as she reached the town square. But all at once, she gasped after finding Lily Valley, Rose, and Daisy laying on the ground, looking traumatized.

“The horror, the horror,” Rose said, dramatically.

“It was awful,” Lily Valley added.

“A disaster,” Daisy cried. “A horrible, horribledisaster.”

Twilight Sparkle had a blank look on her face, when she saw the ‘real’ Storm Shield trot pass the fallen ponies.

“I don’t get it,” Twilight told Storm.

“Honestly, me neither,” Storm said. “I barely saw anything that would be…”

“Our gardens, destroyed,” Lily Valley pointed out.

“Every last flower, devoured,” Rose added, showing her ruined garden.

“By… by… THEM!” Daisy finished.

Twilight and Storm turned to Daisy pointed hoof and sure enough discovered a large collection of bunnies literally nibbling and chewing everything in sight.

“Oh my. Oh… Please stop, little bunnies,” Fluttershy pleaded. “Oh no! Please, let’s go home! Oh my goodness!”

The two unicorns can only watch as Fluttershy was having a difficult time. Her pleas falling on dear ears, long ears that is. The moment Storm fully saw the extent of the damage he could feel his blood boil as he had a pretty good idea of what happened.

“Where was Applejack when all this happened?” He asked, through his teeth.

“She… never showed up,” Rose answered sadly.

Storm and Twilight both look at each other, before glaring fiercely.

“All right,” Twilight declared. “Enough is enough.”

“You said it,” Storm agreed. “How could Applejack let all these bunnies rampage since she obviously went to help Fluttershy? That’s irresponsible! I swear that pony’s stubborn nature is gonna bring Ponyville to the ground. Something must be done!”

“Right!” Twilight nodded, before glaring at Storm. “And put that rope away.”

Storm Shield was twirling a rope using his horn, ready to tie Applejack down to make her surrender.

“But we’ve already tried being reasonable,” Storm argued.

One glare from Twilight was the only answer he got.

“Fine!” Storm pouted, making the rope disappear.

The two begin walking to Sweet Apple Acres, before Twilight froze in place and sighed.

“And you can send Blaze home, so he won’t hoist Applejack in his talons until she listens.”

Storm and Blaze, who showed up out of nowhere, just stared at Twilight wondering how she knew. Nevertheless, Storm groaned and turned to his faithful friend.

“Sorry buddy, maybe next time.”

Blaze gave a few chitters and nuzzle Storm’s cheek before flying back to the library. Now, Twilight and Storm were on their way to confront Applejack.

<>

Just as Storm and Twilight expected, Applejack returned to work. But now, she was so worn out she couldn’t even buck the tree at all.

“Must… keep… buckin’…” Applejack panted heavily. “Just… a few… more. Must finish harvestin’.”

The two unicorns approached Applejack and this time they were determined to stand their ground.

“All right Applejack,” Twilight spoke sternly. “Your applebucking hasn’t just caused you problems, it’s over-propelled Pegasus’…

“And me!” Storm added.

“Practically poisoned plenty of ponies…”

“And me!”

“And terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies.”

“Yeah, you really are terrifying sometimes.”

“I don’t care what you say,” Twilight continued. “You… Need… Help.”

“And you need it now!” Storm added.

“Ha! No, I don’t!” Applejack grunted.

By the time Twilight and Storm finished their statement, Applejack had just finished collecting the apples from the tree she tried to buck.

“Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d’ya like them apples?”

Applejack gave them a prideful look, as she showed them the entire area of empty trees. Storm and Twilight just glared, while shifting their eyes in another direction. Big Mac mysteriously appears beside her, having heard everything.

“Um, how do you like them apples?” He told his sister.

Big Mac tilts his head in the other direction, Applejack turns, and her eyes went wide with a loud gasp. Apparently, she had only done half the field, possibly two-thirds, but either way she still had work to be done.

“Where’d all the apple…?”

Applejack mumbled for a few seconds, as her eyes crossed before fainting. Fortunately, she wasn’t out for long and as she opened her eyes, Twilight Sparkle stood before her.

“Applejack,” Twilight spoke. “Applejack.”

“Huh?” Applejack mumbled.

Sure enough, Applejack found herself laying on the ground. Storm Shield wasn’t far, having collected the spilled apples and took them straight to the barn with the rest.

“Oh good, you’re okay,” Twilight sighed. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You’re always there to help anypony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you.”

As Twilight spoke, and by the time Storm Shield returned, Applejack’s eyes shifted from the two ponies to the remaining portion of the orchard. Seeing her eyes big as saucers, Storm couldn’t tell if Applejack was going to scream or cry. Instead, she just released a long sigh.

“Okay Twilight,” Applejack said, defeated. “Okay Storm.”

“We’re not taking ‘no’ for an answer—” Twilight continued, then stopped. “What?”

“Did you say… okay?” Storm asked, equally shocked.

“Yes, Twilight,” Applejack replied. “Yes, Storm… please. I could really use your help.”

The poor pony placed her front hooves together, as if practically begging or pleading. The two unicorns chuckled, releasing a sigh of relief.

“Alright A.J.,” Storm nodded. “Come on, let’s get you back on your hooves.”

Applejack allowed Storm Shield to help her sit up, but her exhaustion made her so woozy Storm had to help her keep balance. Storm used his magic to place her on his back before beginning his approach to the house.

“A nice nap will do you some good,” Storm said. “We can handle the rest of the apples… Um, Applejack?”

He turned his head to find that not only Applejack conceded but was already fast asleep on his back. Storm and Twilight just chuckled to themselves, as he took Applejack back to the house where he laid her on the couch to nap. He takes a large, quilted sheet and folds it over the cowgirl.

“Sleep well, Applejack,” Storm smiled. “You silly pony.”

Once that was settled, Storm Shield quietly exits the house and softly shut the door behind him. Once he was far from the house, he turns to the side and shouts:

“Okay, boys! Break’s over!”

Turns out, Storm Shield had managed to conjure up some extra duplicates of himself for Twilight and the others to use. This particular group were sitting under some apple trees, playing a game of cards when they turned toward Storm. They groan, muttering as they toss the cards aside and get straight to work. While Applejack took a well earned rest, Storm and the duplicates returned to help Twilight, along with the rest of their friends, and used their abilities to officially finished the harvest.

During all this time, Twilight had written a letter shortly before they started applebucking.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight recited. “My 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 accepting what our friends have to offer.

“Your faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.”

Just as they collected a large amount of apples, Applejack returned fully rejuvenated and better than ever. She pushes a metal serving cart with drinks that had straws and then placed the drinks onto a wooden table.

“How about y’all take a little break?” Applejack proposed. “I got some fine apple juice waitin’ for ya!”

The others gathered around her, to enjoy their drinks. As they all settled down, Applejack released a sigh.

“Girls, Storm,” Applejack said slowly. “I can’t thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bitstubborn…”

“A bit?” Twilight and Storm replied, with smirks.

“Okay,” Applejack corrected. “A mite stubborn, and I’m awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you six as my friends.”

“I’ll sip to that!” Storm replied.

Every pony agreed to that statement as they took a quick drink.

“Phew!” Rainbow sighed. “That applebucking sure made me hungry.”

“And I’ve got the perfect treat,” Spike replied.

The little dragon holds out a plate of… the bad muffins.

“Eeew… Spike, I threw all those away!” Pinkie exclaimed, leaning away. “Where’d you get them?”

“From the trash,” Spike answered.

“EW!” All seven ponies said in unison.

The whole group left the table in disgust. Spike, not seeing the big deal, tried to catch up with the group.

“Just a little nibble?” Spike offered. “Come on.”

“Ew! Gross!” The seven ponies remarked, before they all returned to work.

Griffon The Brush Off

One afternoon, Twilight Sparkle sat upon a bench at the park enjoying her book. Storm Shield, on the other hoof, merely sat upon the lawn basking under the sun’s rays with black shades to shield his eyes and a metal reflector in his hooves. Now why would he sit on the grass, rather than sharing the bench with Twilight? Mostly because Twilight claimed the entire bench for herself, but he didn’t mind one bit.

It was a peaceful day at the park, and they wanted to enjoy the moment together… at least, it was peaceful for a while. Recently, a certain cotton candy pink pony had since shown up and had been rambling about, talking endless over a certain rainbow-maned cyan-coated Pegasus.

“Hoof-biting action overload!” Pinkie exclaimed. “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 replied, continuing to read.

“I see,” Storm added.

As a matter of fact, that’s pretty much all the two ponies had to say over Pinkie’s ramblings. Of course, the pink pony didn’t seem too discouraged about it.

“And then she looped around and around like whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo!” Pinkie continued.

“Uh huh.”

“I see.”

It was then that the Pegasus in question flied high in the sky, over the three ponies. Pinkie Pie quickly dashed after her.

“Phew!” Twilight sighed.

“Finally!” Storm added. “I like her, I really do. But I thought I was going to go bonkers!”

Grateful for the peace and quiet, Twilight turns the page of her book while Storm adjusts himself on the grass with a sigh.

In the meantime, Rainbow Dash was just keeping herself occupied with her flying when she heard a familiar shout.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash looks down, seeing Pinkie Pie trot after her.

“Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow grunted. “Not again.”

Apparently, the pink pony had been following Rainbow Dash for the past couple of days and she was trying very hard to go about her business.

“Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie called out again.

“Not now, Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow shouted annoyingly.

“But, but Rainbow Dash—“

“I’m in the middle of something.”

“But—”

“I said not now—”

CRASH!!!

Poor Rainbow Dash was so busy trying to avoid Pinkie Pie, she wasn’t paying attention to where she flew and smacked herself along the side of a mountain. She slowly slide down the slope, coming to a stop right in front of Pinkie.

“I was gonna tell you to look out for that mountain,” Pinkie said innocently.

Rainbow Dash just grumbled to herself, preferring not to get up as Pinkie Pie stood over her.

*Deploy theme here*

The next day, Rainbow Dash lazily reclined on her own little fluffy cloud high above Ponyville. But all the chatter from below was not helping her already sour mood. Growling with irritation, Rainbow grabbed some bits of cloud and stuffed it in her ears. It was then a familiar pink pony arrived, humming to herself and approaching a group of ponies near a vendor.

“Hi, I’m looking for Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie said. “Have you seen her?”

She then approached another group of ponies.

“Hi there, have you seen Rainbow Dash? Okay, thanks anyway.”

By now, Rainbow desperately tried to bury herself in her cloud to hide from Pinkie Pie. The latter then caught sight of Twilight and Storm and quickly approached them.

“Twilight! Storm! Have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?” She asked.

“Isn’t she right up there?” Twilight replied, motioning towards a nearby cloud.

“If there’s a single cloud floating about, you’ll find Rainbow,” Storm added, looking up.

Rainbow Dash had her head stuck in the cloud, her rear end sticking out like an ostrich. She secretly prayed that Pinkie Pie wouldn’t notice her.

“Rainbow Dash!!!” Pinkie exclaimed.

Rainbow grunts before taking off at high speed, taking the cloud with her. Pinkie just hopped after her, while Twilight and Storm looked on.

“Good luck trying to lose her, Rainbow!” Storm called out. “Once Pinkie sets her target, it’s impossible to shake her off!”

“Let’s hope Rainbow doesn’t lose her temper over it,” Twilight said. “It’s always sad seeing Pinkie cry.”

“Boy, do I know it,” Storm nodded, looking at the ground.

Regrettably, Storm Shield lost his temper with Pinkie Pie one day when she tracked him all over Equestria. Things had settled between the two since, but if there’s pet peeve for Storm Shield it’s that he dislikes being reminded of his own mistakes.

<>

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could toward Sweet Apple Acres, hiding herself behind the barn. Rainbow breathed heavily, as she peeked from behind the side of the barn wall.

“Phew!” Rainbow sighed in relief. “That was close.”

Rainbow Dash was safe… for about two seconds.

“Hi!” Pinkie greeted.

Rainbow did a fast 180, discovering the pink pony right behind her.

“Aah!” Rainbow screamed.

The Pegasus took off as fast as her wings could carry her, while Pinkie casually hopped after her. Rainbow did her best to change directions as often as she could, before ducking inside the branches of the Great Oak Library. She quickly peeked over the top before settling into her new hiding place. She panted to regain her breath… when the pink pony poked her head from underneath her.

“Hi again!”

“AAH!”

Rainbow took off even faster, zipping awards towards the right, while Pinkie casually bounced after her once again. As Pinkie made her way down a hill, Rainbow pops out of the cloud above, tip-toed away in the air, and zipped as fast as she could to shake off Pinkie Pie. She makes an exhausted landing toward the edge of a nearby pony when… guess who… surfaced from the water wearing a snorkel.

Pinkie spits the water from her mouth before getting straight to the point.

“I need a favor, Rainbow Dash.”

“Waaa~”

Rainbow jumped and prepared to take off again, but landed belly-first on the ground.

“—oh, forget it!” Rainbow sighed, defeated.

“I totally promise it’ll be totally fun!” Pinkie assured from the water.

“Okay,” Rainbow sighed, exhausted.

<>

A short while later, Rainbow clutched a small cloud just outside Town Hall. Apparently, Pinkie Pie was instructing Rainbow where to position it.

“Over to the right,” Pinkie remarked. “No, no, a little to the left. Oh wait, back to the right. Now a little leftish while staying rightly. Stop. Hmm… maybe a few inches to the south. Now a couple centimeters north. Okay. One more smidgimeter to the…”

Rainbow was rapidly losing patience over Pinkie’s indecisiveness.

“Pinkie Pie!”

“Uh, I mean, perfect,” Pinkie answered. “Now wait for my signal.”

Annoyed, Rainbow nevertheless waited. It was then Spike came out carrying a large number of scrolls in his arms, humming a merry tune. Pinkie makes a gesture and Rainbow kicks the cloud, causing it to give out a clash of thunder.

“D-aah!” Spike jumped frightfully, dropping the scrolls.

(hiccup)(hiccup)

Once the hiccups began to come out, Pinkie Pie started laughing.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Spike into getting the hiccups!”

As Pinkie continues to laugh, Rainbow found herself chuckling. Even Spike chuckled to himself.

“Good one Pinkie (hiccup) Pie,” Spike replied, being a good sport. “You’re always pulling a fast one (hiccup) on me. (hiccup) Nnaa—”

As Spike reached for another scroll, his hiccup burned it up instead… sending it directly towards Princess Celestia. In the meantime, a look of concern crossed the ponies’ faces.

“Oh no, you’re not hurt are you?” Pinkie asked worriedly.

“Ne-(hiccup)-eh, don’t be (hiccup) silly,” Spike replied. “Dragons are (hiccup) fireproof.”

“Oh, okay good.”

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash exchanged looks, before falling on their backs laughing. Spike kept trying to pick up the dropped scrolls, but every time he tried, he’d hiccup and burn up a scroll.

“I wish the same thing (hiccup) true with scrolls,” Spike remarked.

<>

Little did the Dragon know, all the burnt-up scrolls headed straight toward Princess Celestia. Soon the Princess was bombarded with tons of scrolls all at once.

<>

Back in Ponyville, as Spike continued to hiccup and burn all the scrolls, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were left in stitches.

“Have you ever seen anything more hilarious?” Pinkie laughed.

“I can think of one thing,” Rainbow said slyly.

Rainbow gave the cloud another kick, causing it to thunder again.

“Aah!” Pinkie screamed, now having the hiccups.

Realizing she had been pranked, Pinkie laughed and hiccups to herself. Rainbow laughed as well, as she flew back down.

“I didn’t take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow admitted.

“Are you (hiccup) kidding?” Pinkie replied, between hiccups. “(hiccup) I love to pull pranks. 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.”

Pinkie merely replied with a smile… and a hiccup.

“You wanna hangout?” Rainbow offered.

“(hiccup) That’d be (hiccup) I’d really (hiccup) When do (hiccup) I mean (hiccup) When would you (hiccup)…”

Pinkie’s hiccups caused her to bounce about uncontrollably. Rainbow grew annoyed until Pinkie bounced straight for her and Rainbow caught the bouncy pony with her hoof clutched to her mouth and nose.

“A simple nod would do,” Rainbow replied.

“Mmm-hmm,” Pinkie nodded with puffed-up cheeks.

<>

Soon they made their way out of Ponyville’s very own joke shop, carrying buckets loaded with pranks and jokes galore. The two friends were eager to get started, as they head towards the Carousel Boutique. They quickly ring the doorbell, before ducking behind some bushes.

“Is she even home?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know,” Pinkie said. “This is going to be gold.”

“There she is!” Rainbow pointed.

They both snicker behind the bushes, as Rarity opened the door and discovered a vase loaded with beautiful flowers.

“Ooo…” Rarity replied.

She gives the flowers a nice long sniff, but reels back as some power was stuck on her nose… causing her to sneeze. Rarity heard snickering a few yards away, spotting Rainbow and Pinkie with a powder vial. It didn’t take long for her to realize they put ‘sneezing powder’ in the flowers. Rainbow took her leave as Pinkie kept laughing, when she dropped the powder and a huge dust cloud came out.

“Aaa-choo!”

Pinkie sneeze so hard, she flew away from Rarity towards Rainbow’s direction. Rarity just smirked as the two disappeared.

<>

At the Grand Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle busily prepared a new potion with a sheet of paper to take notes. She puts two mixtures together and quickly jots down her research. She proceeds toward another mixture only to find her paper was blank.

“Hmm?” She mumbled puzzled.

She didn’t have time to reason why the notes she wrote vanished, when her mixture suddenly exploded behind her and she heard snickering. She looks outside her window, spotting Rainbow and Pinkie laughing outside. The former held a jar of… disappearing ink. Twilight glares, as she went to clean up her failed experiment. The other two ponies kept laughing amongst the branches.

<>

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack just left her family’s barn when she froze in place.

“Land sakes!” She gasped.

Several of the apples on the trees were now in multiple colors and designs. She turned her head and found Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, wearing berets, holding artist palettes, and paint brushes. They snickered to each other until Applejack hurled the painted apples at them. The two ponies take off as one apple landed inside a water-filled barrel. Applejack was angry until she looked at the apple in the barrel, seeing the pain wash clean off and the apple still unharmed. Applejack chuckled to herself in relief.

<>

Back in town, Storm Shield lead his clones to carry supplies through the streets. Earlier that day, he offered to deliver some inventory goods straight from Filthy Rich’s warehouse. Since the lad was far ahead of schedule, he decided to run a more leisurely pace, waving ‘hello’ to the nearby ponies as he and his duplicates pass by. He comes to a stop at a crossing, where the vendors from the market moved their produce carts across the street.

Nearby, there was a bush containing Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, the latter holding a special microphone. The two snickered to each other as they chat inside the bush.

“So Twilight,” Pinkie said casually. “Tell me again what you think about Storm.”

Rainbow snickered, before using the microphone.

“Well… he’s… actually cute and very handsome,” Rainbow answered.

The microphone she got made her voice resemble any pony she pleased, in this case Twilight Sparkle. It was enough to draw Storm’s attention, as a wide smile spread across his face.

“So… would you say you like him?” Pinkie asked. “I mean ‘like’ like him?”

“Oh yes, I totally like him,” Rainbow/Twilight answered. “The next time I find him, I’ll walk up to him and give him a big kiss!”

Storm’s grin grew until it completely consumed his face, hearts were seen rising from his head. The girls could see the guy was well past lovesick. Rainbow fought hard to stay calm, even Pinkie had to cover her mouth. Then, they go for the big whammy.

“There he is!” Rainbow/Twilight exclaimed, as Storm turned.

“Twilight?!” He exclaimed excitedly.

SPLAT!!!

Storm got a custard pie square in the face; his eyes poke out through the whipped cream and custard. Rainbow and Pinkie laughed at him, as Storm indignantly wiped the goop from his face. Removing the harness pulling his cart, Storm walked toward them as he noticed the microphone in Rainbow’s hoof. The two ponies stopped laughing and merely smiled, while the clones stood silent with awkward expressions.

“Rainbow…” Storm said blankly.

“Storm…” She replied innocently.

Storm smacked his lips as he could still taste the pie in his mouth.

“Why did you hit me in the face with a coconut custard pie with whipped cream?”

“… Wow, I’m surprised he figured out the recipe that quickly,” Pinkie replied to Dash.

One look from Storm toward Pinkie Pie and the party pony smiled with a ‘squee’ before turning away. He then turns back toward Rainbow Dash, staring blankly, his eyebrows furrowed… and then he smiles.

“I never knew you felt that way about me,” Storm smirked.

Rainbow’s eyes shrunk; her face became a pale shade of blue. The mike in her hoof dropped to the ground.

“Wuh?” She exclaimed.

Storm Shield merely gave her a sly smile, as he fixed the top of his mane.

“You know, if you wanted a kiss, all you had to do was ask.”

Rainbow was now feeling flustered, her cheeks blushing a light pink.

“I… I… I…” Rainbow stuttered, as Storm approached her.

The stallion and the mare’s faces were just inches apart, before Storm leans slowly and whispers two words into Rainbow’s ear:

“Got ya!”

Rainbow’s eyes bugged out and her jaw dropped, as Storm Shield laughed while backing away.

“You should see the look on your face!” Storm chuckled, reattaching the harness. “I hope that teaches you two lessons: One, never prank a pony in love. And two… never try to prank a prankster!”

Rainbow was too dumbstruck to say anything, as Storm and his duplicates laugh out loud. By now, his path had cleared as Storm and his army went on their way.

“Later Dashie!” All the clones teased.

One of the clones motioned with a hoof mouthing ‘call me!’ as he followed the others down the street. Rainbow Dash stared toward the group before relaxing with a smirk upon her face.

“Well played, Storm,” She said quietly. “Well played…”

<>

It was late afternoon when Fluttershy busily tended to the animals at one end of the lake. A squeaky toy floats slowly towards the yellow Pegasus, held in place by a long wire. On the other side, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were cleverly hidden. Pinkie held a squeeze trigger in her mouth, as Rainbow watched Fluttershy from a distance using a telescope. Because Rainbow Dash had the telescope, Pinkie couldn’t see who Rainbow was spying on.

“Is someone over there?” Pinkie asked, her voice muffled by the squeezer. “Who’re we gonna squirt? Who’re we gonna squirt?”

“Fluttershy,” Rainbow chuckled.

Suddenly, Pinkie’s eyes bugged out.

“WHAT!?” Pinkie snapped, spitting out the squeezer. “Nononononono, we can’t prank Fluttershy, I mean, she’s so sensitive. It’ll hurt her feelings, even our most harmless prank."

Rainbow didn’t need to think twice to know Pinkie was right. Out of every pony in town, she knew Fluttershy’s personality the best.

You’ll see soon enough…

“Yeah, you’re right,” Rainbow replied.

The cyan Pegasus pulled away from the telescope, releasing a loud raspberry.

“Huh. We need another victim whose made of tougher stuff. So, who’s it gonna be?”

“Oh, I’ve got someone in mind,” Pinkie chuckled. “The toughest around.”

“Oh, awesome! Who? Who?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “Do I know them?”

“Oh, yes,” Pinkie giggled, pointing at the water. “You’re very close.”

It was then that Rainbow noticed that by putting her eye on the telescope, she had earned a black ring around it.

“Good one, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow chuckled. “Ridiculous!”

As Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie shared a good laugh, none of them noticed Fluttershy had found the floating toy in the lake. She just timidly poked at it, as the sun began to set behind her. Poor Fluttershy actually thought the toy was a real animal.

<>

The next morning, Pinkie Pie was on the road out of town leading to Rainbow’s personal ‘Cloudominium’. Since Rainbow loved flying, it only made sense that her home would be in the clouds… so to speak. On this day, Pinkie wore a comedy arrow on her head while blowing a party hooter in her mouth.

“Rise and shine Rainbow!” Pinkie called out. “It’s a brand-new day and we’ve got a lot of pranking to—Ooh!”

Pinkie was caught off guard by the sight of a feathered creature peeking out from the clouds, giving her the eagle eye. Rainbow soon appears right after, from above the creature.

“Mornin’, Pinks!” Rainbow said, turning to the creature. ‘Gilda, this is my gal pal, Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie Pie had a good look at the creature. She appeared to have the head, wings and feet of an eagle and the body and tail of a lion. Her head feathers form a fringe hanging ahead of her face. Her light brilliant amber eyes gleam in the sun light, as the sun basked over her moderate gamboge coat. Her head had white features with pale, light grayish heliotrope edges while her wings were moderate gamboge. And her talons brilliant gold.

“Hey,” Gilda responded, gruffly. “What’s up?”

“Pinkie, this is my griffon friend, Gilda,” Rainbow introduced.

Pinkie removed her funny gear, as she watched Rainbow and Gilda share a secret handshake with each other.

“What’s a griffon?” Pinkie asked curiously.

“She’s half-eagle, half-lion—” Rainbow explained.

Gilda makes her landing beside the Pegasus.

“And all awesome. Raa!” Gilda said smugly. “Heh-haa! Yeah, that’s right.”

“Gilda’s my best friend from my days at Junior Speedster flight camp,” Rainbow added, turning to Gilda. “Hey, remember the chant?”

“Sha, they made us recite it every morning,” Gilda remarked. “I’ll never get that lame thing out of my head.”

“Soo…” Rainbow proposed, smiling.

Gilda just rolled her eyes.

“Ugh… Only for you, Dash,” She replied reluctantly.

They both flew up into he sky and performed the chant. While Rainbow put enthusiasm into what she said, Gilda just looked bored and irritated.

Rainbow & Gilda (Chants):
Junior Speedsters are our lives,
Sky-bound soars and daring dives.
Junior Speedsters, it’s our quest,
To someday be the very best!

Once they landed, Pinkie started laughing as the two tried to act cool. Once Pinkie settled down, she puts her funny gear back on.

“Oh, that was awesome!” Pinkie replied. “And it gave me a great idea for a prank. Gilda, you game?”

“Huh. Well, I groove on a good prank as much as the next griffon,” She replied. “But Dash, you promised me we’d get in a flying session in this morning.”

“Yeah, uh, well,” Rainbow said, as Gilda took off. “Pinkie Pie, you don’t mind, do you? Gilda just got here. We’ll catch up with you later.”

“Oh. Um, well sure, no problem,” Pinkie said, as Rainbow took off. “Have fun you guys, I’ll, uh, just catch up with you—later.”

Pinkie gave a sad sigh and a half-hearted blow of her party hooter, as Rainbow and Gilda flew away leaving her all alone.

<>

A short time later, Rainbow Dash and Gilda sped through the skies. Rainbow made a loop-de-loop as she flew by, while Gilda copied her maneuver. Along the way, Rainbow had the lead before Gilda caught up and passed her. Rainbow tried catching up, but the griffon was already on a cloud. Rainbow dove into it and they both laughed. The two share a quick hoof/fist bump.

“Whoa, that was sweet!” Gilda said. “Just like old times.”

“Yeah, only faster,” Rainbow added. “So now what?”

“Hey there!” Pinkie said, popping her head in the middle of them.

“Huh?”

Gilda and Rainbow noticed the hole in the cloud, as Pinkie continuously poked her head out of it. Apparently, she found herself a giant trampoline and used it to reach the cloud the other two stood on.

“It’s later,” She replied between bounces. “And I caught up!”

“Pinkie Pie, you are so random,” Rainbow remarked, chuckling.

Irritation formed on Gilda’s face, but she soon covered it up with a smirk.

“Hey Dash, think you got enough gas left to beat me to that cloud?” Gilda proposed.

“A race?” Rainbow smirked. “You are so on.”

“One, two, three, go!” Gilda called out.

The two quickly take off, leaving Pinkie Pie behind.

“Hey!” Pinkie called out.

It didn’t take long for the two flyers to reach the other cloud and land.

“I win!” Rainbow called.

“As if, I won, dude!” Gilda retorted.

“No way!”

“Yes way!”

“Oh, come on, I was way ahead of you.”

“Uh, I don’t think so.”

“Oh Geez, dream on.”

“Remember back in camp? I—”

“There is no way you beat me.”

“Whatever.”

Get a room, you two!!!

“Wow guys!”

A familiar voice drew the pair’s attention. Pinkie managed to collect and inflate a large number of balloons, floating her way towards the cloud Rainbow and Gilda landed on. The two flyers’ eyes bugged out when they saw her floating nearby.

“That was really close,” Pinkie added. “But I think Rainbow Dash beat you by a teeny-weeny itty-bitty hair, or a teeny-weeny itty-bitty feather.”

“Hah, see?” Rainbow said, pointing at the pink pony. “Good thing Pinkie Pie’s here to keep you honest, G.”

Gilda grit her teeth, balling her fist for a second, before regaining her composure.

“Okay…” She huffed. “Dash, last one to that cloud up there is a gnarly dragon egg. Go!”

A huge cloud of dust/fluff appeared as they took off. But only Rainbow had taken off, as Gilda stayed behind.

“I think the high altitude is making you dizzy,” She remarked at Pinkie.

The griffon proceeds to pop just enough balloons to make Pinkie descend slowly to the ground.

“Wait, guys!” Pinkie called out.

As Pinkie began to float down, Gilda managed to catch up to Rainbow. They barely made their way to the higher cloud when Pinkie reappeared in what appeared to be a pedal-powered helicopter…

Or at least, the equivalent of one.

“Oh, wow, you guys almost got away from me that time,” Pinkie replied, as she pedaled towards them.

Rainbow chuckled to herself, while Gilda gave a quick death glare. Still, she tried to keep her irritation with Pinkie in check.

“So, Dash, got any new moves in your tricktionary, or are you 100% old school?” Gilda asked.

“New moves?” Rainbow replied cockily. “Heh, sit back G, this is gonna take a while.”

Rainbow zoomed off in the sky, as Pinkie watched and pedaled at the same time.

“Hey Pinkie,” Gilda said, using one of her fingers. “C’mere.”

“Yeah?”

Pinkie scoots closer as Gilda roughly grabbed her contraption by the pole.

“Don’t you know how to take get lost for an answer?” Gilda sneered, with a dirty look. “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!”

Gilda grabs the propeller, causing Pinkie to spiral around, spinning back down to the ground.

“Whaaa-aaa-!” Pinkie gasped.

Gilda smirks triumphantly just as Rainbow arrived back on the cloud.

“Try matching that,” Rainbow said, noticing some pony missing. “Hey, where’s Pinkie Pie and her crazy contraption?”

“Eh, she left,” Gilda remarked, dismissively. “Something about being as busy as a bee.”

The griffon smirked saying that, but Rainbow didn’t notice the meaning.

Back on the ground, Pinkie Pie stood amongst the debris of her now damaged helicopter. Pinkie wasn’t hurt… at least not physically, as she looked back up toward the clouds.

“Hmph!”

<>

Rather than trying again, Pinkie Pie made her way back to Twilight’s house. Like before, Twilight Sparkle was just reading a book while Pinkie Ranted. Storm Shield was reading too, but unlike Twilight, he actually listened. Spike was also reading his own book while sitting at the foot of the stairs.

“So Pinkie Pie, are you sure that this friend of Rainbow Dash is really so mean?” Twilight asked.

“Um yeah,” Pinkie retorted bitterly. “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.”

She don’t know them very well at all.

Mmm-mmm-mmm.

Pinkie Pie paced around the floor behind Twilight as she spoke. By the point, Storm paused with his reading and listened more attentively once he heard Pinkie’s description. But he didn’t turn his head, so as not to be too obvious.

“You know what I think, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight spoke once Pinkie finished.

“Hmm?” Pinkie asked.

“Well, I think… you’re jealous,” Twilight concluded.

Pinkie was left visibly stunned, even Storm felt shocked over Twilight’s answer.

“Jealous?” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Green with envy,” Spike added. “Well, in your case, pink with envy.”

Though storm felt irritated over Twilight’s response, he kept his back turned.

“Well, yes, jealous,” Twilight agreed. “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 Pie, who needs to improve her attitude.”

“Are you…” Storm muttered to himself.

Storm Shield’s blood boiled, as if his pressure were spiking. On one hoof, he agreed that no pony should keep their friends to themselves, that wasn’t the problem. But the way Twilight dismissed Pinkie for being the problem when this Gilda character, even though he only just heard about her today, was the one being mean to one of her friends just didn’t sit right in his stomach. Speaking of her friends, Pinkie Pie was beyond offended.

“Improve my attitude?” Pinkie retorted indignantly. “But I… D… B… It’s Gilda that… D… Are you seri…”

Screaming in frustration, Pinkie stormed out of the library and slammed the door as she left. Twilight just sighed, as she and Spike resumed their reading.

SLAM!

A noise drew their attention toward Storm Shield, who shut his own book loudly before placing it on the counter and gets up to leave.

“Finished already?” She asked surprised.

“I’m going out!” Storm snapped, slamming the door behind him.

Twilight just looked towards the door puzzled.

“What’s his deal?” She asked herself.

<>

A few minutes later, Pinkie Pie stomped about in the park, feeling very angry and upset.

“Maybe Twilight is right,” Pinkie sighed to herself. “Maybe Gilda isn’t a big meanie grumpy mean-meanie-pants. Maybe I’m just a big jealous judgmental jealous-jealousy-pants.”

“Maybe…”

A voice caused Pinkie to turn and find Storm Shield a mere few feet away.

“But I feel there’s something bigger going on here,” Storm added, with a soft smile.

“So… you don’t think I’m a big jealous-jealousy pants?” She asked.

“Can’t really say for sure. All I know is that one of my best friends was dismissed unfairly and I didn’t like that one bit.”

“But Twilight said…”

“Twilight thinks she knows everything, and there’s no denying she’s smart. But the truth is: Twilight Sparkle is still new at this whole ‘friendship’ process and she’s just as clueless as any pony else. Growing up in Canterlot, I’ve had my share of bullies over the years and I knowwhat trouble they are.”

“But Gilda isn’t a bully,” Pinkie protested. “She was just… a meanie… at least to me.”

Storm nodded understandingly as he sat next to her. But the stern expression on his face made it clear this was business.

“Pinkie, if I’m going to help you, I need to know more about her,” Storm said. “I propose we do a little recon.”

“Like you and me on a super-secret spy mission?!” Pinkie asked excitedly.

“You got it, Pinkster!” Storm smiled.

Pinkie squealed gleefully, as she hugged him so tightly his eyes bulged out.

“Now come on!” Pinkie said.

“WHOA!” Storm yelped, as Pinkie literally carried him away.

<>

Outside Sugarcube Corner, Storm Shield and Pinkie Pie sat at a table with an umbrella on top of it. Like a gentlecolt, Storm treated Pinkie to a milkshake. Pinkie got the strawberry while he got the chocolate. Surprisingly, Storm expected Pinkie to talk his ears off, maybe even drive him a little crazy. But instead, she just sat quietly and taking tiny sips of her shake peacefully. As much as Storm enjoyed some peace and quiet, he wasn’t used to Pinkie being so reserved. Actually, he discovered he was missing her bubbly personality.

“Aw, come on Pinkie,” Storm said, pushing his shake aside. “Do cheer up. You keep making those frowny faces, it’ll get stuck that way.”

It was then they both herd loud whooshing in the sky, followed by some laughter. Startled, Pinkie nearly knocked her milkshake over. Storm managed to hold his in place as Pinkie stood behind him. Gilda and Rainbow soared about the sky, making their landing on the opposite side of the street.

“That was sweet!” Rainbow laughed. “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.”

“That’s cool, I guess,” Guild said. “I’m gonna go chow down.”

“Later!” Rainbow said, taking off into the sky.

Storm and Pinkie silently watch as Gilda headed towards the stands to browse around. At one of these stands she spotted Granny Smith, who was busy shopping. Suddenly, Gilda’s tail hovers in front of her face, she sniffed it and her eyes bugged out.

“Aaah! A rattler, a rattler!” She shouted. “Run for the hills! Everybody forsake yourselves!”

Granny dashed off… or more like walked awaywith a frightened look on her face. Gilda smirked as she lifted her head, feeling a tomato with her tail and turned to the vendor pony.

“This stuff ain’t fresh, dude,” Gilda remarked.

Storm and Pinkie watch as Gilda stomped away, leaving the vendor pony looking indignant.

“Aw, poor Granny Smith,” Pinkie said. “She didn’t know it wasn’t a joke!”

“Tell me about it,” Storm observed. “That wasn’t just mean, that was just rude!”

“… No, no, I can’t misjudge her,” Pinkie sighed. “It was kind of a funny prank, I guess.”

“I don’t know about that, Pinkie.”

As they watch, Gilda strolled casually and grabbed an apple from another stand. She quickly shoved the whole thing in her mouth and walked away without a care.

“I did misjudge her!” Pinkie gasped. “She’s not only a meanie mean-pants…”

“She’s also a thief!” Storm finished, looking around. “Why isn’t there a police-pony in this town?”

“Nonononono, she might give it back. It’s just a joke.”

“Pinkie, she just ate an apple without paying! Stealing isn’t a…”

Before Storm could finish, Fluttershy suddenly appeared. She was guiding some ducks across the street while walking backwards.

“All right little ones, this way, this way,” She said sweetly. “Mama duck, you’re free and clear.”

Storm felt his heart sink, as Gilda purposely stood behind Fluttershy, causing her to bump into the griffon.

“She better not—” Storm growled.

“Hey!” Gilda exclaimed.

“Please excuse me,” Fluttershy said politely.

“I’m walkin’ here!” Gilda pointed out rudely.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry,” Fluttershy apologized. “I-I-I was just trying to…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Gilda repeated mockingly. “Why don’t you just watch where you’re going, doofus?”

“B-b-b-but I… I…”

Before Fluttershy could find her words, Gilda unleashed a loud roar right in Fluttershy’s face. Fluttershy squeaked in fear, before running off sobbing and flew away.

“Ugh, please, all these lame ponies are driving me buggy,” Gilda remarked openly. “I gotta bail.”

Gilda took off without another word, to a sea of glares from all the other ponies. Storm was so furious, his left eyelid twitched rapidly while Pinkie was in no better condition.

“She’s a grump, and a thief, and a bully!” Pinkie retorted angrily. “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! Right Storm? Storm?”

Pinkie Pie turned around and found Storm was no longer at the table. She turns the other way and gasps, as Storm walked quickly toward Gilda’s direction. The angriest expression was implanted on Storm’s face, his eyes burned bright orange in rage, and his horn started flaring with sparks. He didn’t get very far when Pinkie quickly ran in front of him.

“Stormy, wait!” She said. “Where you going?”

“Step aside, Pinkie!” Storm said bluntly, not hiding his anger. “I’m going to find that griffon who hurt Fluttershy and demand an explanation!”

“Don’t!” Pinkie said sternly. “Let me handle her.”

“Pinkie, you were right about Gilda all along. She’s a mean-meanie… whatever it was you called her. I’m not sitting on my flank and letting some bird treat my friends so shamefully. Now move!”

“I said no!” Pinkie stomped her hoof. “Look, I have a plan to deal with Gilda… and I need your help. Please?”

Pinkie gave him a pleading look, as Storm kept his burning eyes as he looked toward his pink party friend. But somehow, that pleading expression somehow managed to calm him down as his eyes revert to their regular teal.

“How is it you always make me give in to you?” He asked annoyed.

“Cause you love me,” Pinkie replied, batting her eyelashes.

Storm just rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out. Pinkie merely smiled, as she guides Storm back to Sugarcube Corner. But the moment he saw the building, the plan was already coming together before she even told him.

You’ve read enough to know what Pinkie planned…

Shh… Don’t tell any pony! Let them…

Pinkie… I’m just about to. Read the script.

Oh… Yeah… Hee-hee… Carry on! :pinkiehappy:

<>

Pinkie Pie had set up a huge party.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” Pinkie greeted to every pony.

All the ponies in town gathered together for an impromptu party. Storm Shield was slightly annoyed that this was the plan, but still he was more than excited to show off his baking skills. To say Pinkie was impressed was an understatement. She even offered him a job as her baking assistant, which he only didn’t accept because he would need to rework his schedule at his current job at the library and that would take up too much time.

For now, Storm and Pinkie shared a fun time together making sure everything was ready. Now Storm Shield was busily greeting all the rest of the ponies, including his close friends, as they began to mingle with each other.

“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.”

They walked off as Twilight Sparkle spoke with Fluttershy, who was keeping to herself.

“You’ve met Gilda, right?” Twilight asked eagerly. “What’s she like?”

“Oh, um, well…” Fluttershy mumbled quietly. “I’ll tell you later, Twilight.”

Fluttershy clearly didn’t want to be there and Storm couldn’t blame her one bit. It surprised him though that she’d even show up anyway. He assumed Pinkie had told Fluttershy about their plan and ‘possibly’ that was the reason why Fluttershy even showed up in the first place. Still, he made sure she was okay, offering a brotherly hug just to make her feel better. Soon Fluttershy approaches Pinkie just as she finished greeting all the guests.

“Um, Pinkie Pie, about this party for Gilda,” Fluttershy spoke concerned. “Um… do you really think it’s a good idea? I mean—”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about mean old Gilda,” Pinkie replied, patting her friend’s head. “Your auntie Pinkie Pie’s got it all taken care of.”

Fluttershy was indignant as Pinkie bounced away.

“I’m a year older than you,” Fluttershy remarked.

“Gilda!” Pinkie cried happily.

Fluttershy’s jaw dropped when the griffon in question made her way inside.

“I’m so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties,” Pinkie Pie continued. “And I really, truly, sincerely, hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony folk.”

Pinkie stuck out a hoof to shake her claw. Gilda went to return the gesture…

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Gilda was given the shock of her life, as she grunted and collapsed onto the floor. Pinkie and the other ponies laughed.

“Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer,” Rainbow chuckled. “You are a scream.”

“You can say that again,” Storm muttered to himself.

“Yeah,” Gilda replied, recomposing herself. “Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie.”

“Come on G,” Rainbow said, once Gilda calmed down. “I’ll introduce you to some of my friends.”

“Right behind you, Dash!”

When the Pegasus was far away, Gilda turned towards Pinkie with an icy glare.

“I know what you’re up to,” Gilda warned.

“Great,” Pinkie smiled.

The fact Pinkie didn’t even cower really made Gilda’s blood boil.

“Rrrh… I know what you’re planning!” She warned again.

If Gilda hoped to get a reaction from the pink pony, all she gave Gilda were giggles.

“Well, I hope so. This wasn’t supposed to be a surprise party.”

“I mean, I’ve got my eye on you,” Gilda snarled, shoving her beak into Pinkie’s face.

“And I, got my eye on you,” Pinkie replied, bulging her eyes into Gilda’s.

Before Gilda could respond, Pinkie Pie backed away to speak to the others.

“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.”

The ponies cheered for Gilda, who just gave a sheepish, awkward smile.

“Please help yourself,” Pinkie said, offering some party treats.

As far as Storm’s baking skills, he helped the pink pony create said treats and he snickered to himself as he waited for what was about to occur. Some yellow-colored candies caught the griffon’s eyes as she approached the table.

“Vanilla lemon drops,” Gilda responded. “Don’t mind if I do.”

She tossed one into her mouth, but then her face cringed and turned deep red as the whistle of a hot kettle was heard.

“G, the punch!” Rainbow called out smiling.

Gilda rushed to grab one of the glasses for a drink. But when she poured, all the liquid dripped from the middle of the cup, and instead of her mouth it spilt all over her feathered chest. Every pony laughed.

“Well, whaddya know,” Pinkie observed. “Pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass.”

“Ha!” Rainbow laughed. “Priceless, priceless!”

“Strange…” Storm remarked, scratching his head. “I didn’t put any pepper when I made those.”

If Storm Shield had been expecting something to happen, this certainly wasn’t part of the plan he was aware of. He couldn’t figure out how some pony managed to sneak in while he guarding the mixture the entire time. But he didn’t have to worry too much as Gilda rushed across the room, grabbed another cup of punch, and gulped it down exhaling loudly.

“Yeah, hilarious,” She muttered aloud.

“Hey G, look!” Rainbow pointed. “Presents!”

A huge collection of wrapped boxes drew Gilda’s attention, the griffon smiled excitedly. She grabs a cyclical shaped box and opens the top. Just then, dozens of stretchy toy snakes pop out of the box, along with some confetti. Gilda was left stunned, even her feathers puffed out while all the guests laughed.

“Spittin’ snakes,” Applejack said. “Hah, some pony pulled that prank on me last month.”

“Ha, ha,” Gilda muttered bitterly. “I bet I know who that was.”

“You do?” Pinkie asked innocently.

“Do enlighten us, Gilda?” Storm added, with a smirk.

Whether or not Storm Shield had a hoof with the pranks, he enjoyed seeing Gilda get the receiving end of all those pranks.

<>

Eventually, things seem to settle down even Fluttershy had her birds sing as every pony chatted with each other. Soon, Pinkie and Storm roll out a rather large cake decked with candles.

“Cake time every pony,” Pinkie said. “Hope you like it, cause Storm helped me bake it.”

The other ponies gathered excitedly around Storm Shield, who felt a surge of pride for his baking abilities. He could only hope the cake tasted alright.

“Hey, can I blow out the candles?” Spike asked, pointing to the top.

“Why don’t we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike?” Twilight suggested. “She is the guest of honor after all.”

Gilda body-checked Spike out of the way, as the little guy grunts from the landing.

“Exactly!” She agreed.

Gilda proceeds to blow out the candles in one try. A big smile formed on her face… before the candles lit them back up. Gilda blew them out again, smiling once more, when the candles lit back up… again! This sent the ponies on a laughing fit, as Gilda grunted trying to blow them out only to fail every time. Seeing Gilda run out of breath made all the ponies laugh even harder.

“Re-lighting birthday candles!” Spike pointed out, laughing. “I love that prank! What a classic.”

“Now, I wonder who could’ve done that?” Pinkie asked innocently.

Storm Shield chuckled since he knew exactly who was behind this particular prank.

“Yeah, I wonder,” Gilda said, her eyes burning.

“Mmm, who cares?” Spike asked, as he burrowed into the cake. “This cake is amazing.”

“Spike!” Twilight scolded.

“What? It’s great, try some.”

“Heh-heh, glad you like it Spike,” Storm chuckled. “First time baking for a party you know.”

Gilda just stood there, very agitated, when Rainbow approached.

“Hey G, you’re not upset about some silly candles, are you?” Rainbow asked.

The look on Gilda’s face answered that question, but she managed to recompose herself.

“No way, Dash,” She fibbed. “Like I said, I’m down with a good prank.”

“Come on then, let’s have some cake,” Rainbow beckoned. “I’m curious to see how Storm’s cake measures up to Pinkie’s.”

“No fair, Rainbow!” Storm protested. “She’s an expert; I’m an amateur!”

During this time, Gilda grabbed Pinkie by the neck pulling her behind the cake and out of sight from most of the ponies. Storm had seen her grab Pinkie, and checked to see if she needed rescuing.

“Hey, I’m watching you,” Gilda threatened, making direct eye contact with Pinkie. “Like a hawk.”

“Why? Can’t you watch me like a griffon?” Pinkie asked.

Storm groaned and rolled his eyes hearing that.

“Hey y’all!” Applejack called out. “It’s ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’!”

Quickly, Gilda released Pinkie Pie and smiled innocently as they pulled away from the cake. As Applejack set the poster up and while Gilda was distracted, Storm steps sideways toward Pinkie Pie, turning to her with a glare.

“You are aware she just threatened you, are you?” Storm whispered angrily.

“Yeah, but I don’t let it bother me,” Pinkie smiled. “You really shouldn’t let mean words bother you, Stormy. You’ll be happier that way.”

Storm Shield was stunned, yet deep down he was rather impressed.

“Let’s play!” Applejack replied.

“Oh, my favorite game,” Rarity said. “Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?”

But Gilda rudely grabbed the purple tail before Rarity could take it.

“Well, I am the guest of honor, and I’ll have the purple tail.”

“Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first,” Pinkie agreed. “Let’s get you blindfolded.”

“Hey what—ugh—what are you doing?” Gilda asked, as a pony tied a blindfold over her eyes.

Before Gilda could react, she was spun around rapidly as she cried out.

“We’re spinning you around and around and then you can pin the tail on the pony,” Pinkie explained. “Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.”

“Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail,” Gilda repeated, mockingly. “Hmph, yeah right. This is another prank, isn’t it? I’m going this way.”

Instead of going ahead, Gilda turned the opposite direction.

“Wait!” Pinkie called out. “The poster is this—”

But it was too late. With Gilda blindfolded, she couldn’t see the leftover blob of spilled frosting and stepped on it.

“Whoa whaa waah waah waaaaah!”

Gilda slid about the floor and right into the kitchen with a loud crash, groaning as she came out. The blindfold was now gone, but her feathers were coated in cake batter and frosting. The purple tail now hung along her beak.

“Uh, Gilda?” Pinkie pointed out. “You pinned the tail on the wrong end.”

Gilda noticed the tail, as the ponies laughed. This time however… Gilda had had enough. She gave a mighty ‘ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!’, screaming loudly, knocking both the tail and the mess on her feathers clean off.

“This is your idea of a good time?” Gilda barked angrily. “I’ve never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie, you!”

She pointed her talon accusingly toward Pinkie, who smiled innocently.

“You are queen lame-o with our weak little party pranks!” Gilda continued. “Did you really think you could make me lose my cool?”

“If this is her mellow side, I’d hate to see her definition of harsh,” Storm muttered sarcastically.

While Storm didn’t believe a word the griffon said, Gilda wrapped a wing over Rainbow. He could see, as Gilda spoke, Rainbow’s face changed from shocked to angry. He couldn’t blame her, especially considering Gilda was supposed to be one of her best friends.

“Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together,” Gilda snarled. “Come on Dash, we’re bailing on this pathetic scene. Come on, Rainbow Dash. I said, we’re leaving.”

Storm was beyond disgusted. It was bad enough a griffin insults every pony, but to go as far as to boss around Rainbow Dash, her best friend… that was just low. One look from Rainbow’s eyes toward Storm’s and the two ponies finally agreed on something.

“You know Gilda,” Rainbow responded sternly. “Iwas the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.”

“What?” Gilda gasped.

“Ooh!” Pinkie gasped quietly.

“Plot twist!” Storm added. “That explains the peppers in the lemon drops.”

“So I guess I’m queen lame-o,” Rainbow finished.

Gilda stood in disbelief, as her friend stood right before Pinkie Pie.

“Come on, Dash, you’re joshing me,” Gilda insisted.

“They weren’t all meant for you specifically,” Rainbow explained. “It was just dumb luck that you set them all off.”

“I shoulda known,” Pinkie said. “That dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.”

“Pinkie Pie,” Storm retorted, rolling his eyes. “We saw her put those candles on the cake.”

“Oh yeah…”

“No way!” Gilda protested, refusing to believe it. “I-It was Pinkie Pie! And her little friend over there!”

“Guilty as charged,” Storm replied smugly.

“She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me!”

“Me?” Pinkie said, swallowing the cake. “I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.”

To prove her point, Pinkie rotated her head from upright to upside down.

“And we knew this party was going to end one of two ways,” Storm added. “Either you’d ditch that bad attitude of yours… OR… you’d prove to be just the mean meanie-mean pants you really are!”

Storm’s eyes widen, as he covered his mouth with a hoof.

“I can’t believe I just said that!” Storm muffled.

“And you sure didn’t need any help making a fool of yourself,” Rainbow continued, as Storm nodded in agreement. “You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my newfriends. If being cool is all you care about, then maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else.”

Gilda was left speechless for a moment or two.

“Rrgh... yeah? Well you, you… you are such a, a flip-flop, cool one minute and lame the next!” Gilda retorted, pointing a talon at Rainbow. “When you decide not to be lame anymore, gimme a call.”

The blue Pegasus was left stunned by the insult, as Gilda left Sugarcube Corner and took off into the air with a bird of prey shriek. And Rainbow just looked on indignantly.

“Not cool,” Rainbow emphasized, not just the insult.

All the other ponies were just as stunned by the griffon’s nasty temperament.

“Wow! Talk about a party pooper,” Spike said.

“What was that about?” Twilight asked.

“Um, what just happened?” A pony named Merry May chimed in.

“Really Awkward,” Another pony said.

As all the ponies began to talk to one another, Rainbow turned to them rather sad.

“I’m sorry every pony,” Rainbow said sadly. “For bringing Gilda here. I didn’t know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie and Storm, I’m really sorry she ruined that awesome party you two put on for her.”

“Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that’s your business,” Pinkie said.

“As long as this means we don’t go to war with the griffons,” Storm chuckled.

But Storm’s laugh was cut short when he noticed all the other parties, especially Twilight Sparkle, stared at him. All at once an awkward silence filled the room.

“…Too soon?” Storm asked.

“You know, I’d rather hang out with you,” Rainbow said, extending a hoof. “No hard feelings?”

“No hard feelings,” Pinkie said, returning the shake.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Apparently, they had tried to prank each other with the hoof-zapper. They revealed them to each other and laughed, as all the other ponies joined in. Twilight Sparkle soon approached them.

“Hey Pinkie,” Twilight said. “Sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks like I’m the one who misjudged you.”

“It’s okay Twilight,” Pinkie replied, wrapping a hoof around her. “Even you can’t be a super smart smarty smart-pants all the time.”

“Well come on, every pony!” Storm called out. “Let’s get this party finished, Ponyville style!”

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down excitedly, as Storm Shield rejoined the other ponies. Twilight Sparkle just looked on, smiling as every pony cheered and went back to just having fun. Already a letter came to mind of which she and Storm would share for the Princess.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, we learned that it’s hard to accept when some pony you like wants to spend time with some pony 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 one who’s true will surely come to light.
Your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield”

<>

Later that evening, Princess Celestia was relaxing in her bedroom as she read the letter. As soon as she got to the end, she immediately went to work on a reply.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield,” She began. “My most faithful students…”

Just then, she noticed her writing disappeared. She turned and realized some pony had placed a fake label on her ink jar. The whole time, she’d been using the disappearing ink by mistake.

“Oh! Heh, wrong ink!” Celestia sighed, chuckling.

Finding the correct ink, Celestia began to redo the letter to her students. How Celestia of all ponies got pranked was any pony’s guess. But one thing about her was absolutely certain: The princess has quite a sense of humor.

Boast Busters

With another research project under their belts, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle busily worked their magical abilities in an attempt to master some minor spells. They only focused on the minor because each spell has one or two effects. They both understand the importance of mastering simple tricks despite already mastering a great deal of advanced magic. Learning as many simple tricks as possible helps build a unicorn’s capability to learn and master the more difficult spells. Storm and Twilight took turns learning these variety of tricks, as Spike and Blaze served as their cheering section.

“Come on Twilight,” Spike cheered, as Twilight got ready. “You can do it!”

Blaze just sat on his perch at Spike’s side, screeching his own support for his master.

“Okay, here goes,” Twilight said.

She proceeds to concentrate, as her horn began to light up. A glowing aurora surrounded the front of Spike’s face. A couple seconds later, a black mustache appears upon his face.

“Ha ha! Ya did it!” Spike said excitedly. “Growing magic, that’s number twenty-five. Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting.”

“Take a bow, Twilight!” Storm added. “You’re amazing!”

Twilight blushed a bit from receiving all this attention.

“And I think this is the best trick so far,” Spike replied.

He admired his new mustache in the mirror, stroking it tenderly.

“Hello, Rarity. What’s that? Aw, it’s nothin’, just my awesome mustache.”

Spike laughed to himself, when suddenly Blaze flew off his perch and swiped the fake mustache off Spike’s lips.

“Hey! Give that back!”

Spike chased Blaze around the library, trying vainly to get his mustache back. Both Storm and Twilight burst out laughing, as they watched the tiny dragon chase the Phoenix all around the library.

“A little help here Storm?” Spike pleaded.

“No way buddy,” Storm shook his head. “Last time I tried taking something from Blaze, he nearly pecked my eye out. Besides, this is just too funny to stop.”

“Sorry Romeo,” Twilight smiled.

“Wait!” Spike protested.

But it was too late, Blaze flew out the open window and well out of reach for the little dragon.

“Aw rats!”

Twilight giggled to herself, while Storm took a moment to ponder.

“Hmm… I wonder how I’d look with one,” Storm thought.

Just then, a mustache appears on his upper lips. Twilight examines him briefly, as Storm turned to her and smiled sheepishly.

“Hmm… nah, it’s not you,” She replied.

“Oh? Well, what if I did this?”

Storm stands before Twilight and Spike, magically conjuring a red painter’s cap and placed it upon his head.

“It’s-a me! Mario! WA-HOO!”

Twilight and Spike exchanged looks before tumbling onto their backs in hard laughter, over Storm’s goofy impression of an Italian (Complete with the accent). Storm found himself laughing along with his friends. Without a doubt, doing magic, especially with Twilight, was always fun.

*Deploy theme song here*

Later that day, Storm, Twilight, and Spike were enjoying a brisk walk through Ponyville. Spike still couldn’t settle down over Twilight and Storm’s achievements.

“Twenty-five, Twilight,” Spike said. “Twenty-five different kinds of tricks and counting. I thought unicorns were only supposed to have a little magic that matches their special talents!”

“True,” Twilight pointed out. “For ponies whose talents are for things like cooking or singing or math. But what if a unicorn’s special talent ismagic?”

“Or they are gifted with strong magical abilities?” Storm added.

“Like you two,” Spike said. “And you both know a ton of magic.”

“Oh Spike, stop it,” Storm replied. “I don’t know everything.”

“I’m sure there are lots of ponies right here in Ponyville that know just as much magic as us,” Twilight added.

“Are you kiddin’?” Spike retorted. “I don’t think there’s another unicorn in all of Equestria with your kind of ability, guys.”

Suddenly, two unicorn colts came charging by. One was short and a tad pudgy, while the other was tall and very skinny. Collectively, they were known as Snips and Snails, two local boys in Ponyville. Before Spike could move, they rammed into the little dragon as they sprinted by. Poor Spike found himself forced to hitch a bumpy ride on Snip’s head.

“Gangway!” Snips shouted. “Comin’ through!”

“Augh! Snips, Snails!” Spike shouted. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Wha, haven’t you heard?” Snails replied, turning towards Spike.

They both made a quick stop, sending Spike flying into the distance.

“Whoa!” Spike grunted, with a crash-landing.

“There’s a new unicorn in town!” Snails told them.

“A new unicorn?” Storm questioned, having caught up.

“Yeah! They say that she’s got more magical powers than any other unicorn ever!” Snips added.

Twilight Sparkle had just caught up with Storm Shield, but when he turned to her he knew she heard just as much as he did.

“Really?” The unicorns asked in unison.

To say they were both a tad insecure was a major understatement.

“Aw, no way, that honor goes to Twilight and Storm here,” Spike pointed out.

The two young colts just looked at them, as Storm and Twilight had a slight blush of embarrassment upon their faces from the praise.

“Where is this unicorn?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Ho, she’s in the town square,” Snails responded. “Come on!”

“Yeah!” Snips said. “Come on! Whooo!”

Twilight, Storm, and Spike exchanged some curious looks before following them. Soon all the other ponies gathered around a large stage that had been set up just outside of town hall. A large curtain completely surrounded part of it.

“Come one, come all!” The unicorn’s voice shouted. “Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

The platform appeared before them all, as the curtain opens revealing a cobalt, blue-coated unicorn wearing a purple wizard’s hat and matching cape.

“Ooh!” The numerous ponies gasped in awe.

Spike pushed a few ponies out of the way, this way he, Twilight, and Storm could get a front row view of Trixie. All their other friends were already there, watching the spectacle before their eyes. But one look at the traveling magician and Storm released a loud groan, as if he knew who she was.

“Oh no!” He muttered. “Not her!”

“You know her?” Twilight asked.

“She’s only one of my biggest bullies back in magic school,” Storm answered bitterly. “That girl would stop at nothing to get under my skin, always making me look dumb… in public.”

“I see, wait…” Twilight paused. “If she used to go to the same magic school as us, how come I’ve never heard of her?”

“She only pestered me when you weren’t around. Apparently, she tried to speak to you once or twice. But you were so absorbed with your studies it doesn’t surprise me you never knew she tried talking to you.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly, as that was precisely what she’d do. During their talk, Trixie continued with her show now that she had every pony’s attention.

“Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!”

As if her bragging wasn’t enough, Trixie conjured a large collection of fireworks to ignite complete with fanfare.

“My, my, my!” Rarity remarked, with an eye roll. “What boasting!”

“Come on,” Spike said annoyingly. “Nopony’s as magical as Twi—Twi—Twi—”

It was then he noticed that Rarity was literally standing inches beside him.

“Oh!” Spike replied, clearing his throat. “Hey Rarity, I… uh… Mustache!”

Spike dashed away from Rarity, who just looked rather clueless.

“There’s nothing wrong with being talented, is there?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Nothin’ at all,” Applejack assured.

Although the annoyed look on her face, especially the way she watched Trixie showed off, that told a different story.

“’cep’n when someone goes around showin’ it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.”

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us,” Rarity added.

“Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us,” Rainbow chuckled, before Applejack gave her a death glare. “Uh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. BOO!”

Rainbow’s boo chant did not go unheard as Trixie faced her direction with a smirk.

“Well, well, well, it seems we have some neighsayers in the audience,” Trixie retorted. “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?”

Storm just shook his head in disgust.

“Good to know you actually grew up, Trixie,” Storm said to himself.

Trixie shifted her head, blinking her eyes. Storm just glared the moment she saw him.

“Storm Shield, long time no see,” Trixie said smugly. “I was wondering what happened to you.”

Few of the ponies actually gasped when they heard Storm knew who she was. A spotlight appeared just over his head, probably one of Trixie’s tricks. Now that all eyes were on him, Storm had no choice but to acknowledge.

“You haven’t changed a bit, Trixie…” Storm said. “So full of yourself… ready to tear apart any pony who doesn’t agree with your… stuck-up point of view.”

“Ha! I’ve become the most powerful unicorn of all time! And what about you? Decided you weren’t good enough for the Princess, that you’d come crying to this tiny town for some pity?”

Storm growled, as the rest of the girls looked rather offended. Rarity gave an indignant raspberry.

“Just who does she think she is?” Rarity asked aloud.

“Yeah!” Spike agreed. “Since we all know that Twilight and Storm here are—”

“Spike! Shhh!” Twilight blurted out.

She practically dragged Spike away from the crowd by the tail.

“What? What’s wrong?” Spike asked curiously, as Twilight let go.

“You see the way they reacted to Trixie?” Twilight pointed out. “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m a show-off.”

“I’m with Twilight about this, Spike,” Storm agreed. “I made that mistake once and it cost me nearly everything! In fact… I’m still paying for that one mistake. Trust me, in a situation like this, it’s better to keep our magical talents to ourselves.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, although she couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty.

“I never meant to rub that in your face,” She said quietly. “About the accident…”

“Don’t!” Storm cut her off. “As far as I’m concerned, I had it coming.”

Twilight Sparkle wanted to protest until more fanfare went off around Trixie. Snips and Snails seemed to be the only ponies impressed, while their friends looked indignant.

“So, ‘Great and Powerful Trixie’,” Rainbow replied sternly. “What makes you think you’re so awesome, anyway?”

“Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded ursa major!”

Trixie launched more of her special fireworks, as the fanfare played, and the explosions displayed an image of herself and the ursa major. The other ponies ‘Oohed’ and ‘Awed’ in amazement. Storm, Twilight, Spike, and their friends remained indignant, refusing to believe anything Trixie said.

“What?” Snips exclaimed.

“No way!” Snails added in amazement.

“When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to,” Trixie explained, theatrically. “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, sweet!” Snips and Snails shout in unison.

“That settles it,” Snips declared.

“Trixie truly is the most talented, most magical, the most awesome unicorn in Ponyville,” Snails added.

“No, in all of Equestria!” Snips finished.

Storm just face-hoofed himself. It was too painful watching ponies, specifically these kids, actually believing Trixie’s tall tales. Even if he expected this to happen during a magic show.

“How do you know?” Spike objected. “You didn’t see it! And besides, Twi—(ZIP) Mmph! M-mmph!”

Twilight Sparkle shushed Spike, by making a zipper appear along the side of his mouth and zipped it shut. Trixie merely laughed.

“It’s true, my enthusiastic little admirers,” Trixie replied. “Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.”

The only response other than dead silence was the chirping of crickets nearby.

“Don’t believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She retorts. “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?!”

Once more, Trixie sets off some fireworks and fanfare. By then, Spike finally managed to unzip his mouth.

“Please! She’s unbearable!” Spike cried, clinging to Twilight’s neck. “You two gotta show her. You just gotta!”

Storm Shield felt sorry for Spike for acting so desperate, but he just couldn’t bring himself to show it.

“Spike, pull yourself together,” Storm said. “She’s a pain, I know. But there’s no reason to shed crocodile tears over her.”

“There’s no way we’re going to use our magic now, Spike,” Twilight added. “Especially since—”

“Hmm, how about you?” Trixie called out.

Twilight Sparkle turned as Trixie approached the front of the stage, her gaze aimed towards ‘her’. Twilight just gulps as the magician stares her down. Storm quickly stands in front of her, bearing an angry stare.

“Leave… her… alone!” Storm demanded.

“Why?” Trixie cooed. “Is she your mare-friend?”

Storm was so busy scowling that he didn’t even notice Twilight shed a little pink on her face. Granted, ‘any’ pony could claim they were an item consider they spend so much time together. Trixie, meanwhile, laughed at Storm’s expense before drawing her attention back to Twilight.

“Well, how about it? Hm?” Trixie challenged. “Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can’t?”

Twilight grew more and more insecure by the second. Even Storm couldn’t make eye-contact with her.

“I—I—” She stuttered.

“That’s it! I can’t stand no more of this!” Applejack retorted.

The farm pony quickly came to Twilight and Storm’s rescue as she walked up toward the stage.

“You show her, A.J.!” Spike cheered.

“Can your magical powers do this?”

Applejack began to show off some of her lasso skills, hopping back and forth through a rope ring. Then she used the rope to grab an apple from a nearby tree. She brought the apple straight towards her mouth and gobbled it down in one bite.

“Whooo!” The ponies cheered.

“Top that, missy!” Applejack challenged.

“Oh ye of little talent,” Trixie replied.

Trixie’s wizard hat began to glow, as she removed it revealing the glowing aura emanating from her horn.

“Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!”

Using her magic, Trixie brought the discarded rope to life. It began to wiggle about like a snake, as she added ‘charmer’ music to boot. Storm refused to admit it, but he was slightly worried.

“Don’t look at the rope AJ,” Storm muttered. “Don’t look at the…”

Unfortunately, Applejack did look, and she appeared charmed by the spectacle.

“Oh boy…” Storm groaned.

But it was too late. Trixie grabbed another rope and proceeded to trip Applejack.

“Whoa! Uh!” Applejack muttered.

The cow pony was so distracted, that Trixie had tied Applejack’s four legs and pinned her upside down. And to add insult to injury, Trixie used her magic to levitate an apple from the tree and stuffed it into Applejack’s mouth. The ponies just laughed as Applejack hopped off the stage in disgrace.

“Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails,” Trixie boasted.

Just then, Rainbow Dash flew right up to her face.

“There’s no need to go struggin’ around and showin’ off like that,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Oh?” Trixie asked indignantly.

“That’s my job!”

Rainbow soon took off into the skies, using the nearby windmill to increase her speed as she flew upward. Blasting through several clouds until Rainbow posed in front of the sun before diving back to the surface. As she did, she used her slipstream to collect the dew from the clouds, spinning about through the windmill once again, and then came to a dead stop before Trixie. As the dew crashed into her, it created a miniature rainbow above her head.

“They don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’ for nothin’!” Rainbow said confidently.

The ponies all gave a loud cheer, but Trixie wasn’t impressed.

“When Trixie is through,” She remarked. ‘The only thing they’ll call you is loser.”

Trixie used her magic to make the rainbow above the Pegasus’ head shift into a multi-colored cyclone.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa-a-a-a!” Rainbow screamed.

The cyan Pegasus spun about and dropped head-first toward the ground, leaving her very dizzy as all the other ponies laughed.

“… I think I’m… gonna be sick…” Rainbow gulped woozily.

“Seems like anypony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie,” The unicorn gloated.

As Applejack, who managed to get out of the ropes, helped the poor Pegasus to her feet, Trixie used her magic to create a small dark cloud above Rainbow…. Which shot a bolt of lightning at Rainbow’s back end.

“Ow!” Rainbow flinched, with a very girly shriek.

The ponies laughing in the audience laughed harder than before, as if this was all part of the show.

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her,” Spike replied, his claws balled into fists. “Someone with some magic of her own.”

Twilight began to feel rather uneasy about the idea, especially where it was going.

“Yeah! A unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss,” Rainbow added, fully recovered.

“A real unicorn to unicorn tussle,” Applejack finished.

Storm and Twilight grew more and more uncomfortable when a certain marshmallow unicorn stood before the two.

“Enough! Enough, all of you,” She said firmly. “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.”

While Storm nodded in agreement, it puzzled him why Rarity was suddenly speaking in third person.

“Ooo, what’s the matter?” Trixie teased. “Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that rat’s nest you call a mane?”

Let this be a warning to those reading: NEVER insult Rarity’s mane.

You will NOT survive… you have been warned.

“Oh, it. Is. On!” Rarity exclaimed fiercely, taking the stage. “You may think you’re tough with all of your so-called powers, but there’s more to magic than brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style.”

Rarity grabs one of the curtains with her horn, spinning the cloth around her before transforming it into a beautiful gown with Rarity’s hair styled in a beautiful done up-do.

“Ooh!” The ponies gapped in amazement.

“A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty,” Rarity concluded, with a pose.

“Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her!” Spike said proudly. “She’s strong, she’s beautiful, she’s—”

POOF!

GASP!

Spike stopped speaking as Trixie used her magic, leaving every pony stunned.

“Quick!” Rarity shouted, panicking. “I need a mirror! Get me a mirror! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!”

“Nothing!” Twilight smiled.

“It’s fine,” Rainbow said plainly.

“It’s gorgeous,” Applejack added.

“Never looked better,” Storm smiled awkwardly.

“It’s green,” Spike said.

The little dragon earned himself not just three, but a ‘fourth’ glare from Storm Shield himself.

“What?”

Rarity looked up and before her eyes what she saw was true. Her dark purple mane had suddenly turned a shade of forest green.

“Ugh, no!” Rarity cried out. ‘Green hair! Not green hair!”

Rarity rushed off the stage, crying through the crowds.

“Such an awful, awful color!” Rarity sobbed.

In her haste, she passed a pony named Golden Harvest. Ironically, she had a mane of the same color.

“Well, I never!” She retorted, walking away.

As the others watched Rarity leave, Storm’s eye twitched in anger. He grit his teeth as he breathed like a winded rhino. In the heat of the moment, Spike approached Twilight.

“Well Twilight, Storm, guess it’s up to you two,” Spike said, despite their hesitant faces. “Come on, show her what you’re made of.”

Several ponies turned toward the two, expecting the pair to give it a shot.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked innocently. “I’m nothing special.”

“Yes, you are!” Spike protested. “You are better than her! Both of you!”

“We’re no better than anyone!”

But despite her protests, the stares from the ponies increased. Even the cobalt unicorn herself stood at the ready.

“Hah! You think you’re better than the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie questioned. “You think you’ve got more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you’ve got. Show us all.”

Storm glared silently, while Twilight felt more and more uncomfortable.

“Who, me?” Twilight responded. “I’m just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. Same with Storm… whose single… and just my best friend.”

“Ooh!” Storm thought sadly. “Right in the heart!”

“No powerful magic here,” Twilight continued. “I, uh… I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.”

Twilight took off suddenly. Storm just glared at Trixie, before shaking his head and following Twilight. All the while, Spike looked on with worry.

“Twilight? Storm?”

“Ha!” Trixie gloated triumphantly. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Huh, was there ever any doubt?”

As the ponies just dispersed to their regular business, Spike looked on toward Storm and Twilight in the middle of the shuffling, troubled by the fact they just ran away. All he could ask to himself is: Why?

<>

A short while later, Trixie stood before her large mirror. She was using her magic to brush her light-blue mane just outside her personal wagon, when someone offered her a drink.

“Here’s the oat smoothie you asked for,” Snips said, offering the drink. “With extra hay, just how you like it.”

Trixie flinched away, and rightfully so. Since the plate carrying the smoothie was served over Snip’s rear end. Snails wasn’t far, as he stood aimlessly nearby.

“Mmm, hay,” Snails said, in a slow zoned-out tone.

Trixie just rolled her eyes toward both of them but accepted the smoothie with a very long sip. She noticed the two unicorn colts were just staring at her, smiling at her. Now she could tolerate having ponies gush over her, but there was only so much she could take.

“Yes?” Trixie asked impatiently.

“Ooo, tell us another story, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips asked, bouncing excitedly.

“Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the ursa major,” Snails asked.

“Guh!” Trixie snorted. “Trixie is far too exhausted from performing feats beyond imagination. Begone with you until morning.

“Oh, of course, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snails groveled, backing away.

“Anything you say,” Snips added, moving back just the same. “We are at your beck and call.

‘Ah’ was all Trixie could say once they left. Snips and Snails continued moving backwards before nearly bumping into Spike.

“What are you two doin’?” Spike asked, with his arms crossed.

“Just bringing’ tehe Gee an’ Pee Tee a—”

“The ‘what’?” Spike asked, cutting off Snips.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips explained proudly.

“Sheesh!” Spike muttered, rolling his eyes.

Wow, Storm was right about how pathetic it looks when ponies actually think she’s ‘great’.

“Just bringin’ her a smooth,” Snips said.

“How can you fall for her lameness?” Spike retorted, waving his arms. “She’s just a show-off. Unlike Twilight and Storm, who—”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie vanquished an ursa major,” Snips interrupted, leaning in Spike’s face. “Can your Twilight and Storm claim that?”

“Oh really? Were you guys actually there?”

“Well, eh, uh… no,” Snips stuttered, exchanging looks with Snails. “But…”

“But nothin’!” Spike snapped. “The proof is in the pudding.”

“I like pudding,” Snails laughed.

Suffice to say, Spike was more annoyed than amused.

“Look, unless an ursa major comes waltzing up the street for Trixie to vanquish, I am not gonna believe a word she says, and neither should you!”

It was then Snips began to think about the possibility as to whatever the little dragon said is true.

“Hm, an ursa walkin’ up the street, hey?” He pondered aloud. “Snails! You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”

“Why is it they call it a flea market when they don’t sell fleas?” Snails asked, in his usual tone.

“Yeah, uh…”

Snips realized that wasn’t even close to what he was talking about.

“Oh, come on!”

Soon the two colts took off, as Spike just watched them disappear before returning to the library.

<>

In the library, Storm and Twilight were actually reading from the same book when Spike arrived.

“Storm, Twilight, would you two put down that book and just to listen to me?” Spike retorted.

“Didn’t you see how they hated Trixie’s bragging, Spike?” Twilight pointed out. “If we go out there and show off our magic…”

“… we run the risk of losing them as friends,” Storm finished. “Nothing is worth that.”

Twilight gave him a sympathetic look before resuming her reading.

“It’s not the same thing, you guys,” Spike insists. “You’ll be using your magic to stand up for your friends.”

“No, Spike, it’s exactly the same,” Twilight shot back.

“There’s no point in stooping down to her level,” Storm said. “I admit most of her magic quips were humiliating, but nothing that needed us to intervene. Okay, maybe Rarity’s case… poor girl was so upset before I finally restored her mane to her original color… but the point is… we don’t need to fight fire with fire. Or this case, ‘magic’ with ‘magic’.”

“Come on, guys,” Spike said. “Any one of these tricks, even the teeniest, would be enough to show up Trixie.”

“I don’t want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie!” Storm and Twilight shouted together.

They both conjured a door frame with a door and slammed it shut on Spike’s waste. The little dragon wasted no time reopening it.

“But you’re the best!” Spike protest.

“Uh! Please, Spike, I said no!” Twilight snapped.

“And that is final!” Storm added sternly.

“If that’s the way you want to be, then fine!” Spike sighed. “Maybe Trixie was right about one thing: You two belong together!”

He slammed the door shut, while Storm and Twilight looked unamused since the door he slammed didn’t ‘really’ shut them out or lead anywhere. Spike, realizing this, reopened the door and slowly made his way back outside without another word. Storm and Twilight just watch him leave before sighing to each other sadly.

“He just doesn’t get it,” Storm muttered, continuing his reading.

Twilight, on the other hoof, look worried. She just couldn’t keep quiet about this issue any longer.

“Storm?” She asked quietly.

“Yeah?” He asked, turning a page.

“What really happened all those years ago? I want to know.”

Storm turned to her with a blank expression.

“Why does it matter?” Storm asked. “It won’t change anything; besides, you were right about me.”

Twilight looked sadly toward him.

“Storm, I know I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I’m sorry I never tried asking if you were okay or tried to help you after that. I just don’t understand how you know what it’s like to show off and lose friends because of it.”

“I don’t really wanna…”

Storm just lifted his book when Twilight’s aura dropped the book down and he stopped. He found himself staring into the large eyes of his best friend.

“I want to know what happened,” Twilight urged sadly. “I don’t know the whole story, but I do know you’re still hurting over it. I didn’t help you back then but let me help you now. Please?”

Storm stared at her for a few minutes, before releasing a large sigh and discarded the book.

“Alright… I’ll tell you…”

For the rest of the afternoon, Storm shared the entire story to Twilight. To her credit, she did a great job of hearing him out while doing her research and she even shared a hug with him when he cried. Storm had to admit it felt better to finally tell someone face-to-face rather than jotting the painful memories in a journal. Just to feel Twilight’s arms around him was helpful in his opinion. Still, he was very reluctant to show off his magical talents… and so was Twilight.

<>

By nightfall, two young colts wandered the Everfree Forest. They were apparently in search for something when they stumbled upon a cave and found themselves in complete darkness.

“Oh, how we gonna find an ursa major when I can’t even see my own hoof in front of my face?” Snips asked annoyed.

“Hold on,” Snails said.

The lanky pony grunted as tried lighting his horn. After a few false starts, he finally managed to keep his horn lit.

“Oh, heh. That’s better.”

The two boys turned behind them when they saw what appeared to be a large bear-like creature coated in a celestial pattern. Apparently, they were seeking an ursa major… instead, they just woke it up. The beast uttered a loud growl towards the colts.

“YAAAH!” Snails and Snips screamed.

They took off as fast as their four legs could take them, while the ursa pursued them with a mighty roar.

As it just happened, Spike was just outside the forest kicking a small pebble across the path. All of a sudden, Snips and Snails came rushing by, screaming.

“Hey, guys, where ya goin’?” Spike asked curiously.

“Can’t talk now,” Snips replied, breathing hard and still running.

“Got a major problem!” Snails called out.

“Yeah, ursa major, to be exact,” Snips said.

As the colts disappeared, Spike stood there puzzled when he heard a loud roar.

“Huh?” Spike exclaimed.

He looked up and his face turned to fright at the sight of the celestial bear coming his way. Spike took off running, trying to catch up with his two friends while the ursa roared.

“TRIXIE!” Snips and Snails screamed.

“TWILIGHT!” Spike screamed behind them. “STORM!”

Within record time, the two colts arrived at Trixie’s wagon, banging on her door frantically.

“Trixie!” They continued to change.

After a few heavy knocks, the unicorn opened the top half of the door.

“Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!” She grumbled.

“We-We have a-a tiny problem,” Snips replied, chuckling nervously.

“Actually, it’s a big one,” Snails corrected.

“What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?”

A loud roar caught her attention and she saw the ursa break its way through the tears before her in the distance. Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs, taking off for dear life. Snips and Snails were stunned for a second before taking off as well, while the ursa used its paw to smash Trixie’s wagon to bits. Spike managed to reach the library a little after the two colts spoke with Trixie.

“Twilight! Storm!” Spike panicked. “You gotta come! Quick!”

“I already told you, Spike!” Twilight retorted. “I don’t want to show up Trixie!”

“So drop it!” Storm added sternly.

“No, you don’t understand,” Spike said frantically. “It’s—”

ROAR!

That got Twilight and Storm’s attention.

“Uh, is that what I think it is?” Twilight asked worried.

“I think it is,” Storm replied with dread.

“Majorly,” Spike added wearily.

<>

Meanwhile, the ursa managed to pursue Trixie, Snips, and Snails and backed them towards a nearby house. They were all fearing for their lives when Snips remembered something.

“Great and Powerful Trixie, you’ve got to vanquish the ursa,” Snips said.

“Yeah, vanquish it so we can watch,” Snails said.

Trixie was rather aghast at their request when it suddenly came to her.

“Wait, you brought this here?” Trixie gasped angrily. “Are you out of your little pony minds?”

“But you’re the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Snips protested.

“Yeah, remember?” Snails said. “You defeated an ursa major.”

The ursa roared at Trixie, the very sight of the beast made her gulp.

“Uh, okay,” Trixie said nervously. “Stand back.”

Using her horn, she summoned the rope and attempted to use her snake charmer trick on the ursa. She then bound what appeared to be two of its legs before smiling.

“Heh, piece of cake,” Trixie said smugly.

Until the ursa showed Trixie had only succeeded in binding two of its front fingers together and broke the rope with ease.

“Aw, come on, Trixie!” Snips whined.

“Stop goofin’ around and vanquish it, eh?” Snails added.

Growing more nervous, Trixie tried to summon her thunder cloud again. It seemed she was creating a massive storm… until you backed away and found the cloud was no bigger than the cloud she summoned against Rainbow. Trixie just gasped and gulping, and she’d e lucky if that even tickled the creature.

“Well, that was a dud,” Snails said bluntly.

“Yeah, pfft, come on!” Snips said impatiently. “Where’s all the cool explosions and smoke and stuff like earlier? You know.”

Trixie said nothing as her little cloud finally cracked a lightning bolt, leaving a burnt mark upon the side of the ursa’s back end.

“Uh oh,” Trixie squeaked.

The ursa gave a loud roar, sending the trio screaming and running for their lives. The ursa’s roaring woke all the other ponies living nearby. Many of them gasped at the sight as an ursa tore off a nearby roof, sending ponies scattering in fear. Storm and Twilight arrived on the scene just in time running right into Trixie and the colts.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“We brought an ursa to town,” Snips said plainly.

“You what?!” Twilight exclaimed, shocked.

“Don’t worry, the Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it!” Snails replied excitedly.

“Seriously?!” Storm grunted angrily. “When the brains were passed out, apparently you two forgot to take a number!”

“Heh… yeah we did,” Snails chuckled.

The fact Snails even answered that question so casually only proved Storm’s point, while Twilight looked unamused. Trixie hadn’t heard, having kept quiet during the whole moment.

“I can’t,” Trixie admitted sadly.

“WHAT?!” Snips and Snails exclaimed.

“Oh, I can’t, I never have!” Trixie confessed. “No one can vanquish an ursa major. I just made the story up to make me look better.”

“Made it up?!” Snips and Snails exclaimed.

“Wow, what a surprise,” Storm muttered.

Then the ursa gave a loud growl, roaring as it appeared above a house in the distance. Storm and Twilight looked uneasily, as the other ponies gasped fearfully. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow were now in the crowd. Storm and Twilight turned toward each other, before Spike makes a gesture for them to do something. Storm gave out a loud huff.

“We don’t have a choice,” Storm spoke, turning to Twilight. “I’ll lure it here with the number twenty six. Then together, we deal with it.”

Storm made to approach it, but Twilight grabbed his tail pulling him back.

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight protested. “You can’t face that thing alone!”

“Yes I can,” Storm said. “Trust me. Number twenty six will keep me safe, while I lure it in range.”

Staring at the firm look on Storm’s face, Twilight sighed.

“Okay,” She said bravely.

But she didn’t the fact she was nervous nor the confusion over what number twenty six even was. Storm slowly made his way towards the ursa, while their friends watch from nearby.

“Wut in Celestia does Storm think he’s doin’?” Applejack asked curiously.

Once Storm was just a hair away from getting swiped, he pulled out a cookie in the shape of a star.

“How can he eat cookies at a time like this?!” Rainbow asked in shock.

Storm didn’t listen, as he used his horn to generate a spark causing the cookie to glow. By now, the ursa major had seen him. Storm quickly ate the cookie in one bite, as the ursa raised its paw to strike until…

*Insert Invincibility tune here*

Storm’s outer body began to glow a bright yellow with a slight flicker, generating an endless supply of sparkles. Storm slowly moved towards Twilight, as the ursa followed. It made occasional strikes, but its attacks were blocked, preventing Storm from being hurt or knocked back. The others stare in shock, while Rainbow’s jaw literally hit the ground.

“Oh wow!” Spike exclaimed. “The Invincibility spell! Storm’s been trying to perfect that move for years!”

Twilight was too surprised and too worried to reply, not knowing how long the invincibility would last. Storm too knew the spell was short-lived, as he’d been keeping track of the magic’s energy. He paced himself so he had enough time to get out of range right when the magic began to deplete.

“Four… three… two… one!” Storm called out.

Just as the invincibility wore off, Storm skillfully rolled into a one-eighty as he uncurled out of his ball and stopped beside Twilight. Now they stood, ready to deal with the ursa head on. Twilight gulped as she and Storm slowly got close to the ursa. Then they made their horns glow, their magic creating a small gust of wind that spread about the outskirts of town, generating a a soft, soothing melody that seemed to calm the ursa.

“Nice use of number sixteen,” Spike said, clearly impressed.

Storm and Twilight began to sweat as they kept the melody playing and proceed to remove a nearby water tank from its stand. They removed the water and slowly guided the tank through a nearby barn. Twilight kept the tank steady, as Storm used his magic to collect fresh milk from the cows, who mooed in surprised as they were magically milked, and their contents placed inside the tank.

“Golly, don’t cha know?” A random cow said.

When the tank was filled with fresh milk, Twilight created a rubber suction top to turn the tank into a giant bottle of milk.

“That’s new,” Spike remarked.

A metal clank indicated the tank had arrived, while Storm and Twilight groaned from all the multi-tasking. Despite sweating more profusely, they used their magic to lift the ursa into the air. Shifting it into a cradle position, they offered the giant milk bottle to the ursa, who drank it peacefully. Then, they slowly but surely transported the ursa back to its cave where it belonged.

Once it had been set down, Storm and Twilight released a long exhausted sigh as they tried to catch their breath. They were both tired yet triumphant. Just then, all the ponies cheered for them.

“Unbelievable!” Rainbow said.

“That was amazing!” Spike added.

“Heavens to Betsy!” Applejack said. “We knew you two had ability, but not that much.”

Twilight and Storm just looked rather sad.

“I’m sorry. Please, please don’t hate us,” Twilight plead.

“Hate you?” Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity asked together.

“Why, whatever do you mean, darlings?” Rarity asked puzzled.

“Well, I know how much you all hate Trixie’s showing off with her magic tricks,” Twilight explained. “And we just thought…”

“After my accident…” Storm stumbled. “I… I didn’t want to risk losing my friends because of my… talents… I know the invincibility spell was a little flashy, but… I had to protect my…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Rainbow cut them off. “Magic’s got nothing to do with it… or having a ton of talent. Trixie’s just a loudmouth.”

“Most unpleasant,” Rarity added.

“All hat and no cattle,” Applejack said.

“So, you don’t mind our magic tricks?” Twilight asked.

“Your magic is part of who you are, sugarcubes,” Applejack said. “And we like who you are. We’re proud to have susch powerful, talent unicorns as friends.”

“And after whuppin’ that ursa’s hindquarters, we’re even prouder,” Rainbow added.

“You are?” Storm and Twilight said together.

“Uh-huh,” Rainbow nodded.

“Mm-hmm,” Applejack and Rarity nodded.

Seeing that their friends appreciate the two as they are, Storm and Twilight rewarded their praise with warm smiles.

“Wow, Twilight, how’d you know what to do with that ursa major?” Spike asked.

“That was what we were doing when you came looking for us,” Twilight explained. “We were so intrigued by Trixie’s bragging that we were compelled to do a little reading up on them.”

“Guess you can say it pays to do your homework,” Storm added, rubbing the back of his mane.

“So it is possible to vanquish an ursa major all by yourselves?” Spike asked.

“That wasn’t an ursa major,” Twilight replied.

“It was a baby, an ursa minor,” Storm corrected.

“That was just a baby?” Trixie exclaimed in shock.

“And it wasn’t rampaging,” Twilight continued. “It was just cranky because someone woke it up.”

Twilight and Storm gave two particular young colts a glare. One look and they realized, they were in deep trouble.

“Awww…” They muttered sheepishly.

“Well, if that was an ursa minor,” Spike thought. “Then what’s an ursa major like?”

Storm and Twilight thought deeply to themselves. When they were moving the ursa minor, they actually deposited the baby into its parent’s lap, which was about twenty times the size of the baby.

“You don’t wanna know,” Storm and Twilight with a smirk.

“Huh!” Trixie snorted, pointing a hoof at them. “You may have vanquished an ursa minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

She then turned toward Storm Shield, who returns her attention with a frown.

“And you, Storm Shield!” Trixie pointed out. “You may have beaten Trixie this time. But one of these days you’ll see Trixie again. And next time, victory will belong… to Trixie!”

Trixie dropped a smoke bomb for a disappearing act. But she ended up tripping, and every pony could see her running away as the smoke disappeared.

“Why, that little…” Rainbow growled.

Rainbow was about to take off after her when Twilight held her back by the tail. By then Trixie ran far away from Ponyville, deep into the distance.

“Just let her go,” Twilight said. “Maybe someday she’ll learn her lesson.”

“I hope so, Twilight,” Storm sighed. “In all the years I’ve known her, Trixie never admitted to her mistakes.”

“We can only hope,” Twilight nodded, turning towards the young colts. “Now, about you two.”

The two young unicorns just chuckled to each other nervously.

“Ah,” Snips chuckled sheepishly. “Uh, we’re sorry that we woke up the ursa minor.”

“We just wanted to see some awesome magic,” Snails added.

“Yeah!” Snips added. “And the way you vanquished that ursa minor was awesome!”

Storm and Twilight just looked sternly at them, the two colts slouch in defeat.

“We deserve whatever punishment you give us,” Snails conceded sadly.

“For starters, you can clean up this mess,” Twilight pointed out.

Storm examined Trixie’s destroyed, abandoned cart as Storm held up a piece with his magic.

“And… What do you think, Spike? Storm? Should I give them number twenty five?”

Storm turned around, as Spike turned towards his friend. Storm nods silently in agreement and Spike winks an eye before facing Twilight.

“Oh, twenty five! Yes!” Spike nodded. “And I think I deserve it, too.”

“Heah?” Snips and Snails said, confused as Spike stood beside them.

“I think you’re right,” Twilight smirked.

She turns toward Storm Shield, who extends a hoof to let her do her thing. Twilight then made her horn glow, as she produced a thick black mustache on all their faces.

"Swwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!" The three boys said together.

Storm and Twilight chuckled to each other, before slapping their hooves together. Just then, Rainbow Dash and their other friends approached the pair.

“Yo Storm, about that little ‘accident’ you mentioned,” Rainbow spoke. “You care to fill us in on that? Or you going to leave us guessing?”

Storm Shield sighed before turning towards Twilight, who silently nods assuring they can handle it.

“Well…” Storm began. “Where do I start…”

The rest of the night, Storm retold the same story he told Twilight to their friends regarding the accident. Even though they didn’t understand the full extent of the story and while the rest of Ponyville were in the dark, Storm was very grateful for their sympathy. Of course, he did have to listen to Rainbow brag about how awesome his invincibility spell was until Rarity and Applejack practically dragged her away. Still, to have such caring friends, Storm couldn’t ask for any better.

<>

By next morning, most of the damager had been cleared away only now the two colts had to make some repairs to some broken rooftops. Meanwhile, Storm and Twilight were back in the library along the upper floor, as Twilight prepared their letter to Princess Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
We have learned a very valuable lesson about friendship: We were so afraid of being thought of as show-offs that we were hiding a part of who we are. Our friends helped us 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.”

Twilight had just finished signing the letter, as their friend Spike reached the top of the stairs.

“So, you finally admit that you two are the most talented unicorns in all of Ponyville?” Spike asked.

“Well, yeah,” Twilight said modestly.

“But it’s nothing to brag about,” Storm added. “At the end, we’re just regular ponies like all the others.”

“So, uh, how did it go with Rarity?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Eh, she didn’t go for the mustache,” Spike said, feeling rejected.

“You know Spike,” Twilight pointed out. “That mustache has nothing to do with who you really are. Maybe you should just try to be yourself.”

“Or… Maybe the mustache wasn’t enough,” Spike thought aloud. “Maybe if I had a mustache and a beard?”

“Uh, not this again!” Twilight groaned exasperated.

“Oh brother…” Storm agreed with an eye roll.

“Okay, imagine me with a nice, long, Fu Manchu type beard,” Spike explained. “Or maybe a goatee. Oh, no, a soul patch right on my chin!”

“Take my advice, Spike,” Storm interrupted. “Girls these days, they like their colts, or dragons, clean shaved.”

Storm then turns her attention back to Twilight, who went back to her reading. A smile forms on his face as he lets his mind wander.

“At least Twilight does…”

Dragonshy

Somewhere outside the Everfree Forest, one can find an adorable little tree house stationed along a small creek. It is at this little residence the sweetest, most gentle pony called home. This would be Fluttershy. Now some would ask: Why would such a shy, timid Pegasus live so far outside of Ponyville? Especially near such a dangerous forest?

It all has to do with her animal friends, this way Fluttershy is never alone. For her little tree house doubles as a miniature animal shelter, where critters of all shapes and sizes visit her for food, shelter, injuries, or just to spend time with her. Of course, she has her share of permanent members of her household too.

At this moment, Fluttershy busily tended to some of the nearby animals, even spitting out some worms for the nearby birds in her trees. It was then she noticed her little bunny Angel gobbling down his carrot. Angel was quite unique compared to other bunnies. He didn’t mind trying to make himself heard and he was very smart. But at times, he was also slightly… actually very spoiled. And he had no problem showing it either.

“Not too fast now, Angel Bunny,” Fluttershy said, approaching him. “You don’t wanna get a tummy ache.”

Fluttershy chuckled to herself, as Angel stopped eating and looked at her indignantly.

“You really should eat more than that, don’t you think?” Fluttershy suggested.

Angel just looked at the carrot and took off running… or hopping in his case.

“It’s not play time yet.”

Fluttershy flew above him, just managing to catch up.

“I know you want to run but…” Fluttershy said gently, setting the carrot down. “Just three more bites.”

Angel just crossed his arms, pouting at the Pegasus mare.

“Two more bites? One more bite? Pretty please?”

Fluttershy leaned her face close to Angel’s, whose only reply was kicking the carrot farther away from him and hopped away. Fluttershy just sighed to herself, before hearing Angel coughing.

“Oh, goodness,” Fluttershy said worriedly. “Are you okay?”

Angel just coughed again.

“Are you coughing because there’s a carrot stuck in your throat?”

Angel coughed again, glaring afterward.

“Because you need some water?” Fluttershy guessed.

Angel gave a very loud, very definitive cough. He pointed a paw upwards, Fluttershy facing his direction and gasped.

“Because of that giant cloud of scary black smoke?”

The fearful Fluttershy felt the back of her head nailed by the recently kicked, unfinished carrot.

“I’ll take that as a… yes,” Fluttershy sighed, defeated.

Angel just continued to glare at her annoyingly. It is times like this Angel Bunny can truly be quite a brat.

*Deploy Theme Song here*

In the Ponyville park, several ponies conversed with each other. Just then, Fluttershy raced about trying to give warning about the oncoming black cloud in the sky.

“Help. Help! Please?” Fluttershy called out.

Unfortunately, her soft tone could barely get any pony’s attention much less any pony who can hear her.

“There’s-there’s a horrible cloud of smoke. It’s headed this way and… EEEK!”

Fluttershy shrieked when a pony suddenly popped in front of her, a ball bouncing up and down her head.

“Don’t be such a scaredy-pony,” Rainbow said, bouncing the ball. “It’s just me, future Equestria ball-bouncing record holder… three forty six, three forty seven…”

“This calls for a celebration!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Oh no, Pinkie Pie, this is no time for a celebration,” Fluttershy said worriedly. “This is time for panic, for—”

“Ooo! I’m going to need balloons!” Pinkie continued, not hearing Fluttershy at all. “One for every pony in Ponyville!”

“There’s-there’s smoke,” Fluttershy tried to explain. “And-and where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And—”

Fluttershy’s words fell on deaf ears, as Rainbow kept bouncing her ball and Pinkie got ready to count some ponies.

“Let’s see,” Pinkie observed.

Pinkie pointed her hoof to count the ponies in the park, each one looked up at her as she counted them aloud. Many of whom Pinkie Pie is most familiar with.

“That’s one, two, three, four…”

“Three hundred fifty four…” Rainbow continued.

“… five, six…” Pinkie counted at the same time.

“Three hundred fifty five, no, wait…”

Pinkie’s counting caused Rainbow Dash to lose her concentration and she lost control of the ball.

“Seven…” Pinkie counted.

“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow bellowed. “Now I have to start over.”

Pinkie smiled apologetically, as Rainbow glared at her.

“We’re all going to have to start over, in a new village,” Fluttershy pointed out. “’Cause ours is gonna be—”

Poor Fluttershy couldn’t get any pony to listen to her, as Rainbow stomped away without another word.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash, wait up!” Pinkie called out.

The pink party pony followed the blue Pegasus, leaving Fluttershy behind, defeated and completely ignored.

“Oh, please, this is an emergency,” Fluttershy plead to the other ponies. “I-I need everypony to—”

“Listen up!” A voice yelled in the distance.

Every pony stopped chattered and faced the direction of the voice. There upon the bridge stood Twilight Sparkle, with Storm Shield standing beside her. Both unicorns had very serious looks on their faces.

“Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria!” Twilight declared.

“What? Oh no! That’s awful!” The ponies said worriedly.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to—” Fluttershy began.

But since Fluttershy was in the very back of the crowd, her soft voice still couldn’t be heard.

“But don’t worry,” Twilight continued, unintentionally cutting Fluttershy off. “Storm and I have just received a letter from Princess Celestia, informing us that it is not from a fire.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Fluttershy said with relief.

“It’s coming from a dragon,” Storm said.

The other ponies gasped, while Fluttershy stiffened.

“A… d-dragon?” She sputtered fearfully.

<>

It wasn’t long before the seven friends gathered inside the Great Oak Library.

“What in the name of all things cinnamon swirled is a full-grown dragon doing here in Equestria?” Applejack asked.

“Sleeping,” Twilight answered plainly.

As she shuffled through her books, the other faces faced her in confusion.

“Huh?”

Twilight proceeds to place another book into some saddle bags.

“According to Princess Celestia,” Twilight explained. “He’s taking a nap. His snoring is what’s causing all the smoke.”

“He should really see a doctor,” Pinkie told the others. “That doesn’t sound healthy at all.”

“Well, at least he’s not snoring fire,” Rarity said, trying to be positive. “What are we meant to do about it?”

“I’ll tell you what we’re meant to do,” Rainbow said. “Give him the boot. Take that. And that!”

Rainbow began to punch and jab about, nearly smashing a nearby horse-head bust Twilight positioned on a pedestal. She used her magic to move it out of harm’s way, as Rainbow tried to dive right at it. Rainbow ended up crashing upside down near one of the bookshelves. Twilight stood over the now dazed Pegasus.

“We need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else,” Twilight corrected.

Rainbow recovered long enough to salute with a wing, as Twilight continued.

“Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail. If we do, Equestria will be covered in smoke for the next one hundred years.”

Fluttershy gasped.

“Hmph, talk about getting your beauty sleep,” Rarity remarked.

“Like it would make a difference,” Storm muttered.

“All right everypony, I need you to gather supplies quickly,” Twilight instructed. “We’ve got a long journey ahead of us. Let’s meet back here in less than an hour.

“Okay, girls…” Rainbow replied excitedly, holding Pinkie and Rarity.

“Ahem…”

“… and extra,” Rainbow remarked, making Storm snort. “You heard her. The fate of Equestria is in our hooves. Do we have what it takes?”

Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity gave confirmation that they did, standing on their hind legs before marching out of the library one by one. Of course, Rainbow flew out and Fluttershy was the last to leave.

“Um, actually…” Fluttershy spoke nervously.

But no pony paid attention to her… except for one.

“Something wrong Flutters?” Storm asked gently.

Fluttershy gave a timid squeak before leaving the library without another word. Storm, worried about her, decided that he was going to share a word with the yellow Pegasus as soon as he could.

“Wonder what’s up with her?” He muttered.

<>

In the meantime, all the other ponies spent the time getting ready.

Rainbow headed straight for her condominium, sticking her front hooves into the streams of rainbow-colored water which flowed around her living space. She proceeded to pain her face with the smear of rainbow.

“Raah!” She cried out, striking a pose.

Applejack had her family gather supplies into her saddle bags. Big Mac helped set them upon her back. While they were heavy, Applejack was prepped for action.

“Yaaa!” She cried out, with her own pose.

Pinkie came out of Sugarcube Corner, her saddlebags fully loaded… with party streamers that made her bags pop whistle. Pinkie laughed before recomposing herself.

“Oh, I mean, grrr!” Pinkie spoke, trying her own intimidating pose.

At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity finished packing and placed an army style camouflage hat upon her head. She just walked by the mirror when she saw the hat and made a face.

“Ewww!” She muttered.

Rarity swapped it for a floppy hat style camouflage hat.

“Much better. Onward!”

Fluttershy timidly left her home wearing hockey gear. She barely opened her door and crawled outside when it slammed shut behind her. Sadly, her pose was of her jumping in complete fear.

The six girls stood side by side with a colored backdrop in their respective poses. Benath them all a speaker appeared, some pony sitting on a chasse lounge sofa, but angled so his face is completely concealed.

“Okay girls,” The voice spoke. “We’ve got a mission. Find that dragon and stop him from smoking Equestria. Good luck ponies!”

“Hold on a second!” Rainbow said, recognizing the voice. “Storm! What in Equestria are you doing?”

His angle then showed it’s indeed Storm sitting on the chasse lounge sofa using the aura of his horn to hold up a microphone.

“What?” Storm replied. “Just getting into character.”

“Who said you’re in charge of this mission?” Rarity asked. “And who said you could be in charge of us?”

“Hey! I’m not that kind of stallion,” Storm retorted. “Besides, why can’t I be the leader for once?”

“No offense, sugarcube,” Applejack added. “But you’re more of a ‘Bosley’ than a ‘Charlie’.”

The others, minus Fluttershy, snickered while Storm crossed his fore-legs indignantly.

“Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm!” Storm chuckled sarcastically. “Thanks a lot, Farrah.”

“Let’s go!” Applejack said.

She and the other girls zipped away from their backdrops, all except for Fluttershy.

“Um, let’s… not?” Fluttershy remarked, with a light squeak.

The above backdrops disappear leaving Storm pouting on his chasse until Twilight appeared beside him.

“If you’re done goofing around, we need to get going!” Twilight told him.

“I love it when a plan comes together,” Storm sighed, with an eye roll.

<>

A short while later, every pony stood packed up and ready to go. They stood side by side in formation before Twilight Sparkle.

“All right girls, Storm, listen up,” Twilight said. “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 sputted.

She noticed a very tall mountain in the distance, the source of where the smoke was coming from.

“The dragon is in that cave at the very top,” Twilight explained.

“Looks pretty cold up there,” Applejack observed.

“You bet it is,” Rainbow said. “The higher you go, the chillier it gets.

“Good thing I brought my scarf,” Rarity said.

She pulled out a pink scarf, wrapping it around her neck.

“Ooo! Pretty!” Pinkie gaped in awe.

“Heh, oh yeah,” Rainbow replied sarcastically. “That’ll keep you nice and cozy.”

“Hence why I brought my aviator’s jacket,” Storm spoke, pulling it out.

“Ooo!” Rarity exclaimed. “A genuine Cloudsdale couture! Where’d you get it?”

“Birthday present from mom last year,” Storm answered. “It’s made for these type of situations.”

“How do you fit that big ol’ thing in yer saddle bag?” Applejack asked curiously.

“I have my ways,” Storm smirked.

He placed the jacket gently inside his bag, then pulled it back out with ease.

“Check it out, Rarity. Wrinkle free!”

“Storm, you continue to amaze me!” Rarity sighed.

Applejack and Rainbow rolled their eyes, of course that would impress Rarity.

“And I know for super-duper sure Twilight would be impressed!” Pinkie mocked.

Storm blushed and rolled his eyes while the three girls snickered. Meanwhile, Twilight was charting their course while Fluttershy gulped before attempting to voice her concerns.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight?” Fluttershy said timidly. “I know you’re busy but…”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight said. “Well, we could go this way.”

Twilight’s tone sounded as if she wasn’t really listening. Not that she meant too, but the unicorn was too focused on the map to hear what Fluttershy had to say. Nevertheless, the Pegasus kept trying.

“But if I could just have a second…”

“Uh-huh… no, we want to avoid that.”

“So, um, I was thinking that, um, maybe I should just stay here in Ponyville.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh! Good. I’ll stay here and—”

“Wait!” Twilight called out.

Realizing her mistake, Twilight saw Fluttershy trying to leave.

“You have to come! Your way with wild animals will surely come in handy.”

“I don’t think I—” Fluttershy objected.

“Oh, and don’t worry about your little friends in the meadow,” Twilight added. “Spike’s got it covered while you’re gone.”

Spike appeared next to her with Angel on his head and several tiny animals surrounding him.

“You can count on me!” Spike said confidently.

In response, Angel rudely slammed his foot on Spike’s head, making all the other animals scatter.

“Oooh! Hey! Hey! Wait!”

Seeing this display, Fluttershy was more uncertain about going than ever.

“I don’t think he’s up to the task,” Fluttershy replied nervously.

Twilight didn’t seem worried despite Spike’s display of chaos. Storm remembered that he wanted to talk to Fluttershy. He was about to speak up when Rainbow hovered next to Twilight.

“Are you sure you want Fluttershy to come along?” Rainbow whispered. “I mean, that pony’s afraid of her own shadow. She’s just going to slow us down.”

Storm looked toward Rainbow Dash indignantly.

“Oh, she’s just a little nervous,” Twilight said. “Once we get going, I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“Of course she will,” Storm added, in Fluttershy’s defense. “She had no problem with the Everfree Forest and Nightmare Moon. Being timid is not a bad thing.”

Then Fluttershy, seeing her shadow, squealed and dove into a nearby bush to hide. Twilight looked indignant, as Rainbow smirked as if silently suggesting she was right. Storm gave her a discreet growl at her before walking away.

Fluttershy, meanwhile, sighed sadly to herself and lowered her head to the ground. She feels a hoof around her and looked up towards the smiling gaze courtesy of Storm Shield himself.

“Don’t you worry Flutters, I won’t let anything happen to you,” He assured her. “Since we met, I’ve always thought of you as a little sister. And as your honorary big brother, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe during this trip.”

Fluttershy actually dawned a faint yet sincere smile as she looked toward Storm.

“You really mean that?” She asked.

“Of course I do,” Storm nodded.

“Alright girls, Storm,” Twilight called. “Move out!”

Every pony charged forward, with poor Fluttershy directly in their way.

“But… but…” Fluttershy stuttered.

Before anymore could be said, Fluttershy was scooped off the ground by the other five mares as they headed up the mountain. Fluttershy screamed in terror as she bounced about the top of the pony pack. She then bounced off and screamed again expecting to hit the ground.

“Oomph,” She grunted.

It was then she found she had landed on Storm’s back.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy,” Storm said, pacing behind the group. “You’re going to be okay. Big brother is taking care of you; hold on tight!”

Fluttershy whimpered before wrapping her front hooves around his neck a little too tightly.

“Easy there, big brother’s gotta breath!” Storm strained, as Fluttershy loosened her grip. “Thank you… now hang on! I’m about to pick up the pace!”

Fluttershy shut her eyes as Storm sped up a bit, zooming right past the other girls.

“See ya! Wouldn’t wanna be yah!” Storm retorted, speeding by.

“Oh, it’s on!” Rainbow said, taking off into the skies.

As they raced forward, Storm raised his head into the air and gave a sniff. He quickly plugged his nose with his hoof as if he’d smelled something terrible.

“Smell ya, shouldn’t have to tell ya!” He joked, laughing playfully.

The other ponies increased their speed as well, a little race to boost their morale before the big confrontation.

<>

After a lengthy run, the whole team arrived at the base of the mountain. Suddenly, every pony heard a loud roaring so great the whole ground rumbled. Fluttershy gasped, ducking behind Applejack.

“Whoa,” Rainbow spoke. “What was that?”

“That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores,” Twilight answered.

“A full grown dragon to say the least,” Storm added. “Spike never snored that loudly.”

Fluttershy just nervously gazed toward the mountain.

“It-It’s so… high!” Fluttershy spoke timidly.

“Well, it is a mountain,” Rainbow spoke matter-of-factly. “I’m going to fly up there and check it out. Wah!”

Just as Rainbow was about to take off, Applejack grabbed her tail.

“Hold on, now,” Applejack said, stopping her. “I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all.”

“Good idea,” Storm nodded.

“Oh, all right,” Rainbow agreed reluctantly.

<>

Soon the whole group climbed their way up the mountain at a steady pace. By then, Storm Shield had his aviator jacket on in the event they’d expect cold weather during the trip. Along the way, Rarity suddenly remembered something.

“I hear the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon’s scales are the jewels they use to build their nests,” Rarity told the group. “Ooo, if I play my cards right, I might be able to convince him to part with a few!”

Pinkie Pie, who was a pace ahead of her, quickly turned around.

“Welcome to my cave, Rarity!” Pinkie replied, imitating a dragon. “Care for a diamond?”

Pinkie tried giving a menacing roar, which caused Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow to laugh in response. Twilight Sparkle pushed herself between them.

“Girls! This is no laughing matter!” Twilight retorted, pulling ahead. “Fluttershy, you’re the expert on wild creatures. What do you think the dragon will be like? Fluttershy?”

Every pony looked down only to find Fluttershy hiding in one of the bushes. Storm stood outside the bush, silently trying to convince Fluttershy to come out.

“Hey! What are you waiting for?” Rainbow shouted from above. “An invitation?”

“If you’re the one sending it, I’ll decline,” Storm muttered quietly.

“Ooo, I think I have one in my bag!” Pinkie replied.

Not even realizing the sarcasm in Rainbow’s voice, Pinkie searched for the invitation in her saddle bag. All of a sudden, Rainbow and Rarity were blasted in the face with some of her pop whistles complete with cheering sound effects.

“I-It’s so… so… steep,” Fluttershy quivered.

“Well it is a cliff,” Rainbow snarked. “You could just, oh, I don’t know, fly up here?”

Strom gritted his teeth, before releasing a long breath. The poor unicorn tried so hard to keep his temper in check.

“Come on, Fluttershy, you can do it,” Pinkie said. “Flap those wings!”

“Finally,” Storm sighed, feeling a tad better. “Some actual encouragement.”

“Oh… okay,” Fluttershy said.

Slowly, Fluttershy opened her wings and began to hover upward. She couldn’t help but release a soft cry as she slowly yet surely rose higher into the air. Suddenly, the dragon gave a loud snore. Fluttershy whined as her wings automatically closed up and she dropped down like a rock.

“Flutttershy!” Storm gasped. “I gotcha, I gotcha! Oomph!”

Storm jumped up and caught her, only for the pair to land right into a pile of bushes.

“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned, covering her eyes.

Fluttershy tried to reopen her wings, but her fear caused them to remain tucked in. Try as she might, Fluttershy couldn’t get them to budge.

“Uh, we don’t have time for this,” Twilight added impatiently.

Just then, Twilight noticed Applejack opening her saddle bag.

“What are you doing?”

Turns out Applejack grabbed Twilight’s map to examine it.

“I’ll need this if I’m going to take her around the mountain another way,” Applejack explained.

“Around the mountain?” Rainbow retorted, groaning. “That’s going to take them forever.”

But Applejack already made her way down the mountain. Storm stood by Fluttershy, who tried to reopen her wings. Yet as soon as the dragon gave a loud snore, Fluttershy squealed lightly, made a goat bleat, and passed out like a dog trying to play dead.

“Don’t worry Twi,” Applejack called, below the mountain. “We’ll be there lickety-split.”

“Um, A.J.,” Storm spoke. “I believe there’s a much better way to do this. If you’d just…”

“I’ll do this,” Applejack said firmly. “You catch up with the rest of the group.”

“But…”

“No questions asked! Now shoo!”

“Fine…!” Storm spoke, slightly irritated. “But I’m going up my way.”

Storm gave a shrill whistle, then a screech is heard from the sky. Every pony looks up as none other than Blaze himself swooped down and grabbed hold of Storm’s back. Seeing as a Phoenix can carry immensely heavy loads, carrying Storm was no problem. Blaze lifted Storm high into the air, flying directly to the top.

Seconds later, as the group of friends just arrived, Storm reclined casually against a rock reading a book when he turned toward the girls.

“What took you so long?” He teased.

A dirty glare from the mares was their only response. Storm merely chuckled, while giving the Phoenix a scratch along the head feathers. Blaze cooed affectionately and nuzzled his head against Storm’s hoof.

“Thanks for the help buddy,” He said thankfully. “You head on back to the library now; we’ll be home later.”

With another screech, Blaze immediately shot back into the sky as the ponies watched their friend fly back to Ponyville.

<>

While waiting for Applejack and Fluttershy to arrive, Rainbow cruised the air impatiently while Twilight paced back and forth in similar fashion. Storm just sat quietly alone at one spot, his hindlegs crossed and his eyes closed as if he were meditating. As they kept watch for Applejack to meet up, Pinkie and Rarity found a way to entertain themselves by playing tic-tac-toe in the soft dirt.

“Whoo-hoo!” Pinkie cheered. “I win again!”

“Ugh! That’s thirty-five games in a row,” Rarity groaned, before perking up. “Best out of seventy one?”

Just then, a rather exhausted orange pony arrived. She had tied Fluttershy’s tail around her head like a band. Poor Fluttershy was still knocked out as Applejack dragged her into view.

“We… made… it…” Applejack panted heavily, plopping onto the ground.

“Told you it was going to take them forever,” Rainbow told Twilight.

“Well, it wouldn’t have if I carried her up,” Storm said. “But A.J. insisted…”

“I… have… no… regrets,” Applejack spoke proudly, yet exhausted.

“I’m just saying,” Storm continued. “Why couldn’t you just carry Fluttershy on your back? That way it be easier than just dragging her across the dirt.”

Applejack’s eyes bugged out before she groaned, covering her eyes in embarrassment. Storm rolled his eyes before reaching into his saddle bag and pulled out a green-and-white spotted mushroom.

“Where did you get that?” Twilight asked.

“What this?” Storm replied. “I grow them myself. These babies have special healing properties, they can revive a passed out pony in a matter of seconds.”

Storm walked over and placed the mushroom inside Fluttershy’s mouth. Then the dragon snored again and Fluttershy squeaked. Storm caught her just before she passed out again.

“Easy there Fluttershy,” Storm spoke calmly. “Just keep chewing, let the mushroom do its work.”

Fluttershy just trembled but felt better knowing her ‘big brother’ was looking out for her. As Fluttershy finished the mushroom, feeling it’s magical effects, Storm turned back toward the group.

“She’ll be all right,” Storm assured. “Once Applejack’s ready, we can roll out.”

The other ponies just exchanged looks, while Rainbow rolled her eyes. Storm didn’t resist giving the blue Pegasus a death glare in return, as he held Fluttershy for comfort.

<>

Later, the seven ponies reached a particular spot which required them to cross a very steep chasm. Rainbow wasted no time showing off by jumping and using her wings to glide across with ease. Twilight and Rarity soon followed her across with no problem. Applejack and Pinkie did the same. But poor Fluttershy was too scared to even try, gulping nervously.

“You’re turn, Fluttershy,” Twilight called out.

“But… it’s so… wide…” Fluttershy stuttered.

“Come on, Fluttershy,” Twilight protested. “We should be much farther along by now.”

“You could just leap on over,” Applejack pointed out.

“I—”

The dragon’s snoring cut off Fluttershy, causing her to squat down fearfully.

“I don’t know,” She finished.

Twilight and Applejack just shook their heads.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Pinkie replied. “It’s just a hop, skip and a jump. See?”

Pinkie proceeds to demonstrate when Storm felt something very familiar.

“Oh boy…” Storm groaned, rolling his eyes. “Here we go…”

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
It’s not very far
Just move your little rump
You can make it if you try with a hop, skip and jump.

“We don’t have time for this,” Twilight groaned.

Rainbow rolled her eyes in agreement. Pinkie, on the other hoof, kept singing while hopping across the chasm again and again.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
A hop, skip and jump,
Just move your little rump,
A hop, skip and jump,
A hop, skip and jump,
A hop, skip and jump
A hop, skip and jump,
A hop, skip and jump!

Eventually, Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile. Somehow, Pinkie’s little demonstration made the jump much easier than she thought.

“O-Okay,” Fluttershy said. “Here I go. A hop.”

Fluttershy did a small hop.

“That’s it,” Applejack called out.

“You’ve got it,” Twilight Sparkle spoke.

“Almost there,” Rarity added.

“Skip,” Fluttershy said.

The yellow Pegasus made a great leap, as Storm smiled excitedly.

“Just don’t look down!” Twilight shouted.

Storm flinched when he heard that. Fluttershy froze in mid-air, looked down, whined, and lost her balance and tumbled… onto the edge of the other side. Apparently, the chasm she was so afraid to jump over was merely three feet wide. While short in distance, it was still a very long drop should a pony mess up the timing of their jump. Fluttershy’s hind legs stood at the edge of one end while her front legs were on the other… and she couldn’t move.

“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned.

She got behind Fluttershy to shove her to the other side. Twilight and Rarity grabbed Fluttershy’s front hooves and pulled her forward to the other side. Since Rainbow was still pushing, she collided with Fluttershy and the yellow Pegasus ended up sitting right on top of her.

“I guess I forgot to jump,” Fluttershy said sheepishly, as Storm landed beside her.

“It’s not your fault Fluttershy,” Storm assured. “Some pony forgot the golden rule when it comes to crossing chasms and/or bridges that are high up!”

Twilight looked puzzled until she realized what Storm meant.

“Oh right, heh…” Twilight replied sheepishly. “Never… tell them to ‘not’ look down… cause… they will…”

Rainbow just rolled her eyes, as Storm helped Fluttershy off her back. They then reached a certain point along the trail as Twilight brought the group to a complete stop.

“Let’s keep it down,” Twilight whispered. “According to the map, we’re entering an avalanche zone. The slightest peep could cause a huge rockslide.”

“… I have a bad feeling about this,” Storm mouthed fearfully.

Poor Fluttershy was already terrified.

“An… an ava… ava…”

“Shh!” Twilight hissed, as Fluttershy shut her mouth.

Every pony was one edge, as they made their way down the path as quietly as they could. Applejack bumped a nearby tree causing it to release a pair of leaves. One of those leaves landed right along Fluttershy’s flank.

“AVALA--!” She jumped in shock.

Applejack shoved a hoof into her mouth, as Fluttershy’s shriek echoed throughout the area. For a few seconds, nothing happened and they all released a collective sigh. Suddenly, the ground rumbled, and a few pebbles start tumbling down. Soon the rocks got bigger, as Storm felt his heart drop to his tail.

“Avalanche!” They cried out.

The ponies screamed and dashed about, while Fluttershy flew to dodge and avoid getting crushed. There were several close calls along the way. Storm used his magic to blast and smash some of the larger rocks before they could crush him or his friends. But eventually, there were so many rocks and so overwhelming he was forced to dodge. The timing couldn’t be worse for our heroes.

“Oh no! Help!” Twilight cried out.

“Twilight!” Storm shouted.

Storm tried to reach her, but the large rocks blocked his way. Then a large rock was about to fall right on top of Twilight until…

“Ooh!” Twilight grunted.

By then, Applejack pushed her out of the way to prevent the pony from becoming a unicorn pizza. Eventually, the rocks settled down and every pony coughed out all the dust in their lungs.

“Oh my!” Applejack coughed. “Every pony okay?”

“Thanks to you I am,” Twilight said.

Twilight gives Applejack a friendly head nuzzle as an additional thanks. Meanwhile, Rarity’s fur was completely covered in dirt.

“Eugh! Blech!” Rarity retorted in disgust.

The marshmallow unicorn quickly shook herself clean but got Pinkie dirty in the process. But the party pony didn’t care at all.

“Whoo-hoo! Let’s do it again!” Pinkie proposed.

“Yeah… let’s not,” Storm replied.

The unicorn helped Fluttershy to her hooves, breathing a long sigh of relief.

“Uh! This is why a girl always packs extraaccessories,” Rarity said, wrapping her scarf around her neck. “Oh, please tell me I brought the tiara that goes with this.”

“Uh, think we got bigger problems then making sure our hair bows match our horseshoes,” Rainbow said.

She pointed toward the now larger pile of dirt and rock blocking the path. Fluttershy sighed sadly, avoiding Rainbow’s death glare yet knowing this ‘was’ her fault.

“Sorry,” Fluttershy said sadly.”

“Aw, no big whoop, sugarcube,” Applejack said sympathetically.

“Yeah,” Twilight added, sighing. “We’ll just have to… climb over.”

Fluttershy followed from the back with Rainbow hovering over her. Seems every time Fluttershy slipped and whimpered, Rainbow would only roll her eyes and grunt in annoyance. Finally, Storm had enough.

“That does it!” Storm yelled angrily, stomping his hoof. “I’ve had it up with your attitude Rainbow Dash! If you’re not going to help Fluttershy, just go ahead of us! At least some pony will make sure she climbs over this hill in one piece.”

Rainbow just glared before she did fly ahead of them. Afterward, things were fairly quiet once they reached the top. Twilight had already reached the bottom, as the other ponies carefully made their way down. Storm held Fluttershy by the side to keep her from sliding down if she lost her footing. Fluttershy did slip, but not too fast for Storm to hold her back and they slid down together. They collided with Rarity and eventually Applejack before crashing toward the bottom of the hill.

“Wha! Wha…” Applejack sputtered.

“My apologies,” Rarity said.

“Not your fault,” Rainbow said, glaring at Fluttershy… again.

The yellow Pegasus whimpered sadly, as Storm growled at Rainbow, who flew over to Twilight with a sigh.

“Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?” Rainbow asked, in annoyance.

“We’re about to find out,” Twilight answered. “We’re here.”

Before their very eyes was a large cave where the dragon was apparently sleeping. Twilight, though fearful, tried to keep a determined face.

“Rainbow Dash, you’ll use your wings to clear the smoke,” Twilight instructed.

“Mm-hmm,” Rainbow replied.

“Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you’ll create a diversion to distract the dragon if things get a little hairy in there.”

Pinkie and Rarity exchanged some smiles when Pinkie zipped away and started squeaking a rubber chicken in her mouth. Rarity just made an ‘Okay…’ face, as Twilight looked stunned before recomposing herself.

“Applejack, you’re ready with the apples in case he decides to attack,” Twilight continued.

Applejack bucked two apples toward a nearby tree trunk for practice.

“But it shouldn’t come to that, because Fluttershy and Storm 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. Is everypony ready?”

Fluttershy just ducked, trembling fearfully while the other ponies gave their confirmation that they were ready to go.

“Okay then, we’re goin’ in,” Twilight declared.

She headed right into the cave, walking about a few yards inside.

“So, what is the best way to wake up a dragon without upsetting him?” Twilight asked. “Fluttershy? Storm?”

She turned around finding neither of them followed.

“Oh, come on!” Twilight retorted annoyed.

She found Storm trying to get Fluttershy to come, but the poor Pegasus buried her head into the dirt and refused to move. Twilight tried to help Storm push Fluttershy forward.

“Come on!” Twilight grunted. “We have to do this! Now! Every… second longer that dragon… sleeps is another… acre of Equestria that is covered in… smoke!”

One by one, the other mares lined up behind Fluttershy to move her forward. But she held her ground. Pinkie was the last to get behind every pony, but all she did was laugh and hug Applejack at the back of the line.

“I—I—I can’t go in the cave,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“UGH!”

All the ponies behind her groaned, falling onto their backs.

“Oh great!” Rainbow grumbled. “She’s scared of caves now, too.”

“I’m not scared of caves,” Fluttershy said. “I’m scared of…”

The last word was mumbled so softly, no pony could hear her.

“What’s that, sugarcube?” Applejack asked curiously.

“I’m scared of…”

Fluttershy still couldn’t say that last word aloud.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Just spit it out, Flutters…” Storm urged. “What are you afraid of?”

“I’m scared of dragons!” Fluttershy blurted out.

Then the dragon gave another snore, blasting the seven ponies with smoke. Pinkie squealed, as the smoke made them all cough. Once it cleared, Fluttershy hid behind Applejack again.

“But Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “You have a wonderful talent dealing with all kinds of animals.”

“Yes, but they are not dragons,” Fluttershy argued.

“Oh come on!” Rainbow retorted indignantly. “We’ve seen you walk right up to a horrible manticore like it was nothing.”

“For once… Rainbow actually makes a decent point…” Storm added, not hiding the sarcasm.

The cyan Pegasus noticed, however, and snapped her head in his direction.

“You say that like I never come up with good ideas!” She argued agitated.

Storm scratched the back of his head, whistling as he slowly turned away.

“Yes, because he wasn’t a dragon,” Fluttershy said.

“Spike is a dragon,” Pinkie pointed out, behind her. “You’re not scared of him.”

“So true!” Storm agreed.

“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!”

The dragon gave a loud snore. Fluttershy whimpered, as she shuddered low to the ground.

“But if you’re so afraid of dragons, why didn’t you say something before we came all the way up here?” Twilight asked.

“I was afraid to,” Fluttershy admitted sadly.

“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned again.

Storm could feel his temper reach its limit, knowing it could explode at any time.

“All of us are scared of that dragon,” Applejack said sympathetically.

“I’m not,” Rainbow said smugly.

Her response earned plenty of death glares from the group.

“Almost all of us are scared of that dragon,” Applejack continued. “But we’re got a job to do. So, get in there with Twilight and Storm, and show them what you’re made of.”

Fluttershy just stood still, lowering her head sadly.

“I-I-I just… can’t,” Fluttershy sighed, walking sadly away.

“Oh Fluttershy,” Twilight said quietly.

Twilight and Storm could only watch, as Fluttershy disappeared in the horizon.

“Hmph!” Storm huffed definitively. “Personally, I don’t blame her for walking away.”

All the other ponies gave Storm puzzled looks.

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked.

“As far as I’m concerned, no pony listened to her,” Storm explained. “I found out Fluttershy was in the park before us. Apparently, she tried telling Pinkie and Rainbow about the smoke but was ignored every time!”

While Pinkie looked ashamed, Rainbow just rolled her eyes at him.

“She wasn’t afraid to tell you about being scared of dragons, Twilight,” Storm added sternly. “You were just too busy discussing your brilliant plan and reading your map to listen either way. You all ignored her when she was trying to speak up and I’ll admit I share the blame since I didn’t know about this until later. But my point is: Speaking up isn’t one of Fluttershy’s strengths, but that doesn’t give any pony the right to ignore her or tune her out!”

The other ponies looked down I agreement. Yet as Storm Shield noticed, Rainbow Dash didn’t seem to care.

“As for YOU!” Storm thundered, pointing a hoof at Rainbow. “You’ve been worse! Not only do you ignore you, but you’ve grumbled and complained about her all day! You treat her like she’s nothing but a burden to the rest of us when I know for a fact you’ve known her longer than any of us! If this is how you’ve treated her all these years, it’s no wonder she’s has no confidence in herself! And they call you the ‘Element of Loyalty’!”

Rainbow, taken aback by Storm’s harsh words, turned away without saying a word. Storm breathed loudly; his anger still livid as Twilight slowly approached him.

“Look Storm, we can discuss this and apologize to Fluttershy later,” Twilight said. “But right now, we need to figure out how to deal with that dragon. Think you can calm down long enough to help me persuade him to leave? You’re the only one besides Fluttershy who has studied Dragon dialect.”

Storm released a long breath

“Okay…” He sighed. “I’m done…”

Twilight gave an approving smile, as they headed into the cave together.

“We’re going in,” Twilight said. “He… probably just doesn’t realize what he’s doing… right?”

The other ponies just agreed nervously, as they stuck their heads from the outside before disappearing.

“Love that moral support,” Storm muttered.

Eventually, the two unicorns reached their target. The dragon itself was definitely huge, and as Rarity pointed about, it used a huge collection of jewels as its nest.

“Mr. Dragon,” Twilight spoke gently.

Her only response was a rumble from him.

“Excuse me…”

“Wakey, wakey, eggs and hay-bacy!” Storm tried.

This earned Storm an indifferent look courtesy of Twilight Sparkle.

“Seriously?” She asked.

Storm smiled sheepishly, as Twilight attempted a more firm approach.

“Mr. Dragon,” Twilight called louder.

The dragon rumbled again, as he opened his eyes and glared at the two.

“Oh good, you’re awake,” Twilight said. “Please allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Twilight…”

Then the Drago gave a loud yawn, as Twilight and Storm cringed in disgust.

“Where’s a breath mint when you need one?” Storm muttered, holding his nose.

“Augh! Puh! Sparkle…” Twilight continued, covering her nose. “And my friends and I are residents in Equestria. Ponyville, to be exact. 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 just snorted, releasing more smoke against Twilight and Storm, making them both cough.

“Anyways… Equestria simply cannot survive a hundred years in a dark haze,” Storm continued. “You understand, don’t you?”

The dragon simply sat up with a loud yawn and a stretch.

“So, you’ll find another place to sleep?” Twilight asked hopefully.

The dragon merely laid back down with a loud thump and snorted again, covering the two ponies with smoke. It sent another blast that covered the other ponies, sending every pony in a coughing fit while Twilight and Storm found their way out… well, at least Twilight came out.

“Where’s Storm?” Twilight asked, looking around.

“Alright listen up Razer!” Storm said sternly, inside the cave. “That’s your name, isn’t it? We’ve tried being nice about this, but nobody… I repeat, nobodyignores me or my friends! We’re not going to suffer from your second-hoof smoke even if you need your beauty sleep… or in you case, second-claw smoke? Doesn’t matter… either you get off your big pile of scales and find another cave… or else! You hear me?!”

The other ponies were stunned over how assertive Storm was.

“Now that’s persuasion!” Rainbow said impressed.

*BURP!*

Suddenly, the whole cave lit up.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

Storm emerged with an indignant look on his face, as all five ponies cringed at the sight. The unicorn looked as if he fell atop of some pony’s rotisserie grill.

“You girls mind if I smoke?” He asked bluntly, standing before them.

“Actually, smoking is very bad for your health,” Pinkie replied. “Especially second-hoof smoke, which can cause…”

“I WAS BEING SARCASTIC!!!” Storm bellowed at the top of his lungs.

Another blast of smoke hit the group, sending the ponies into coughing fits until the smoke settled.

“So much for… persuading him,” Rainbow coughed.

“Now what?” Applejack asked, as Rarity cleared her throat.

“Obviously, this situation calls for a little ‘pony charm’,” Rarity replied. “Allow me, girls.”

The marshmallow pony entered the cave and went right up to the dragon, who opened his eyes in response.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” Rarity began, clearing her throat. “But I couldn’t possibly head back home without mentioning what handsome scalesyou have. And those have to be hidden away in some silly cave for a hundred years?”

The dragon began to flex it’s scales, grinning to himself as Rarity’s words charmed him. As Rarity spoke, she walked around the jewels and starts putting some of them on.

“Personally, I think you should skip the snoozing and be out there, showing them off,” Rarity continued.

The dragon stood tall, feeling persuaded to do so.

“I would be more than happy to keep an eye on your jewels while you’re gone.”

Unfortunately, Rarity ruined the moment as the Dragon growled and pulled his jewels away from her. Rarity screamed as the dragon tried to swipe her as she dashed away. When she took off, all the jewels she wore were left behind and he grabbed them with his mighty claw.

Back outside, Rarity was most upset as she leaned against a large rock.

“I was this close to getting that diamond,” Rarity fumed.

“You mean… getting rid of that dragon?” Twilight retorted indignantly, as Storm glared.

“Oh, yeah… sure,” Rarity said passively.

Storm rolled his eyes, shaking his head. Just then, Pinkie appeared wearing a combination of a birthday package, balloons, and a horn in her mouth.

“What in tarnation…?” Applejack exclaimed.

Pinkie just blew her horn again.

“Darling, you look ridiculous,” Rarity added.

“Exactly!” Pinkie said. “Sharing a laugh is a sure-fire way to get someone on your side!”

Pinkie bounced her way inside and they could hear her say ‘Hi!’. Seconds later…

*CRASH!*

Pinkie limped out, her balloons popped, her package damaged, and even her horn was busted.

“Apparently he doesn’t like laughing, heh,” Pinkie said sheepishly. “Or sharing.”

“Well that went pear-shaped fast!” Storm muttered.

“All right, that’s it,” Rainbow spoke angrily. “We tried persuasion, aggressive negotiation, charm, and whatever it is Pinkie Pie does…”

Pinkie just blew her busted horn.

“… It’s time to stop wasting time!” Rainbow concluded. “I’m going in!”

Rainbow flew quickly inside the cave.

“Rainbow, no!” Twilight called out.

“Get back here!” Storm yelled.

But their cries fell on deaf ears, as Rainbow zoomed right up toward the dragon.

“Get! Out!” Rainbow shouted.

The cyan Pegasus bucked the dragon square in the nose. The dragon woke up, gave a light sneeze and growled at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow’s determination melted faster than a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day.

“Heh. Sorry,” Rainbow said sheepishly.

The dragon roared, sending Rainbow flying backward at a rapid speed and curled into a ball.

“Who-o-o-o-a!”

*STRIKE!*

Rainbow Dash ten-pinned every pony outside the cave. Sadly, Storm Shield was the ‘headpin’. They slowly got up, feeling rather dazed until the giant dragon loomed above them. The beast roared and every pony screamed, as they hugged each other in sheer terror. The dragon then gave another roar, sending a fast current of smoke toward them.

“No!” Storm cried out.

The stallion tried raising a shield to block the gust, but he was too late! He, along with every pony else, was sent colliding toward a nearby rock crag. The impact was so strong the crag itself fell apart, revealing Fluttershy hiding behind it. Apparently, she hadn’t gone back home but rather went somewhere to hide. Once she saw her hiding place was destroyed, she looked on in shock.

First, Fluttershy saw the Dragon itself, glaring at her and the rest of the ponies. Then she saw her friends, all dazed and bemused as they gave a loud moan from the attack. Storm opened his mouth with a loud cough, as a puff of smoke escaped his mouth. All at once, Fluttershy felt something burning inside of her… raw anger.

“How dare you…” She spoke, her face growing stern. “How DARE you?!?!”

All at once, Fluttershy’s voice got louder as she flew right up to the dragon’s nose, landing atop it. She trots right toward the dragon’s right eye, staring into it.

“Listen here, mister!” Fluttershy said sternly. “Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you get to be a bully! You may have huge teeth, and sharp scales, and snore smoke, and breath fire. But you do not—I repeat—you do not! Hurt! My Friends!You got that?”

Her tone was so stern all the dragon could do was whimper and cower before her stern glare. The other ponies, somewhat recovered, gazed in shock seeing Fluttershy so assertive.

“Well?” Fluttershy demaned.

The Pegasus hovered above the dragon, her eyes demanding an explanation like a mother scolding a child.

“But that rainbow one kicked me,” The dragon protested feebly.

“Huh… he can talk,” Storm replied.

Rainbow just smiled to herself, nodding her head proudly.

“And I’m very sorry about that,” Fluttershy replied, leaving Rainbow stunned. “But you’re bigger than she is, and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures.”

“But I—”

“Don’t you ‘but I’ me, mister,” Fluttershy said, staring him down. “Now what do you have to say for yourself? I said, what do you have to say for yourself?”

Fluttershy was in full mother mode now. All the dragon could do was whimper until he began to cry. The other ponies looked on in amazement, not minding the fact they were getting wet under the dragon’s tears. Pinkie somehow pulled out an umbrella hat to shield her head.

“There, there. No need to cry,” Fluttershy said, making her way down. “You’re not a bad dragon, you just made a bad decision. Now go pack your things. You just need to find a new place to sleep. That’s all.”

The other ponies cheered as Fluttershy landed and they gathered around her.

“You did it!” Twilight said. “I knew you could do it!”

“Brave Fluttershy!” Storm said, clapping his fore-hooves. “Well done!”

It was by this time the dragon emerged from the cave, flying away in search of a new place to sleep.

<>

With their mission complete, Twilight Sparkle and her friends made their return home. And true to their word, all of Fluttershy’s friends offered their sincere apologies for not hearing her out in the first place. And though she denied it, as her tears said otherwise, Rainbow Dash had a few words to share for herself.

“Storm…” Rainbow spoke.

“Yeah?” Storm answered, turning toward her.

“I wanted to apologize for being such a pain all day.”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to—”

“No… I’m really, really sorry. You were right. The way I treated Fluttershy was wrong… I have no excuse for my words.”

Storm Shield nodded understandingly, if not somewhat impressed that Rainbow Dash can show a rare moment of being humble.

“To be fair, I was angry,” Storm admitted. “I’m sorry for losing my temper; I should’ve handled this better. So, are we cool now?”

Storm holds out a front-hoof toward Rainbow Dash, who looks at his hoof for a moment. Then she turns to his wandering gaze and gives a smirk.

“Yeah… we’re cool!” Rainbow declared.

She lifts her own front hoof and delivers a hoof-bump to Storm Shield. The other ponies look on silently, seeing all is good between the friends once more.

“You got to admit how Fluttershy acted towards that Dragon was pretty awesome,” Rainbow replied. “You think this means she’s finally gotten over her fear of dragons?”

Storm doesn’t answer right away. He turns back towards Fluttershy, who walked closely beside her friends. She looked up noting Storm’s attention to her, and quickly turned away with a small smile hiding her blush. Storm chuckled before shaking his head.

“Nah,” Storm replied. “Still… it’s a good start. We’ll see where it goes from here.”

<>

Meanwhile, back at the library, Angel Bunny gave Spike such a hard time. So much so, the dragon finds himself chasing the bunny around and about.

“I said come back here!” Spike snapped, finally grabbing Angel’s foot. “Ooh! How does Fluttershy put up with you furry little things?”

As Spike dangled Angel by the foot, he squirmed constantly trying to escape.

“Spike!” Twilight called out, with Storm at her side. “Take a letter.”

“With pleasure,” Spike sighed, dropping Angel on his head.

Spike proceeds to write the letter as Twilight recited aloud.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
We are happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country, and it was our good friend Fluttershy, who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught us to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength and can help you overcome even your greatest fears.
Always your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.”

“Twilight! Storm!” Applejack called out.

As Twilight finished reciting the letter, Storm peeked outside to see what the commotion was about. Twilight joined him by the open window, the two ponies seeing Rainbow bouncing her ball on her head again.

“You gotta see this!” Applejack called again. “She’s just five away from a new pony record.”

“Three hundred forty-seven, three hundred forty-eight…”

*ROAR!*

“Dragon!” Rainbow shouted in fright.

The cyan Pegasus was so scared, she lost her ball, bleated like a goat, and played dead. All their friends laughed, with Storm snapping a picture of Rainbow in her frightened state.

“Now that’s a momentous occasion for the scrapbook!” Storm shouted, laughing.

Rainbow rose to her feet in panic, panting heavily.

“Why are you laughing?” Rainbow asked. “That awful dragon is back!”

Pinkie came up to her, giving another roar. Rainbow realized she had been tricked.

“Pinkie Pie, you scared me!” Rainbow retorted, realizing what she said. “I mean, uh, you… broke my concentration.”

Fluttershy hovered above her friend, giving the blue Pegasus a slight pat on the back.

“It’s okay, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy assured. “Not every pony can be as brave as me.”

Rainbow snorted, as she blew a falling leaf away from her. That leaf floated, landing right upon Fluttershy’s back end.

“EEP!” Fluttershy screamed.

With a goat bleat, Fluttershy played dead once again. The other ponies just laugh at the spectacle. But deep down, they’ll always love Fluttershy. No matter how high-strung or timid she was, they knew she could always be brave when it matters most. Storm sighs, as he turns toward Twilight and shakes his head.

“I’ll get the mushrooms,” Storm spoke, trotting for his bag.

Look Before You Sleep

It began as a clear blue sunny day until a large collection of dark-grey clouds began to fill. All the weather Pegasi were hard at work bringing over a much needed rainstorm for Ponyville. The ponies along the ground gathered as much loose, torn branches from the trees to prevent any damages or safety risks as the storm spread throughout the town. All of Ponyville worked together to clear out the nearby trees… at least, they were supposed to.

While most of Ponyville were busily clearing branches for an upcoming storm, Storm Shield used his own magic to meticulously pull the branches off the tree. Anticipating a storm, he dressed himself in a navy green trench coat and a black fedora for the occasion. While whistling a merry tune to himself, he stacked a bundle of branches in his magic aura on a single spot on the surface into a neat little pile. He wipes the brow with a single hoof, as he looked up toward the sky as the last rays of the sun would soon be shrouded in pitch black clouds. After a second or two, Storm Shield made off to grab some more branches off another tree.

He just turned around with another load when…

*POP!*

“Hmm?!”

Storm Shield’s eyes went wide at the sight: The branch pile, one he just worked on his stack, disappeared before his eyes. He eyed the spot suspiciously, his eyes twitching side to side wondering who did it. Slowly, Storm positioned a new stack of branches upon the same spot on the ground. He turned around for one second, to reach for a loose branch by his hooves…

*POP!*

Storm Shield gasped, taken aback as the branches disappeared before his eyes. Storm quickly grabbed the branch with his own hooves and stuck it deep into the surface. He plopped upon his stomach, eyeing the branch intensely.

“Come on, I dare you! Come on!”

But at first, nothing happened. Storm Shield forced himself to keep his eyes open, in the event the branch could disappear at any time. He barely blinked for just a second when…

*POP!*

Storm shouted in surprise, as for the third time a branch disappeared. He twisted his head around quickly, searching for the source behind the occurrences. Then his eyes spot something just in front of him. His face turned flat; he pawed his front right hoof onto the ground. It didn’t take long for it all to dawn on him…

Rarity, Ponyville’s local fashionista, seemingly trimming and mending some of the broken, torn branches previously removed. She eyed her work with deep thought, as if pondering what more she could do.

“Hmm… Haa!”

Using her magic, Rarity started trimming some of the leaves into shapes of ponies in majestic poses.

“Perfect,” Rarity declared, satisfied.

“Ahem!”

Rarity turned from her work for a brief moment, only for her eyes to catch sight of Storm Shield himself. The stallion stared at her with one eyebrow raised, his front legs crossed together.

“Am I interrupting your little arts and crafts session today?” Storm Shield asked dryly.

“Oh, Storm dear,” Rarity spoke cheerfully. “They are lovely aren’t they? I thought the branches could use an elegant touch… a little style if you will.”

Storm Shield turned his sight toward the pony-shaped branches along the trees, studying them for a moment or two.

“They are very nice,” Storm admitted. “The attention to detail is spot-on, but still…”

All of a sudden, a lasso plucked one of the branches and tore it down. Rarity gasped as her hard work was left completely ruined. The two ponies turned around, spotting Applejack with the lasso.

“Just take the broken limbs down, Rarity,” Applejack said, annoyingly. “Don’t y’all care about nothin’ other than prettifyin?”

“I don’t recall that word in the dictionary,” Storm muttered.

“Somepony has to,” Rarity said indignantly. “You were making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack.”

Rarity tilted her head toward the ground, now loaded with more torn twigs and branches.

“Now Rarity, we appreciate you find joy in the ‘smaller’ things in life,” Storm spoke calmly. “Unfortunately, this storm will just leave a ‘bigger’ mess for every pony unless we get all these loose branches removed. Last thing we want is one of the townponies trying to walk home from happy hour, only to tumble and fall if one branch we miss knocks him out.”

Rarity merely huffed, as the Pegasus ponies above her continued their job of filling the sky with more dark rain clouds.

“I simply cannot believe why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day,” Rarity remarked.

Applejack merely sighed, as she continued to work.

“Storm’s right. Think more practical-like, will ya? They accidentally skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it all.”

“Although that does beg the question, Applejack,” Storm Shield wondered. “When you say ‘doozy’, you mean as a figure of speech or is it more like…”

Storm Shield never got to finish, as the rain finally started pouring down. Storm paused as the rain made his mane go down as he slowly turned toward Applejack, who eyed the unicorn stallion with that same annoyed expression.

“I’m sorry, I’ll shut up now,” Storm Shield replied.

“Oh no!” Rarity exclaimed. “My wonderfully styled mane shall be ruined!”

“Ya shoulda hurried up and finished the job already!” Applejack pointed out.

But poor Rarity just paced around and about, trying to minimize the amount of water from hitting her mane. Unfortunately for her, the rain fell faster and in large drops, nonetheless. Storm Shield shook his head, cringing while watching the marshmallow unicorn squirm.

“Oh! Ah! Oh! Ph! It’s coming down too fast! Ah! Oh! Oh! Ah! Help me!”

Applejack watched her for a moment before she noticed a nearby picnic table.

“Uh, there!” Applejack pointed. “Hunker down to yer heart’s content whilst I finish things.”

Rarity quickly raced towards the picnic table as fast as her hooves could carry her. Just as she was about to duck under the table, she came to a sudden stop and gasped in horror. For just underneath the table… was a huge puddle of mud.

“Oh, no, no, no!” Rarity panted.

Hearing her cries, Storm Shield and Applejack strolled toward Rarity.

“What is it now, Rarity?” Storm asked.

“I prefer not to get my hooves muddy,” Rarity pouted.

Storm Shield and Applejack groaned, not even bothering to hide the annoyance in their expression.

“There is just no pleasin’ ya, is there?” Applejack asked. “Everything’s got to be just so.”

“Well, how does muddying my hooves serve any useful purpose?” Rarity retorted, with a scowl.

“Y’all wouldn’t know useful if it came up and bit’ cha!” Applejack replied irritably.

“That doesn’t even make any sense,” Rarity answered, with a definitive laugh.

“Does so!” Applejack said.

“Does not!” Rarity retorted.

“Does so!”

“Does not!”

“Does so!”

“Does not!”

“Does so infinity, hah!” Applejack shot out, leaning forward.

“Doe so infinity plus one. Heh!” Rarity retorted, leaning forward.

“Can I say something?” Storm Shield asked.

“NOOO!!!” The girls snapped.

“Okay… okay…”

Storm backed away, as the girls glared at each other in anger. The daggers practically pierced through their eyes, as not one of the girls blinked.

“What say we go our separate ways before one of us says something she will regret?” Rarity suggested.

“I reckon y’all are gonna say something you’ll regret first,” Applejack said.

“On the contrary, I believe it shall most certainly be you who says something you will regret first!”

“I’m not sayin’ anything!”

“Nor am I!”

“Y’all just be on yer way, then!”

“After you!”

Storm Shield stood awkwardly, watching the back-and-forth banter between the farmer and the fashionista. The two ponies just glared at each other, slowly backing away from one another. With a shrug, Storm was about to turn and leave until…

*KABOOM!*

A loud rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, sending both ponies straight toward Storm Shield. The unicorn stallion found himself caught between the grips of the two ponies’ fore-legs as the girls trembled fearfully.

“Perhaps we should stick together for now and find some shelter,” Rarity said nervously.

“Agreed…” Storm nodded.

“Uh-huh, perhaps we should,” Applejack added. “And fast.”

The ponies continue to huddle close to one another, gazing fearfully as the rain around them continued to fall.

*Deploy theme song here*

The rain quickly picked up its pace, the wind hollowing across all of Ponyville. As the storm increased, Applejack ducked beneath the picnic table trying her best to keep dry.

“Heh,” She chuckled. “Nice and dry under here, sorta.”

It was then she soon noticed her hooves, completely covered in thick mud. As for Rarity, she preferred to stay out in the open attempting to find a better, or at least cleaner, shelter. But for the time being, Rarity had to settle for having Storm Shield, being a gentlecolt and all, conjuring a shield just big enough for the two ponies.

“Oh! Unacceptable!” Rarity muttered.

“Have a heart, Mrs. Rarity!” Storm moaned. “How else am I supposed to keep you from getting a cold?”

“I’m not talking about you, Storm! I appreciate your help; I truly do. But Applejack… ooh! She really gets on my nerves!”

“And what, pray tell, did she even do to make you so mad?”

“Well…”

“Storm! Applejack! Rarity!”

It was then they heard a faint call in a distance. As the ponies, even Applejack, turned to look it was then the voice started to grow louder.

“Storm! Applejack! Rarity!”

Before their very eyes, they spotted their friend Twilight Sparkle calling out to them. She stood just outside her home, in the library, her door completely open.

“Twilight?” They called out.

“Come inside every pony, quick!” Twilight beckoned.

“Don’t have to tell me twice!” Storm sighed in relief.

Applejack and Rarity wasted no time heading towards the library, with Storm Shield following close behind. While Rarity and Storm Shield wasted no time rushing inside, the moment Applejack came to a stop just outside the door.

“Whoa, nelly!” Applejack spoke in concern. “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 Storm and I do,” Twilight said proudly.

“Had it set up myself,” Storm added. “Nearly broke my neck on a ‘loose branch’ getting it up there.”

“I’m going to ignore that comment,” Rarity whispered, smiling at Twilight. “We are most grateful for your invitation.”

“Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality,” Applejack said.

But just as Applejack made her way inside, Rarity held a fore-hoof stopping her from going past the welcome mat.

“Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won’t you?” Rarity said plainly.

Applejack looked toward her hooves, remembering they were coated with mud. She even acknowledged all the hoof prints she made while walking inside. Of course, while it would be considered rude to walk about some pony’s home with muddy hooves, the way Rarity told her to wash up clearly rubbed the orange pony the wrong way.

“If I gotta spend one more second with that fuss bucket Rarity today,” Applejack grumbled. “I can’t be held responsible for what I’m gonna do.”

Storm Shield had just placed his hat on the rack and was about to slip out of his coat, when he saw Applejack walk back outside to wash her hooves. He could tell by the look on her face she was beyond frustrated; in fact, he could see she was furious. He reached for his hat and placed it back over his mane.

“I’m just going to make sure Applejack is all right,” Storm told the girls.

Twilight Sparkle and Rarity looked on as Storm worked his way outside to help Applejack.

“Some storm, huh?” Twilight asked cheerfully.

“Oh yes, it is like him to be a gentlecolt for some pony,” Rarity nodded, with a frown.

“Oh no, I meant the ‘weather’. The Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you and Applejack don’t have any trouble getting home.”

“It may indeed be a problem,” Rarity said, noting the heavy downpour.

“Well, you’re welcome to stay if need be,” Twilight offered. “Spike is away in Canterlot on royal business. Storm went along to make sure he gets there safely. I thought he’d be in Canterlot to visit his parents and his sister, but for some reason he decided to come back. Guess he was worried about me being home alone.”

“If I may ask, what are his parents like?” Rarity wondered, curiously.

“Well, I’ve actually only met them on a few occasions because Storm usually hung out at my house mostly. From what I remember though, they’re both really amazing ponies. I don’t remember ever meeting his sister Rose Gold, but he did tell me she enjoys a good party…”

Suddenly, Twilight gasped excitedly as if she’d been struck with inspiration of her own.

“You and Applejack should totally sleep over! We’ll have a slumber party! I’ve always wanted one of those. And since Storm's here, maybe we should include him too!”

Naturally, Rarity had nothing against the idea of a slumber party with Twilight, being they’re the ‘best of friends’. But two certain ponies almost made the idea sound… a little less appealing.

“Oh! Uh, goodness,” Rarity replied, with a nervous chuckle. “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 – with Applejack.”

Rarity looked out the window, as while Storm Shield used Twilight’s garden hose to wash Applejack’s hooves off… only to end up having trouble getting the water to flow and accidentally spraying her face in the struggle to get the hose to cooperate.

<>

“Blah! Blech!” Applejack sputtered, clearing her throat. “Y’all did that on purpose!”

“Sorry Applejack!” Storm Shield apologized. “Sheesh, gimme a break. I haven’t perfected the art of hose-spraying with magic.”

“I get it’s Twilight’s house and all, but Rarity goes actin’ up as if it’s her own place. Urgh… sometimes she just burns me up!”

“And what did Rarity even ‘do’ to make you so mad?”

“You want the short or long version?”

<>

Meanwhile, Rarity’s insistence on not taking part in a sleepover fell on deaf ears. Having not listened to a single word her friend said, Twilight searched the shelves and presented Rarity with a single book.

“Slumber 101: All you’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid To Ask,” Rarity read aloud.

“My own personal copy,” Twilight said excitedly. “It’s a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents. I’ve been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great.”

Rarity could only give a sheepish smile, for all the excitement Twilight displayed (If the excitable hoof clapping didn’t give it away). Every now and then, Rarity glanced toward Applejack outside.

“Yes, uh, great,” Rarity nervously laughed.

<>

It wasn’t much longer before Applejack and Storm Shield arrived inside. Applejack’s hooves were still wet, but at least now they were sparkly clean. She felt pleased with herself, till what she saw before her made her gasp. Storm looked toward where Applejack was gawking and shared the same expression. Rarity and Twilight, sitting upon some pillows, brushing some form of mint-green goop on each other’s faces.

“What did we just walk into?” Storm asked rhetorically.

“Now wait just a goll-darn minute. Ya make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it’s okay for y’all to have mud all over yer faces?”

“Silly!” Rarity retorted snootily. “This is called a mud mask. It’s to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.”

“We’re giving each other makeovers! Eee-hee!” Twilight squealed with delight. “We have to do it. It says so in this books.”

“Book?” Storm questioned.

Twilight used her magic to bring the book towards Applejack and Storm, the two reading the cover at the same time.

“Slumber 101: Everything You…”

All of a sudden, Applejack felt pale. Like Rarity, she had nothing against slumber parties nor having one with Twilight of all ponies. It was more over being ‘a slumber party… with Rarity’. As for Storm Shield, while he always imagined a chance he could have with Twilight Sparkle to himself… this was clearly out of his comfort zone. For one, a slumber party is the most feminine ordeal he heard of, especially the idea of a facial, and not to mention its with the ‘other girls’. Whether they knew it or not, their minds were screaming to make a run for it.

“Uh—well—um—you see—I don’t really know if I should because that’s really more of a girls thing,” He stammered nervously.

As for Applejack, being the element of honesty, finding her own excuse to leave proved extremely difficult.

“"Oh hey, heh, would'ja look at the time. I gotta skiddadle on home quick. I’m powerful late, for, uh, fer somethin’.”

“I’ll escort you on the way to the station… good-night, every pony!”

Applejack and Storm Shield made a quick dash for the door when…

*KA-BOOM!*

“EEEEEK!!!!”

A girlish scream cried out, as the two ponies zipped right back in their spot in the room. Of course, Applejack carried Storm Shield, his mane straight up and his face widen making him resembled a scared cat. His eyes darting about, Storm quickly leapt off Applejack, who turned away awkwardly, and quickly removed his rain gear tossing it over the side.

“On second thought… my family didn’t even know I was coming anyway,” Storm sighed.

“Maybe we’ll sit here for a spell,” Applejack conceded reluctantly.

All of a sudden, Rarity and Twilight Sparkle threw a huge glop of cosmetic mud right in their faces. The mud splashed all over their faces, as Rarity spread the goop about.

“Hooray slumber party!” Twilight cheered joyfully.

“Hmm…” Storm muttered, squinting his face. “Least one of us is enjoying this…”

Later, Rarity set two cucumber slices over Applejack’s eyes shortly after giving a pair to Storm.

“Blech!” Applejack spluttered. “What in the world is this for?”

“To reduce the puffiness around one’s eyes, of course,” Rarity said, with a sigh.

“Wait seriously?” Storm asked, raising a cucumber. “Huh… I thought these were just for presentation.”

“Puffiness-schmuffiness!” Applejack huffed.

She proceeded to collect both cucumber slices with her tongue, consuming them.

“That’s good eatin’!”

Rarity just glared, as Applejack chewed loudly. She slowly turned towards Storm Shield, who quickly put the cucumber back in place.

“Uh… I’m good! Not really that hungry.”

“Hee-hee! Isn’t this exciting?” Twilight continued, oblivious to the tension. “We’ll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun.”

“Did you hear that you two?” Rarity asked innocently. “You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?”

Clearly, Rarity was trying to make Applejack and Storm Shield feel guilty. But these ponies were having none of it, especially Storm.

“Hey, leave me out of this!” Storm waved off. “I want Twilight to have the best party of her life, as much as the next pony. I mean I admit I thought this was more Pinkie’s thing… but no pony is going to ruin anything, right A.J.?”

Even if she didn’t have to answer, Applejack was not afraid to stoop to Rarity’s level.

“Of course not, ‘n you wouldn’t either, I reckon?” Applejack shot back.

“So do we have an agreement?” Rarity asked Applejack, plainly.

“You betcha,” Applejack said.

She spat into her hoof, then held it out for a hoofshake. Strom cringed a bit, even though he knew such a motion was the norm for her family. Rarity, on the other hoof, was utterly disgusted.

“Oh! Gross!” Rarity replied. “You know, there’s messy and there’s just plain rude!”

Storm Shield could tell from her face Applejack took great offense.

“Uh oh…”

“You know, there’s fussy, ‘n there’s just plain getting’ on my nerves!” Applejack answered irritably.

“Fortunately, I can get along with anypony,” Rarity said indignantly. “No matter how difficult she may be.”

“Oh yeah?” Applejack glared. “Well, I’m the ‘get-alonin-est’ pony you’re ever gonna meet.”

“That’s not even a word,” Rarity pointed out.

“Rarity does have a point,” Storm spoke up. “It’s even marked as a…”

Applejack and Rarity just glared at Storm Shield, causing him to chuckle and back away.

“Uh… like I said, I’m staying out of this one…”

But Storm Shield didn’t get very far, when Twilight Sparkle appeared above them and pulled the ponies together in one group hug.

“This is going to be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!” Twilight said excitedly.

The poor unicorn was so excited for her first slumber party, she couldn’t see the growing tension between her two best friends… and ‘one’ best friend stuck in the middle. By the tone of their impressions, there was no enthusiasm at all for this party.

“Yay…” Storm and the girls said, in unison.

<>

As the wind and rain howled long into the night, the three girls continued with their makeover session. All three girls had put rollers into their manes and tails. While Twilight was enjoying it, Applejack was hunched low to the ground feeling miserable. As for Storm Shield, having gotten the mud and cucumbers off his face, he stared at his reflection in the mirror and surprisingly looked very impressed.

“I don’t know why I didn’t think of this in the first place,” Storm replied, brushing his face. “Whatever’s in that stuff, it’s made all my pores vanish.”

“Now that wasn’t so bad, was it not?” Rarity asked smugly. “And how are you getting along there, Applejack?”

“Just fine, Rarity,” Applejack answered, not hiding her irritation.

“This is so awesome!” Twilight giggled, reviewing her own personal checklist. “Makeovers, check.”

She took her slumber book and read the next page.

“Ooh, it says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first?”

Twilight used her magic to remove all the curlers from the girls’ manes and tails, much to Applejack’s relief.

“Me!” Applejack volunteered. “I’d like to tell y’all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove every pony crazy with her unnecessary neatness. Oo-oo!”

Applejack moved her fore-hooves in front of her to emphasize the spookiness. Rarity just glared, knowing Applejack was referencing her.

“I’m sure y’all are familiar with that one?” Applejack questioned.

“What’s the terrifying part?” Storm asked.

“Never heard of it,” Rarity replied quickly. “But I have a much better one. It’s the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everypony within a hundred miles! Oo-oo!”

Now it was Rarity’s turn to wave her fore-hooves about. While Storm Shield shook his head, Applejack just looked irritated.

“That’s not a real story,” Applejack argued. “You made it up.”

“It’s a ghost story,” Rarity said smugly. “They’re allmade up. In fact, how about if Storm were to tell us a story?”

“Really?” Storm asked, uncertain. “I mean I have astory, but I should warn you it’s pretty hardcore.”

“Just git on to tellin’, will ya?” Applejack ushered.

“All right, all right… let me think,” Storm pondered, clearing his throat. “The air was cold… the night skies black over the city. Many of the citizens slept on high alert (Or not at all), the rest rioting the streets due to the horrid events of…”

“Umm, Storm?” Twilight interrupted. “Maybe you shouldn’t tell that story for a sleepover.”

“But I barely even started!” Storm moaned. “Besides, it’s the only scary story I know.”

“And it was very generous of you to offer it. But we just want to give a light scare for our friends, not fill their heads with nightmares.”

“Oh please… like anything else could be scarier than that.”

*KA-BOOM!*

Another clash of thunder was heard, and all the lights went off…

“WAH-AH-AH-AH-AH!!!”

A high falsetto scream bellowed in the dark. Twilight suddenly reappeared between the three ponies, Storm hiding between Applejack and Rarity, shaking uncontrollably. The unicorn mare held a green lantern loaded with fireflies inside, its green light making her look very ominous.

“I’ve got one!” She said cheerfully.

Before the others could say a word, all at once Twilight’s tone changed into something spooky, something… sinister.

“This story is called The Legend of the Headless Horse…”

The thunder clashed again, putting Storm, Applejack, and Rarity on edge. The male unicorn did his best to keep a calm face, but he recalled the very nature of this story.

“It was a dark and stormy night, just like this one,” Twilight began. “And four ponies were having a slumber party, just like this one…”

Another lightning flash appeared, displaying the howling rain and the outside of the tree house (Along with a familiar home upon its left). By then, Storm Shield sat frozen while Applejack and Rarity trembled from each side. Twilight was just near the end of her ghost story.

“… And just when the last pony thought she was safe…” Twilight continued in a low voice. “There, standing right behind her, just inches away was – The Headless Horse!”

A gasp escaped from both Applejack’s and Rarity’s lips in complete unison before another thunder clash sent them screaming and Twilight reappeared with a blanket over her head making her look headless. Applejack and Rarity screamed, followed by a third scream from a certain stallion, as the three ponies held each other in terror. Twilight merely smiled, as she rushed back to her book and switched the lights back on.

“Ghost story, check,” Twilight said aloud.

“G-G-G-Gee Rarity, even I didn’t think reckon you’d scream that high,” Applejack chattered.

“That wasn’t even myscream, Applejack,” Rarity replied.

The two mares suddenly felt their bodies shake and the sound of teeth chatter rang their ears. They both turn toward each other, only to see Storm Shield, stuck in between the mares, quivering, and shaking in their grips.

“Storm… you weren’t scared of that story, were you?” Rarity asked.

“S-S-S-S-Scared? W-W-W-Who’s scared?” Storm denied, shakily. “I-I’m not scared… you g-g-girls are scared… I’m as c-c-cool as a cucumber…”

Applejack and Rarity were merely stunned until they realized they were holding each other… specifically holding onto Storm Shield. He turned to both mares with an awkward look on his face, until they roughly pulled away and sent him rolling backward on the floor. Twilight soon reappeared between them.

“Now, who wants s’mores?” Twilight offered.

Suddenly, Storm reappeared beside Twilight.

“You had me at s’mores!”

<>

A short while later, Applejack stood near the fireplace roasting several marshmallows at once. At a nearby table, Rarity showed Twilight how to make the perfect s’more. It is quite apparent Twilight never made one before. Unlike Storm Shield, who was already nibbling on his own s’more as he silently watched the girls.

“Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate,” Rarity explained. “And be sure it’s centered – that’s critical – and then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. Ta-da!”

“Ooh!” Twilight said, clearly impressed. “That’s a marvelous job, Rarity. I just feel bad I didn’t decide to learn this sooner.”

“For the record, I did offer to teach you back during Magic School,” Storm pointed out. “But you turned me down so you could spend the whole weekend studying.”

“… I said I was sorry!” Twilight pouted.

“Ah, don’t worry about it. These s’mores are perfect… almost feel bad about scarfing them, when they ought to be in some food museum.”

While Rarity gave a satisfied laugh at that remark, Applejack was more annoyed over the orderly display of what was supposed to be a camping style snack.

“Nah, ya just eat ‘em,” Applejack stated.

The Earth pony shoved the whole thing in her mouth, munching it loudly and a little sloppily. This made Storm stop eating, barely able to keep his own bites watching the way one of his friends ate. Rarity just looked annoyed until Applejack gave a loud belch.

“You could at least say excuse me,” Rarity sighed.

“Aw, I was just about to, but you interrupted me,” Applejack replied.

She tilted her head towards Rarity, before giving her a smug look.

“Pardon.”

“… Suddenly, I seem to have lost my appetite,” Storm spoke, putting his treat aside.

As for Twilight, she headed over toward her book.

“S’mores, check,” Twilight declared. “Now the next item of fun we have to do is: Truth or Dare.”

“I dare Applejack to do something carefully and neatly for a change,” Rarity proposed.

“Oh yeah?” Applejack challenged. “Well I dare Rarity ta lighten up and stop obsessin’ over every last little detail for a change.”

“I think the truth of the matter is that some pony could stand to pay a little more attention to details,” Rarity retorted, glaring at Applejack.

“And I think the truth is some pony oughta quit with her fussin’ so the rest of us can get things done!” Applejack replied, returning Rarity’s glare.

Twilight and Storm watched these two ponies go at it. They turned toward each other, and Storm could see Twilight grow worried that these two were going to start a fight. Storm quickly jumped in between before hooves were thrown.

“Um girls!” Storm interrupted. “I’m no expert on ‘slumber party’ games, but I don’t think this is how the game’s supposed to work.”

“Storm’s right,” Twilight agreed, flipping through her book. “You have to give an honest answer to any question or do whatever anypony dares you to do.”

“So long as it’s reasonable… and clean,” Storm added.

Applejack and Rarity faced each other when the former got an idea.

“I dare you to step outside and let your precious, tidy mane get ruined again,” Applejack proposed.

Rarity gasped and faced her other friends.

“You have to,” Twilight said. “It’s the rule.”

“But Storm said it has to be clean!” Rarity whined.

“Actually, I was referring to the ‘other’ clean,” Storm shrugged. “This on the other hoof… that’s different.”

“Hah!” Applejack laughed loudly.

“Fine!” Rarity said.

With her nose in the air, she stepped outside. Applejack snickered as she heard Rarity cry outside. By the time Rarity returned, the orange pony and Storm couldn’t help but laugh. There the marshmallow unicorn stood, her curly mane wet and straight. She also shivered since the rainwater was very cold.

“You know Rarity, you should consider keeping that look,” Storm suggested. “Looks better on you.”

“Ha-ha-ha, very funny,” Rarity laughed sarcastically.

She then walked up toward the orange pony with the Stetson hat.

“Okay, I dare Applejack to play dress-up in a frou-frou, glittery, lacy outfit!” Rarity proposed.

Now it was Applejack’s turn to gasp before she grumbled and found a light-blue princess dress, a matching hat, and ribbons to boot. She continued to give an icy glare to Rarity once she had come back. Storm’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Happy?” Applejack asked.

“Very,” Rarity smirked.

“Though I’m not sure if that outfit would work for the Grand Galloping Gala,” Storm pointed out. “But I will admit it’s… different.”

“Um, do I ever get a turn?” Twilight wondered curiously.

“Great idea!” Storm spoke up, picking up his previously discarded s’more. “I’ll let you ask me if you want, I’m an open book. The first thing that ‘pops’ in your head.”

“Well, since you’ve volunteered,” Twilight nodded. “Here’s a ‘truth’ question… why did you really come all the way back from Canterlot when you said you’d be visiting family?”

Storm had just taken a bite when he choked at the mention of the question. He spat out crumbs and bits of chocolate onto the floor, as he tried to clear his throat.

“Uh…” Storm sputtered, nervously. “Well, that is to say… if we’re being honest, I just—”

“I dare ya to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town,” Applejack challenged Rarity, interrupting Storm.

“I dare you not to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town,” Rarity retorted.

Storm turned to the side, as now the two ponies were face-to-face.

“I dare ya not to comb your mane a hundred times!”

“And I dare you to comb yours just once!”

It was during this moment Twilight realized this game wasn’t going as planned.

“Uh, I think we should check off Truth or Dare and move on,” Twilight suggested.

For once, Storm sighed with relief as that meant he didn’t have to answer the question. By now, Applejack was out of the dress, and Rarity’s mane was dry and assumed its curly style. As all three ponies adjusted, Twilight returned to her book.

“Let’s see what our next fun-fun-fun thing is, shall we?” Twilight asked, reading. “Hm, what does this mean? Pillow fight?”

The words pillow… and fight made Storm Shield’s eyes widen.

“Oh no…”

“Oh, please,” Rarity replied, with an eye roll. “I am not at all interested in participating in something so crude.”

A pillow suddenly hit Rarity in the face. That was all she needed to set her manners aside, as a fierce determined glare appeared on her face.

“Oh. It. Is. ON!” Rarity declared, darkly.

She grabbed a pillow with her mouth and threw it at Applejack, who got one right in the face. Applejack bucked three pillows right at Rarity, hitting her in the face one after another. For a brief moment, as Storm tried to stay low from incoming pillows, he swore he saw the 100, 200, and 400 figures rising above her head with each hit.

Rarity narrowed her brow as she sent several pillows at Applejack, who grabbed one of them and sent three pillows at once using a lasso. Rarity glared as she used her magic to freeze the three pillows in motion and held them alongside her before sending them back at high speed. Applejack returned fire. Soon pillows were zipping back and forth between them, while Storm Shield used his magic to levitate one pillow and block any incoming barrage sent toward him. The entire time Twilight looked puzzled until she figured it out.

“Oh, I get it!” Twilight exclaimed. “Pillow, fight! Fun! UGH!”

Storm turned as Twilight was pelted in the head by not just one, but ‘two’ pillows.

“TWILIGHT!” Storm shouted.

*WHAM!*

A pillow knocked Storm straight into a large pillow pile, as Twilight’s head popped out rather woozily.

“Ah, uh, girls?” She said wearily. “Maybe we should take it down a notch?”

“I will if she will!” Applejack called out.

She sent out one pillow and dodged another. Rarity gasped as she barely missed getting hit.

“She started it!” Rarity accused.

Their one-on-one battle continued until Twilight, and an unconscious Storm Shield, were buried in a mountain of pillows. Eventually Twilight rose from the pile, spitting out some leftover feathers from her mouth. She searched through the pillows until her eyes caught what she searched for and she gasped.

“Storm!”

Twilight dug through the pillows, pulling out the unconscious Storm Shield, who could see figures of Applejack and Rarity running around his head arguing.

“Storm? Are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“No Rose Gold, I’ll wear the purple shoes,” Storm answered dizzily. “Who painted the kitten?”

A sigh escaped her lips, as Twilight turned back toward her two friends.

“Maybe we should just call it a night and get some sleep?” Twilight proposed.

“Waayahead of you ma…” Storm spoke, before fainting.

While there wasn’t an answer between Applejack and Rarity, the two girls soon complied… bitterly.

<>

Within a few minutes, Twilight was just getting ready to sleep in her own bed. Across from her was the second bed set for both Rarity and Applejack since Twilight only had the one extra. When it seemed the two had finally settled down, Twilight turned toward the floor as Storm Shield laid upon a mound of pillows trying to get comfy.

“Sorry to ask you to sleep on the floor tonight,” Twilight apologized quietly. “I thought it be more polite if my friends had the spare bed for the night.”

“Ah, no need to sweat about it, Twi,” Storm brushed off. “This is comfortable enough, least for tonight anyway. Boy… what a night…”

Twilight nodded her head, not just agreeing over how the storm was still going on outside, but everything else in between. It is silent between the two unicorns, except for the one sigh that slipped from Twilight’s mouth. She turned back toward Storm Shield, who acknowledged her attention.

“You never did answer my question from earlier,” Twilight brought up.

“I don’t think that matters anymore,” Storm replied. “The game was getting out of hoof anyway.”

“But it does matter, Storm. I want to know. Whydid you decide to skip Canterlot and come all the way here?”

Storm laid silently on the bed of pillows, as if thinking how to answer. Realizing Twilight would not let up, he released a sigh of his own before answering.

“Spike and I only just stepped off the train when we finally got to Canterlot,” Storm explained. “From there, I was on my way to surprise my family when I noticed the huge storm clouds making their way to town. For some odd reason, I felt something draw me back to Ponyville even as I made sure Spike got to the castle safely. And seeing as how it was Spike who was invited for ‘royal business’ and not me, he insisted I’d go and make sure things were okay.”

“Hmm… Spike’s heart is in the right place,” Twilight nodded.

“I would’ve been to town sooner, but the train got stalled on the tracks. I tried a teleportation spell to get back… it didn’t go well for me. Then I only had enough time to grab some gear and try to clear as much branches as I could before the storm, and… well you know the rest.”

“Can I be honest?” Twilight asked.

Storm silently nodded.

“I’m sorry you had to cancel your trip just to come back,” Twilight apologized. “I guess I was worried you came for nothing.”

Storm smiled, once more shrugging it off.

“Don’t worry about it Twi. I’ll just write a letter to my parents tomorrow and explain everything.”

“I’m sure they’d like that,” Twilight replied. “Anyways, seeing as how you’re here now, I’m glad you could join us for our slumber party.”

“Yeah I’ll admit, this was… fun in a way,” Storm admitted. “Then again, you should’ve been there for my sister’s slumber parties. Not as crazy as this one, but they are still fun.”

“Yes… Rose Gold…” Twilight pondered. “You know? In all the years we’ve known each other, you never once brought up your sister. What is she like?”

“Heh… what isn’t she like?” Storm replied. “Rose Gold is the most wonderful sister a brother can ever ask for. A little quiet and contemplative, but you’ll never meet a more artistic pony like her. I’ll never forget the first slumber party she ever threw.”

“Oh… and how was it?”

“Well… Rose Gold was just starting magic kindergarten and she was so excited to make a good first impression. So the first week of school, she puts together this bundle of invitations for her entire class to come over for a sleepover… and I mean every pony. She slaved over those pieces of paper and all the stuff she put together, making sure every single pony in that room was invited to come.”

“Wow…” Twilight sighed.

“… And no pony showed up,” Storm finished, sadly.

Twilight’s expression of awe immediately drooped with shock and sympathy, hearing of the story taking a downward turn very quickly.

“That’s awful!” Twilight said, in shock.

“Yeah… it’s no secret between us that Canterlot ponies are notoriously snooty. They didn’t even bother to give reason why they couldn’t come, not even a letter in response to the invites. My sister was so disappointed, so upset, that she locked herself in her own room and refused to come out. I felt dreadful seeing her so unhappy.”

Twilight looked sadly toward Storm, as he looked down on the floor. Visions of his sister crying over the scattered invitations, plenty of which she worked so hard on, all for nothing. Slowly, Storm lifts his head up toward the window as he watched the rain hit the window.

“I couldn’t bear to see all her efforts go to waste,” Storm continued. “So, the night she was supposed to have the party, I decided to invite myself… and we ended up having so much fun together. Not like I really had plans of my own or a group of friends to hang with anyway. All that mattered to me is to see that smile on Rose’s face, that’s my favorite part about her. I’d do anything to make some pony happy, that’s why I felt it’s important that a first slumber party for any pony is perfect… or at least, close enough. I’d have asked if you’d come that night, but I thought you’d be too deep in your studies to join."

“I was too deep in my studies,” Twilight admitted, regretfully. “I really missed out on so much. I would love to meet your sister one day.”

“Well… maybe next time I leave for Canterlot, we can go together,” Storm offered. “Just the two of us. Not for too long of course, but at least for ‘one’ weekend.”

“What about Spike?”

“Sure! He’s always welcome to come along. And next time, he can come to another sleepover… even if it is a bit girly!”

Twilight giggled, as she hoof-bumped Storm Shield along his shoulder playfully. Storm rubbed his shoulder, yet still smiled at his best friend.

“Could you imagine if any of our other friends were here right now?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, how can I not?” Storm chuckled, imagining. “Pinkie Pie would turn this into an all-out party. We’d have to hold down Rainbow Dash just to get her to do a makeover. And Fluttershy… well, I don’t really think parties are her thing. But just to be around friends she can trust, I think she’d at least be… content.”

“Well… maybe someday,” Twilight replied, yawning. “We better get some sleep and see what happens tomorrow. Good night, Storm.”

Storm Shield watched as Twilight Sparkle rolled her herself under the sheets, lying her head upon the pillow. A smile spread across his face as he admired Twilight’s sleeping figure from the floor.

“Good night… Twilight,” Storm said softly.

Before long, Storm’s eyes couldn’t stay awake as he drifted off to sleep while all was silent inside the tree house.

<>

Unfortunately, for either unicorn, ‘silence’ was not going to be golden on this night. As Applejack and Rarity lied on the spare bed, neither girl was even willing to share it quietly.

“Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed,” Rarity warned, from her end.

“My hooves ain’t muddy,” Applejack argued indignantly.

“They were!” Rarity retorted. “There might still be a little on them.”

“They ain’t! See?”

Applejack turned to face Rarity, shoving a fore-hoof right in her face.

“Eww!” Rarity groaned.

The fashionista leaned away from it, turning away so angrily that she claimed the entire blanket for herself.

“Now who’s bein’ inconsiderate?” Applejack shot back.

Applejack took the entire blanket and wrapped herself into it like a burrito. Rarity groaned as she got out of the bed, pulling the blanket off of Applejack.

“I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right,” Rarity told her. “Get up!”

“Hey!” Applejack grumbled.

The cowgirl pony forced herself up, as Rarity carefully set the blanket properly on the bed. Applejack just glared, as she went to get back in.

“Ah, ah, ah!” Rarity stopped her. “You’ll ruin it. You have to do it like this.”

Rarity climbed in from the top of her pillow.

“Mm, uh, ooh, u-u-u-uh, uh, ah…" Rarity murmured.

Applejack just stared with a bored expression, as she watched Rarity snaked her way down into the blanket and snuggled into it till she could close her eyes to sleep.

“Yeah, that’s not gonna happen,” Applejack replied. “Geronimo!”

Applejack jumped high into the air and body slammed into the bed. The force sent Rarity flying out, as Applejack took the entire blanket to herself. A groan lets out, not just from Rarity but a certain stallion trying to sleep. Slowly, he raised his head watching the two mares arguing… again.

“Hey!” Rarity called out.

“Ah,” Applejack sighed, relaxing.

“You did that on purpose,” Rarity accused.

“Um, yeah?” Applejack admitted shamelessly.

“Get up so I can fix it again!” Rarity ordered.

“Can’t hear ya, I’m asleep,” Applejack replied.

The farm pony tried to feign snoring, as Rarity tried to get Applejack to move. It reached to a point that Rarity pulled the blanket right off the orange pony.

“I ain’t budgin’,” Applejack retorted stubbornly.

“You will if you want any blankets,” Rarity replied.

“Give it back!” Applejack demanded angrily.

“I will not!” Rarity muffled, her mouth on the blanket.

“Yes you will!” Applejack said.

She grabbed the other end of the pillow with her mouth, as a game of tug of war commenced between the two ponies. Storm’s eye twitched, as his face scrunched to a frown as he tried to stop himself from blowing up.

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

“Won’t!”

“Will!”

Storm Shield took a very deep breath, as if he were about to say something.

“ENOUGH!!!”

All three ponies quickly turned toward Twilight Sparkle. Apparently, she hadn’t been clueless to their arguing and was now very upset as she showed them the slumber book.

“It says right here that the number one thing you’re supposed to do at a slumber party is have fun and thanks to you two I can’t check that off!”

“You knew the whole time?” Storm asked surprised.

“Of course I knew, Storm!” Twilight cried out. “I tried my best to bring us closer together, but they don’t know when to stop!”

The two girls stared at the unicorns before glaring at each other.

“I’ve been tryin’ my darndest to get along!” Applejack retorted.

“No, it is I who have been trying my best!” Rarity argued angrily.

"No, it was me!"

"No, it was I!"

"Me!"

"I!"

“SHUUUUUUT UUUUUUUUPPPP!!!” Storm screamed.

Applejack and Rarity instantly stopped arguing and turned towards Storm Shield. His mane flared wildly, his eyes lit like a burning blaze, and he snorted heavily like a raging bull. Never before had the girls seen their friend this angry before until tonight.

“I hope you two are happy!” Storm continued, furiously. “You’ve ruined my best friend’s very first slumber party! The makeover, the s’mores, Truth or Dare, the pillow fight… if I knew you two were just going to argue the whole time, I’d have just stayed in Canterlot right now!”

While the rage within burned inside, he turned towards Applejack.

“You could stand to be a little more sensitive instead of taking things so personally!” Storm yelled, before facing Rarity. “And YOU are so obsessed with sweating over the small stuff, you blind yourself from the BIG picture staring you in the face!”

“Is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?” Twilight asked.

It was then that a large bolt of lightning struck a nearby tall, yet skinny tree. The bolt damaged the tree just near the top end, the very sight frightened Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn mare hid her nose into her pillow.

“Sorry I asked,” She said meekly.

The three girls and Storm Shield turned their heads toward the tree. They all gasped as they saw the burnt top of the tree leaning dangerously forward. Any moment from now, it could tumble onto the top of a house along the right side of Twilight’s home.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked frantically. “What are we going to do?!”

“Ya see?!” Applejack called out. “That’s why we needed to take down all those loose branches in town, not spiffy them up!”

Rarity looked rather stunned, not only for the scolding she received but the fact she may put somepony in severe jeopardy.

“But I—”

“Outta my way, missy!” Applejack cut Rarity off. “Time’s a-wastin’.”

Applejack opened the window and used her lasso to grab the top part of the tree, keeping it from falling onto the roof of the other house. Storm had just put on his raincoat and hat, when he saw what Applejack was about to do.

“Wait! Stop! Don’t!” Rarity shouted.

“A.J., do not pull the—” Storm warned.

“No waitin’! No stoppin’! Doin!” Applejack spoke, with the rope in her mouth.

She pulled the rope hard, forcing the tree to fall the other way.

“And that my friends is what we call ‘getting’ er done’.”

But all Storm, Rarity, and Twilight could do was cry out when…

*CRASH!*

The top of the tree flew through the window into the bedroom, knocking Storm Shield backward and sent crashing into a mountain of pillows. Applejack dangled along the rope leading downstairs to the library as she watched Storm’s hat float toward the pillows and land on the pile. The heavy rain and intense wind came rushing inside Twilight’s bedroom.

“I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!” Rarity cried out, towards Applejack.

“Well, ya shoulda tried harder!” Applejack protested.

But the orange pony sighed with guilt when she saw Twilight poke out of the tree branches. The moment she saw Storm’s tail sticking out through the pillows, still and limp, she stared in horror.

“Storm!” Twilight gasped.

“I’m mighty sorry, Twilight,” Applejack spoke regretfully.

Twilight tried to stay calm. But it’s plain to see she could no longer hide the fact over how upset she was.

“It’s… well, it’s not okay!” Twilight said. “There’s a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, Storm could have a concussion, and the book doesn’t say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party. Or at least I haven’t found that entry yet, ooh… ah!”

In her panic, Twilight began shuffling through her book. Applejack looked around and soon saw Rarity cleaning some items which fell off the bookshelf due to the sudden tree branch. The rain and the winds started to pick up with each passing minute.

“What in tarnation are y’all doing over there?” Applejack asked loudly.

“Cleaning up this mess some pony made,” Rarity answered. “Who was that again? Oh right, that’s you!”

Rarity continued to clean, as Applejack looked at her indignantly. She tried to buck the main tree branch out of the bedroom, but she couldn’t budge an inch out of it.

“We gotta do somethin’!” Applejack shouted over the winds.

“Baking… BFFs… Brothers…” Twilight read aloud. “There’s nothing in here about branches!”

Applejack saw she was being ignored, as Twilight desperately scrolled through her slumber book for answers. With Twilight preoccupied and Storm Shield out cold, she headed back toward Rarity.

“Rarity for pony’s sake!” Applejack grunted. “Stop sweatin’ the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing!”

Applejack’s rants fell on deaf ears, as Rarity continued to clean up the bookshelf.

“I said hussle over here and help me!”

But no matter how loud Applejack shouted, she was ignored again. She could feel the frustration build up inside her, but she knew what she had to do.

“Look, I’m sorry all right?” Applejack spoke softly.

Rarity stopped, as the look on her face showed she had been so focused that she hadn’t heard the orange pony till that point. It’s as if she hadn’t been tuning Applejack out on purpose at all.

“What was that?” Rarity said.

“I said I’m sorry!” Applejack repeated. “I shoulda listened to you when you said where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin’ attention to detail would’a saved us from this whole mess. But right now, Storm was right! Ya need to stop being so dang fussy, pickin’ up all the little things, and help me move the one big thing in here that really matters! Please!”

Rarity stared at the large tree branch nervously.

“Uh… uh, but I’ll get all icky!” Rarity protested feebly.

“Cosarnit! What the…”

Applejack was about to snap, but quickly corrected herself.

“… Eh… you… I mean, yes, ickiness is often the side effect of hard work. But y’all need to get over it, on account I just can’t fix this mess I made myself. I need your help.”

Rarity, though hesitant, shifted her face to a look of determination. As if it suddenly dawned on her over what was more important for them now.

“Oh. Let’s do this!” Rarity declared.

As the two discussed a new plan, Twilight was still shuffling through her slumber book.

“Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties,” Twilight pointed out. “Is that what we’re doing right now? Does this count as camping?”

But Twilight received no answer. Rarity made her horn glow, while Applejack began to move the branch with all her might. With a huge flash, the branch was broken down into several smaller branches… many of which had cute mini sculptures on them. The rest of the branches had magically been removed minus a single piece of wood. Applejack was about to buck the wood clear across the next town when Rarity gave her a glare. Applejack stopped and instead lifted the branch with her mouth, allowing it to drop easily to the ground before shutting the window tight. Then Rarity looked at herself, her coat covered in leaves and mud.

“U-ugh. Oh, I look awful!” She said sadly.

Fussy or not, Applejack couldn’t stand seeing Rarity so glum. Then the orange pony got an idea. She grabbed some leftover cucumber slices and set them upon Rarity’s eyes.

“Better?” Applejack asked.

Rarity suddenly remembered what she mentioned before, about how mud had cosmetic purposes. Then what her friend did for Rarity… Applejack actually paid attention to that one detail. It was more than enough to make Rarity smile.

“Hmph, thanks,” She said, with a brave smile.

Rarity reached a hoof out to find the orange pony. Applejack shifted so Rarity knew she was there and the two shared a warm, yet messy hug. Despite their little achievement, Twilight was stillshuffling through her book when she saw some of the leftover mini sculptures.

“Oh, pretty!” Twilight said. “Where did these come from? They were not in the book either…”

“Uh….”

Twilight’s search through the book was interrupted by a deep groan. She rushed downstairs with Rarity and Applejack not too far behind. They stopped by the pillow mound, as a figure rose up. A figure with a pillow sheet over his head, the black fedora on top, and garbed in a navy green trench coat. The lightning flashed behind him, giving him a menacing look.

“IT’S THE MONSTER FROM STORM’S STORY!!!” Twilight shouted.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" They all screamed.

The figure clutched his head with another groan before he struggled against the pillow sheet and pulled it off. Shaking the dizziness away, it is revealed to be a disheveled Storm Shield. His mane was all over the place, his muzzle covered with leaves and a few loose branches, hiding the bruise from the crash.

“Calm down, every pony,” Storm groaned. “It’s only me!”

“Storm!” The three girls exclaimed.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” Twilight sighed in relief.

“Yeah… though I think I’ve come down with a splitting headache,” Storm moaned, looking around. “I can see you two finally decided to work together.”

“Well, you were right about our petty argument darling,” Rarity said. “Aside from a little mud, once we started working together we performed just fine.”

“Just fine sugarcube,” Applejack added in agreement.

Storm smiled in satisfaction, seeing the two having made up after one crazy evening. The brief silence between the friends ended quickly when Twilight had an idea.

“You know girls?” Twilight spoke. “Our slumber party is not officially over until we’ve had some ‘fun’. What would you say if I know a way where we can have ‘all’ the fun we want?”

The three marks looked at each other and smiled mischievously. They all turned toward Storm, who looked like a lone deer before a pack of hungry lionesses about to pounce. They slowly approached the frightened stallion, as he slowly backed as far as he could into the wall.

“Ahh, come on now guys!” Storm said nervously. “I only just woke up. You really aren’t going to make me do this are you?”

<>

“I can’t believe you made me do this!” Storm growled.

Storm soon found himself in the midst of a very embarrassing situation. Not only had the girls put rollers in his mane and tail, but they also tied ribbons on his hooves (With one at the end of his tail). And to top it all off, they put far too much make up all over his face. To say Storm was not happy at all was an understatement. Still, he sat between Rarity and Applejack (The two having quickly cleaned up) with a long face, as they just laughed in the middle of their game of twenty questions with Twilight.

“Is it bigger than a barn?” Applejack asked.

“Nope,” Twilight laughed.

“It is smaller than a saddle?” Rarity guessed next.

“No!” Twilight laughed again. “Only three of your twenty questions left!”

“We’re never gonna guess what you’re thinkin’ of!” Applejack sighed. “It could be anythin’.”

“I’m sure you criminal masterminds will figure it out,” Storm grumbled.

“Well you do look absolutely stunning, darling,” Rarity pointed out.

Applejack and Twilight snickered as Storm slowly turned toward Rarity.

“Thanks,” Storm spoke, in a deadpan tone.

“Are we getting warmer?” Rarity asked.

“Why? Is it too cold in here for you?” Twilight asked worriedly. “I can turn up the heat.”

“She means are we getting’ any closer with our guesses?” Applejack asked.

“Duh!” Storm shook his head.

Twilight glared toward Storm over that remark.

“You know we’ve got a pink princess dress we could put on you,” Twilight warned.

Storm’s eyes shrunk even smaller than they already had, as the girls gave him sly smirks again.

“Anyways, no,” Twilight said. “And that technically counted as a question, so only two more left!”

Applejack and Rarity exchanged puzzled looks before facing Twilight once more.

“Is it… a six-legged pony with a purple polka-dotted mane and shootin’ stars coming out of his eyes?” Applejack guessed.

“Who flies through the air all over the world to hide magic, sparkly eggs?” Rarity added.

Both girls looked at Twilight with hopeful eyes, while Storm stared at his friends with a look that said ‘What?’.

“That’s it!” Twilight said.

“It is?!” Applejack and Rarity said at once.

“It is?” Storm added.

“No,” Twilight said simply. “It’s that.”

Twilight pointed behind them showing that what she was thinking is her telescope.

“But it was just so nice to see you two finally getting along, I wanted you to be able to win together.”

Applejack and Rarity just looked at each other before they laughed.

“See?” Twilight continued. “We could have been having fun like this all along.”

“If only some pony hadn’t been so persnickety,” Applejack pointed out with a smirk.

“Well, maybe she would have been if some pony else hadn’t been so sloppy,” Rarity retorted with her own smirk.

“Sorry for being such a pain in the patootie,” Applejack said sincerely.

“Oh no,” Rarity protested. “I’m sure I was much worse.”

“That’s kind of ya to say. But I’m the one who’s sorry.”

“Oh, I’m much more sorry than you are.”

"Ugh. Are not."

"Are too."

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

The two ponies glared before they broke out laughing, no longer caring about who was right anymore. Storm chuckled to himself, as he shook his head.

“I guess some ponies never grow out of these silly fights,” Storm thought. “Who am I to judge? Twilight and I have had our share of them over the years…”

His thoughts were interrupted the moment Twilight got between them and gave them a hug.

“I declare my first slumber party a success!” Twilight said.

Storm, Applejack, and Rarity high-hoofed each other and cheered.

“Have fun, check,” Twilight said, marking it off her list.

“It was even better with our ‘hostage’,” Rarity added.

The girls laughed as they surrounded Storm in a group hug, the latter groaning loudly.

“Thank you Storm!” They cooed happily.

“You’re… welcome girls…” He said in defeat.

And yet, a small smile appeared on his face. Even though he imagined having lost a bit of his pride and a shred of dignity, just to see his friends happy made it worthwhile. True, there are moments of this night he wished to forget EVERhappening… turned out this sleepover may be one night with the girls he will never forget.

Seeing as the girls had him suffer enough, they finally decided to allow him to clean up. Scrubbing away the makeup from his face, removing all the ribbons and rollers, until Storm was back to his regular appearance. With the thunder having stopped, Storm knew he could still make the trip back to Canterlot with more than enough time to see his family.

But in the meantime, as morning drew near and the rain stopped completely, Storm Shield leaned back and watched the three girls enjoying some fun party games with each other. While munching away on a s’more, Storm observed Rarity and Applejack playing a team game where one was blindfolded and the other telling them which way to go to reach the goal. The only obstacle in the way was a fortress wall made out of several books. Rarity was in command while Applejack was blindfolded.

“Now take two steps to your left,” Rarity said. “Uh, no, my left.”

“Whu, which is it? Whoa!”

Applejack crashed into the book fortress, but merely chuckled as she got back up.

“That mess is your fault, not mine.”

“Sorry,” Rarity laughed.

Twilight watched her friends laugh together before continuing with her letter.

Dear Princess Celestia
It’s hard to believe that two ponies who seem to have so little in common could ever get along. But I found out that if you embrace each other’s differences, you just might be surprised to discover a way to be friends after all.

Twilight paused briefly to face Storm Shield, who took another bite of his s’more while watching the girls. For a brief moment, he turned toward Twilight Sparkle and offered a soft gesture to her which she smiled in return.

P.S. I… must admit I was worried that I took Storm hostage during our slumber party when all he did was check up on me because he cared. But in a way, I had a chance to learn from him as he learned from me. So… despite some hiccups… I think you’ll agree that I should share my lesson with him. So… you’ll see both our names on this letter as usual.

Twilight chuckled sheepishly to herself, though she’d probably rewrite that last part later. Just then, she got an idea.

“So, who’s up for another slumber party tomorrow?” Twilight proposed.

While Storm eyed Twilight widely, Applejack and Rarity just exchanged looks before throwing two pillows at Twilight’s face.

“Ugh, how about a week from Thursday?” Twilight suggested. “Oh, how about two weeks from Saturday? A month from now?”

Storm Shield chuckled, while Applejack and Rarity just smiled. Satisfaction formed on Storm’s face knowing Twilight had a successful sleepover with her friends… and a night with Twilight he won’t ever forget. As Storm looked out the window, he witnessed all the grey clouds break apart as the warm morning sun basks over Ponyville once more.

Bridle Gossip

One bright, sunny day Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Storm Shield were taking a stroll through the town of Ponyville. It was a beautiful morning for the two unicorns and their dragon companion, having just taken a lovely walk in the park with the two ponies strolling side by side.

“Wow, what a gorgeous day!” Twilight said happily.

“You can say that again,” Storm nodded in agreement.

“Rainbow Dash must have gotten up early for once and cleared all the clouds away,” Spike pondered aloud.

So it seemed to be as Spike looked up toward the clear blue sky. No doubt on their minds Rainbow Dash truly outdid herself when she felt like it.

“I bet all of Ponyville is going to be out enjoying the sunshine,” Twilight replied.

But just as they entered the town, they were met with the most unusual sight: All the streets completely bare and empty. As they looked around, some ponies were shutting their windows while a little filly was quickly whisked back into their house by a nearby parent. This confused the two unicorns and Spike tremendously, neither one certain as to what to think.

“What? Where is every pony?” Twilight asked.

“Good question,” Storm said.

They walked about the town hoping to find the answer right before them, but apart from the trio not a single pony could be seen for miles.

“Is it some sort of pony holiday?” Spike asked.

“Not that I know of,” Twilight answered.

“And Pinkie had me memorize every single one of them,” Storm added. “Including all the birthdays. But just to be safe, I better recheck my notes.”

Storm used his magic to pull out a marked up calendar book in his pack, flipping through the pages before stumbling upon today’s date.

“Hmm… other than the half birthday of some pony named Silver Spoon… nothing’s set for today.”

“Half birthday?” Twilight questioned.

“That’s Pinkie Pie for you,” Storm replied, putting his book away. “She’ll find any reason to schedule a party.”

As they passed by a shop, they noticed all the windows were completely dark as if someone purposely turned off all the lights.

“Umm,” Spike asked sheepishly. “Does my breath stink?”

Spike gave out a loud belch, which made Storm cringe a bit.

“Not more than usual,” Twilight remarked.

“And I didn’t need to give Twilight one of my revival mushrooms today,” Storm added.

The two ponies chuckled as Spike gave them both a glare. Then the little dragon grew fearful as yet another thought crossed his mind as they walked behind a water fountain.

“Is it… zombies?” Spike asked fearfully.

“Uh… not very likely,” Twilight said.

“Not likely… but possible?” Spike wondered.

“Little buddy, if we were to encounter any zombies, some pony would’ve warned us in advance,” Storm stated, matter-of-factly.

“PSST!”

The three froze suddenly when they heard the sound. The looked around just outside of Sugarcube Corner. All of a sudden, a pink hoof appeared from the upper-opened door and gestured for them to follow.

“Twilight! Spike! Storm!” A voice called.

It didn’t take long for the three to realize it was their pink party friend, Pinkie Pie, whispering to them.

“Come here! Come! Here! Hurry! Before she gets you!”

Not knowing what the deal was all about, they quickly jumped over the lower half of the door and crept inside. Things seemed rather quiet for our heroes till a bright light flashed in their faces, making Storm and Twilight groan. Turned out it was Pinkie Pie shining the lamp toward them.

“Who?!” Spike called out. “The zombie pony?”

“Z-Zombie pony?!” Pinkie answered, shakily.

“Spike! There are no zombie ponies,” Twilight said.

“Pinkie, what in Equestria are you doing sitting alone in the dark?” Storm questioned.

“I’m not alone in the dark,” Pinkie replied.

Instantly, the dark room lit up before their eyes. Storm and Twilight gasped as they found themselves surrounded by their friends, including Apple Bloom, Applejack’s younger sister. Of course Storm knew having spoken to the young filly at least a few times at the reunion. But other than that, he never had the time to get to know her what with all the shenanigans he’s been through.

“Okay then, what are you all doing here in the dark?” Twilight asked.

“Is there some danger in town or something?” Storm questioned. “An invasion? A plague? Another thousand-year-old villain released from captivity seeking revenge and world domination???”

“No…” Applejack shook her head. “We’re hidin’ from her!”

Storm and Twilight followed Applejack’s hoof, pointed toward the window. Before their very eyes, a cloaked figure walked outside. It came to a stop in the middle of the road, beginning to dig some sort of hole into the ground. The two unicorns made off to look but were bombarded by the rest of the girls behind them. Poor Storm was pushed so hard, his face smashed right into the window. He glared discreetly before prying his face off the glass and looked out. In that moment, the cloaked figure turned and gave them a very mysterious glare. The ponies gasped in fright, while Storm, Twilight, and Spike looked… understandingly confused.

*Deploy theme song here*

As all this was going on, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle felt taken aback by the stranger before their eyes. Apple Bloom soon rushed over to them.

“Did you guys see her?” The young filly asked. “Did you see… Zecora?”

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack scolded. “I told you never to say that name!”

Naturally, Storm did not appreciate seeing the young filly being scolded for what he deemed an innocent question.

“Why?” Storm asked. “Is her name some new taboo or something?”

“Well, Storm and I saw her glance this way…” Twilight replied, answering Apple Bloom’s question.

“Glance evilly this way,” Pinkie retorted.

“… And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason,” Twilight concluded.

“True,” Storm nodded. “I mean… I understand the cloak and all. But otherwise I see no reason to duck and cover against a fellow equine.”

“No good reason?” Applejack retorted, pulling Apple Bloom close. “You call protectin’ yer kin no good reason? Why as soon as my sister saw Zecora ridin’ into town, she started shakin’ in her lil’ horseshoes.”

Applejack shook poor Apple Bloom about to make her point, leaving the little filly very dizzy.

“D-D-Did n-n-not!” Apple Bloom protested, shakily.

“So I swept her up and brought her here,” Applejack continued, tossing Apple Bloom back.

“I walked here myself!” Apple Bloom remarked.

“For safe keepin’,” Applejack finished.

Apple Bloom was clearly annoyed her own sister had been ignoring her comments the entire time.

“Applejack, I’m not a baby!” Apple Bloom replied, climbing off her sister. “I can take care of myself!”

“Not from that creepy Zecora,” Applejack shot back, sternly.

“Overprotective much?” He remarked, shaking his head.

Though Storm Shield felt sorry for Apple Bloom, at the same time he understood where Applejack was coming from. Being a big brother himself, he’d do anything to protect his little sister, Rose Gold.

“She’s mysterious,” Fluttershy said, referring to Zecora.

“Sinister,” Rainbow Dash added.

“And spooooky!” Pinkie said, with an ominous tone.

Storm and Twilight groaned as they looked out the window. It was then Zecora removed her cloak, revealing her face… or at least the back of it. The rest of the ponies gasped loudly.

“Will you cut that out?” Twilight asked.

“What’s the big deal?” Storm questioned. “It’s just her face!”

“Just look at those stripeS!” Rarity called out. “So garish!”

“She’s a zebra,” Storm said firmly.

“A what?!” The rest of the ponies asked in surprise.

“A zebra,” Twilight explained. “And her stripes aren’t a fashion choice, Rarity, they’re what she was born with.”

“And it’s natural for her to be ‘black’ with ‘white’ stripes,” Storm included. “Or was it ‘white’ with ‘black’ stripes? I can never figure that part out…”

But Rarity wasn’t paying much attention. But instead, she just groaned wearily and fainted.

“Born where?” Applejack asked. “I’ve never seen a pony like that in these parts, ‘cept her.”

“Well, she’s probably not from here,” Twilight answered. “And she’s not a pony. Zebras come from a faraway land. But I’ve never seen her in Ponyville.”

“Neither have I,” Storm shrugged. “Where does she live anyway?”

“That’s just it,” Applejack spoke ominously. “She lives in… the Everfree Forest!”

*THUNDER ROLL!*

Every pony jumped in surprise. Apparently, Spike climbed off Twilight’s back and snuck into the Sugarcube kitchen to help himself to a snack. He had knocked down a metal tray to the floor when he grabbed some snacks.

“Spike!” Storm and Twilight scolded.

“Uh, sorry!” Spike called out from the kitchen.

“The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural,” Applejack explained. “The plants grow…”

“Animals care for themselves…” Fluttershy added.

“And the clouds move…” Rainbow added.

“All on their own!” The girls said together, slowly.

Rarity fainted once more. But the dry look on Storm Shield’s face said otherwise.

“Yeah?” Storm spoke blankly. “And what’s the scary part?”

“That wicked enchantress Zecora lives there doing her evil… stuff!” Pinkie added. “She’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her!”

“Oh please no!” Storm protested loudly.

“Here we go…” Rainbow spoke apathetically.

Apparently, there was no stopping Pinkie from singing.

Pinkie (Sings):
She's an evil enchantress
She does evil dances
And if you look deep in her eyes
She'll put you in trances
Then what will she do?
She'll mix up an evil brew
Then she'll gobble you up
In a big, tasty stew
Soooo...Watch out!

Pinkie stood on a table on her hind legs with her fore-hooves high into the air, her chest rising and falling as she panted heavily before them. While Applejack clearly shook over the song, much to Apple Bloom’s annoyance, Twilight Sparkle just stared at Pinkie. While Storm held his hooves over his ears just waiting for the splitting headache in his skull to stop.

“Wow…” Twilight spoke, unimpressed. “Catchy.”

“It’s a work in progress,” Pinkie replied, oblivious to the sarcasm.

“This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors,” Twilight argued. “Now tell me, what exactly have you actually seen Zecora do?”

“Well…” Rainbow pondered. “Once a month, she comes into Ponyville.”

“Oooooh!” Twilight replied, dramatically and sarcastically.

“So eeeevil!” Storm added similarly.

“Then, she lurks by the stores,” Rarity continued.

“Oh my!” Twilight replied, same tone.

“That fiend!” Storm added.

“And then, she digs at the ground,” Fluttershy finished.

“Good gracious!” Twilight cried.

“Oh, what a world!” Storm added.

Rarity frowned as Storm was clearly mimicking her. Eventually, the two unicorns gave their friends indignant looks. Apple Bloom also stood between Twilight and Storm, sharing the same face.

“Okay, I’m sorry,” Twilight spoke normally. “But how is any of this bad? Maybe she comes to town to visit?”

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom agreed. “Maybe she’s just tryin’ to be neighborly.”

“Or make some new friends,” Storm added.

“And maybe she’s not lurking by the stores, maybe she’s going to them, lurk free, to do some shopping?” Twilight suggested.

“Yeah!” Apple Bloom agreed. “Every pony likes to shop. You know what I think?”

“Apple Bloom! Hush and let the big ponies talk,” Applejack scolded.

Apple Bloom took great offense to what her sister just said. The bitterness within her eyes said it all.

“I am a big pony!” Apple Bloom muttered, under her breath.

“Aside from Twilight, you’re the only one,” Storm whispered to her, winking.

Storm’s words made the filly feel slightly better, knowing at least one pony was on her side. All the other ponies seemed unconvinced toward Twilight’s logic.

“W-What about digging at the ground?” Rainbow pointed out. “You’ve got to admit that’s weird.”

“You poke the sprinkles on your cupcake, Rainbow,” Storm retorted. “That’s weird yet none of us think you’re evil!”

Rainbow gave Storm an annoyed raspberry in response.

“What if she’s digging for innocent creatures?” Fluttershy proposed.

Pinkie once again started singing her song in the background; Storm looked rather annoyed with her antics.

“Any pony got a pillow?” He asked rhetorically.

“To block out the nonsense?” Apple Bloom proposed.

“No… to stuff in Pinkie’s mouth! That song is driving me absolutely bonkers!”

“I’m sure there is an explanation for everything Zecora does,” Twilight answered toward the accusations. “And if any pony here were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth.”

Apple Bloom happened to be near the door the moment she heard that.

“Well, ah’m brave enough,” Apple Bloom retorted. “Ah’m gonna find out myself!”

Apple Bloom turned to leave when she felt some pony tap her back. Slowly she looked up, as Storm Shield stood over to her looming down at her sternly.

“I know what you’re doing...”

Apple Bloom groaned, expecting another firm lecture. But instead, Storm just smiled.

“Count me in! Besides, all these ponies want is some proof. I think if we work together, we can investigate Zecora for ourselves and find all the proof we need. Now come on!”

Storm’s words brightened the filly’s spirits, as she followed the older unicorn and together they left the shop. They barely made it towards an abandoned cart when Zecora turned in their direction. Apple Bloom gasped as they hid behind the cart as quietly as they could. They waited till they heard the footsteps recede before peeking out.

“If we’re going to follow her, we need to be as stealthy as possible,” Storm whispered to her. “And light on our hooves, very important. Here’s the plan: You track her, while I get us from one spot to the next.”

“Think you can move fast enough?” Apple Bloom asked.

“In case you forgot, I’m a unicorn.”

“Oh yeah…”

“Now climb on. And whatever you do, don’t let go.”

Storm placed Apple Bloom upon his back, before lighting his horn before teleporting them from house to house as they followed the Zebra out of Ponyville. Back at Sugarcube Corner, the other ponies were still arguing.

“You ponies are being ridiculous!” Twilight snapped.

“Well, I heard that Zecora eats hay,” Pinkie said sternly.

“Pinkie, I eat hay, you eat hay!” Twilight retorted indignantly.

Pinkie just glared at Twilight Sparkle. Though deep down she knew Twilight was exactly right, the party pony was unwilling to admit she was wrong.

“Yeah, but I heard it’s the evil way she eats hay,” Pinkie retorted back.

“Hey! Where’s Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked, looking around.

“The door’s open,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“She went outside!” Rarity exclaimed.

“And Zecora’s still out there,” Rainbow added.

“That silly lil’ filly,” Applejack sighed. “I told her to stay put!”

Looking around again, Applejack noticed not only was Apple Bloom missing, but some pony else was too.

“W-Wait just a dog-gone second! Where’s Storm?”

“You don’t think…” Pinkie wondered.

But before Pinkie could finish, Applejack snorted through her nostrils.

“Wait til I git my hooves on him!” Applejack growled angrily.

She galloped out the front of the shop seeking to find the two ponies.

“Spike, you stay here in case Apple Bloom and/or Storm come back,” Twilight instructed.

“Will do!” Spike responded.

With that settled, Twilight Sparkle raced out of the shop to catch up with the group.

<>

A few minutes later, Zecora made her way deep into the Everfree Forest. Storm and Apple Bloom managed to successfully tail her from close behind. They looked about as they stood by the entrance of the forest. Just being at the foot of the forbidden place made Apple Bloom nervous.

“Don’t worry, I’ve been here before,” Storm assured her. “Just stick close to me and you’ll be okay.”

Apple Bloom stared down toward the path, standing tall as she and Storm bravely entered the forest. But despite having the Element of Bravery next to her, Apple Bloom still gulped nervously as they tailed Zecora from a few yard away. They didn’t get very far when Storm Shield stopped Apple Bloom as he spotted a patch of blue flowers just in front of them. Though not sure why, he looked uneasily toward the plants as he slowly led her around the flowers. Once at a safe distance, they look up toward Zecora.

“Excuse me!” Storm called out.

It was then Zecora stopped and turned around, finally realizing that she had been followed. Before her eyes, somewhere beneath the hood of the cloak, there was a unicorn and a filly standing before her.

“You must be the one called Zecora, are you?” Storm continued.

The Zebra just stared at the two for a moment, not uttering a single word to either-one. Slowly she nodded her head, the closest to a yes as they could get.

“Great! Sorry about startling you there. But we saw you come into town earlier, and we were just wondering—”

“Apple Bloom?! Storm?!”

Apple Bloom gasped, as she and Storm froze in place. It didn’t take long to recognize that all-familiar voice.

“I’m busted,” Storm sighed.

They both turned around, as Zecora looked past them. There before their eyes, Applejack and the rest of the ponies stood before them, right in the midst of the blue flowers.

“You two get back here right now!” Applejack ordered.

“We’re fine, A.J.!” Storm called out. “I’ve been looking out for her!”

It was then that Zecora finally spoke.

“Beware! Beware, you pony folk!” She warned. “Those leaves of blue are not a joke!”

The others, minus Twilight, looked very indignant. Applejack scooped Apple Bloom onto her back.

“Y-You keep your creepy mumbo-jumbo to yourself, ya hear?” Applejack shouted.

The others, not including Twilight, Storm, or even Apple Bloom, began to speak over each other telling Zecora off.

“Oh brother!” Twilight sighed.

“Beware!” Zecora chanted. “Beware!”

And just like that, the mist engulfed the Zebra right before their very eyes… and then she was gone.

“Yeah, back at ya, Zecora!” Rainbow said, flying beside the Apples and Storm. “You and your lame curse are the ones who better beware.”

Apple Bloom and Storm glared at the cyan Pegasus until a certain farm pony grasped their attention.

“And you!” Applejack snapped, toward her sister. “Why couldn’t you just listen to yer big sister?”

“I… I…” Apple Bloom stuttered.

But the moment Applejack stared her down, the little filly had completely lost her courage.

“It’s because you’re overprotective and unreasonable,” Storm argued. “You don’t listen to a single word she…”

“As fer you!” Applejack snapped, cutting him off. “Just who do ya think you are? Puttin’ my little sister in danger like that? Who knows what kind of nasty curse Zecora could have put on the both of you?”

“Just like in my song!” Pinkie pointed out.

The party pony began to sing again, as Storm rolled his eyes before conjuring up a pillow and stuffed it in Pinkie’s mouth.

“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses!” Twilight shouted.

“You really think I’d bring Apple Bloom out here if there really was any danger?” Storm retorted defensively. “Your sister was actually trying to get to the bottom of all this nonsense, while you’re the one acting like a scared filly!”

Applejack said nothing as she made her way through the blue flowers. Rainbow flew just above the flowers toward Twilight, maintaining eye contact with Storm, who still stood outside the flower patch.

“Well, that’s interesting to hear coming from Mr. and Mrs. Magic Pants themselves!” Rainbow remarked, pointing at Twilight’s horn.

“That insult doesn’t even make any sense!” Storm shouted.

“Our magic, real magic, comes from within,” Twilight explained calmly. “It’s a skill you’re born with. Curses are artificial 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.”

As Twilight spoke, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy looked blankly at her. Rainbow flew behind the three ponies and mock-talked Twilight’s words. In the end, they didn’t let Twilight finish before they turned around and walked away.

“Just you two wait now,” Applejack warned. “You’re gonna learn that some pony tales aretrue.”

“I’m all for believing in the impossible and the unexplained,” Storm shot back. “But I never sensed any threat here! You’re just too stubborn to admit when you’re wrong!”

“… You stay away from mah sister or else!” Applejack shouted.

As Applejack walked away, Storm just shook his head.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, pitiful!” Storm remarked. “It’s like they say, Twi: Fear of something you don’t understand clouds all rational judgment and common sense.”

“You can say that again,” Twilight sighed. “Let’s just get back to the library.”

“Sure,” Storm nodded.

Using his magic, Storm zapped himself over the large patch of blue flowers. Twilight looked at him quizzically, wondering why he’d teleport like that.

“Why didn’t you just walk through the flowers?” She asked.

“Something about those flowers make me reallynervous,” Storm answered.

“Now whose being irrational?” Twilight joked.

“Ha-ha, very funny!”

<>

Later that night, Twilight tried to sleep in her bed. But everything that had been going on made sleeping for the poor unicorn rather difficult. In her dreams, the words she heard from both Zecora and her friends tormented her mind.

“She’s an evil enchantress, she does evil dances!” Pinkie chanted.

“Beware! Beware!” Zecora warned.

“If you look deep into her eyes, she will put you in trances!” Pinkie continued.

“Yeah, was that supposed to scare us?!” Rainbow said.

“Wicked, wicked zebra!” Rarity said.

“… it’s a curse!” Fluttershy remarked fearfully.

“Then what will she do?” Pinkie asked.

“Just you two wait now,” Applejack’s words repeated. “Some pony tales really are true.”

“Then she’ll gobble you up in a big, tasty stew! So… watch out!” Pinkie concluded.

Zecora begun to laugh menacingly.

<>

All through the night, Twilight tossed and turned. When morning finally arrived, and the rooster crowed, Twilight felt exhausted. Even her own mane was messy from the restless sleep. Storm happened to walk in levitating a breakfast tray in his magical grip.

“Morning Twi, I brought you some…”

His words stopped the moment he noticed how tired and ragged Twilight looked.

“Whoa!” Storm gasped. “You okay?”

“Ugh… what a dream…” Twilight said sleepily. “Curses, schmurses!”

“Still thinking about yesterday?” Storm asked.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Twilight nodded. “Guess every pony kind of got to me a bit. It made me have a nightmare. Silly huh?”

“Heh, yeah,” Storm chuckled. “Silly things, dreams…”

It was then Twilight noticed her messy man, as she gazed upon her reflection from her vanity mirror.

“Whoa! Maybe Zecora cursed my hair.”

Storm played along, acting horrified at the sight.

“Oh sweet Celestia!” He said dramatically. “You’d better look up that big book of curses if there’s a cure for bed head!”

Twilight knew Storm was teasing, but she laughed as she brushed her mane back into place. As Storm settled himself, Twilight gasped in shock. Before her very eyes, her unicorn horn went limp and was covered in blue polka dots.

“Or she cursed my horn!” Twilight squeaked fearfully.

“Okay, now this is getting old and out of…”

The moment Storm looked up, he saw that Twilight’s horn was indeed floppy and dotted. His eyes widened in horror.

“That’s new!”

<>

They spent the rest of the morning seeking a reason for the sudden change to Twilight’s horn. But the efforts to find a remedy of this surprising predicament have since been fruitless.

“No-no-no-no-no!” Twilight panicked. “None of these books have a cure! Ugh! There has to be a real reason for this! An illness? An allergy?!”

“A curse!” Spike called out.

“I said a real reason,” Twilight retorted. “Something that points to something real.”

“How about this one?”

Spike held out the book he picked up for Twilight to read the cover.

“Supernaturals?” Twilight read aloud. “Spike, the word ‘supernatural’ refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are make-believe curses. This books is just a bunch of hooey!”

“Hey! Whatever happened to not judging a book by its cover?” Storm asked.

“I’m not in the mood right now, Storm!” Twilight glared.

“But what if you’re wrong, Twilight?” Spike asked. “What if this really is a—”

“Ah pfurse!”

A voice, with a very strong lisp, called out from behind.

“A purse?” Spike asked confused. “How could it be a purse?”

They all turned around and spotted none other than Pinkie Pie, her tongue completely swollen and covered in blue polka dots much like Twilight’s horn.

“Pinkie? What happened?” Twilight asked worried.

“Pee pah Zthecora!” Pinkie answered, spitting. “Sthe put a cursthe on me!”

While Storm used a magic shield to block the spit, poor Spike got drenched.

“Hey, say it, don’t spray it, Pinkie!” Spike retorted.

Then they heard the sound of some pony thumping outside Twilight’s window. They turned and sure enough it was Rainbow Dash herself.

*THUD!*

“Ow… Oh! She’s…”

*THUD!*

“… trying to say—ow…”

*THUD!*

“… Zecora…”

*THUD!*

“Oh!”

Rainbow stumbled before bashing her way through the door and crashed right into a pile of books upon the ground. The next thing they knew, Rainbow found herself stuck in Twilight’s ladder.

“She slapped us all with a-ow-curse!” Rainbow finished.

It was then Storm, Twilight, and Spike noticed that Rainbow’s wings were completely upside down. It was no wonder she seemingly had a tough time flying.

“And here I was thinking that’s how you fly normally,” Storm joked.

Storm’s joke received a death glare from the cyan Pegasus herself.

“I’m afraid I have to agree,” Rarity said.

When the fashionista came in, every pony got a look at her and their eyes went wide. Rarity blew some of her now shaggy, draped mane and fur hairs out of her face. Spike, Twilight, and Storm yelped in surprise.

“I’ve heard of ‘The Shaggy Dog’, but this is—” Storm began.

“Don’t… even… say it!” Rarity hissed.

“I hate to say I told ya so!”

The next voice sounded as if some pony inhaled too much helium. Seemingly the case since the voice belonged to Applejack, only now she was no bigger than a standard sized apple. She had to ride Apple Bloom’s back just to even get to the library in one piece. The three gasped at the sight.

“It’s a curse, I tells ya!” Applejack shouted.

“But Fluttershy… seems just fine!” Twilight said.

She gestured a fore-hoof straight toward the yellow Pegasus, who just sat quietly the whole time.

“Yes, there doesn’t seem to be a thing wrong with her,” Rarity added.

But as Storm observed Fluttershy, he could clearly tell she looked insecure… or at least more than usual.

“Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Twilight asked.

Only Fluttershy just looked away.

“Is there something wrong with you?”

Fluttershy silently nodded in response.

“Well… would you care to tell us?” Storm asked.

Fluttershy neither said anything nore made any gestures.

“So… you’re not going to tell us?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy nodded again.

“Twilight, what if… whatever caused this… made her lose her voice?” Storm suggested.

Fluttershy rapidly shook her head again.

“So… you didn’t lose your voice?”

Fluttershy shook her head sadly.

“Then… can you tell us what happened?”

Fluttershy nodded once more. But judging by the expression Twilight’s face, it seemed neither unicorns were getting anywhere with Fluttershy.

“Yes, you’re not, or yes you will?” Twilight asked.

“Good gravy, girl!” Applejack snapped. “What’s wrong with you?”

Fluttershy looked away, but reluctantly the words emerged.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Fluttershy answered, in a deep male voice.

“GAH!!!” Storm screamed.

So taken aback by the sudden change in Fluttershy’s voice, Storm jumped into Spike’s arms. The little dragon wobbled a bit before letting Storm hit the floor on his back (“Ow!”). Despite his annoyance over Storm, Spike snorted and burst out laughing.

“This is hilarious!” Spike laughed. “Look at all of you! We got: Hairity, Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple Teeny, Flutterguy…”

As each pony was pointed out, Spike earned an unnoticed annoyed or irritated glare.

“… and… uh…”

Spike stared at Twilight’s limp horn and sighed.

“… I got nothin’… Twilight Sparkle. I mean seriously, I can’t even work with that.”

“Polka-light Sparkle?” Storm proposed.

Spike stared at him blankly, while Twilight was more annoyed than ever.

“That’s just sad,” Spike remarked.

“It was the best I could do!” Storm protested.

Twilight just laughed at them, sarcastically.

“This is no joke you two!” Twilight protested. “Now start looking through more books so I can find a cure!”

Spike and Storm groaned, as they walked away. By then, Rainbow stood upon the ladder to pull her head out.

“I think we’ll find a cure to this curse at Zecora’s place,” Rainbow proposed.

“It’s not a curse!” Twilight snapped.

“I agree with Dash!” Applejack said, standing on the table. “We’ll go to Zecora’s and force her to remove this hex!”

“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight yelled.

Every pony were arguing over what to do, except for two ponies and a dragon. Storm merely stood beside Apple Bloom, while Spike kept searching for answers.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked frantically. “What are we going to—oh, who am I kidding?! Urgh! I tell ya Apple Bloom, this is just sad. I just know the solution’s just staring us in the face and they’re missing it.”

But when Storm turned toward Apple Bloom, her face was just sad.

“What’s wrong?”

“This is all my fault,” Apple Bloom spoke sadly. “If I hadn’t followed Zecora in the first place, none of this would have happened.”

“No, it’s my fault,” Storm sighed. “I’m the one that let you go after her, but I still don’t believe Zecora is to blame. Something in the Everfree Forest caused this… and I think I know what it is. Maybe they’re right…”

“About the curse?” Apple Bloom asked.

“No!” Storm shook his head. “About Zecora having the cure!”

“We’ve just gotta fix this,” Apple Bloom spoke, determined.

“Then let’s get going!” Storm proposed.

“But what about…”

“Don’t worry about Applejack; I’ll deal with her myself. But right now, this is the right thing to do! C’mon!”

Apple Bloom nodded, as Storm collected his saddle bag and together they headed out the library. However, their attempt to leave did not go unnoticed.

“Now where do those two think they’re goin’ this time?” Applejack said quietly.

She quickly dashed across the table and jumped into Apple Bloom’s red tail. Neither the young filly nor Storm saw her, as they left the library and made toward the Everfree Forest. In the meantime, the rest of the group were too busy arguing to notice. Poor Rainbow Dash especially had trouble keeping herself airborne in a stationary position.

“I don’t care what you say, Twilight,” Rainbow argued. “It’s time to pony up and take this fight to Zecora. Come on girls. Are you with me?”

“Ah am-oft!” Pinkie said.

“And I as well,” Rarity answered.

“Uh, I don’t know,” Fluttershy replied wearily. “Seems awfully dangerous.”

Spike giggled to himself, unable to keep a straight face due to Fluttershy’s ‘new voice’.

“How about you Applejack? Applejack?”

It was then they noticed that Applejack wasn’t there.

“Pf-she’s gone-pft!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Aah! Or some pony stepped on her!” Rarity cried out.

They all checked their hooves, but not a single trace of Applejack was there.

“… or sat on her?” Twilight added fearfully.

They checked their back ends… still nothing.

<>

Hmm… *Peers closely*

*SLAP!*

OW!!!

Show some respect, man!

<>

“Rarity’s hair!” Rainbow proposed.

Pinkie began to search about, much to Rarity’s discomfort.

“Oh! OH! Pinkie, what are you doing?” Rarity exclaimed. “Ah, really. Aah! You ever hear of personal space?”

Pinkie had just finished her search, only to come up empty-hoofed.

“Nopthe!” Pinkie answered.

It was then Twilight noticed something else.

“Apple Bloom is gone too!” Twilight observed, then grew irritated. “And so is Storm…”

“I bet they went after Zecora,” Rainbow assumed.

“Well we better go find them,” Twilight declared. “Come on girls!”

The girls tried to leave, but there were difficulties.

“Oh dear,” Rarity grunted, the hair over her face. “Oh, this is so unseemly. Auuaah!”

Apparently, Pinkie stood on one of her hair strands preventing Rarity from moving. Pinkie stepped off so Rarity could move again. As for Rainbow, she had been hovering upside down and couldn’t flip over.

“Hey, a little help here?” Rainbow called out.

“Oopsie! Sorry!” Fluttershy apologized.

She and Pinkie managed to get Rainbow Dash upright… only for the Pegasus to zoom ahead and crash into another wall.

“OW!”

<>

Apparently, Rainbow doesn’t have the common sense to just walk…

Nope!

<>

Fluttershy was about to follow the group when she saw Spike reading the same book Twilight brushed off earlier.

“Uh… Spike? Are you coming?”

Spike’s eyes widened as he chuckled nervously.

“Uh… gotta stay here and look for a curse,” He answered, reading the book.

<>

Meanwhile, Storm Shield and Apple Bloom entered the darker areas of the Everfree Forest in search of Zecora. They had stopped to scan the area when they heard a squeaky yet authoritative voice.

“Stop right there!”

Though they froze, they still looked about but couldn’t see any pony. That was until Applejack popped out of Apple Bloom’s mane.

“Turn around right now, the both of you!” Applejack ordered.

But rather than retort, Storm Shield gave Apple Bloom a sly smile.

“Did I hear something… squeak?” Storm asked sarcastically, winking.

Apple Bloom bit her lip to avoid laughing.

“Storm! I thought I told you to stay away from my sister!” Applejack protested.

Storm narrowed his eyes as he loomed toward Applejack, an angry look formed upon his face.

“Let’s make one thing perfectly clear,” Storm proclaimed loudly. “I don’t care how strong you are Applejack, no pony… I repeat… NO PONYBOSSES ME AROUND! You may be older than Apple Bloom, but that doesn’t give you the right to act like whatever she says doesn’t matter!”

“Mmm-hmm,” Apple Bloom hummed in agreement.

“I said both of you turn around at once!” Applejack said angrily.

Storm snorted, but just smiled.

“Seems some pony still won’t listen,” Storm told Apple Bloom casually. “Should we turn around Apple Bloom?”

Applejack was agape and now furious.

“That wasn’t a suggestion! Now turn around right now, missy!”

Apple Bloom just smiled and what she said next was direct and to the point.

“No!” Apple Bloom replied simply.

“No?!” Applejack spluttered. “You can’t ignore a direct order from your big sister! Storm is clearly having a bad influence on you!”

“He-he-he,” Apple Bloom giggled.

She tilted her head and Applejack went airborne. The young filly caught her older sister in her mouth and positioned her on a nearby tree branch with no means of escape.

“Sorry Applejack, but Storm is right,” Apple Bloom replied. “You’re acting like a little sister at the moment. I’m the big sister now!”

“And since you’re on time out till you’ve learned some sense, while we can move freely…” Storm added with a smile.

“Good-bye!” They both said.

Storm and Apple Bloom walked away, leaving Applejack stranded.

“Apple Bloom! Storm! You come back here right this instant!” Applejack shouted. “I’m gonna tell Big MacIntosh on you!”

But it didn’t take long for Applejack to realize how petty that last remark was… or the fact she had been ignored and sat on that branch all alone.

“Aw horse feathers!” Applejack muttered.

<>

Meanwhile, the rest of the girls charged straight into the Everfree Forest. Twilight Sparkle herself led the group.

“C’mon girls!” Twilight called out. “We’ve got to get to Zecora’s. Hurry!”

Unfortunately, Rarity tripped on one of her hair strands and tumbled into some mud and loose leaves.

“Ooh… Ah-ah-ah!” She groaned, getting back to her hooves. “Easier said than done.”

“Hey, wait for me!” Rainbow called out.

Poor Dash still tried to fly properly, but all she could do was scream and yell ‘ow’ every time she bashed, smashed, and crashed about the trees. Until at last, the cyan Pegasus was left dazed atop some bushes. It was then she felt something shuffle inside her mouth until… Applejack popped out. Apparently, Rainbow happened to crash into the same branch Storm and Apple Bloom left her on.

“Rainbow! Thank Celestia!” Applejack sighed. “There’s no time to lose! I need to get to Zecora pronto!”

Applejack grabbed a collection of twigs and vines to make a horse tack, clipped it into Rainbow’s mouth, and sat upon the girl’s stomach.

<>

*Turns toward the other author*

Don’t… even… think about it…

<>

“Giddy-up pony!” Applejack commanded.

“Ex-CUSE me?” Rainbow asked indignantly.

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack cried out.

The miniscule cow pony kicked Rainbow’s stomach sending her into the air, putting her body at Applejack’s command.

“What the…”

Then they took off… in the opposite direction.

“No, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack cried. “Other way!”

However, even Applejack’s commanding nature couldn’t control a Pegasus with inverted wings and a distorted navigational system.

<>

Finally, the rest of the ponies made their way towards the location of Zecora’s hut. Apparently, the Zebra lived in a modest little tree house right in the heart of the forest. Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity stood just outside of what they assumed to be her front yard.

“Oh! I look horrible!” Rarity complained.

“Plis place plooks horrible!” Pinkie replied.

The party pony lifted a hair strand from Rarity’s line of vision to help her see.

“Oh my. That place really does look horrible. Nice decorations… if you like creepy.”

The ponies peered inside and saw Zecora working around a cauldron filled with some green substance. The ponies gasped as Zecora began to speak into it using her native language.

“Sthe sthole my sthong!” Pinkie complained. “Shthe shtole mm mm!”

“She stole your song?” Rarity asked.

It was surprising to the ponies Rarity even understood the pink pony at all.

“Oh Pinkie,” Twilight replied. “It doesn’t sound anything like your song.”

“Pinkie glared, before noticing Fluttershy nearby.

“Ah. Hmm… Pbth!” Pinkie whimpered, with the puppy-dog plea.

Fluttershy sighed, then began to sing Pinkie’s song while the pink pony performed gestures. With her altered voice, Fluttershy sounded like a toy speaking on the final juices of its battery.

Fluttershy (Sings):
She's an evil enchantress
And she does evil dances
And if you look deep in her eyes
She will put you in trances
Then what would she do?
She'll mix up an evil brew
Then she'll gobble you up
In a big, tasty stew
Soooo...Watch out...

“You saw those terrible things,” Rarity pointed out. “Now do you believe us, Twilight?”

It wasn’t much longer for Twilight to feel more and more uneasy. Seeing all the items in Zecora’s house, she released a sigh.

“Scary looking masks, confusing incantations, and a great, big bubbly cauldron,” Twilight observed. “Everything is pointing to Zecora being… bad. Or… what if Zecora is just making soup?”

It was then they heard the zebra say something inside as she took a sip of what was inside her cauldron.

“Mmm! The perfect temperature for ponies, I presume,” Zecora spoke. “Now where is little Apple Bloom?”

“Or… what if she’s making Apple Bloom soup?!” Twilight wondered.

<>

“What if she’s making Apple Bloom soup?!” Twilight repeated.

But the other ponies were too shocked to even answer the question.

“Wait… what about…”

Twilight then spotted a lone sadly bag sitting near the back wall… with Storm’s cutie mark on it.

“Such a strong young colt of sort,” Zecora remarked. “What a tasty treat for one so short.”

The zebra had just implied she had already eaten Storm Shield.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" The other ponies screamed.

It was then Rainbow arrived with Applejack in control of her… sort of.

“I’m comin’ for ya, Apple Bloom!” The mini orange pony cried out.

Rainbow bashed through Zecora’s door, screaming as she swirled and crashed about inside Zecora’s hut. Zecora shouted toward the Pegasus in her native language.

“Whoa there, easy, Rainbow Crash!” Applejack retorted.

The cow pony tried to gain control of Rainbow, but to no avail.

“Oh!” Zecora gasped.

The rest of her words were misunderstood since they were in her native language. Rainbow just screamed, zipped, and crashed about, smashing hanging objects while Zecora kept speaking in her native tongue. The rest of the girls stood just outside her door.

“What have you done with Apple Bloom?” Twilight demanded.

“No! No!” Zecora cried out.

She continued to speak in her native language, completely ignoring Twilight’s demands while trying to get the wild Pegasus to stable herself. Applejack grunted from all the crashing and Rainbow’s screaming, before lassoing one of Zecora’s ears and attempted to hoof wrestle her… to little effect. Zecora just looked confused, before noticing the four ponies standing nearby.

“Ponies! What is this you…”

Before Zecora could demand an explanation, Rainbow Dash screamed and knocked over the cauldron with a crash landing.

“No, you know not what you do!” Zecora said. “You’ve gone and spilled my precious brew.”

“We’re onto you Zecora!” Twilight said firmly. “I didn’t want to believe that you cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming!”

“You made me look ridiculous!” Rarity accused.

“You made me sound ridiculous!” Fluttershy said, in her deep voice.

“You made me speak ridiculous!” Pinkie added, in an incoherent tone.

“You ruined my horn!” Twilight finished.

“How dare you!” Zecora spoke angrily. “You destroy my home, destroy my work. Then rudely accuse me of being a jerk?”

“You put this curse on us, now you’re gonna uncurse us!” Rainbow demanded.

“It is unwise to venture down this road,” Zecora replied, calmly yet stern. “Your actions will make my anger explode!”

“Where is Apple Bloom?” Twilight demanded angrily. “And WHERE’S Storm?!”

Twilight and Zecora literally butted heads, as if about to engage in a fight. Suddenly, two familiar ponies appeared outside the front door.

“Sorry we’re late Zecora!” Storm called out.

“I think we found all the things ya asked for,” Apple Bloom added.

They stopped when they saw every pony in the house and the mess.

“What in Ponyville is goin’ on here?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Looks like the Flying Accident was here,” Storm remarked.

He then saw Rainbow Dash, completely crashed on the floor and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Well speak of the devil!”

Apple Bloom stifled a giggle. Applejack gasped upon seeing the two in the doorway… but mostly Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom! You’re okay!” She exclaimed.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Apple Bloom asked curiously. “Storm’s been protecting me the whole time.”

“Storm!!!” Twilight exclaimed. “You’re alive!”

“Of course, I am!” Storm smiled. “Why wouldn’t I be okay? Or alive for that matter?”

“Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook up Apple Bloom into soup!” Twilight exclaimed.

Apple Bloom, Storm, and Zecora stared blankly toward Twilight… then laughed loudly.

“Oh Twilight,” Apple Bloom chuckled. “Did those silly fillies finally get in yer head?”

“Every pony knows there’s no such thing as a curse,” Storm added.

“Apple Bloom, sweetie,” Twilight said, nervously and tense. “You can’t just stand there and tell me this isn’t a curse.”

Twilight gestured towards the other ponies for emphasis. But Apple Bloom and Storm merely walked toward Zecora, standing on both sides.

“This isn’t a curse,” Apple Bloom replied.

“Nope!” Storm shook his head. “No curse at all.”

“If you remember back, the words I spoke were quite exact,” Zecora reminded.

<>

*Flashback*

Beware, beware you pony folk. Those leaves of blue are not a joke.

*End Flashback*

<>

“It was a warnin’,” Apple Bloom explained. “About that blue plant. It’s called poison joke.”

“I thought I recognized it from my studies in unusual plants years ago,” Storm added. “That’s why I felt uneasy around that plant and why I preferred teleporting over them instead of going through. But of course, even when I told you about it you never take me seriously.”

Twilight stared blankly, trying to process what was going on.

“That plant is much like poison oak,” Zecora said. “But its results are like a joke.”

Suffice to say, Applejack did not understand anything that was going on even while hanging over Zecora’s ear.

“What in the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked.

“It means this plant does not breed wrath,” Zecora answered. “Instead this plant just wants a laugh.”

But Applejack just glared.

“Will some pony please talk normal?” Applejack asked irritably.

“I think what she’s saying is that when we ran in to save Apple Bloom and Storm, we ran into the poison joke,” Twilight explained. “All our problems are just little jokes it played on us.”

“Little jokes?!” Applejack reported. “Very funny…”

Clearly the cow pony had just about enough ‘small’ humor for one day.

“Okay, fine,” Rainbow spoke. “But what about the cauldron?”

“And the chanting?” Fluttershy asked.

“And the creepy décor?” Rarity added.

“Treasures of the native land where I am from,” Zecora answered, pointing toward two masks. “This one say’s ‘hello’, and this ‘welcome’.”

“Not welcoming at all, if you ask me,” Rarity remarked.

“The words I chanted were from olden times,” Zecora continued. “Something you call a nursery rhyme.”

“But the cauldron… the Apple Bloom soup?” Twilight asked frantically. “Storm being tasty?”

“I meant not tasty to ‘eat’,” Zecora answered. “But the fact fillies find Storm attractive is quite a feat.”

Storm just smiled, striking a pose till he saw Pinkie batting her eyes at him. Storm rolled his eyes, while the other girls chuckled or snickered at him.

“Lookie here Twilight,” Apple Bloom pointed out. “That pot of water wasn’t for me, it was for all those herbal ingredients. The cure for poison joke is a simple old-natural remedy…”

Apple Bloom picked up Applejack into her hoof.

“You just gotta take a bubble bath.”

“Here is the book, you see?” Zecora added, showing Twilight the book. “Sad that you lack it in your library.”

Twilight saw the cover, remembering how she brushed it off when Storm and Spike proposed for a look inside. Needless to say, Twilight felt silly… and ashamed.

“Actually, I do have this book,” Twilight admitted. “But I didn’t look inside it because the title was so… weird. Supernaturals: Natural Remedies and Cure-alls That Are Simple Super. I… I… I’m so sorry, Zecora. I had the answer the whole time, even Storm suggested I should look at this book… and I ignored his advice. If only I had bothered to look inside.”

But rather than disappointed, Zecora merely chuckled.

“Maybe next time you will take a second look, and not judge the cover of the book,” Zecora replied.

The ponies bowed their heads to the ground, the zebra’s words sharing a double meaning. Apple Bloom and Storm chuckled before sharing a hoof bump in agreement.

“Zecora? Would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of your herbal bath?” Twilight asked humbly.

“Mix it up I certainly will,” Zecora answered. “Yet I am missing an herb from Ponyville.”

“But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are mysteriously closed,” Apple Bloom added.

“Probably due to the reasons you’re all here in the first place,” Storm concluded.

“Oh well… I think we can help you with that,” Twilight offered.

“But before we do… Oh Storm!” Applejack said, in an overly sweet tone.

“Yes?... ACK!”

Storm was taken by surprise when a flower struck his face and splattered its pollen all over it. He looked and noticed that… Applejack threw a poison joke flower at his face, its pollen still on his nose.

“OH… NO!!!” Storm groaned with dread. “A.J., what have you—"

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Unlike the other infected ponies, the effects of the poison joke took immediate effect and Storm’s entire body inflated till her literally resembled a pony-sized balloon.

“I picked that up while I was riding Rainbow Dash,” Applejack chortled, laughing. “Serves ya right for defyin’ me n leavin’ me stranded on that tree branch!”

Soon the others laughed as well, even Zecora. Storm just looked indignant as he floated a few feet in the air, somewhat grateful he didn’t just float up, up, and away.

“I was only defending Apple Bloom!” Storm protested, over the laughter.

He turned toward the little filly, who fell on her back laughing. Storm groaned to himself with a long frown on his face.

“Aw horse feathers!”

<>

It wasn’t long before they all headed back into town. But since Storm couldn’t move on his own, Applejack tied her lasso to his tail to pull him along. Storm was grateful Apple Bloom held the rope despite Pinkie’s protested to do so instead. As they approached some ponies in town, they gasped in horror.

“Look Rose!” Daisy cried. “How awful!”

“The wicked enchantress has cursed them all!” Rose exclaimed.

“The horror, the horror!” Lilly Valley added.

The ponies screamed in panic as they rushed back inside their homes. Twilight headed toward the house where one of the ponies lived, lightly knocking on the door. The pony peeked from the side of her door fearfully.

“Daisy, we need to talk,” Twilight said.

<>

With everything cleared out, Zecora was given the herbs she needed to complete the remedy. The ponies were now at the Ponyville spa where a large tub was constructed so all the infected girls could take a bath. Rarity and Fluttershy were already reclining in the water, as Twilight dove under to cleanse her infected horn. Pinkie cannon-balled into the water, crashing into all three, but curing her swollen tongue in the process as they all laughed. Rainbow, having already taken a dip, helped Zecora and Apple Bloom deposit the remaining remember into the bubble bath before Rainbow joined the other girls for a relaxing dip. And later that day, Twilight wrote a letter of their entire experience…

Dear Princess Celestia,
My friends and I all learned an important lesson this week. Never judge a book by its cover. Someone may look unusual, or funny, or scary. But you have to look past that and learn who they really are inside. Real friends don’t care what your ‘cover’ is; it’s the ‘contents’ of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever.
Your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield

While Twilight and her friends enjoyed their bath, one of the proprietors of the spa, Lotus Blossom by name, approached Zecora.

“Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath,” Lotus Blossom said. “It’s simply luxurious.”

Zecora smiled when Apple Bloom realized something.

“Applejack! Hey, where’s Applejack?!” She asked worriedly.

The other ponies gasped and exclaimed frantically, as they splashed about trying to find her.

“I’m right here, little sister,” Applejack called out.

Her voice and size had returned to normal, since she taken her bath inside a bucket… only now her back end was stuck inside of it.

“I ain’t tiny no more!”

The others laughed at the funny sight.

“Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Oh, my gosh!” Pinkie exclaimed, as she surfaced from underwater. “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 anymore, my tongue was all ‘ehhh’! It was the worst! Don’t you agree Fluttershy?”

Rainbow gritted her teeth, covering her ears as Pinkie babbled. But the others turned toward Fluttershy, who just smiled.

“Yes,” She replied softly.

Her sweet, lovable voice returned while all the ponies laughed. Suddenly, they heard a loud knocking outside the room.

“HELLO! IS ANY PONY HOME?!?!”

Storm Shield was stuck floating outside the door.

“WHEN DO I GET MY BATH?!?!” Storm bellowed. “COME ON GIRLS, THIS ISN’T FUNNY!!!”

“Did you hear something?” Rainbow asked out of the blue.

“I didn’t hear nothin’,” Applejack replied with a smirk.

“For crying out loud, I was only defending Apple Bloom!” Storm shouted, behind the door. “I just wanted Applejack to listen to her more because her sister is smart and capable of being useful if you give her a chance! Come on, Applejack! I don’t want to stay this way forever!!!”

“Okay, okay, point taken, sugar cube!” Applejack replied, sighing. “I guess Storm’s been punished enough. Zecora does a shower work just as well as a bubble bath?”

Zecora nodded as Applejack grabbed a squirt bottle and filled it up with the bath water. Applejack left the room, once she got the bucket off her flank, while the other ponies listened from inside the room.

*SQUIRT!*

"(blub)(blub-blub) Applejack! (blub-blub) What in the name of Celestia are you..."

*POP!*

“WAH!!!”

*CRASH!*

Storm’s landing shook the ground, as the other ponies flinched. Applejack casually came back into the room, the now empty squirt bottle in her grip and a smile on her face.

“He’s back to normal,” She reported.

<>

Outside the room, Storm laid on his stomach in the hallway. He had to admit he did learn something else that day… two in mind, actually. One, he ‘hated’ balloons. And B… when a pony like Storm tries to one up a girl, especially Applejack… you never win.

“Back to normal she says,” Storm said woozily. “One of these days… one of these days… BANG! ZOOM! YOU’RE GOING TO THE MOON!!!”

Swarm of the Century

One beautiful morning, outside the town of Ponyville, Fluttershy was along the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. On this fine day, the butter-yellow Pegasus was busily gathered flowers with a little help from her animal friends.

“La, la-la, la-la, la-la,” She sang happily.

As she continued filling the basket upon her back with beautiful flowers, a squirrel appeared before her. Before the mare he presents her a flower to add to the collection. But Fluttershy noticed that the squirrel picked out a dandelion puff.

“Thank you little squirrel, but remember these flowers are for Princess Celestia,” Fluttershy replied. “Only the prettiest ones will do.”

And sure enough, a strong gust of wind struck the dandelion puff, blowing away its seeds, and left just the stem. The squirrel just smiled apologetically and dashed away. Fluttershy merely smiled, as she went back to her humming while heading toward a nearby cart.

“La, la-la, la-la, la-la, la-la…”

*CHIRP!*

“Gah!”

Suddenly startled by the loud chirping, Fluttershy rushed behind the cart and dropped all the collected flowers onto the grass. Another chirp drew her face out of hiding. And there, just being a rock, a tiny insect appeared. It had two pairs of wings, large eyes, and a spherical body. It rose straight from its hiding place and just smiled.

“Hello, little guy,” Fluttershy said sweetly. “I’ve never seen anything like you before.”

The insect flew toward a nearby apple, sniffing it despite the lack of a visible nose.

“Oh, are you hungry?” Fluttershy asked.

The Pegasus proceeds to stomp the apple into a mush, making it easier for the little fella to eat.

“Here you go.”

The insect eyed the mush for a second or two… before zooming toward a nearby bucket loaded with apples. The insect swarmed the bucket, eating every apple inside.

“I guess you were hungry,” Fluttershy observed.

In response, the insect snuggled deep within Fluttershy’s pink mane and purred.

“You’re the cutest thing ever!” Fluttershy said. “I can’t wait to show you to my friends.”

Fluttershy was so excited to show off her new friend, it didn’t occur to her that such a large appetite could pose a problem… a big problem…

*Deploy Theme Song here*

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Twilight and Spike busily spent their day tidying up the library. Of course, Twilight’s need for ‘perfection’ didn’t make the task any easier for the baby dragon.

“Oh! Hurry up, Spike!” Twilight urged frantically. “This place isn’t gonna clean itself.”

“It also didn’t mess itself up,” Spike replied.

There is no further emphasis over the fact he wasn’t the one throwing all the books on the floor, while he tried carrying a few at a time. Whereas Twilight Sparkle kept using her feather duster to rapidly clear away the dust.

“Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow!” Twilight explained.

“I thought this was just an unofficial casual visit,” Spike said.

“There’s nothing casual about a visit from royalty,” Twilight retorted. “I want this place to be spotless, and you’ve barely made a dent in the clutter.”

Spike kept trying to put some books away along the higher shelves. Unfortunately for the little dragon, he was losing his balance on the ladder.

“Maybe you should, ugh, start reading them one at a time?” Spike suggested. “Whoa-ho! Aw.”

Spike tumbled back onto the floor, groaning as he noticed all the dropped books.

“Everything’s got to be perfect,” Twilight said, obliviously. “No time for fooling around.”

“You know, this would be an awful lot easier if there weren’t two of us here getting under each other’s feet,” Spike proposed.

If Spike was hoping to get out of cleaning the library, his plan completely backfired.

“Great idea,” Twilight said. “You clean, I’ll go see how everyone else’s preparations are coming.”

Twilight handed Spike her feather duster and headed out.

“Or maybe I should…”

But Spike was too late. Twilight already left, leaving Spike alone to clean the library. He groaned, but nevertheless went back to work.

<>

Twilight Sparkle quickly galloped about town, as the townponies busily got everything ready for Princess Celestia’s visit. As she made her way through the park, she noticed all the decorated trees and all the water flowers which ensured they’d be in full bloom come tomorrow. It was then she noticed the two ponies setting up a banner as they chatted amongst each other.

“WELCOME PRINCESS CELEST”

Celest?

“What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked the two ponies.

“We couldn’t fit it all in,” Golden Harvest answered.

“You can’t hang a banner that says, ‘Welcome Princess Celest’,” Twilight said. “Take it down and try again.”

Golden Harvest and the other pony looked indignant, as Twilight went on her way. She then noticed Bon-Bon watering some flowers, which were beginning to blossom.

“That looks perfect,” Twilight complimented. “Keep up the good work.”

Bon-Bon just smiled as best she could, considering the watering can handle was in her teeth. Twilight strolled toward Sugarcube Corner where the Cakes were busily crafting and setting up various desserts and other delectable goodies for the big day. They were so busy working, they almost didn’t notice Twilight Sparking coming through the shop’s entrance.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” Twilight greeted. “How’s the banquet coming?”

“Uh… it would be coming a little better if…”

Mrs. Cake pointed over toward a table where various desserts and goods had been munched and completely destroyed. The only decent item remaining was a nicely decorated cake with a tiara on top. That is until a certain pink pony slammed her face into it and gobbled it up. She smiled as her muzzle was covered in butter cream, making her appear as if she had a beard and now the tiara was on her head.

“Mmm…” Pinkie murmured.

And just like that, she used her long tongue to slurp the rest of the frosting clean off her face.

Just then, Storm Shield popped out of the kitchen. He had arrived to help with the banquet since Mrs. Cake seemed to enjoy having him assist her with the baking and prepping. It seemed Mrs. Cake always got misty-eyed when he was around… but that’s another story.

“UGH!!!” Storm cried out, frustrated. “Pinkie! Quit devouring everything in sight! I can’t keep making every dessert twice!”

Yet even as he glared toward the pink pony, Pinkie didn’t seem to notice in the slightest.

“Pinkie! What are you doing? Those sweets are supposed to be for the princess,” Twilight protested.

“I know. That’s why I’m tasting them,” Pinkie said. “Some pony needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue.”

“Isn’t that why I’m helping with the baking?” Storm asked rhetorically. “Considering I would know Celestia’s royal palette better than any pony?”

Twilight raised a curious eyebrow toward her friend in confusion.

“How do you know about Celestia’s palette?” She asked.

“I’ve sat in on a few fancy dinners she had for visiting dignitaries,” Storm replied.

“How come I wasn’t invited?”

Storm looked at the lavender mare with an ‘Are you serious?’ look.

“This was back when you cared about nothing but studying and you didn’t listen to a word your so-called ‘best friend’ had to say.”

Twilight giggled nervously, as she turned her blushing face from Storm’s gaze. Seeing the blush made a slight smile form on his face of course.

“You’re still my princess,” He muttered to himself.

He uttered the words so silently no pony could hear him.

“Anyway, I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king, or a queen, or a princess,” Pinkie said regally.

Storm Shield just shook his head.

“It the treats were left intact,” Storm said indignantly.

Fluttershy just entered the shop when she noticed the three ponies were in a discussion.

“Twilight, Pinkie, Storm, you won’t believe… oh, I’m sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?”

“No, not at all,” Pinkie replied. “Come on in and make yourself at home…”

She then used her tongue to slurp up another cake.

“What’s going on, Fluttershy?”

Storm groaned, as he hoof-palmed his face while Pinkie smiled, and Twilight glared at her.

“You won’t believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest,” Fluttershy said, turning toward her mane. “Come on our little guy. It’s okay.”

The insect just peeked out of her mane shyly before hovering before the other three ponies Yet Fluttershy gasped, as she was surprised to see not just ‘one’ but ‘three’ insects now. The insects just purred and chirped happily together.

“Three?” She exclaimed.

“They’re amazing,” Twilight said, as the insects flew about. “What are they?

“I’m not sure,” Fluttershy said. “I’m also not sure where these other two came from.”

“I’ll take one off your hooves,” Twilight said. “I’ve never seen anything so… adorable.”

Twilight nuzzled it lovingly until she realized she was cooing over a bug in front of Fluttershy. She blushed sheepishly.

“Besides, it’ll be nice to have a companion for Spike,” Twilight commented. “So he won’t bother me so much while Storm and I are studying.”

“Pinkie, do you want the other one?” Fluttershy offered.

“Ugh! A parasprite?” Pinkie retored, making a face. “Are you kidding?”

“Ugh?”

“A para-what?”

“That’s what they are called?”

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Storm said all those questions at once. None of which were answered directly as Pinkie made her way toward the exit of the shop.

“Ugh! Now I gotta go find a trombone,” Pinkie said angrily.

“A what?” Twilight asked, still puzzled.

“A trombone, you know…”

Pinkie imitated the instrument before leaping out the doorway.

“Pinkie, what’s that got to do with parasprites?” Storm called out.

Unfortunately for Storm, Pinkie was already out of sight and out of hearing range.

“Ahh, typical Pinkie,” Twilight brushed off, as her new parasprite purred beside her.

“Did you want the other one, Storm?” Fluttershy offered.

“Umm… as cute as they are,” Storm chuckled nervously. “I’m not big with bugs and insects, but thanks anyway.”

Storm turned and walked aside, while his thoughts started to speak volumes.

“I’m still trying to decide if Pinkie really is being totally random or if there is a connection to the parasprite and a trombone. I’ll need to do a little research as soon as I can.”

<>

Later, Storm and Twilight made their way towards the Carousel Boutique as Rarity busily fashioned some outfits for tomorrow. Somehow, she convinced Rainbow to model for one of the outfits. But the blue Pegasus’ attention span was wanning thin as Rarity tried to stick some pins to hold the material in place… and hopefully not stick Rainbow.

“Stand still, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity said.

“Ugh, I caaan’t!” Rainbow whined. “I need to flyyy! This is waaay too boring for me!”

Naturally, Rainbow Dash tried to take off. But Rarity held her down by the tail, preventing her from escaping.

“Do you want to look nice for Princess Celestia or not?” Rarity asked sternly.

As much as Rainbow hated dressing up, especially since the outfit Rarity made for her was… noble and proper, she did want to be presentable and conceded with a long face. It was in that moment Twilight and Storm walked inside.

“Wow!” Twilight gaped, seeing the outfits. “Rarity these outfits are gorgeous!”

Storm nodded in agreement.

“Mm-hmm. Thank you, Twilight,” Rarity said. “Nice to know some pony appreciates my talents.”

Rainbow just covered her face with her fore-hoofs, pulling down the bottom eyelids and made them recoil.

“Ugh, soo boooring!” Rainbow said.

“Hey, it might not be your style Rainbow,” Storm replied. “But you do look very pretty.”

“Oh hush!” Rainbow barked angrily.

The unicorn stallion chuckled under his breath, teasing the tomboyish mare definitely made his day.

“Excuse me for being honest and sincere,” Storm added sarcastically.

Before the two could continue their playful banter, several chirps drew their attention. Rarity heard the chirps as well.

“Huh?” Rarity remarked.

“What’s that sound, Twilight?” Rainbow asked curiously.

It was then not one, but three parasprites popped out of her mane. Rainbow flew just above them, despite her dress.

“Wow, what are they?” Rainbow said.

“The better question is: where did they come from?” Twilight answered. “I only had one a minute ago.”

“That’s not a good sign…” Storm said wearily.

But none of the girls heard a single word the stallion said.

“Uh, I’ll take one,” Rainbow volunteered.

Soon Rainbow began to cuddle it, which was quite an unusual sight for any pony to see her so open about it. But Storm, being the gentle colt, decided not to say anything about it. Deep down, he liked seeing the girl’s softer side every now and then.

“Me too,” Rarity replied. “Oh, they’re perfect.”

Yet as he watched Rarity snuggle with her own parasprite, Storm just sighed. The guy still felt uneasy about the bugs, as if something about them felt off. Suddenly, Pinkie appeared outside the shop door.

“Does any pony know where I can find an accordion?” She called out.

“Check Lyra’s house,” Storm answered, not looking at her. “She used to play one a few years ago but gave it up. I’m pretty sure she didn’t toss it.”

Though Storm’s attention was more on the other girls than Pinkie, she’d take any answer she can get.

“Thanks Stormy,” Pinkie replied, glaring at the girls. “Least some pony is being helpful!”

The other girls were too busy cooing and doing baby talk with their parasprites they hardly noticed the pink pony.

“Girls! Hello! This is important!” Pinkie yelled. “Durgh! Thanks a lot!”

Fed up with being ignored, Pinkie Pie dashed away. Storm Shield, on the other hoof, just rolled his eyes.

“I still don’t know what those instruments have to do with these parasprites,” He spoke to himself. “I… better go see about that book while they’re busy…”

Soon Storm snuck away and made for the library. What he didn’t count on was staying longer than he planned, as he helped Spike complete the cleaning. By the time he was done, it was late by the time he made for his own humble abode with little time to read the book. Still, however long it would take, he knew he needed to find some answers.

Later that night, Twilight still worried over tomorrow’s schedule.

“The decorations, the banquet,” She sighed. “I really hope everything comes together in time for tomorrow.”

She looked about till her eyes acknowledge Spike, the little dragon already fast asleep and the little parasprite making baby-like noises as it snoozed nearby. Twilight just yawned as she climbed into bed.

“Oh, what’s there to worry about?” Twilight asked, falling asleep.

<>

The very next morning arrived, as Twilight was stirred awake with a start by the sound of loud baby noises. Looking around, she saw not one, not three, but several parasprites buzzing around her.

“Spike! Wake up! What happened?”

Spike woke up, but two parasprites rested on his eyes. Several more buzzed all around him.

“Huh? Whaa!” Spike screamed, prying the parasprites off. “What’s going on?”

The parasprites just chirped in response.

“Where did they come from?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know,” Spike answered. “The little guy got hungry in the middle of the night, so I gave him a snack, but… I have no idea where the others came from.”

Just then, the parasprites began to remove and toss objects from the shelves.

“Oh no!” Spike exclaimed. “They’re messing up all my hard work!”

Naturally, Spike had forgotten the face Storm helped him out last night. But right now, he was focused on shooing the parasprites away from the shelves. Twilight tried to do the same, but there were just too many parasprites to deal with.

“The princess will be here in a few hours,” Twilight said worried.

Spike kept gathering the parasprites away from the shelves, but the numbers became overwhelming.

“Ugh!” Spike groaned.

“Spike, help me round up these little guys!” Twilight called out.

“Ugh, what does it look like I’m doin’?” Spike called out.

At this moment, Spike had an entirely large basket filled several times his height with parasprites.

“Ooow, waaah! D’oh!”

Spike lost his balance and all the parasprites fell atop him. Twilight just glared as some parasprites flew away while Spike popped out of the pile.

“I know, I know, ‘Stop foolin’ around’,” Spike replied, with an irritated glare.

Frankly, the little dragon was tired of being scolded for simply trying his best. It was early in the day and already Spike was feeling overwhelmed.

<>

Back in the sky, Rainbow reclined lazily along a cloud-shaped, pillar-style chair. Just then, a parasprite appeared under the cloud next to her, waking her with a chirp. Then another appeared… then another… and another one…

“Huh? Huh?!” Rainbow exclaimed.

The parasprites began to swarm Rainbow, landing all over her. The cyan Pegasus screeched, grunted, and groaned as she tried to shoo them off. But every time she tried, they kept flying back toward her.

“Get off me!” She bellowed.

The little pests began forming shapes along Rainbow Dash in numerous ways. Headwear… accessories… even forming a bathing suit, two piece. Rainbow groaned and grunted, waving off rapidly, but the parasprites still wouldn’t stop. Finally, they made themselves a beard and mustache on her chin.

“Waaa!” Rainbow screamed.

The frantic Pegasus zoomed away, as the other parasprites followed in hot pursuit.

<>

Rarity, on the other hoof, took the multiplying parasprites very well. As a matter of fact, she put them to work in her shop. The parasprites assisted her with various tasks she needed to have done this morning.

“Not only are you adorable, but you’re also quite useful,” Rarity said.

One parasprite smiled and purred until it began to cough and grunt.

“Oh, are you okay?” Rarity asked worriedly.

But her concerns were short-lived when the parasprite spat a brownish ball of goo into her eye, making her gasp.

“Aaah! Eewww. Aaah! Gross, gross, gross!”

It was then the ball of goo turned into a new parasprite. Long story short, Rarity was disgusted.

“No creature that behaves so revoltingly is allowed in my boutique!” Rarity said sternly.

Her only reply came when the newly-born parasprite spat out a purple ball of goo, which immediately became another new parasprite. All Rarity could do was scream her head off.

<>

A short while later, Rarity sternly left her shop with her saddle bags loaded with all the parasprites inside. It was then Pinkie Pie just arrived.

“Look Rarity, Applejack loaned me a harmonica,” Pinkie said, playing a few notes. “Isn’t that great?”

Pinkie soon gasped the moment she heard the parasprites’ chirping inside one of Rarity’s saddle bags.

“And not a moment too soon,” Pinkie observed.

“Ugh, Pinkie, I’m a little busy right now,” Rarity replied, walking away.

“And I’m not?” Pinkie retorted. “You know how many more instruments I’ve gotta find? A lot, that’s how many. Now if we split the list between us, we might just make it in time.”

Pinkie held Rarity close, but the marshmallow pony was in no mood to listen.

“Please, Pinkie, I don’t have time for some silly scavenger hunt,” Rarity answered. “I’ve got a realproblem.”

“You’ve got a real problem, all right, and a banjo is the only real answer,” Pinkie replied, zipping away.

Rarity just rolled her eyes and walked away. She just arrived at a nearby lake outside Fluttershy’s cottage when she met up with Twilight, who also carried saddle bags loaded with parasprites. They both gasped when they saw each other.

“I see we’re having the same problem,” Rarity pointed out.

“Ditto!” Rainbow replied.

By the time Rainbow arrived, she finally got the swarm of parasprites off her chin and flew away to keep them off her. Soon the ponies approached the front door leading to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Fluttershy knows everything about animals,” Twilight said. “I’m sure she can tell us how to stop them from multiplying.”

Just as they opened the door, they were swarmed with parasprites, not just several, or dozens… but hundreds!

“… or not,” Twilight said wearily.

Several hundred parasprites buzzed about inside and outside Fluttershy’s house. The poor yellow Pegasus dashed about her house.

“Ugh, do something Fluttershy!” Twilight called out. “Can’t you control them?”

“I’ve tried everything I know,” Fluttershy said. “I tried begging, and pleading, and beseeching, and asking politely and…”

“Guh!” Rainbow said.

Twilight whined inwardly, as a vision began to play in her head:

<>

Princess Celestia, arriving in Ponyville, only to be swept away screaming as the parasprites invaded her chariot and carried her away…

<>

“If we can’t get them under control before the Princess arrives, it’ll be a total disaster!” Twilight said.

Just then, another parasprite hacked out another orb producing another parasprite. Rarity cringed, after bearing witness to that again.

“Ew!” Rarity retorted. “If you ask me, it’s already a total disaster.”

It was then that Applejack arrived carrying a cartload of apples.

“Here’s all those apples you wanted, Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “But I still can’t figure out why you need so many. Hey!”

Before Applejack could finish, several parasprites swarmed in and gobbled up all the apples, core and all. By the time they finished, the cart was completely empty.

“DON’T FEED THEM!”

A shout from the distance drew the ponies attention, as Storm popped out of nowhere in a flash of light.

“Where have you been?” Twilight demanded. “We’re in the middle of a crisis!”

“Nice to see you too, Twilight,” Storm replied sarcastically, turning serious. “I was up all night reading up on these… parasprites… trying to learn more about them. From what I can see, you already learned that they have the ability to rapidly multiply. The cause is the fact they have such an endless appetite.”

“Endless?!” The girls exclaimed.

“Yeah… apparently feeding them makes their numbers increase at an accelerated rate,” Storm continued. “Keep them eating, you stop them from multiplying. Course that’s easier said than done at this point.”

“Did the book say anything about getting rid of them?” Twilight asked.

Storm shook his head.

“That’s the problem: I’ve checked every page and cross-reference, even the inside cover. There is nothing about defeating a parasprite.”

“What do we do?” Fluttershy asked worried.

Twilight pondered for a second before she gasped.

“I got it!” Twilight said. “No pony can herd like Applejack.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow added. “We can drive ‘em back into the forest.”

While Applejack didn’t quite know much about the situation as the rest of the group, she was ready for action.

“I’ll rastle ‘em up!” She replied with a scoff. “But I need every pony’s help to do it. Twilight, you and Rarity wait over there. I’ll herd the little critters straight at ya like a funnel. Rainbow, and Fluttershy stay on top of ‘em, don’t let ‘em fly away. Storm, I’ve seen you herd ‘em with the best. Yer with me.”

“You can count on me, mon capitan!” Storm saluted.

“Aye-aye!” Rainbow said, as she and Fluttershy took to the skies.

“Yeeeeeee-haw!” Applejack called out.

She rose upon her hind legs, then galloped away with Storm at her side. The parasprites screeched as Applejack and the group began to corral them all into one giant orb. They then began to herd the giant parasprite ball toward the entrance to the Everfree Forest. Two parasprites tried to escape but were quickly pushed back into the giant orb.

“Alrighty y’all, here goes nothin’,” Applejack called out. “Look out Rarity, that one’s fixin’ to get away. Keep a lead on ‘em, Rainbow Dash! Hold on girls, we’re almost there!”

“Why is it I always feel excluded when you say just ‘girls’?” Storm asked annoyed.

“You make it too easy!” Rainbow shouted.

Storm sent Rainbow a death glare, while Twilight tried to concentrate. It was then she noticed Pinkie appearing out of nowhere, running along with the group.

“Pinkie!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Twilight, we don’t have much time!” She answered.

“You’re telling me,” Twilight answered. “The princess could arrive at any moment.”

“Exactly!” Pinkie agreed. “That’s why I need you gals… and Storm…”

“Thank you!” Storm exclaimed.

“… to drop what you’re doing and help me find some maracas,” Pinkie finished.

“Maracas?!” Twilight exclaimed. “Pinkie, we’ve got much bigger problems than missing maracas!”

“You’re right!” Pinkie gasped. “Getting a tuba has to be our number one goal. Follow me.”

Pinkie took off, only to come back, running backwards to keep pace, seeing as no pony was following her.

“I said, ‘follow me’!” Pinkie said more sternly.

Rainbow merely laughed at her.

“Pinkie Pie, you are so random,” She remarked.

Unlike other occasions, Storm Shield could just tell Pinkie was getting very frustrated.

“Look Pinkie, I might be the only pony here who thinks there might be some sort of connection between the parasprites and what you’re doing,” Storm told her aloud. “But you’re not making any sense to any pony!”

“But I need help!” Pinkie barked. “What do I choose? Maracas or a tuba?”

The others just rolled their eyes, while Storm pressed on.

“Go with the tuba. It fits more with the other instruments. Here!”

Storm summoned a key with his horn and tossed it to Pinkie, who caught it with her mouth.

“Inside the library basement, I keep several instruments,” Storm explained. “You can find whatever you think need down there.”

“Well come on then,” Pinkie replied. “We’ve got no time to lose!”

“Pinkie, you can’t expect us to just leave these parasprites out here to wander all happy and free! Just do what you need to do, okay? We’ll handle this bunch!”

“Urgh! You’re all so stubborn!” Pinkie snapped, dashing away.

“Forget her ladies… and gentle-colt,” Applejack said. “Focus. Head ‘em up and move ‘em out.”

The ponies soon reached the edge of the forest, allowing the giant orb of parasprites to roll deep into the forest. With any luck, those parasprites will be lost forever.

“All right!” Rainbow shouted, with a grunt.

Fluttershy reached out her fore-hooves as Rainbow gave her a hard double high five.

“Ouch,” Fluttershy said, rubbing her now sore hooves.

“We did it,” Twilight smiled. “Nice work, Applejack.”

“Couldn’t a’done it without y’all,” Applejack said.

“Now let’s get back and clean up the mess they made before the princess arrives,” Twilight suggested.

All the ponies nodded, as the six of them made their way back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Okay, everyone know what to do, right?” Twilight instructed. “We gotta work extra hard to make up for lost time.”

Fluttershy then opened her door… when another swarm of hundreds of fast-flying parasprites exploded out of Fluttershy’s house. Twilight Sparkle ducked and covered as the incoming swarm burst out.

“Where did they come from?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I may have kept just one,” Fluttershy confessed.

Suffice to say, every pony else gave some furious glares.

“Fluttershy…” Storm groaned, an eyebrow raised.

“Heh. I couldn’t help myself,” Fluttershy admitted sheepishly. “They’re just so cute.”

Fluttershy nuzzled one, but the others were more concerned over the new swarm.

“We don’t have time to keep rounding up these things,” Twilight remarked. “What do we do now?”

“We call in the weather patrol,” Rainbow said.

The cyan Pegasus put on some goggles, then took off to the skies with a grunt. Poor Rarity shrieked as she ran away from the parasprite chasing her, while the others struggled to round them all up again. Rainbow tucked her goggles tightly over her eyes till they were just right.

“Time to take out the adorable trash,” Rainbow said. “YAAAAAA!”

With a Tarzan-like yell, Rainbow took off. The parasprites began to chirp as Rainbow created a makeshift tornado that sucked them all up like a vacuum. Every pony else tried to hold on to something to avoid being swept away, as Rainbow’s mini-tornado created such strong wind. Soon enough, all the remaining parasprites had been sucked inside the mini-tornado. Twilight grunted and groaned as she tried to regain her footing soon as the winds died down.

“Way to go, Rainbow Dash!” Twilight called out.

“Looks like our problems are solved,” Applejack declared.

“They will be with these cymbals,” Pinkie said, from out of nowhere.

Unfortunately, the pink party pony was too close to the tornado. The cymbals were quickly torn off her neck and sucked into it.

“Hey! Give me those back!”

The cyan Pegasus tried to avoid the cymbals swirling about, at the expense of her control over the tornado.

“Whoa! Yaa! Yow! Whoa! Wow!” Rainbow yelped. “I can’t hold it! She’s breaking up!”

Soon, Rainbow flew out of the tornado and landed back-first into a tree. The tornado dissipated, sending thousands of parasprites showering all over Ponyville.

“Pinkie Pie, what have you done?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I’ve lost a brand new pair of cymbals, that’s what I’ve done,” Pinkie said.

“Those… were… MY CYMBALS!!!” Storm snapped angrily. “Pinkie Pie, I’ve tried being open-minded… I’ve tried providing you with your instruments… all because I had some wild, delusional notion you had the solution to our problem! But noooooo… all I’ve seen you do is getting in the way while we are trying to get all these parasprites into one single location!!!”

“Will you forget about your silly instruments for one second?” Twilight added. “You’re ruining our efforts to save Ponyville.”

“And because of you, you’ve just showered an entire Parasprite swarm all over town!” Storm added.

“Me? Ruin?” Pinkie said appalled. “I’m not the ruiner, I’m the ruin-ee! Or is it ruiness? Ruinette?”

“All those seem to apply to you,” Storm remarked to himself.

“Come on girls, Storm, there’s no reasoning with that one,” Applejack said. “She’s a few apples short of a bushel.”

Every pony galloped off back to town. Storm just stared at Pinkie, silently giving her a disappointed look till he shook his head slowly. As if saying to Pinkie Pie that his patience had run out and he had officially given up on her. Before long, he too galloped off to catch up with the rest of the group.

“Hey! I’m trying to tell you all that the ruining is on the other hoof!” Pinkie shouted. “If you’d just slow down and listen to me!”

But it was no use… Pinkie Pie was soon left all alone.

<>

Back in Ponyville, all the other ponies were rather mesmerized by all the parasprites. One of them landed near Bon-Bon and Lyra, the two ponies seemingly enjoying it’s company… till it started devouring both slices of their pie. Bon-Bon was shocked beyond words, while Lyra fought hard not to cry over her lost slice of pie. Soon the other parasprites began munching up all the flowers, fruits, vegetables, and especially those still in the ground…

A garden pony screamed as some parasprites gobbled up the contents of her entire garden. Other ponies gasped and ran for their lives as the parasprites began to gobble up all the food in sight. The rest of the group arrived right in the middle of the infestation and panic.

“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked every pony. “They’re eating all the food in town.”

Applejack gasped as her green eyes shrunk.

“My apples!” She yelled.

Quickly, she raced out of town back toward Sweet Apple Acres.

“We’ve gotta do something!” Twilight said.

“Well, we could always use my special ‘Bug Be-Gone’ spray!” Storm proposed, levitating a spray pump.

“Ahem!”

Storm Shield turned to the side toward Fluttershy, who gave him a glare. Storm just chuckled nervously until he groaned and made the spray pump vanish. Twilight then gasped as if struck by an idea.

“I got it! I’ll cast a spell to make them stop eating all the food.”

Twilight sent a magical wave that made all the parasprites stop eating the food, as the stood in a daze. Pinkie had continued her instrument hunt which involved finding herself some tambourines.

“Look, tambourines! If you could all just…”

Once again, Pinkie noticed no pony was listening. Storm looked at her and gestured with a hoof silently telling her to leave. Pinkie screamed in frustration and left, the tambourines clashing as she ran off. Twilight gasped when she saw a nearby parasprite sniff and chirp at an apple… but otherwise ignored it. Twilight and the others sighed with relief.

“Umm, Twilight,” Storm whispered in her ear. “You know that spell doesn’t eliminate their eating habits, only alters them. What did you change their diet to?”

They soon found out as a parasprite ate the bucket the apples were in. Soon, all the carts were devoured instead of their contents. The parasprites even munched on the walls, the roofs, even the display stands of the houses and shops.

“Nice to see you thought things through!” Storm remarked sarcastically.

“Heh. Hey, it worked. They’re not eating the foodanymore!” Rainbow added.

Twilight just smiled sheepishly until Rarity realized something.

“Oh no… if they get inside my store…” Rarity panicked. “Every pony for herself!”

“And him… oh forget it!” Storm muttered, as Rarity fled.

<>

By the time she arrived at the boutique, the parasprites were already inside and munching away much to Rarity’s horror. They gobbled up all her dressed without a second thought.

“My outfits!” Rarity exclaimed. “Go on, shoo! Get out of here, you naughty! Naughty!”

But a nearby parasprite merely belched out another ball, creating another parasprite. Rarity backed away, finding herself completely surrounded by them as she sat helplessly upon a wooden stool.

“I’ll save you!”

Rarity turned as Pinkie Pie appeared from outside the boutique. She dashed her way inside the shop… only to run right past Rarity. She grabbed a nearby recorder into her mouth, playing a note or two, and dashed away. Whether that was all Pinkie wanted or she ignored Rarity on purpose, that was any pony’s guess. Either way, Rarity was now left to the mercy of the parasprites.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" Rarity screamed at the top of lungs.

<>

Meanwhile, Applejack set up defenses in order to brace the Apple Farm for a dangerous parasprite invasion. She, Big Mac, and Granny Smith (but no Apple Bloom) donned pitchforks, a spray pump, and even some cameo hats.

“No woodland creature’s gonna eat the Apple Family’s crop,” Applejack declared.

And sure enough, she saw an incoming swarm of parasprites heading their way.

“Brace yourself, y’all, here they come.”

The three gathered their weapons, but the parasprites simply buzzed past the trio and gobbled up the entire barn exterior, causing the interior to collapse on itself. The Apple family were left agape, as they dropped their weapons.

“Didn’t see that one comin’,” Applejack said.

<>

Unfortunately, things were no better for Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle. By the time they made their way back to the Library, the entire facility was swarmed with parasprites.

“Help!” Spike called out.

Storm rushed over and helped the dragon to his feet, but the damage was already done. By this point, the parasprites had gotten into the books.

“They’re eating the words!” Twilight gasped.

One parasprite licked them off clean, while another slurped up the scribbles like spaghetti. Just as one parasprite made another appear, Twilight Sparkle grabbed its wings with her teeth and dragged it out the library with a grunt.

“You hold the fort little buddy!” Storm instructed, dashing off. “We’re gonna get help!”

“Help…” Spike groaned.

<>

Desperate, Twilight and Storm made a direct beeline for Zecora’s home. For the moment, the zebra was apparently applying a combination of upside-down balance with a meditation routine. It was then Twilight and Storm burst through her front door, making her tumble onto her back.

“Ugh. Have you gone mad?” Zecora asked irritated.

“I’m sorry Zecora,” Storm apologized. “But we didn’t know who else to go to.”

“These little guys are devouring Ponyville, and the princess is on her way,” Twilight explained, showing the parasprite. “Can you help us please?”

Zecora saw the parasprite in the panicked unicorn’s grip, smiling in fascination.

“Oh, monster of so little size,” Zecora replied. “Is that a parasprite before my eyes?”

“I don’t know! Is it?” Twilight asked frantically.

“I told you it was,” Storm remarked.

To no surprise at all, Twilight hadn’t been listening… again. All the same, Zecora looked through a book… which happened to be the very same one Storm had read earlier.

“Tales of crops and harvest consumed,” Zecora said, sticking her head towards Twilight with a smug smile. “If these creatures are in Ponyville, you’re doomed.”

Twilight just gulped, for this was not the answer she was hoping for.

“Storm…” She squeaked. “What else did the book say about them?”

“You ever heard of the town Dustbowl, Hookie-poma?” He asked.

“Yes…”

“There’s a reason why it’s nothing but a wasteland these days…”

The dreary answer made Twilight’s eyes shrunk, as Storm swore the poor girl stopped breathing.

<>

One minute later, they were just outside Ponyville when they saw something in the sky.

“Oh no, here she comes,” Twilight said.

There in the sky, just near the tall mountain where Canterlot resided, the Princesses’s royal chariot left the city and made its way toward Ponyville. Twilight and Storm rushed back to town, only to find ponies screaming, parasprites munching, and the rest of the town hiding and cowering for cover. Unfortunately, one pony’s skirt was being chewed off by one hungry parasprite.

“Aaaah, aaaaaah!” Daisy screamed, as a swarm chased her.

Twilight looked around and about, until her mane frazzled a bit as if something in her mind totally snapped.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Twilight began, with a goofy smile. “Rainbow Dash, you distract them.”

“YAAAA!” Rainbow screamed, as parasprites came after her.

“Good! Everyone else, we need to build an exact copy of Ponyville right over there. We’ve got less than a minute!”

“Are you crazy?!” Storm retorted. “I can’t build that faaaaa-eeeeeeeeeh…”

Storm stopped speaking the moment Twilight gave him a smile, one that was on the brink of a pony gone completely mad.

“You will make it happen, because you’re my best friend, and you wouldn’t want to let me down right?” Twilight asked, too sweetly. “Riiiiight?”

Storm stepped back the moment her face got into his.

“Okay…” Storm squeaked.

Then Twilight snapped out of it, realized what she was doing, and lowered her head in defeat.

“Zecora’s right,” Twilight sighed. “We’re doomed…”

Storm looked at her sadly and pitifully, he couldn’t bear to see his friend this down.

“Twilight… would it help at all if… I told Celestia this was all my fault and mine alone?” He proposed.

Twilight lifted her head up in surprise.

“You’d do that for me?” She asked, deeply touched.

Storm nodded with a smile.

“Sure…” He spoke gently. “I’d do anything if it makes you stop feeling sad or worried… because you are my best friend.”

Twilight gazed into his eyes, as her own became larger and began to twinkle. Their eyes gaze longingly for another second or two, before some trumpets blowing knocked them both back into reality.

“Oh no, the princesses procession is here!” Twilight exclaimed. “It’s all over!”

“I said I’d take the blame…” Storm spoke.

“Storm, you’re really sweet, but I can’t…”

Twilight stopped when she suddenly began to hear polka music. They both turned and saw that it wasn’t Princess Celestia at all. Instead, Pinkie Pie was coming down the street playing polka music with what had become her own one-pony band.

“Pinkie?!” Twilight exclaimed. “We’re in the middle of a crisis here. There is no time for your… nonsense?”

Storm tapped her shoulder and pointed upwards. All the parasprites appeared to stop munching and swarming about. They begun dancing to Pinkie’s music and followed her. Their other friends just watched in awe as Twilight and Storm walked up to them. They too were stunned that Pinkie’s one-pony band actually drove every single parasprite out of Ponyville. They soon followed her at the very end of the line until they saw Princess Celestia make her landing upon the outskirts of town.

“Look!” Twilight pointed at the sky.

The six ponies made a mad dash in front of Pinkie and caught up to Princess Celestia. They bowed as Celestia made her landing, stepping out from the chariot.

“Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, my prized pupils,” Princess Celestia greeted, as they rose to their feet.

“Hello, princess,” Twilight and Storm greeted in unison.

Every pony else put on a brave smile, but one could tell they were nervous.

“So lovely to see you two again,” Princess Celestia smiled. “As well as your friends.”

*CRASH!*

With a clash of her cymbals, Pinkie arrived leading the parasprites toward the forest alongside them. If the other ponies weren’t nervous before, they were now.

“So… how was the trip?” Twilight asked nervously. “Hit much traffic?”

“Smooth flight?” Storm asked since he couldn’t think of anything else.

It was then one of the parasprites appeared before Celestia.

“Ah, what is this?” She asked.

The princess chuckled as the parasprite nuzzled itself into Celestia’s multicolored mane.

“Oh ho-ho, these creatures are adorable.

“They’re not that adorable,” Rainbow whispered to Rarity.

The marshmallow unicorn kept smiling sheepishly.

“I’m terribly honored that you and the good citizens of Ponyville have organized a parade in honor of my visit,” Princess Celestia said.

“Parade?” Twilight asked.

Storm gave Twilight a light nudge to the shoulder and immediately she got it.

“Oh. Yes, the parade.”

“Surprise!” Storm forcibly smiled. “All for your grand arrival, your majesty.”

“That is very generous of you Storm; unfortunately, that visit is going to have to wait for another time,” Princess Celestia said. “I’m afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently, there’s been some sort of infestation.”

“An… infestation?” Twilight and Storm asked in unison.

“Yes a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invaded the poor town,” Princess Celestia explained. “I’m sorry, Twilight and Storm, to have put you all through so much trouble.”

“Trouble?” Twilight squeaked.

“What trouble?” Storm asked, with a toothy grin.

“Before I have to go,” Princess Celestia continued. “Would you two care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person?”

“Our… report?” Twilight spoke.

She turned toward Storm, who scuffed the ground with his hoof. Clearly, he was struggling to think of something.

“Haven’t you learned anything about friendship?” Princess Celestia asked.

It was then Storm and Twilight noticed that Pinkie was still leading the parasprites into the Everfree Forest. A stroke of inspiration came to them, as they both smiled.

“Actually, we have,” Twilight said.

Storm gestured to say it for her, but Twilight shook her head and put his hoof down so she could do it.

“We’ve learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It’s a good idea to stop and listen to your friends’ opinions and perspectives…”

*CLASH!*

Every pony flinched as Pinkie clashed her symbols once more.

“… Even when they don’t always seem to make sense,” Storm finished, as Twilight sheepishly smiled.

“I’m so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield,” Princess Celestia said. “And I’m very impressed with your friends as well. It sounds like you’re all learning so much from each other.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Twilight thanked her.

“All in a day’s work, Princess,” Storm added.

Princess Ceelstia had her chariot take off into the sky. Once she disappeared from view, the six ponies approached Pinkie, who just finished sending the last of the parasprites into the forest. The moment she saw her friends arrived, she stopped.

“Hey, what happened to the princess?” Pinkie asked.

“Change of plans,” Storm stated.

“Emergency in Fillydelphia,” Twilight added.

“Some sort of infestation,” Rainbow replied.

“Oh no!” Pinkie remarked. “Have they got parasprites too? Well, have tuba, will travel.”

Just when Pinkie started to play again, Twilight stopped her.

“I think the princess can handle it,” Twilight assured her.

“So you know what those critters were all along, huh Pinkie Pie?” Applejack asked.

“Well, duh!” Pinkie retorted, matter-of-factly. “Why do you think I was so frantic to get my hooves on all these instruments? I tried to tell you.”

“We know, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said. “And we’re sorry we didn’t listen.”

“Yeah…” Storm sighed. “Even when I had a hunch you knew something, I lost faith in you too soon. I didn’t take the time to ‘try’ and understand what you trying to tell us; I have no excuse. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, Pinkie,” Rainbow said.

“So sorry, Pinkie,” Rarity added.

“Sorry, Pinkie,” Fluttershy said.

“Real sorry, Pinkie,” Applejack said.

“You’re a great friend,” Twilight stated, with a smile. “Even if we don’t always understand you.”

“From this moment on, I’m going to try especiallyharder to understand you so I can defend you like I should have in the first place,” Storm replied.

Though that was a tall order coming from the stallion, Pinkie was nevertheless touched by the offer.

“Thanks guys, you’re all great friends too,” Pinkie replied. “Even when I don’t understand me.”

“You saved Storm and I’s reputation with Princess Celestia,” Twilight said. “And more importantly, you saved Ponyville.”

<>

They returned only to find just how broken down and shambled the town really was.

“… Or not,” Twilight spoke.

As Pinkie played a sad trombone tune, Storm looked around and about. He pondered to himself, for a second or two, until he got an idea.

“You know what?” He asked to no pony in particular. “I think I can fix this!”

“Now you admit you can fix this?” Twilight asked indignantly.

“Well since we have all the time in the world… sure! Just need a little help from… the boys.”

Storm lit up his horn and stood casually to the side as he mass produced a few dozen copies of himself. The Mane Six stood and watched as he gave out specific orders to his clones, till all the Storms took off and set themselves to work. As repairs for Ponyville proceeded, the girls just stood with their jaws hung open but none more still than Twilight. Having seen enough of the numbers game for one day, this was just too much.

“I’m… going to lie down…” Twilight declared.

“Way ahead of you!” Rainbow zoomed off.

The Mane Six took off for their homes as Storm Shield and his clone army spent the rest of the afternoon fixing up the town as life slowly returned to normal in Ponyville… or at least, close enough.

Call of the Cutie

Along the edges of Ponyville, there stood a building that marked the halfway point between the main town area and Sweet Apple Acres: The schoolhouse. A place where young ponies come and be educated in the skills they needed to find their future careers as well as how to put their cutie mark talents to good use. The school bell rang at the top tower, as the students inside chat about various topics and subjects, waiting for their classes to begin. Several of the young ponies already had cutie marks on their flanks. Miss Cheerilee, whose cutie mark was three happy flowers, stood before the chattering students.

“Let’s quiet down please,” Cheerilee said. “We have a very important lessons to get to.”

It wasn’t long before all the students settle down, giving her their full attention.

“Thank you,” She replied. “Today we are going to be talking about cutie marks.”

“Bo-ring!” A filly sighed.

This was Diamond Tiara, recognized by her soft pink fur, a lavender mane with white highlights, and a diamond tiara on her head.

“You can all see my cutie mark, can’t you?” Miss Cheerilee asked, continuing her lesson. “Like all ponies, I wasn’t born with a cutie mark. My flank was blank.”

She showed a picture of herself as a little baby. A young filly named Twist found the photo adorable. She was a cream-colored pony with a red mane and tail that could rival Pinkie’s in terms of cotton candy poofy-ness. She also had a pair of blue thick-rimmed glasses that added to how cute she was… but not as cute as Cheerilee’s baby picture.

“Aww…! She’s so precious,” She replied, with a strong lisp.

“Then one day, when I was about your age,” Miss Cheerilee continued. “I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared.”

Miss Cheerilee then showed a picture of herself with her cutie mark and an attire that clearly screamed her days as a teenage rebel of the late 1980s… probably early 1990s… either way, some of the little ponies just laughed.

“Look at her hair!” A young pony pointed out.

“Yes I know,” Miss Cheerilee said, with a discreet eye roll. “But honestly, that’s how every pony was wearing their mane back then. I had decided to become a teacher, and the flowers symbolized my hope that I could help my future students bloom if I nurtured them with knowledge. The smiles represented the cheer I hope to bring to my little ponies while they are learning…”

Some ponies were listening attentively with smiles on their faces, others looked bored and were just staring at their fore-hooves. Some, like a certain tiara wearing pony, were annoying other ponies since they flat out didn’t care about what Miss Cheerilee was saying.

“Now can anyone tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark?”

“Oh! Oh! Oh!” Twist raised her hoof. “When she discovers that certain something that makes her special!”

“That’s right, Twist,” Miss Cheerilee said. “A cutie mark appears on a pony’s flank when he or she finds that certain something that makes them different from every other pony…”

By now Apple Bloom had grabbed a pencil in her mouth, just taking notes as Cheerilee continued her lecture.

“… Discovering what makes you unique isn’t something…”

“Pssst!”

“… that happens overnight, and no amount of hoping, wishing…”

“Pssst!”

“… or begging, would make a cutie mark appear before its time.”

“Pssst!”

By this point, Apple Bloom was getting frankly annoyed at all the noise-making.

“What?!” Apple Bloom snapped.

Diamond Tiara held a note in her mouth, gesturing to Silver Spoony, a grey pony with a whitish grey mane in a braid and some red horizontal oval-shaped glasses on her face, was motioning for the note. Apple Bloom thought nothing less and just grabbed the note with her mouth.

“Apple Bloom!” Miss Cheerilee called out, sternly.

Both fillies pulled apart, but poor Apple Bloom still had the note in her mouth. Diamond Tiara pout on an innocent smile on her face.

“Are you passing a note?”

“Uh, I… Um…”

Poor Apple Bloom couldn’t explain herself, while Diamond watched with a vicious smile on her face as the note hit the floor.

“What could be so important that it couldn’t wait until after class?” Miss Cheerilee asked.

It was then she noticed that the note had… nothing on it.

“It’s blank.”

“Remind you of any pony?” Diamond chuckled, out of the blue.

Apparently, Apple Bloom hadn’t earned her cutie mark just yet. The other students began to chuckle, whispering to each other as the yellow filly sunk into her seat, very embarrassed.

*Deploy Theme Song here*

Soon the school bell rang, signaling the end of another day of learning, every pony made their way out of the building. Apple Bloom was feeling rather glum, still embarrassed at being put on the spot earlier that day despite Cheerilee dealing with Diamond Tiara for teasing her. Her friend Twist was in high spirits, mimicking Pinkie’s bounce.

“Want some sweets?” Twist offered. “I’ve got some peppermint sticks. I made them myself.”

“Mm-mm,” Apple Bloom answered, but clearly not listening.

“They’ll make you smi-i-le,” Twist offered again.

“No…” Apple Bloom replied, depressed.

It was then a certain tiara-wearing pony, along with her best friend, decided to make themselves known as they walked in front of the two fillies.

“I don’t know why we had o sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark,” Diamond Tiara complained to Silver Spoon. “I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is sooo last week. You got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already.”

She gasped, only it was clearly not a sincere one, as she looked at Twist and Apple Bloom.

“I mean, almost all of us have them already,” Diamond Tiara continued.

Twist looked indignant, while Apple Bloom just kept a curious look on her face.

“Don’t worry, you two, you’re still totally invited to my cute-ceanera this weekend.”

For those wondering what that is, it’s the pony equivalent to a quinceanera. Except rather than being celebrated at a certain age, it was held when a filly, or even a colt since cute-ceaneras are not gender specific, earned their cutie mark. The fact Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came from high class families gave them more reason to brag over such a party.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Silver Spoon added.

“It’s a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutie mark,” Diamond Tiara bragged.

Rubbing it in their face, she displayed her cutie mark, which was a five pronged tiara, as if she weren’t conceited enough wearing one on her head.

“How could it not be?”

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon soon began their small dance together.

“Bump! Bump! Sugar lump, rump!” Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sang.

They finished their dance by smashing their back ends into each other, showing off their cutie marks with a laugh.

“Gimme a break,” Apple Bloom muttered, with a long face.

“See you this weekend…” Silver Spoon said.

“Blank Flanks!” The two wealthy ponies said together.

The two fillies laughed, as they walked away… until they ran right into Storm Shield, who looked very upset. He gave the two a blank stare. Silver Spoon took a step back, while Diamond bravely glared back at him.

“What are you doing here?” Diamond asked snootily. “Shouldn’t you be making your deliveries to my father or geeking it up at the Library?”

Since the day Storm met Diamond Tiara, he had taken a polar disliking to her. Diamond Tiara seemed to snob him every time he came by. Naturally, Storm tried to be kind, but eventually he stopped trying to make conversation with her… unless he knew she was up to no good.

“On the contrary, I’ve already made my delivery,” Storm answered plainly. “And I’ll have you know there’s more to life than just studying.”

“Tell that to Miss Cheerilee,” Silver Spoon replied, rolling her eyes.

This actually made Storm chuckle since he found Silver Spoon ‘tolerable’. While she didn’t have issues trying to be friendly with him, Storm could see the bad influence Diamond Tiara had the way Silver Spoon treated others. Frankly, he couldn’t understand why she’d resort to being mean to save face, or reputation, or whatever’s on her mind.

“Trust me Silver, it will be worth it in the future,” Storm said. “I’m sure there won’t be any troubleat the party this weekend, right Miss Tiara?”

“And who said you are going to be there?” Diamond Tiara asked angrily.

Storm leaned forward slightly.

“I happen to be the best friend and assistant to Pinkie Pie, who’s planning and hosting your little cute-ceanera,” Storm replied sternly. “And Apple Bloom just happens to be a very close friend of mine… if you catch my drift.”

This was his ‘big’ hint that he heard what they said. While Silver Spoon turned away, Diamond kept glaring before she rolled her eyes at him.

“Whatever,” She muttered.

Diamond Tiara stomped away with her nose in the air, while Silver Spoon followed and kept her eyes away from Storm. The stallion watched them disappear before approaching Apple Bloom and Twist.

“Why were y’all talkin’ to them?” Apple Bloom asked curiously.

“I saw what they were doing,” Storm replied, glaring back at them. “I know what it’s like being the one pony with the blank flank… and getting bullied for it. Just so you know, if they ever give you too much trouble, you can always let me know. I got your back, Apple Bloom… same for you Twist.”

Twist just smiled, but Apple Bloom was still too glum to fully appreciate the extra moral support.

<>

Later that day, Storm was kind enough to escort Twist home before bringing Apple Bloom back to Sweet Apple Acres. While Applejack was hard at work in the orchard, Apple Bloom was still fuming.

“It’s not fair!” Apple Bloom complained, pacing about. “It’s just not fair!”

“Don’t get your mane in a tangle,” Applejack said. “You’ll get your cutie mark. Every pony gets one eventually.”

“But I don’t want one eventually!” Apple Bloom retorted. “I want one right now! I can’t go to Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceanera without one, I just can’t!”

“Course you can,” Applejack said.

“You sure about that?” Storm asked. “Take it from some pony whose seen how the filly treats Apple Bloom and some pony whose been at the receiving end of it in his younger days.”

“Ponies like that exist everywhere, sugar cube,” Applejack replied. “You just gotta learn not to take their words to heart and spoil yer day or yer fun at a party.”

“Easier said than done, Applejack,” Storm replied. “But very true nevertheless.”

While some bullies like Trixie never grew out of it, he did know ‘some’ ponies, young and adult, that did grow up and were now on friendly terms with him… but that’s another story.

“Y’know,” Applejack spoke. “I was the last pony in my class to get my cutie mark, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. I knew my future was to run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny apples sealed the deal…”

As Applejack continued to talk, Apple Bloom continued to pout and pace about nearby.

“Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class,” Applejack gasped. “Huh, same as Big MacIntosh.”

Eventually Apple Bloom sat down and leaned her fore-hooves onto a bucket of apples.

“I really don’t see how that’s supposed to make me feel better,” Apple Bloom sighed. “It probably means being the last one in your class to get a cutie mark runs in the family.”

“What about you Storm?” Applejack asked curiously.

“You’d be surprised,” Storm chuckled. “I was the last in my class to get my cutie mark.”

Apple Bloom and Applejack turned toward Storm in surprise.

“Seriously?” Apple Bloom asked, in shock.

“It’s true,” Storm answered. “A lot of students in school, before magic school that is, were getting their cutie marks at ages younger than Apple Bloom. Yet… there I was, the only blank flank for years! I still remember the nickname bullies gave me: “Last Blank Standing”… oh, how I despisedthat name. Course it wasn’t until just before I entered magic school that I finally got my cutie mark. How bad would the bullying have been if I started without one, especially when all the first year students had their cutie marks?”

Storm shuttered at the thought as Apple Bloom continued to sulk.

“Well, being last still runs in this family,” Apple Bloom repeated, before realizing. “… runs in the family. Runs in the family! Runs in the family!”

Apple Bloom excited rushed over to Applejack, peeking out from behind her.

“You’ve got apples for your cutie mark,” Apple Bloom pointed to Applejack. “Granny Smith has an apple pie. Big MacIntosh has an apple half, my unique talent has som’n to do with apples! Apples, apples, apples!”

Apple Bloom began to hop and jump about excitedly until…

*CRASH!*

She landed in a bucket of apples, knocking all its contents all over the grounds.

“Oops… hehe, apples,” Apple Bloom smiled sheepishly.

Applejack sighed to herself, while Storm quietly chuckled.

<>

It wasn’t much longer till Applejack had Storm Shield transport some apples with his magic, this way she and Apple Bloom could sell them to the customers in the town’s marketplace. Apple Bloom was eager to start selling, as she had a white apron on along with her sister. Storm just watched the two sisters do their work, with his part of the work done this meant he could ‘supervise’ for the time being.

“Get your delicious, nutritious apples here!” Applejack called, to ponies nearby.

“Delicious and nutritious, and so many uses!” Apple Bloom added.

She balanced an apple on her head before tossing it into her mouth, gobbling it up.

“You can eat ‘em…”

She then swallowed the apple.

“… Play with them…”

She tossed an apple in the air, grabbed a nearby racket and swung the apple away with a ‘SMACK!’. The apple splattered onto the racket and the rest towards a random passerby.

“Hey, watch it!”

“Create fine art for your home with ‘em,” Apple Bloom continued. “You have to be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own!”

She bucked an apple onto some pony’s art canvas, the pony using the canvas just glared. Applejack looked rather embarrassed, while Storm kept chuckling quietly in the background with his train of empty freight cars.

“Heh… she’s so creative, heh,” Applejack replied sheepishly.

Just then Apple Bloom approached a nearby colt, whose name was Time Turner. But for whatever reason, some ponies have been going around calling him ‘Dr. Hooves’.

“You, sir, care t’ buy some apples?” Apple Bloom offered.

“No thanks,” The pony answered.

“Why not?” Apple Bloom asked, taking a step forward.

“I have plenty at home,” Time Turner replied, taking a step back.

“Are you sure?” Apple Bloom asked directly.

Without question, this was making the colt veryuncomfortable.

“Yes, I’m pretty sure I…” Time Turner tried to answer.

“You’re pretty sure, but you’re not absolutely, positively, completely super-duper sure, are you?” Apple Bloom questioned.

The poor colt found himself backed into a corner, so to speak.

“Y… ah… if I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?” He asked feebly.

Apple Bloom’s stern look flipped instantly.

“All right!” She replied cheerfully.

Time Turner only grabbed one apple, tossed a few coins into Applejack’s front apron pocket, and took off. Needless to say, Storm looked worried.

“Well… that’s one way to force a sale,” He remarked.

While he never owned a business himself, Storm had taken several business management classes in his later school years. After his whole athletics ordeal, he just felt having some prior business knowledge would come in handy in the long run. Either way, he knew Apple Bloom’s sale tactics were stirring some trouble.

“You forgot your change!” Applejack called out.

But it was too late. Time Turner had already gone, and there was no way he’d be back anytime.

“Woo-hoo!” Apple Bloom cheered, pleased with herself. “That’s how you sell s’m apples and get a cutie mark!”

Apple Bloom began walking around in circles, like a dog chasing its own tail.

“So, what does my cutie mark look like? A shoppin’ back full of apples? A satisfied customer eating an apple?”

Apple Bloom noticed that her flank… was still blank.

“Hmm… maybe I gotta increase my sales figures first.”

She soon noticed some pony checking out the apples on the stand.

“You touch it, you buy it!” Apple Bloom said sternly.

Her words unintentionally sent the pony reeling back and rushing off. Apple Bloom soon noticed some other pony looking about.

“We take cash or credit.”

The second pony just looked indignant, as Applejack pulled Apple Bloom out of the pony’s face. Storm slapped a hoof over his face, shaking his head.

“Ooh boy…”

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” Applejack apologized, before facing her sister. “Aww… now Apple Bloom, you can’t just…”

But once again, Applejack was too late. Apple Bloom dropped some apples into Bon Bon’s saddlebag.

“That’ll be four bits,” Apple Bloom said plainly.

“I didn’t put those in my bag!” Bon Bon answered.

“Likely story,” Apple Bloom replied sternly. “Four bits, lady!”

Applejack grabbed Apple Bloom by her giant bow, drawing her away.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack scolded, before addressing Bon Bon. “I am really sorry about that. She’s new. Here, take these. No charge.”

Bon Bon just looked, as Applejack gave her a few more apples… and the former just glared.

“And these,” Applejack offered.

But even with more apples in the second pocket of her saddle bag, Bon Bon just kept glaring. Applejack sighed.

“And these,” Applejack replied.

She gave Bon Bon another bucket loaded with even more apples onto her back. Bon Bon groaned as she gave Applejack a strained smile, carrying all the apples away. Seeing the entire apple stand now nearly empty, Storm sighed.

“There goes today’s profits… and on the first day,” Storm told himself. “Some pony is definitely getting fired.”

“Y’all come back now, y’hear?” Applejack called out.

Shen then gave Apple Bloom a glare, finally having enough.

“What?” Apple Bloom asked cluelessly.

“Sorry, little sis, but your apple-sellin’ days are over,” Applejack said firmly.

She quickly pulled off her little sister’s apron.

“What?” Apple Bloom exclaimed in disbelief. “But how else am I gonna get my cutie mark?”

“Home. Now,” Applejack spoke sternly.

But unlike before, Apple Bloom didn’t leave. She grabbed her apron back and pouted while holding the apron in her mouth. Seeing this sad sight, Applejack decided to try a different approach.

“Ugh. Listen, sugar cube,” Applejack spoke gently. “I know it’s hard to wait for your own cutie mark, but you can’t just force it. Besides, you’re not that grown up just yet. Ain’t there other fillies in your class without one?”

Apple Bloom pondered, as she sat hunched to the ground.

“Well… Twist doesn’t have hers yet,” Apple Bloom said.

“Do you think you’d feel better if you went to the party with Twist?” Storm inquired. “You two seem like pretty good friends.”

“Mmm-hmm…” Apple Bloom nodded.

“Well there you go,” Applejack smiled. “Bet you and Twist would have a great time together. Now run along and find your friend.”

Apple Bloom nodded, turned to leave, but stopped as if she just remembered something.

“You’re sure you don’t want me to stick around ‘til the end of th’ market?”

While Applejack knew her sister’s intentions were genuine, she knew keeping her sister around would do more harm than good. Especially when a pony named Ace Point arrived, with a messy racket.

“Hey! Who’s been using my racket?” Ace Point demanded.

Eeyup… more harm than good.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Applejack answered wearily.

Storm Shield approached Apple Bloom, knowing he needed to get out of the market… and fast.

“Come along, Apple Bloom,” Storm offered. “I was just getting Applejack some more apples anyway… luckily, Twist’s home is just on the way.”

Apple Bloom smiled since she enjoyed getting a ride on a platform like royalty, with Storm’s duplicates carrying it.

<>

It didn’t take long before Storm and his crew brought Apple Bloom to Twist’s home. While the duplicates collapsed and vanished into smoke, the ‘real’ Storm waited to see how things would go before leaving. Apple Bloom, meanwhile, quietly knocked on the door… the top half opened revealing Twist’s face.

“Oh, what’s up, Apple Bloom?” Twist asked curiously.

“So I was thinkin’…” Apple Bloom said slowly. “Maybe we could go to Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceanera together. I don’t have a cutie mark; you don’t have a cutie mark.

“Well, um…” Twist replied slowly.

The filly opened the bottom half of the door. Apple Bloom gasped when she noticed that upon Twist’s flank was a pair of candy canes, shaped into a heart.

“Isn’t my cutie mark swell?” Twist asked excitedly. “I’ve always loved making my own favorite sweets, but it took me some time to discover that it was my super-special talent. Pretty sweet, huh?”

“Yeah, pretty… sweet,” Apple Bloom replied.

Unfortunately, there was no hiding the sadness in her voice. Apple Bloom sat down, looking a bit stunned… if not glum.

“Hey… this doesn’t mean we can’t go to the cute-ceanera together,” Twist reassured. “You’re still gonna come to the party, are you?”

As if the situation couldn’t get any worse for the yellow filly, two particular wealthy fillies walked by. They had seen and heard ‘everything’.

“Of course she will,” Diamond Tiara said smugly.

“It’s not like being the only pony there without a cutie mark would be, like, the most embarrassing thing ever!” Silver Spoon added spitefully.

As the two fillies laughed, poor Apple Bloom bit her lip and her eyes grew big, looking she’d burst into tears at any moment. Storm looked on sadly before giving the two wealthy fillies an unnoticeable death glare. He then noticed them approaching his side and a devious smile stretched across his face. Quietly, he orchestrated his magic to make an exhaust pipe appear behind their fore-legs.

*WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH!*

The loud burst of steam only made Silver Spoon jump with fright, but poor Diamond Tiara jumped a good ten feet into the air with a loud shriek. Storm quickly put the distraught Apple Bloom onto his back and carried her away. Diamond Tiara was left frazzled and shocked for a few seconds, before recomposing herself.

“ONE OF THESE DAYS I’M GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT, STORM SHIELD!!!” She screamed.

“NO, YOU WON’T!!!” Storm called back.

Suffice to say, they both knew her threat was empty given Storm was good friends with her father. He always managed to justify his actions, exposing her little schemes with ease. Plus, the fact Storm performed his deliveries (For free) worked to his advantage. It would hurt her father’s business if Storm got fired… and she’d get the blame for it.

In all the commotion and Storm’s efforts to help, neither of them realized that Apple Bloom left Twist’s question about going to the cute-ceanera together unanswered. Fortunately, the commotion made Twist for the question entirely. Still, despite Storm’s attempts to cheer up Apple Bloom, not even a warm hug or an open ear could make Apple Bloom feel any better.

<>

The day of the party arrived, and the depressed filly just sat quietly by herself near one of the town’s water fountains. It wasn’t too long before a certain blue Pegasus appeared from above her.

“Whoa, looks like some pony’s got a dark cloud hanging over her head,” Rainbow remarked. “Let me do something about that.”

Rainbow literally moved a huge black cloud above Apple Bloom’s head. She then made her landing just beside the discouraged little filly.

“What’s the matter, kid?” Rainbow asked.

Apple Bloom looked at her sadly before inhaling deeply.

“There’s a cute-ceanera this afternoon and every pony in my class will be there and they’ll all have their cutie marks and I wanna get my cutie mark but I’m not good at sellin’ apples but I really wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don’t have my cutie mark which my big sister says I’m gonna get eventually but… I WANT IT NOW!”

Apple Bloom said all that in one breath, with a loud whine at the end. Surprisingly, Rainbow just soaked everything in.

“Cutie mark?” Rainbow replied. “I can get you a cutie mark like that!”

She flicked her tail to make the sound of a finger *SNAP!* as she finished her sentence.

“Applejack said these things take time,” Apple Bloom said. “I just have to wait for it to happen.”

“Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?” Rainbow suggested.

“But Applejack says th…” Apple Bloom began.

“Hey, who are you gonna listen to, Applejack?” Rainbow interrupted, mocking the orange pony’s face and pose. “Or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark? I always liked flying an’ all, but I was going nowhere in a hurry. It wasn’t until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed, and KAZAM, this sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning.”

Apple Bloom smiled, clearly impressed, and determined to follow in Rainbow’s example.

<>

Soon, both ponies donned some exercise headbands and Apple Bloom was busy doing push-ups. Rainbow Dash served as Apple Bloom’s coach for the rest of the day.

“That’s right, stretch out those legs,” Rainbow instructed. “Gotta be nice and loose. The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready!” Apple Bloom declared, determined.

“I said: Are! You! Ready!” Rainbow repeated.

“I’M READY!” Apple Bloom said loudly.

Rainbow Dash blew a whistle around her neck.

“Juggling, go!” Rainbow called.

Apple Bloom tried balancing two rings of balls…

“Ah!”

But ended up tripping and dropping all the balls she was juggling. Next, they headed toward a nearby cliff.

“Hang-gliding, go!” Rainbow called, blowing her whistle.

Apple Bloom, now with a hang glider attached to her body, made a running start for takeoff.

“Whoa!”

Apple Bloom cried out as she tripped and landed skidding across the dirt upside down, just along the very edge of the cliff. They moved to the local dojo, both ponies wearing white robes.

“Karate, go!” Rainbow called, with a whistle blow.

“Hi-ya!”

Apple Bloom went for a dive kick toward the nearby sandbag. Unfortunately, the sandbag was so dense that when Apple Bloom kicked it, her body painfully twitched before she landed on her back.

“Ultrapony Roller Derby, go!” Rainbow called, with a whistle blow.

Their next idea… saw Apple Bloom in full gear, as she rolled past the Pegasus. The poor Earth pony winced fearfully as some aggressive, experienced roller ponies growled toward her.

“Whoaaa! Whoa…!” Apple Bloom cried out.

She tumbled forward into a somersault; the other roller ponies gasped before…

*BAM!*

Every pony crashed into her. Despite the piled mess of ponies and roller gear, Apple Bloom just smiled sheepishly as she rolled through the mess completely unharmed.

<>

Eventually, Apple Bloom reclined under a tree near Rarity’s boutique. Rainbow Dash went through her clipboard containing a long of list of things they tried to do to find Apple Bloom’s cutie mark. By Rainbow’s count, it wasn’t looking good for the filly.

“Tried that one… tried that one… tried that one…” Rainbow read aloud to herself.

It was then Apple Bloom heard two familiar voices nearby. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, just coming out of Rarity’s boutique. Diamond Tiara had a large package on her back.

“You’re new outfit is, like, perfect for the party,” Silver Spoon said, as they walked by.

“I know,” Diamond Tiara replied. “It totally shows off my cutie mark.”

“I love being special,” Silver Spoon sighed to herself.

“Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be… not special?” Diamond asked, out of the blue.

“I don’t even want to, like, think about it,” Silver Spoon retorted.

While the two fillies walked out of sight, Rainbow was so busy with her list she didn’t even hear the two fillies go by.

“Tried that one… tried that one…” Rainbow continued.

Poor Apple Bloom was feeling miserable, as if they knew she was in the bushes the entire time.

“I’m doomed. Doomed!” Apple Bloom cried out to the world. “I’ll never find sumth’n I’m good at!”

“You look like you’d be good at eating cupcakes,” A voice replied.

Apple Bloom noticed a very familiar pink pony with cotton candy hair beside her.

“Eating cupcakes?” Apple Boom repeated, puzzled.

“Eating cupcakes?” Rianbow repeated, equally confused.

“Eating cupcaaakes!” Pinkie said, bouncing up and down merrily.

Apple Bloom felt inspired… till she remembered that Rainbow was still trying to help her. Slowly, she backed away from the Pegasus trying to think of an excuse to leave.

“I really appreciate all your help, Rainbow Dash,” Apple Bloom said. “You’re a really great coach and I really learned a lot from you and I’m sure I can learn a lot more but… I’ve got cupcakes to eat! See you at the cute-ceanera! Hold on, Pinkie Pie, I’m comin’.”

Apple Bloom zoomed away, leaving a stunned, indignant Rainbow behind.

<>

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of this,” Apple Bloom said excitedly. ‘A cupcake-eating cutie mark, it’s sooo obvious. Now, where are those cupcakes? I’m ready t’ chow down!”

Apple Bloom was already in the kitchen of Sugar Cube Corner, searching about every cabinet. But the little filly could find no cupcakes available to eat.

“I don’t have any cupcakes,” Pinkie said, matter-of-factly.

“Oh,” Apple Bloom sighed, disappointed.

“But you look like you’d be good at helping me make some,” Pinkie suggested, with a gasp.

“I guess, uh, making-cupcakes cutie mark could work too,” Apple Bloom said to herself.

Ladies and Gentlecolts, welcome to another episode of ‘Silly Songs with Pinkie Pie’ where Pinkie feels the delusional need to sing… well, a ‘silly’ song…

Pinkie Pie (sings):
All you have to do is take a cup of flour!
Add it to the mix!
Now just take a little something sweet, not sour!*

(Apple Bloom ironically balanced a lemon on her head, as it dropped to the floor)

Pinkie Pie (sings):
A bit of salt, just a pinch!
Baking these treats is such a cinch!
Add a teaspoon of vanilla!
Add a little more, and count to four,
And you never get your fill of…
Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty!
Cupcakes! Don’t be too hasty!
Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!

*Pause* Don’t even ask how Pinkie Pie seemed to pop out at random angles and even appeared in two places at once. Just… don’t.

It was then Storm Shield arrived, having heard the singing from outside the kitchen.

“Thank Celestia that ended when I arrived,” He muttered.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie wrapped a fore hoof around the colt.

“One more time!” Pinkie shouted.

Pinkie took a big gasp of air, until Storm shoved his own fore-hoof into her mouth.

“Let’s not!” Storm retorted. “I’ve got work to do.”

Storm picked up a nearby box with his horn and left the kitchen. Pinkie just watched him leave, forgetting he backed out of hearing her sing, and resumed with ‘helping’ Apple Bloom.

<>

A few hours later…

Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie spent the day trying to bake batches of cupcakes together… leaving the kitchen in a complete mess. Apple Bloom was busily mixing up another batch when the oven went off. She coughed a bit, as some flour she bumped into hit her nose.

“Hot, hot, hot!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

She grabbed the tray using her mouth with a cloth but could still feel the heat from the tray as she set it on the floor before Pinkie. Apple Bloom’s cupcakes were burnt to a crisp!

“Oooh, those look much better than the last batch!” Pinkie said, eating a charred cupcake. “Mmm…”

Apple Bloom ate one… but made a face and spat it out.

“Ugh!” Apple Bloom cringed, her eyes watering. “I guess I’m not cut out to be a baker either.”

The little filly released a long sigh.

“I just have to face it, I’m gonna have a blank flank forever.”

“What about that?” Pinkie asked curiously.

In the midst of Apple Bloom’s sad rant, Pinkie Pie pointed toward a white smudge along the filly’s flank.

“What about what?” Apple Bloom asked curiously.

It was then she noticed the white smudge on her flank.

“Is there something on my flank? Is there, is there, is there?”

Apple Bloom gasped, using a dropped golden kettle to examine the smudge further.

“A cutie mark!” She exclaimed. “It’s a… a measuring cup? No. A mixin’ bowl? No… Are those cupcakes? A tower of cupcakes maybe.”

Apple Bloom’s hopes were dashed the moment Pinkie blew some air, removing what was just a simple stain of flour on her flank.

“Flour. It’s flour!” Pinkie replied excitedly. “Yay! I guessed it. What game you wanna play next? Please say bingo, please say bingo.”

Poor Apple Bloom was too upset to answer, as Twilight Sparkle arrived.

“Whoa,” Twilight exclaimed, examining the messy kitchen. “What’s been going on in here?”

“We’ve been making cupcakes,” Pinkie replied. “Wanna try them?”

Pinkie held the baking tray of charred cupcakes. Twilight just cringed at the sight.

“Nnnno thank you… not that they don’t look, heh, delicious,” Twilight said sheepishly.

“Twilight, you have to help me!” Apple Bloom pleaded.

“What’s the matter?” Twilight asked worried.

Apple Bloom inhaled deeply, ready to explain her situation all in one breath again.

“Tiara’s cute-ceanera’s today and every pony in my class will be there and they’ll all have their cutie marks and I want to get my cutie mark but I’m no good at selling apples or hang-gliding or making cupcakes, but I wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don’t have my cutie mark, which Pinkie Pie says I can’t just make appear, but I need it to appear, right now!”

“Uhh… I don’t follow,” Twilight said puzzled. “How can I help you?”

“You can use your magic to make my cutie mark appear,” Apple Bloom proposed.

“Oh no, Apple Bloom,” Twilight replied. “A cutie mark is something a pony has to discover for herself.”

“Please Twilight, jus’ trah,” Apple Bloom begged desperately.

“I’m sorry, but—”

“Oh please, please, please, please, please!”

“All right, all right!” Twilight conceded.

“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you,” Apple Bloom said excitedly.

Twilight lowered her horn and used her magic to make a cutie mark appear on Apple Bloom’s flank.

“Yes! I knew you could do… it.”

Apple Bloom looked toward her new cutie mark, only for it to fade away less than two seconds after it appeared.

“I’m sorry, sweetie,” Twilight apologized. “But I told you—”

“Try again, try again!” Apple Bloom begged.

Twilight just sighed as she did so, but the results were the same every time. For every cutie mark Twilight made appear, it disappeared soon after. Apple Bloom’s excitement faded with each disappearing cutie mark to the point Twilight Sparkle was exhausted.

“Told you that not even magic can make a cutie mark appear before it’s time,” Twilight replied.

Twilight tried to regain some energy when Storm arrived with a glass of water to drink.

“Thank you, Storm,” Twilight sighed.

“It’s the sad truth Apple Bloom,” Storm added. “If it were that simple, I’d have used my magic to make myself a cutie mark and spare myself all that misery as a foal.”

“It’s hopeless, hopeless!” Apple Bloom sighed, walking away sadly. “I just won’t go to the party, I can’t go. Everyone will just laugh at me and make fun of me and call me names. It will be the worst night of my life.”

“I’m sure it won’t be as bad as all that,” Twilight assured.

“Oh… you clueless mare,” Storm muttered.

Twilight glared, as Apple Bloom left the kitchen.

“Forget it, there’s no way I’m going to that… party…”

Apple Bloom gulped when she realized that by walking out of the kitchen, and into the main room of the shop, she walked smacked dab into the middle of Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceanera party. Storm could see her distress all the way from the kitchen. He went to save her, only for Twilight to stop him.

“Storm, stay put,” Twilight advised.

“Twilight, you don’t know how those two fillies are,” Storm rebutted sternly. “They are like Timberwolves ready to devour their next meal… and Apple Bloom’s their prey!”

“Storm, I know you want to help Apple Bloom, but she needs to learn to stand up to bullies on her own,” Twilight explained.

“I just don’t want anything bad to happen to her,” Storm sighed sadly. “When I was little, I was in the same situation. I get invited to a party only for every pony to tease and laugh at me for being the only pony without a cutie mark. It took me years before I found the courage to attend another party… only because I was all alone…”

“I know you mean well for Apple Bloom,” Twilight smiled, sympathetically. “But I assure you Apple Bloom won’t be alone. Applejack is aware of how those fillies are; she’s taken many measures to ensure Apple Bloom will have a good time at this party. Trust her, okay?”

Storm gave Twilight a reluctant nod, praying to Celestia that his best friend is right.

<>

Back outside the kitchen, several ponies continued to chatter amongst each other as Apple Bloom realized where she was. She saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, dressed in their outfits and talking to every pony arriving for the party. Ponies from her class, as well as older ponies (Possibly parents, siblings, and family friends), were there as well. Some of the younger ponies brought gifts too. One pony had taken a bite out of one of the cupcakes, only to spit it out. Apparently, Pinkie Pie put out the cupcakes Apple Bloom made and decorated them for the party.

“How could I have forgotten the time?” She asked herself, panicking. “How could I have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party? How could I have forgotten it was at Sugar Cube Corner?”

Apple Bloom quickly noticed a chocolate statue and hid behind it when Pinkie put a party hat on her head.

“Don’t forget your party hat, Forgetty Forgetterson!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

Once the pink pony bounced away, Apple Bloom zipped back behind her hiding place and quickly dashed toward a tall cake Storm baked himself.

“I have to get out of here before any pony sees me!” Apple Bloom said.

Just then she saw Snails approaching, the lanky unicorn took a huge bite out of the tall cake. Apple Bloom saw herself in plain sight and dashed for another hiding spot.

“Hey! It’s my cute-ceanera, I’m supposed to get the first bite of cake!” Diamond complained.

But Snails just smiled, clueless to her rants. Apple Bloom relocated behind a bunch of balloons… till a random unicorn appeared and mindlessly popped all the balloons as they danced. Apple Bloom ducked under the punch table, peeking out from underneath the tablecloth and noticed the exit to Sugar Cube Corner. Apple Bloom quietly tried to tip-toe toward the exit from beneath the table, stopping only when a pony went for a quick drink… straight from the punch bowl. Apple Bloom just reached the exit, seemingly home free, until…

“Apple Bloom, you made it!” Applejack said.

The cow pony walked right inside just as Apple Bloom was about to leave.

“After I heard about Twist, I was afraid you wouldn’t show up. I sure am glad you came to your senses about this whole cutie mark thing. These things happen when these things are supposed to happen. Trying to rush ‘em just drives you crazy. I’ll let you be, looks like your friends want to talk to you.”

The friends she was referring to happened to be Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who saw Apple Bloom desperately trying to leave. Applejack used her fore-hoof to push Apple Bloom further from the door. Both rich ponies had malicious smiles on their faces as they approached the yellow filly. Applejack headed towards the kitchen when Storm Shield was about to walk out.

“Applejack, you can’t possibly be that clueless to…”

Applejack cut off Storm Shield with a smile and a look that said, ‘Hush and trust me’. Storm conceded, but kept a discreet eye on the three girls watching as Apple Bloom began to panic and managed to successfully pull the pink tablecloth from under the punch bowl without spilling or dropping it. She then arranged the cloth, making it resemble a makeshift pink dress. Apple Bloom gave a grunt as she tied the cloth into place.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here,” Diamond Tiara spoke, too sweetly.

“Nice outfit,” Silver Spoon added, with the same tone.

“Just sumt’n I, uh, pulled together last minute,” Apple Bloom replied.

“It really shows off your cutie mark,” Diamond Tiara said. “Oh wait, that’s right, you don’t have one.”

“Uh, I have a cutie mark!” Apple Bloom fibbed.

“Eh, what?” Silver Spoon replied in disbelief. “Since when?”

“Since… Um… Earlier today,” Apple Bloom answered.

“Oh really?” Diamond replied, suspicious. “Let’s see it.”

“I shouldn’t… I couldn’t,” Apple Bloom said. “My cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing, I’m afraid that if I show it off, everyone will start paying attention to me instead of you. Outshined at your own cute-ceanera. Can you imagine how embarrassing that would be?”

That truly struck a nerve for Diamond Tiara, as she suddenly lost her composed demeanor for a moment.

“Uh, forget it, I didn’t really want to see it anyway,” Diamond Tiara huffed.

“Okay, well, I’m gonna go mingle,” Apple Bloom replied. “Enjoy your party.”

Apple Bloom breathed a sigh of relief… till a fore hoof snagged a part of the cloth, tearing it off of her, and sent her rolling forward into the record player with a…

*CRASH!*

The player made a loud scratch and the other ponies gasped. Apple Bloom’s worst fear was becoming a reality: Every pony staring at her and, as Storm said before, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon right up front like Timberwolves ready to kill their prey.

“Oh no,” Apple Bloom groaned.

“Oh no…” Storm moaned, covering his face.

“Wow, that is an amazing cutie mark,” Silver Spoon replied.

“Nice try…” Diamond Tiara added.

“Blank Flank!” They said in unison.

All the other ponies began to mumble and talk to one another, young and adult alike. This was not helping Storm’s increasing anxiety.

“What will I do? What’ll I do? What am I going to do?!?! If I stay put, Apple Bloom’s the laughingstock of ponyville. But if I interfere, I’m fighting her own battle! Urgh…”

Unable to take it anymore, Storm was about to take a hoof forward to save Apple Bloom until…

“You’ve got a problem with blank flanks!”

Storm stopped upon hearing the voice of a raspy voice, reminding him of Rainbow. He turned as the younger ponies gasped in unison. A young, orange Pegasus filly, with a magenta mane and tail, emerged from underneath a table. With her was a marshmallow unicorn filly with a curly lavender and soft pink mane and tail.

“I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?” The filly Pegasus asked again.

“The problem is, I mean, she’s like, totally not special,” Silver Spoon retorted.

Apple Bloom looked sad, till the two fillies stood between her.

“No, it means she’s full of potential,” The filly unicorn said.

“It means she could be great at anything,” The filly Pegasus added. “The possibilities are, like, endless.”

That last part purposely mocked Silver Spoon’s attitude.

“She could be a great scientist, or an amazing artist, or a famous writer,” The filly unicorn added. “She could be mayor of Ponyville someday.”

With each and every suggestion, Apple Bloom’s smile grew.

“And she’s not stuck being stuck-up like you two,” The filly Pegasus added.

The other ponies laughed at that remark.

“Hey, this is my party!” Diamond Tiara protested. “Why are you two on her side?”

“Because…”

The filly Pegasus and the filly unicorn showed off their flanks, which were just as blank as Apple Bloom’s. The yellow filly gasped with shock.

“You don’t have your cutie marks either?” Apple Bloom asked, surprised. “I thought I was the only one.”

“We thought we were the only two,” The filly Pegasus replied.

Twilight Sparkle allowed Storm Shield to come out of the kitchen with her, the latter smiling with satisfaction.

“I for one think you are three very lucky fillies,” Twilight added.

“Very luck indeed,” Storm nodded, facing the two fillies. “Nice to meet you two!”

The filly Pegasus gasped with shock.

“You!” She exclaimed. “You’re the… multiplying Unicorn!”

“You’re… you’re kinda cute,” The filly unicorn added, slightly bashful.

Storm just smiled back at her; the toothy grin made the unicorn blush harder. Diamond Tiara stood indignantly; Silver Spoon gritted her teeth in jealousy.

“Lucky?” Diamond Tiara barked angrily. “How can they be lucky?”

Now it was Twilight’s turn to glare indignantly.

“They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are,” Twilight answered. “And what they’re meant to be.”

“And they got all the time in the world to figure it out,” Applejack added. “Not just an afternoon.”

She gave her little sister a wink, as if proving her point.

“Take a look at Storm for example,” Twilight pointed out, stunning the colt. “He used to be the only colt in his class without a cutie mark. But because he didn’t rush it, he discovered just how much talent he really has. He’s an organizer, a writer, a botanist, a baker, an artist, an athlete…”

“He’s strong and hardworking,” Applejack added. “He isn’t just fast on his hooves, but also fast in how he gets things done and those things are done very well.”

Storm actually blushed over all the attention.

“None of those talents could have been discovered had he rushed to get his cutie mark,” Twilight continued. “Who knows? These three fillies might discover just as many talents… maybe even more!”

The other young ponies were most impressed.

“Wow Apple Bloom!” A young colt named Tornado Bolt said. “I wish I could be a scientist!”

“Do you really think you could be mayor?” A filly named Pina Colada asked.

“Maybe I got my cutie mark too soon,” A pony named Coronet replied.

Diamond Tiara suddenly noticed that all the ponies began chatting with the three fillies and completely ignored her.

“Hey, what’s every pony doing?” Diamond Tiara demanded. “This is my party, every pony is supposed to be paying attention to me.”

“That’s funny considering you wanted to make Apple Bloom the center of attention,” Storm remarked. “Looks like your plan worked, Diamond Tiara… just not the way you expected.”

Storm walked away, as Diamond Tiara formed a very sour look on her face. Silver Spoon tried to save some pride for her best friend.

“Whatever,” Silver Spoon spoke up. “We still think you’re losers, right Diamond Tiara? Bump, bump, sugar… lump…”

Silver Spoon soon realized her efforts to cheer up her best friend were futile, as Diamond Tiara kept pouting.

“Not now, Silver Spoon,” Diamond Tiara replied bluntly.

Back with the three fillies, the filly Pegasus and filly unicorn introduced themselves to Apple Bloom.

“Name’s Scootaloo,” the Pegasus said.

“And I’m Sweetie Belle,” The unicorn said.

“Apple Bloom,” The yellow filly answered.

<>

It wasn’t long before every pony was back to enjoying the party… except Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Diamond just sat near the top of the staircase, glaring bitterly at every pony as they enjoyed themselves. Silver Spoon watched as well, only more concerned about how to make her friend feel better more than anything else. Part of her wished she could go down and join the fun, but at the same time she didn’t want to leave Diamond Tiara alone. It was quite a predicament for the rich filly.

“This song is so super!” Twist said.

The little pony tossed herself high into the air, while the rest of the young ponies continued to dance. Applejack, Twilight, and Storm shared a toast of some punch together. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle sat together at a nearby table, chatting amongst themselves.

“So I was thinking,” Apple Bloom pondered. “Now that we’re friends… I mean, we are friends, right?”

“How could we not be?” Scootaloo replied. “We’re totally alike. We don’t have cutie marks. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon drive us crazy—”

“Totally crazy,” Sweetie Belle agreed.

“Well, now that we’re friends,” Apple Bloom repeated. “What if the three of us work together to find out who we are and what we’re supposed to be?”

“Ooh! Ooh!” Sweetie Belle bounced excitedly. “We could form our own secret society.”

“I’m liking this idea,” Scootaloo agreed.

“A secret society,” Apple Bloom pondered. “Yeah. We need a name for it though.”

“The Cutie Mark Three?” Scootaloo proposed.

“The Cutastically Fantastics?” Sweetie Belle offered.

“How about… The Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Apple Bloom offered.

“It’s perfect!” Scootlaoo smiled.

“This is gonna be so great!” Sweetie Belle said excitedly.

“We’re gonna be unstoppable!” Apple Bloom added.

“What do you say we celebrate with some of these delicious cupcakes?” Scootaloo suggested.

The Pegasus went for a bite, only for Apple Bloom to make her drop it on the table.

“Not the cupcakes,” Apple Bloom protested. “Trust me.”

“Let’s see if there are any cookies,” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Yeah! Come on!” Apple Bloom gestured.

The three fillies got up to look but didn’t need to search long.

“Some pony call for cookies!” Storm called out.

He proposed a plate of rather large, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies before them. Soon Apple Bloom and her friends started grabbing a cookie.

“Oh wow!” Scootaloo smiled. “Thanks Mister Storm!”

“Just call me Storm, Scootlaoo,” He replied. “I’m good friends with Apple Bloom and hope we can be good friends too.”

“Sure thing, Storm!” Scootaloo answered, her mouth full.

Storm smiled as Sweetie Belle giggled shyly.

“Can I be your friend, Sweetie Belle?” Storm offered gently.

Sweetie Belle just giggled and nodded shyly with a light blush on her cheeks. Neither of them noticed a certain high-class filly with glasses shooting daggers at the two, especially when Storm offered Sweetie Belle a dance. Twilight smiled from afar, pleased to see every pony enjoying the party. Especially when the three fillies danced together with Storm, even Twist. As the party came to an end, Twilight Sparkle began writing her letter to Princess Celestia.

Dearest Princess Celestia,
I’m happiest to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out…

<>

… can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are.

Princess Celestia read the letter aloud. By the time she finished, she gazed toward her own cutie mark with a sigh. All that was needed to know about it was this: When a pony finally gets their cutie mark…

The wait is always worth it…

Fall Weather Friends

One autumn day, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were busily playing a friendly game of horseshoe toss. It was now Rainbow’s turn. She grunted as she made her toss, coming just short of hitting the wooden stake.

“Whoo-hoo!” Rainbow cheered.

“Hoo-wee!” Applejack said. “Not a bad pitch for a pony who works with her head in the clouds.”

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow replied. “Think you can do better, cowgirl?”

“I know I can,” Applejack answered.

She picked up a horseshoe. With a grunt of her own, she made her toss, but the horseshoe landed just behind Rainbow’s.

“Oh for Pete’s sake!” Applejack retorted, disappointed.

Rainbow Dash lightly tapped Applejack’s Stenson hat to the point it tilted over her face.

“Heh! Looks like this Pegasus can pitch better than the workhorse,” Rainbow remarked. “The object of the game is to get the closest to the stake.”

“All right, all right,” Applejack grumbled indignantly. “You got another throw there, pony girl.”

Rainbow grunted, hurling her horseshoe a little harder. The horseshoe overshot the wooden stake…

*CLANG!*

“OW!!!!”

A male voice cried out in pain, as the horseshoe crashed into something (Well, more like ‘some pony’) far beyond the stake.

“Wow, Rainbow, heh,” Applejack said sarcastically. “You couldn’t hit a barn door with that kind of throw!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow shot back. “I still have the closest throw, Applesmack. Just try and beat it.”

Applejack, with a determined look on her face, focused on the target. She made a strong toss and the shoe landed with a ring around the wooden stake.

“Yee-haw! It’s a ringer,” Applejack cheered. “That’s how you do it on the farm.”

Rainbow was simply dumbfounded.

“I lost,” Rainbow sighed, in disbelief and disappointment.

“Ah, don’t feel bad, Rainbow,” Applejack said. “It’s all in good fun.”

“I hate losing,” Rainbow pouted to herself.

“Besides, you’re a mighty good athlete,” Applejack assured.

As the girls walked away, it’s obvious Applejack was merely trying to soften the blow to the Pegasus’s pride. Unfortunately, Rainbow’s personal ego was feeling rather threatened. And soon enough, the Pegasus herself hovered directly over the orange pony.

“All right, Applejack,” Rainbow spoke. “You think you’re the top athlete in all of Ponyville?”

Applejack used her tail to ‘literally’ brush Rainbow away.

“Well, I was gonna say in all of Equestria,” Applejack replied. “But that might be glidin’ the lily.”

“… and I think I’m the top athlete,” Rianbow retorted. “So let’s prove it.”

Applejack turned around to face the Pegasus herself.

“Prove what?” Applejack asked.

“I challenge you to an Iron Pony competition,” Rainbow said. “A series of athletic contests to decide who’s the best once and for all.”

Suffice to say, Applejack didn’t feel she truly had anything to prove. But her competitive nature made her think otherwise.

“You know what, Rainbow?” Applejack said. “You’re on.”

They each spat on a hoof and bumped them together in agreement before giving each other determined smiles. Smiles that said: GAME ON!!!

https://m.

Now warming up, Rainbow Dash began to do some stretches to get her body ready for their… well, what should have been but a mere competition. Twilight Sparkle, with Spike on her back, and Storm Shield on her side, arrived to see what all the commotion was about. A ‘horseshoe’ slung around Storm’s horn while a black eye was visible upon his right eye.

“So you two are doing what, now?” Twilight asked curiously.

“An Iron—”Applejack was about to answer.

“Iron Pony competition,” Rainbow interrupted, continuing her stretches.

“See,” Applejack explained. “We’ve set up a brunch of events to decide which one of us is—”

“The most athlete pony ever!” Rainbow interrupted, yet again.

While Rainbow continued to warm up, grunting each time, Storm Shield finally discarded the horseshow with the aura of his magic.

“And we’re here to…?” Storm asked puzzled.

“I don’t know,” Rainbow answered, with a grunt. “Why are they here?”

Applejack gave Rainbow an indignant glare, till her expression softened a bit.

“To judge and keep score,” Applejack explained. “I reckon Storm could help referee since he’s just as honest as I am.”

“Can do Applejack,” Storm nodded. “Just give me a second for a costume change.”

Storm zoomed away and returned wearing a long sleeved, black-and-white striped shirt with a whistle around his neck.

“Well, aren’t you enthusiastic,” Twilight remarked, with annoyance.

Storm merely glared back.

“Oh yeah? Well, listen to this,” Storm said, clearing his throat. “Ponies will start at the sound of my whistle. Each pony must complete such-and-such and must do, and don’t, this and that. The player to accomplish the goal the quickest or the best wins. Ponies… on your mark, get set…”

*TWEEEEEEEEEEET!*

Twilight and Spike jumped as Storm blew the whistle loudly, but Applejack was most impressed.

“Yee-haw! Storm, you’ve got the referee job for sure,” Applejack declared excitedly. “And Twilight can declare the winner.”

“Right, heh,” Rainbow replied. “Somepony’s gotta record my awesomeness for the history books.”

Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Storm Shield just rolled their eyes over Rainbow’s cocky attitude.

<>

Soon enough, everything was set up for the start of the competition. And for some strange reason, Spike was holding a twig and… using it as a microphone?

“Hello every pony, and welcome to the first annual Iron Pony competition!” Spike announced.

Storm Shield, on the other hoof, actually held a real mic but held it with his magic.

“We’re here live from Sweet Apple Acres to give you up-to-date coverage of today’s events!” Storm added.

“Uh Spike, Storm, who are you talking to?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Um… uh, them!” Spike pointed out.

To the dragon’s good fortunate, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity arrived to watch the events take place.

“Let the games begin!”

The three ponies cheered in excitement as the first event was prepped for action.

“Ponies will start at the sound of my whistle,” Storm explained. “Each pony must successfully weave their way through the barrels as they make their way toward the finish line. Time penalties will be added for any bumped barrels. The pony who gets to the goal the fastest wins.”

Applejack was ready to go.

“Ready… Set… Go!” Twilight shouted.

*TWEEEET!*

Storm blew his whistle and Applejack took off, maneuvering as quickly as she could. Unfortunately, as she approached the final half of the course, her flank bumped a barrel just before she crossed the finish line.

“Dagnabbit!” She remarked, with a gasp.

“Time, Spike?” Twilight asked.

Spike turned to the stopwatch Storm allowed him to borrow for the event.

“17 seconds,” Spike said.

“You’re kiddin’!” Applejack said shocked. “That breaks my record from last year’s rodeo.”

“But you got a five second penalty for nudging the barrel,” Spike added.

“So you’re true time is 22 seconds,” Storm said.

“Nuts and chews!” Applejack sighed. “Still, that’s twenty-two seconds. Not too shabby.”

Rainbow just remained rather quiet. The sweat on her face showed she was feeling a little intimidated at Applejack’s fast time.

“Hey, don’t be nervous,” Applejack said supportively. “Remember, it’s all in good fun. Now git on up there.”

Rainbow slowly flew over to the starting line, still sweating a bit as she got herself ready.

“Ready. Set. Go!”

*TWEEEEET!*

With the blow of the whistle, Rainbow took off at high speed and weaved through the barrels. Not only was she fast, but her run was clean too.

“Woo! That was some fancy hoof-work there, Rainbow!” Applejack said, clearly impressed.

“Thanks, but I couldn’t have been as fast as you,” Rainbow panted.

“What was the time on that, Spike?” Applejack asked.

“18 seconds!” Spike exclaimed.

“And no penalties!” Storm added.

“18 seconds,” Applejack said. “Rainbow, are you sure you’re not secretly a rodeo pony?”

“Rainbow Dash wins the barrel lead!” Twilight announced.

Fluttershy placed an apple-shaped card on a scoreboard with the number ‘1’ on it.

“Oh, I can’t believe I won!” Rainbow gushed excitedly, in midair.

Annoyed, Applejack pinned Rainbow to the ground.

“Yeah, well, don’t you go getting’ used to it,” Applejack said indignantly.

“Next even is the test of strength,” Storm announced. “At the sound of my whistle, each pony has one try to send this little marker to the bell at the top. The player who succeeds or the player who hits the bells the loudest and/or fastest wins. Rainbow, ready, set…”

*TWEEEEEEEEEET!*

Rainbow stomped as hard as she could to send the marker all the way to top with little difficulty and the ponies cheered. Applejack merely lounged underneath an apple tree with a piece of grass in her mouth.

“Mighty respectable,” Applejack nodded. “But let me show ya how it’s really done.”

Storm blew his whistle and Applejack gave a loud grunt. She not only hit the marker against the bell faster but sent it so fast it blasted the bell right off the top. Rainbow watched, her mouth hung out, while all the other ponies cheered.

“Years of applebuckin’,” Applejack boasted.

She bucked the apple tree Rainbow was sitting under…

“Shave and a haircut…”

… and the bell rang again.

“Two bits.”

It was then five apples bopped Rainbow on the head… (100, 200, 400, 800, 1000 appears…)… then two more hit her head (… 2000, 4000… bummer, two more and A.J. would get a 1-up). Rainbow groaned as she rubbed her sore head, while Fluttershy put a ‘1’ card next to Applejack’s part of the scoreboard.

“Next event: The buckin’ bronco,” Storm announced. “Each pony has Spike riding their back as they bounce and buck about to try and knock him off. The pony who makes Spike fall off the quickest wins. However, any intentional harm to Spike to make him fall off faster will result in an immediate disqualification.”

“Wahoo!”

“Whoo-hoo!”

“Eeyup!”

Apparently Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Big MacIntosh arrived to cheer for Applejack. They were now sitting along some bleachers, as Applejack got ready to start.

“Why me?” Spike asked rhetorically.

“Go!” Twilight shouted.

*TWEEEEET!*

At the blow of Storm’s whistle, Applejack soon jumped and bucked about as roughly as she could.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa-hoa! Whoa! Whoaaa!” Spike cried out.

The little dragon tried to hold on before Applejack launched him into the air and into a nearby hay pile.

“Ouch!”

Spike didn’t have much time to recover. As soon as he popped from the hay pile, Rainbow was already underneath him.

“Ready for another pony ride?” Rainbow asked, determined.

“No…” Spike whimpered.

“Rainbow, ready, set…”

*TWEEEEEEEEEEEET!*

With the blow of the whistle, Rainbow took off. She wasted no time bouncing Spike up and about.

“Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-Guh-WHOAAAA!” Spike cried out.

He didn’t even last for a for a few seconds before Rainbow sent him flying high into the air.

“Rainbow Dash wins the bronco-buck!” Twilight announced, as another bell rang in the distance.

Poor Spike now hung along the top of the scoreboard, looking dazed and worn out. Fluttershy looked at him with worry as she updated the scoreboard.

“And I lose,” Spike groaned.

It was then some other ponies began to appear, cheering as Applejack and Rainbow got ready for the next event. Applejack couldn’t help but show off a little, while Rainbow struggled just to keep her lasso from falling apart.

“Lasso contest,” Storm announced. “At the start of my whistle, each pony will take turns lassoing and tying up Spike. The pony who can tie up Spike in the most charismatic, cleanest knot wins. Ponies, on your mark, get set…”

*TWEEEEEEEET!*

Applejack wasted no time going first.

“Whoa!”

Spike grunted as he found his claws and feet tied together in one simple knot, as he landed on his back.

“How do I get roped into these things?”

Spike never got his answer, as the other ponies cheered for Applejack and tossed several roses at her hooves. Spike didn’t have to deal with being tied up again. Poor Rainbow had ended up getting herself tied up in the same manner, but she was hanging from a tree… upside down… and desperately trying to get out of her own knot.

“Does this count?” Rainbow asked, grunting.

“Applejack is the winner!” Storm announced.

The bell rang and the score was updated once again.

<>

The next event was ball balancing, which was simply the pony who could keep their ball in the air without dropping it wins. Applejack grunted, but she easily lost her ball while Rainbow bounced hers without difficulty. The ponies cheered, while some Pegasi tossed some roses at Rainbow from above, as the bell rang, and the score updated again.

The hay toss was next, as Rainbow went first and tossed a rather heavy haystack into the air at a decent distant. She flew over to it as the haystack landed.

“Yuh!” She boasted, blowing a raspberry at Applejack.

Then not a second later, a much larger, heavier haystack crashed right on top of Rainbow. Ponies cheered as Applejack was carried away. At the ring of the bell, the score was updated yet again.

Then came hoof-wrestling, which one would think Applejack would have the huge advantage over.

“Wah!”

Applejack grunted in shock, as Rainbow pinned her fore-hoof with great ease. The bell rings, the score was updated… and blah-blah-blah…

*WHACK!*

OUCH!!! It was a joke!

*Clears throat* Finally came the football kicking event. Applejack gave her football a nice long kick, but Rainbow was able to kick her football higher and farther, nearly hitting some Pegasi spectators in a nearby cloud. Fluttershy gasped as the football barreled toward her. She used the score panel in her hands to protect herself. The football managed to knock the score card right into the scoreboard. The bell rang and Fluttershy made a ‘It’s good!’ pose with her forelegs.

<>

“Welcome back every pony to the Spike and Storm half time show,” Storm announced. “I’m Storm! He’s Spike! And we’re here live to bring you up to speed on today’s Iron Pony competition!”

“Fillies and gentlecolts, at the halfway point,” Spike added. “Our competitors are tied at five and five.”

“Who are you two talking to?” Twilight asked annoyed.

“Them!” Spike and Storm said together.

What had been considered a small competition evolved into a full-on spectator event with lots of ponies cheering and even creating a pyramid and doing cheerleading. Now back to the events.

The push-ups competition was underway, as Twilight was officially keeping count. The looks on Applejack’s and Rainbow’s faces showed they were hitting their push-up limits.

“95, 96, 97, 98, 99…” Twilight counted.

Just then, Rainbow opened her wings to give her some strength relief.

“A hundred!”

Applejack collapsed to the ground in exhaustion and Rainbow was declared the winner. Storm just had a stern look on his face, jotting something down on a clipboard. Applejack was angered as well.

“Be a good sport, Applejack,” She told herself.

But deep down, Applejack knew the truth: Rainbow Dash had cheated.

<>

Some of the other events seemed to show Rianbow having similar issues. In the long jump, each pony took a turn to see how far they could jump in the air. When Rainbow realized she was going to fall behind Applejack, she opened her wings to give her a distant boost… so she landed ahead of her.

Next came the chick cross. The hens clucked and the chicks chirped as each pony was tasked to carry as many chicks as they could to the mother hen. Applejack tried to be graceful, but her mud splashing caused all her chicks to abandon pony. Rainbow merely walked smugly as she opened her wings to carry all the chicks across and keep them away from the splashing mud.

*Pause* Note that while only a few events are discussed, there have been a total of nineteen events so far and there was one other unmentioned event Rainbow used her wings to her advantage. Please also note Storm recorded these events on a clipboard… which we’ll get to later.

*Clears throat* The final event soon came, which was the tug of war.

“All right, you two,” Twilight said. “This is the final event. Give it all you’ve got!”

“At the start of my whistle,” Storm explained. “Each pony will pull the rope and try to bring that flag in the middle to their side of the mud wallow. The pony who gets the flag to their side wins. Ponies, on your mark, get set…!”

*TWEEEEEEEEET!*

With the final blow of the whistle, Applejack and Rainbow began the tug of war event.

“Looks like the workhorse might come out ahead in this one,” Spike said.

Suffice to say, Storm didn’t think for a moment that Rainbow was going to play fair.

“We’ll see,” Storm said skeptically.

Just as Storm predicted, Rainbow flew above the mud patch as Applejack was left dangling above the middle of the mud patch.

“That’s not fair!” Applejack said. “You can’t use your wings to help you win.”

Unfortunately, her voice was muffled due to the rope in her mouth. Suffice to say, Rainbow could not understand the orange pony at all.

“Huh?” Rainbow asked.

“You’re cheatin’!” Applejack mumbled.

“I can’t understand you with that rope in your mouth,” Rainbow answered.

“I said… uh-oh.”

Applejack realized by spitting out the rope, she released her only support that was keeping her from the mud… and crashed down with a splash. The crowd cheered, as the bell gave its final ring and Rainbow Dash updated the scoreboard herself.

“Whoo-hoo!” Rainbow cheered. “I win by a landslide… or mudslide in your case!”

Rainbow chuckled as Applejack glared at her from the mud. Storm helped Applejack out of the mud, but he too gave the blue Pegasus a glare himself.

“I am the Iron Pony!” Rainbow shouted to the world.

A pair of Pegasi held a rainbow banner behind her and some ponies cheered. Now clean of the mud, Applejack stormed toward Rainbow Dash.

“Only ‘cause you cheated,” Applejack retorted angrily.

“What?” Rainbow exclaimed.

Offended, she flew directly into Applejack’s face as she continued.

“You used your wing power to help you win over half of those contests.”

“Sounds like sour apples to me,” Rainbow said indignantly.

“Are you sayin’ you didn’t use your wings?” Applejack asked sternly.

“Well… no,” Rainbow stuttered, recomposing herself. “But you never said that I couldn’t use my wings.”

“I didn’t think I needed to tell you to play fair,” Applejack retorted.

While the mares argued, Storm Shield approached with the clipboard levitating beside him.

“Applejack’s right Rainbow,” Storm spoke up. “Your wings gave you an unfair advantage and you’re smart enough to know that. True, using your wings might not have been stated in the rules… I checked. But nevertheless, you did use them to cheat in exactly, and I counted, fiveevents. In fact, I can outright disqualify your win at the tug of war event!”

“What?!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“The rules clearly state, and I quote: Whoever gets the flag to their side of the mud patch wins,” Storm explained sternly. “Technically, you never crossed the flag to your side of the line, you just dangled Applejack over the mud and let her fall in! That is not just cheating, but that’s bad sportsmanship. There’s no honesty in winning like that!”

“Like you never cheated to be the fastest unicorn alive!” Rainbow shot back.

Rainbow Dash gasped suddenly, wishing she could take it back when Storm gave her a very fiery glare. Even when he was furious with her over the dragon incident, Storm never looked this angry. Slowly, he approached Rainbow Dash with a tone that could give the toughest ponies a cold chill.

“I… never… cheated… in any of my races,” Storm said slowly. “Don’t… you… ever… forget that Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy, please subtract five points from Rainbow’s score and give them to Applejack at once!”

Fluttershy hesitated before doing as she was told, leaving the ponies tied.

“We have a tie every pony!” Storm declared.

Rainbow Dash, however, was not going to settle for that result.

“I still would have won even without my wings,” Rainbow replied indignantly.

“Hah!” Applejack said. “Prove it.”

“Gladly,” Rainbow answered, before turning puzzled. “How?”

“Tomorrow is the annual Runnin’ of the Leaves,” Applejack said. “I challenge you to race me in it.”

“Heh! Easy schmeasy,” Rainbow answered.

She went to fly off when Applejack pinned her down the ground by standing on the girl’s tail.

“Hold on!” Applejack said. “There is one condition: The point is to run, so no wings allowed.”

“No wings?” Rainbow remarked, bucking Applejack off. “No problem.”

They both spit on their fore-hoof and smashed them together. Then they just glared till Rainbow blew a raspberry in Applejack’s face. Applejack just chuckled before they continued their little stare down contest.

<>

The very next day, Twilight and Storm casually left the library toward the location where the Running of the Leaves event would take place. Spike, of course, was growing impatient.

“Twilight, Storm, hurry up!” Spike complained, riding Twilight’s back. “We’re gonna be late for the race.”

“Why are you so excited about the race?” Twilight asked curiously. “It’s only for ponies.”

Spike stood on Twilight’s back with his twig for a microphone.

“Yeah, but I’m hoping I can be the announcer again,” Spike said.

“Umm… Spike…” Storm spoke uneasily. “About that…”

“Just listen,” Spike interrupted. “Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to the annual Running of the—”

“Welcome to the annual Running of the Leaves!” A loud, yet well-known voice shouted. “This is Pinkie Pie, your official p-eye-in-the-sky announcer.”

Pinkie Pie came floating from above in an air balloon, a mega-phone attached to the edge of the basket. Spike just glared at Storm.

“Yeah, I… kind of asked Pinkie to take my place as an announcer,” Storm smiled, apologetically.

Spike just angrily threw his twig to the ground with a pout.

“Sorry Spike,” Twilight said sympathetically. “I guess that job’s already taken.”

“As every pony knows,” Pinkie continued. “The Running of the Leaves is a very important tradition, for without it, the autumn leaves in Equestria would never fall. So get ready, ponies. The Running of the Leaves will begin in five minutes!”

It was then the ponies, who were going to participate, began to line up at the starting line. Some of them were eager to get started, others stretching a bit. Applejack was already stretching as a certain Pegasus made her entrance. The Pegasus pushed her way through a pair of ponies, as she made her way towards Applejack.

“Pardon me, excuse me,” Rainbow said arrogantly. “Make way for the Iron Pony.”

“The Iron Phony, you mean,” Applejack said. “Accordin’ to Storm, we tied yesterday.”

But Rainbow wasn’t listening.

“So, Applejack, you ready to win second place,” Rainbow Dash asked her.

“I’m ready to run a good, clean race,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, yeah…” Rainbow answered.

“You are not allowed to use your wings,” Applejack reminded her.

“I could win this race with both wings tied behind my back,” Rainbow remarked proudly.

Applejack just hummed to herself as she got an idea. Soon Applejack gave a grunt, as she used a rope to tie Rainbow’s wings up and prevent her from using them.

“Trussed up like a turkey,” Applejack said. “Well, a turkey who can’t fly that is.”

“Very funny,” Rainbow replied indignantly.

“Least now we know we’re racin’ fair and square,” Applejack said.

It was then they heard a trumpet from up above.

“Races! Please take your position!” Pinkie announced.

As all the participating ponies prepared to race, Spike approached the balloon.

“Um… Pinkie Pie?” He asked timidly.

“Hey, Spike! What’s up?” Pinkie asked. “Oh wait, it’s me! I’m up!”

And Pinkie Pie found herself laughing at her own joke.

“Uh, yeah…” Spike answered slowly. “I know you’re doing the announcing today and stuff and… I’m sure you’re gonna do a great job and all, but… I was just wondering…”

“What?” Pinkie asked.

“Aw… forget it.”

Poor Spike lost his courage to ask and turned to leave. But somehow, Pinkie Pie figured out just what Spike was trying to say.

“Spike!” Pinkie called out. “Would you like to be my co-reporter? We could comment on the action together!”

“We could?!” Spike replied excitedly.

“Climb on up!” Pinkie gestured.

Spike quickly turned and gave a shrilling whistle. Storm’s personal microphone was tossed directly into the palm of his claws, and he climbed onboard the balloon. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Applejack were just getting ready when they noticed a familiar purple unicorn at the starting line.

“Twilight? What in tarnation are you doin’ up here?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“I’m racing,” Twilight answered.

This drew a laugh from Rainbow’s lips.

“Good one, Twilight,” Rainbow replied.

“I’m not joking,” Twilight said bluntly, with an indignant look.

“What?” Rainbow exclaimed. “You’re not an athlete, you’re a… well… an egghead.”

“I am not an egghead,” Twilight retorted. “I am well-read.”

“Egghead,” Rainbow spoke softly to Applejack, who just snicked.

“But have you ever run a race?” Applejack asked Twilight.

“Well, no,” Twilight answered honestly. “But I do know a lot about running.”

“And you know this from…” Rainbow asked, with mock curiosity.

“Books,” Twilight answered. “I’ve read several on the subject.”

Rainbow tumbled onto her back, laughing loudly.

“What’d you read, ‘The Egghead’s Guide to Running’?” Rainbow asked Twilight, laughing herself silly. “Did you stretch out your eye muscles to warm up? Get it? Eye muscles?”

Twilight just looked more annoyed.

“Scoff if you must, Rainbow,” Twilight said. “But the Running of the Leaves is a Ponyville tradition, and since I’m here to learn, I’ve decided I should experience it myself.”

Rainbow and Applejack were still finding it hard taking Twilight seriously.

“Well, I think that’s just dandy Twilight,” Applejack said. “Good luck.”

She then shared a snicker with Rainbow.

“Yeah. See you at the finish line… tomorrow,” Rainbow added, chuckling to herself.

Twilight didn’t take the teasing lightly, but a smirk formed on her face.

“You know girls,” Twilight said smugly. “I may have learned about running from books, but I did have one of the best teachers in all Equestria to teach me to do a race for whenever I wanted to try it first-hoof.”

“Like… who?” Applejack asked indignantly.

It was then she and Rainbow Dash turned and gasped at the very pony standing next to Twilight. He was currently stretching, hopping, and even did a spin jump before acknowledging their gaze.

“Hi girls,” Storm smiled. “What’s up?”

“STORM?!” They exclaimed.

“Who better to teach me about running the fastest unicorn alive himself?” Twilight smiled.

Storm returned it in kind, as he continued his stretches.

“Feels good to be back in a race again,” Storm sighed.

Applejack and Rainbow exchanged looks before they snickered again.

“Forget it, Storm,” Rainbow said cockily. “You were great, but now you’re outta date!”

“I’m only a year older than you girls,” Storm replied indignantly, slightly offended.

“Exactly!” Applejack pointed out. “You’re last year’s model.”

“We’re the models built for speed,” Rainbow remarked.

Storm merely rolled his eyes.

“Right…” Storm said annoyed. “Because…”

Everypony's super pony racing
Gotta keep your hooves right on the ground
When you're super pony racing
there's no time to look around
When you're super pony racing
Running to a point of no return
Everypony's super pony racing
Come on let your...fire...
burn?

Storm soon noticed that his friends and several nearby ponies were just glaring at him.

“Oh come on!” Storm bellowed. “No one complains when Pinkie Pie sings out of the blue!”

All he received was more glares and a cough somewhere in the background. Storm started to feel slightly embarrassed.

“Critics…” Storm muttered.

That was the last time he’d ever try that again. It was then Twilight gave him a light giggle and smile, which made him feel ‘slightly’ better. It reminded him that he wasn’t there to race to the finish. He and Twilight were just going to run together and enjoy the sights.

“All right, ponies, are you ready?” Pinkie announced.

“Get set…” Spike added.

*DING!*

With a ring of the bell, every pony took off, and the race was on!”

“And they’re off!” Pinkie declared. “Welcome to the official coverage of the Running of the Leaves. You know, Spike, despite its name, the leaves don’t do any of the actual running. No, that’s left to my little ponies.”

Spike was slightly caught off guard by the comment but made the effort to improvise.

“Why yes, Pinkie,” Spike answered. “It’s the running of the ponies that causes the leaves to fall.”

“Ugh. Those lazy, lazy leaves,” Pinkie said. “But this year, this run is about more than the weather. It’s about the race to the finish and the two runners who want to win it: Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”

“You know Pinkie,” Spike said. “These two ponies have a bit of a grudge match they’re trying to settle. Trying to prove who’s the most athletic.”

“Yes, and ‘grudge’ rhymes with ‘fudge’,” Pinkie replied.

“Yes, it… does,” Spike said, rather puzzled. “What?”

“And I like fudge,” Pinkie continued. “Butt if I eat too much fudge, I get a pudge, and then I can’t budge.”

“So… no fudge?” Spike asked, confused.

“Oh, no thanks,” Pinkie said. “I had a big breakfast. Let’s check in with our two competitive ponies, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Having a fast out of the gate, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are evenly matched running neck and neck. But what’s this? Applejack is making a move, she’s now ahead by a nose. But Rainbow Dash won’t let Applejack have it and takes the lead. She’sahead by half a nose. Or maybe three quarters of a nose. No, about sixty-three-point seven percent of a nose.. roughly speaking. Applejack sees this move and pushes forth with her strong workhorse legs slinking ahead by three hundred and fifty noses.”

Spike just looked slightly annoyed by Pinkie’s idea of measuring leads, but in simpler terms.

“I’m telling them what’s going on!” Pinkie shouted.

Pinkie, hush! I’m the writer, not you!

… anyways, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were changing positions for the lead until Applejack managed to pull away. The two mares continued to speed down the path.

“Not so easy without wings, is it?” Applejack remarked.

Rainbow was tempted to open her wings, but the rope kept them closed.

“Come on, Rainbow,” She told herself. “Show ‘em a little dash.”

Rainbow began to pick up the pace, catching right up to Applejack.

“Ho-hold your horses, Pinkie!” Spike said excitedly. “Rainbow Dash is catching up to the front runner Applejack!”

“What an upset,” Pinkie said. “I thought Applejack had this in the bag.”

Soon, Rainbow Dash was neck-and-neck with Applejack.

“You didn’t think I was gonna let you off that easily, did you?” Rainbow taunted.

Applejack looked a bit indignant, but then one of her fore-hooves hit a nearby rock on the ground. She tripped and tumbled to the ground, as the huge collection of ponies ran in a cloud of dust.

“Whoa!” Applejack said, returning to her feet. “I don’t believe it.”

“I know, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Applejack turned as Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield arrived. Storm nodded in agreement, while using the camera around his neck to take pictures of the scenery.

“Not the scenery, Twilight,” Applejack retorted. “Rainbow Dash just tripped me.”

“She did not,” Storm and Twilight said in unison.

“She did too!” Applejack remarked.

“She did not,” Twilight argued firmly. “And if you slowed down and looked where you were going, like us, you’d see that you tripped over a rock.”

Applejack looked back and noticed the rock sticking out where she’d been running. It didn’t take long for Applejack to realize her mistake and see the other ponies charging away.

“What? Oh hayseed!” Applejack said. “Now I got a lot of ground to make up to catch Rainbow.”

“Just be careful!” Twilight called out, as Applejack took off.

“Slow and steady wins the race!” Storm called out.

“Oh now you’re sounding like an old colt,” Twilight pointed out.

Storm turned toward Twilight with a glare, the unicorn mare merely smiled.

“Lighten up, I’m just teasing,” Twilight replied. “I’m glad you’re so mature with your speed. Unlike Rainbow and Applejack, you know sometimes it’s best to slow down and just enjoy the view.”

Feeling better, Storm and Twlight went their way to enjoy the sights. It didn’t take Applejack too long to finally catch up with Rainbow Dash.

“See you at the finish line!” Applejack called out, charging ahead.

“I don’t believe it,” Spike said, from above. “After a huge setback, Applejack is back at the front of the pack.”

“She’s the head of the pack, all right,” Pinkie added. “The pick of the litter! The cat’s pajamas! Oh wait, why would Applejack take some poor kitty’s PJs? That’s not very sporting of her.”

Spike was just at a loss for words.

“Ookay…” Spike could only say. “Let’s get back to the race.”

“Not so fast, Applejack!” Rainbow replied, closing in on Applejack. “This race isn’t over yet!”

“It is for you,” Applejack said. “Heh.”

Then as if the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, Rainbow stumbled forward and fell down. The crowd of ponies came trampling by, burying her in a huge mess of leaves. She poked her head from the leaves.

“Whoa!” Rainbow said, in shock. “I don’t believe it, Applejack tripped me.”

It was then Twilight and Storm just happened to arrive.

“Don’t you ponies ever look where you’re going?” Twilight remarked. “You tripped on a stump, see?”

Unlike Applejack, Rainbow refused to see sense.

“Oh I see,” Rainbow spoke. “A big cheater is what I see.”

“Rainbow, Applejack would never cheat,” Twilight remarked. “It was just an accident.”

“We even saw you trip ourselves,” Storm said. “There is no logical way Applejack could have planted a tree, grow it, and cut it down in just onenight. Or… laid the stump there before-hoof. It’s rooted to the ground.”

Storm pushed it to prove his point.

“Sure it was… I mean, yeah… I’m sure it was,” Rainbow replied.

Rainbow was a little too quick to make it sound as if she believed either of them… yet Twilight did.

“Remember Rainbow, this is just a race,” Twilight reminded Rainbow, going her way.

“No pony respects a winner who cheats either,” Storm added.

It was a slight warning to Rainbow to not try anything, as he followed Twilight.

“Yes, but the rules have changed,” Rainbow said to herself. “And two can play at that game.”

<>

“Welcome back, Ponyvillians, it’s me, Pinkie Pie,” The pink pony announced from her balloon.

“And Spike,” The dragon added, in the balloon. “Looks like Rainbow is doing her best to catch up.”

“I’m not sure how ketchup is going to help her in this contest,” Pinkie remarked. “Now in a hot dog eating contest it can make them doggies nice and slippery, but personally, I prefer mustard. How about you, Spike?”

“Uh… I… like… pickles?” Spike answered, with hesitation.

“Aaand… it looks like Applejack as found herself in quite a pickle as Rainbow Dash overtakes her,” Pinkie pointed out.

“Look, ma, no wings!” Rainbow Dash gloated.

Applejack just narrowed her brow and tried her best to keep up with the blue Pegasus.

“As the racers enter Equestria’s Whitetail Wood,” Spike commented. “Rainbow Dash is back in the lead.”

Rainbow then noticed a nearby tree branch. She grabbed the branch, pulled it back, and just as Applejack was in range.

*SMACK!*

Rainbow released the branch and smacked it in Applejack’s face, knocking the orange pony back. Rainbow chuckled as she continued on her way.

“Ugh, hey, Rainbow!” Applejack shouted.

She noticed the devious smile on Rainbow’s face, as the blue Pegasus blew Applejack a raspberry and took off.

“Why, that little cheater did that on purpose!” Applejack exclaimed. “It’s on.”

Applejack soon noticed another branch from behind. Pulling it back as hard as she could without breaking it, she let the momentum of the recoil rocket her forward at high speed. Meanwhile, Rainbow was feeling very pleased with her dirty trick.

“Nice on, Rainbow,” She congratulated herself.

“Later!” Applejack shouted.

She flew by and landed in front of Rainbow. Rainbow gasped as she growled and gave chase. Then Applejack bucked a tree and made a beehive drop on Rainbow.

“AAA!!!” Rianbow screamed.

Running for dear life, the fear gave Rainbow the speed boost she needed to pull ahead. She ducked into the some bushes as the bees made a “!?” formation and zoomed away. Once Rainbow felt safe, she quickly saw a nearby sigh and reversed the direction. Applejack, thinking nothing less, just followed the sign without a second thought. Rainbow began to laugh herself silly as the other ponies ran past her in the correct direction.

Probably because she was leaning against the sign, so no way they could see the change of direction.

“Oh my, Whitetail Wood is just lovely,” Twilight told Storm.

“Makes me appreciate the fact my birthday comes during this time of year,” Storm added.

Rainbow gasped as Storm and Twilight’s conversation continued. She quickly fixed the sign back to its original direction.

“Your birthday party was a lot of fun,” Twilight remarked.

“Especially since you actually showed up!” Storm replied, with a smug smile.

Twilight gave Storm a raspberry when they saw Rainbow nearby.

“Hey Rainbow,” Twilight said. “Shouldn’t you be up ahead?”

“I’m sure I’ll win now,” Rainbow chuckled, not paying attention.

“Except the other races just passed you!” Storm pointed out.

Rainbow gasped and noticed all the other ponies leaving her behind.

“Oh horse apples… See ya!” Rainbow replied quickly, zooming away.

Meanwhile, Applejack soon found herself at the top of a ledge on the mountain unsure of where she should go. Just then, the hot air balloon hovered right above the orange pony.

“Applejack, what are you doing up here?” Pinkie asked curiously.

“There’s aren’t even any trees,” Spike added.

“Er, no,” Applejack said uncertainly. “But the signs pointed this way…”

Applejack realized she had been tricked.

“… Rainbow. Mind me giving me a lift.”

While for some, a balloon assistance would be considered ‘cheating’, considering Applejack was lost Pinkie made an exception. Of course, one could argue that Pinkie didn’t need to drop Applejack right in pole position either. Rainbow would definitely argue that case as Applejack landed in front of her.

“What the hay?!” Rainbow exclaimed. “You said no flying!”

“No, I said no wings,” Applejack corrected.

The two ponies surged ahead as Pinkie and Spike kept watch.

“I must say, Spike,” Pinkie remarked. “That this has been the most interesting Running of the Leaves in Equestrian history!”

“With the most interesting announcing,” Spike added.

“But it isn’t the running that’s been fascinating,” Pinkie added. “It’s the lack of running!”

The racecourse took a path into a collection of trees that had buckets collecting sap. Applejack wasted no time funding a bucket to buck, spilling the contents on the ground. Just as Applejack hoped, Rainbow ran right into the sticky mess and got her hooves caught in it. Rainbow fought hard to pull herself out, but then the sap made her recoil backwards. Rainbow then got an idea.

“AAA!” Rainbow grunted.

She let the momentum carry her backward, then she pushed herself forward. Not only was she able to break free, but she rocketed right past Applejack like the orange pony had done earlier. But Rainbow actually zoomed so close to Applejack that the orange pony spun about and was soon caught inside a mini tornado. Rainbow soon noticed the tornado and got caught in it herself.

“WHOA!” They screamed together.

The tornado brought them both toward the top of a mountain ledge. The two ponies glared as they tried to get their bearings when the piece of rock they stood on began to crack. Soon it broke off and sent the two ponies sliding down to the bottom of the mountain. Fortunately, the two ponies managed to keep their balance as the rock came to rest at the side of the race trail.

“Forgive me, girls. I know I’m not an athlete, but shouldn’t the Running of the Leaves actually involve running?” Twilight asked curiously.

Storm remained quiet as he stood next to her. They had just left when Rainbow realized something important.

“You know, I think Twilight’s right,” Rainbow said.

“You do?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“Yeah!” Rainbow answered. “If you wanna beat me, you better… RUUUN!”

Rainbow took off and Applejack soon followed.

“Once again, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are neck and neck,” Pinkie announced. “Jockeying for position. Applejack inches ahead, now it’s Rainbow, it’s Applejack, it’s Rainbow Dash, it’s Applejack—”

This back and forth continued as they saw the finish line was approaching. Then Rainbow bumped into Applejack. Applejack grunted as she was knocked to the side.

“Oh no, she di’int!” Spike remarked.

Applejack bumped Rainbow back.

“Oh yes, she di’id!” Pinkie remarked, as Rainbow bumped her again.

“Cut it out!” Applejack shouted, bumping Rainbow back.

“No, you cut it out!” Rainbow remarked, giving Applejack a hard bump.

“You started it,” Applejack shot back, as they continued bumping each other.

“And now I’m gonna finish it,” Rainbow snapped.

“Oh no you won’t!” Applejack said.

“Oh yes, I will,” Rianbow grunted.

Applejack bumped Rainbow so hard the rope around her wings broke and they opened up freely.

“That’s it!” Rianbow said angrily. “All bets are off!”

Rainbow was about to fly her way to the finish.

“Oh no you don’t,” Applejack yelled.

She jumped high into the air and tackled Rainbow to the ground. The two ponies continued to tussle with each other, kicking up a cloud of smoke around them as they made their way toward the finish line.

“It’s Applejack, it’s Rainbow Dash, it’s Applejack, it’s Rainbow Dash—”

Pinkie called out, but no pony could tell who was in the lead with all the dust surrounding them. They both crossed the finish line before finally untangling from each other. Both ponies were looking very roughed up and both their fur, tails, and manes were frazzled.

“I won!” Rainbow shouted.

“No, I won!” Applejack retorted.

“I won!” Rainbow repeated loudly.

“You tied!” Spike announced.

“Tied?!” Applejack and Rainbow said in shock.

“For first?” Applejack asked.

“For last!!” Pinkie announced.

“Last?!” Applejack said in shock.

“Then who won?” Rainbow asked.

That was when Twilight came up to them, wearing a medal around her neck. Applejack and Rainbow’s jaws dropped.

“You?!” The two ponies exclaimed.

“Oh no, but I did get fifth place,” Twilight said. “Which is rather good considering I’ve never run a race before.”

“Then who won?” Applejack asked.

That was when Storm appeared towards them wearing a medal of his own, except his medal had a ‘1’ on it.

“What?!” Applejack and Rainbow exclaimed. “Storm?!”

“How’s that even possible?” Applejack asked.

“You two ran so slow,” Rainbow pointed out. “And looked at the scenery.”

“Exactly, I paced myself,” Twilight said. “Just like my book said, and from Storm’s teachings. Then at the end, when all the ponies were worn out, I sprinted to the finish.”

“Not bad for last year’s model,” Storm retorted smugly. “I held back so much the entire race and I still won!”

Applejack and Rainbow were dumbfounded.

“He’s right about holding back,” Twilight said. “He wasn’t even going to try winning because he didn’t want to leave me behind. After I gave him a supportive push, he sped down the finish line and just barely beat the ponies at the front of the pack.”

“I don’t believe it,” Rainbow said in disbelief. “Twilight and Storm beat us. And Storm did it running slow!”

“Well, with all your horsing around, it was quite easy,” Twilight replied.

Storm nodded in agreement, as Applejack and Rainbow looked rather guilty.

“You’re right, Twilight and Storm,” Applejack sighed. “Our behavior was just terrible.”

“We weren’t very good sports,” Rainbow said.

It was then the ponies in the background began to bow. For Princess Celestia arrived and approached the four ponies, who gave her a welcoming bow.

“Sounds to me that an important lesson was learned,” The Princess said.

“Princess Celestia?!” Applejack and Rainbow said together.

“W-What are you doin’ here?” Applejack asked curiously once they stood up.

“Fall is one of my favorite seasons,” Princess Celestia said. “So I came to celebrate the Running of the Leaves.”

“I’m sorry you had to see us being such poor sports,” Applejack said sadly.

“That’s all right, Applejack,” Princess Celestia answered. “Any pony can get swept up in the competition. Isn’t that right Storm?”

Storm blushed slightly, chuckling sheepishly as he rubbed a hoof in the dirt. The three girls chuckled to themselves.

“It’s important to remember that the friendship is always more important than the competition,” Twilight said.

“No amount of winning can ever replace a true friend,” Storm added.

“Exactly, Twilight and Storm,” Princess Celestia answered. “Now, unfortunately, because the two of you were busy tricking each other instead of shaking down leaves, many of the lovely trees of Equestria are still covered.”

Applejack and Rainbow just smiled to each other.

“Why Princess, I bet we can knock those leaves down for you lickety-split,” Applejack said, turning to Rainbow. “Whaddya say, friend? Wanna go for another run?”

“I’d love to stretch my legs,” Rainbow said, flapping her wings excitedly. “Hey Storm, wanna join us? Put that speed of yours to good use?”

“Well I only have one thing to say,” Storm smiled. “Gotta go fast!”

Princess Celestia and Twilight smiled as Rainbow and Applejack ran side by side through the collection of trees. Storm Shield led the way but made no effort to try and outrace them. This run wasn’t about winning… it was about spending time with good friends.

Suited For Success

It was another lovely day in Ponyville, as Rarity was hard at work in her home. A home which was also where she ran her business, the Carousel Boutique. She had just finished sketching her latest design, admiring it proudly. Her cat, Opalescence, or ‘Opal’ for short, just lounged snootily on one of Rarity’s mannequins while her pony studied her completed sketch.

“Oh, Opalescence,” Rarity said excitedly. “Can’t you just picture it? Moi, stepping out in a stunning new gown at the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!”

Opal said nothing, apart from a sleepy meow. Of course, Rarity took her meowing for talking.

“Why, yes! I did make it myself,” Rarity replied. “Thank you so much for asking.”

Rarity then pulled off a piece of cloth, which happened to be what Opal was sitting on and the cat was sent to the floor. Unlike other cats, Opal plopped on her stomach before getting back on her feet and walked away. As Rarity continued her work on her sewing machine, Opal just took a seat nearby, giving a low, annoyed growl.

“Oh Opal, of course you can help me,” Rarity replied. “Thank you!”

She stuck a sewing pin cushion inside Opal’s mouth. The white furred kitty just meowed again, only now it was muffled by the cushion.

“What’s that?” Rarity asked. “You want to help me more? Oh, aren’t you the sweetest thing?”

Rarity used her magic to hand Opal several different items to hold. The poor kitty was now balancing on a single hind leg to keep balance as Rarity continued her work.

“Careful now,” Rarity said. “Don’t move. This shouldn’t take long at all.”

Opal just rolled her eyes twice, giving a low growl, as she struggled to keep her balance. Once Rarity finished with the thread and just as she relieved Opal of her awkward predicament…

*KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!*

“Now who could that be?” Rarity asked.

The boutique certainly wasn’t open for business today. So it came as a surprise when she saw Storm Shield just outside with some… freight cars?

“Hey Rarity!” Storm greeted. “I remembered last night you said you were running short on some fabrics and other things. I took my train to Canterlot this morning for a little shopping. I wrote the names of what colors and materials were called on my checklist here, so…”

Rarity gasped at all the materials before her in excitement.

“Ooh Storm! You’re a lifesaver!” Rarity exclaimed. “This puts me ahead of schedule for my latest design! And plenty of materials for future projects! How can I ever thank you darling?”

“No need Rarity,” Storm said kindly. “I’m glad to offer you some generosity for a chance. Plus, I like a long train run to stretch the legs. Specially the hindquarters…”

Rarity just smiled when she suddenly got an idea.

“You know Storm, I must admit I’ve very impressed with your tastes in fine couture,” Rarity said. “Would you be… interested in a little… internship?”

“Me?!” Storm’s eyes widened. “Why… sure… I mean… I’ve never made a dress before but… I could offer my… point of view with the designs.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it, darling,” Rarity answered. “Let’s hear your input on my new gown. Oh, would you be a dear and bring the materials inside please? Thank you, dear.”

Storm nodded as he walked inside, bringing as many materials as he could carry, putting them away, and went to collect the rest. Once he finished, Rarity wasted no time asking Storm for his insight regarding materials and color for her latest dress. Storm found he had some talent choosing colors and fabrics. Plus, Rarity found his opinions rather useful and that working together was very easy. Strom wasn’t sure he could add ‘Fashion Designer’ to his list of talents just yet, but he was glad for a new opportunity to develop some new skills and grow his friendship with Rarity.

https://m.

Later that day, Applejack and Twilight Sparkle had just arrived at Rarity’s shop.

“Howdy, Rarity!” Applejack greeted loudly.

“Shh…” Twilight hushed quickly. “Can’t you see Rarity is trying to concentrate?”

Applejack and Twilight soon noticed that Rarity was hard at work and in deep concentration. She also had a pair of red-framed glasses on her face allowing her to focus on the small details.

“What do you think she’s makin’?” Applejack asked softly.

“Looks like a dress,” Twilight answered.

Of course, Rarity could hear the two ponies ‘literally’ talking behind her back and felt rather annoyed.

“Well, that makes sense,” Applejack answered. ‘Since this is a dressmaker’s shop and all.”

Applejack soon noticed that Storm Shield was on the other side of the dress, holding the fabric in place with his magic. He had put on a pair of frameless glasses on his face, seeming to look very focused as well.

“Storm?!” Applejack gasped in shock.

“What? Where?” Twilight asked.

She tried to look over Rarity’s shoulder until she spotted the colt in general.

“He’s… helping make the dress?!”

“I didn’t know Storm liked making dresses,” Applejack answered.

The country pony didn’t try to hide her snicker, as both Storm and Rarity felt rather irritated at this point.

“Guess Rarity is having him embrace his inner fashionista,” Twilight added.

As their snickering continued, Rarity could feel her patience slip away and Storm inwardly growled over all the teasing.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Rarity asked, cheerfully.

Her expression successfully hid any and all signs of irritation she had been feeling a few seconds ago.

“Why is Storm working on a dress?” Applejack asked, smirking.

Storm rolled his eyes and kept working.

“Storm happens to have great taste and ideas for my latest couture,” Rarity explained. “So… I’ve hired him as my personal intern.”

“Really?” Applejack replied, facing Storm. “Guess your list of talents now include sewing and seamstress now?”

Storm looked indignant as Applejack and Twilight chuckled to each other.

“There’s nothing wrong for a colt to fix his own torn buttons and holes in clothing,” Storm retorted mid-work. “Or being able to use a sewing machine, thank you.”

“Is there a reason you’re both her other than teasing my new intern?” Rarity asked again.

“Oh, so very sorry to trouble you, Rarity,” Twilight said apologetically. “But I need a quick favor.”

Twilight pulled out a red dress, setting it upon a nearby table. She showed Rarity a broken stitch with a button hanging off it.

“Can you please fix this button for me?” Twilight asked. “It’s my dress for the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Rarity gasped over the dress itself.

“Oh, no, no, no!” Rarity retorted. “You can’t wear this… old thing. You need a glamorous new outfit for the Gala, and I’ll make it for you. No problem at all. It will be my pleasure!”

“Oh, that’s really sweet of you to offer, Rarity,” Twilight said. “But I can’t let you do that. It would be so much work. This dress is fine.”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Rarity spoke definitively. “I insist on making you a new dress.”

“But…”

“Not another word!” Rarity interrupted the purple mare. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Well, in that case…” Twilight slowly conceded. “Thank you for your generosity, Rarity. Knowing your handiwork, I’m sure it will be absolutely beautiful.”

Rarity smiled as she looked over toward Applejack. One look of concentration was all it took, as if Rarity could read the orange pony’s mind.

“Let me guess, Applejack,” Rarity said. “You don’t want a new gown either.”

“Gown? Shoot, I was just gonna wear my old work duds,” Applejack answered.

“You can’t possibly be serious, Applejack!” Rarity exclaimed, in disbelief. “You absolutely must wear formal attire.”

“She’s right, you know,” Storm spoke up.

“Hmm…” Applejack pondered. “Nah!”

“What if I just spruce up your… ‘duds’ for you a little bit?” Rarity offered.

“Okay, sure. Why not?” Applejack conceded. “Since you’re up for it and all. Just don’t make them too frou-frou-y.”

“Deal!” Rarity said.

Storm poked his head from behind the dress he & Rarity were currently working on.

“What about a blend of heritage and chic?” Storm suggested. “Something that represents her country roots, yet retains that high class appeal?”

Rarity clapped her hooves excitedly, while Applejack clearly seemed impressed.

“I like the sound of that,” Applejack said.

“And that’s why I made him my intern,” Rarity spoke proudly, which made Storm blush.

“Look out below!”

*CRASH!!!*

Rainbow Dash suddenly crashed through the roof into the boutique, smacked onto the floor, and bounced backwards as she crashed into the mannequins. Storm rolled his eyes with a sigh.

“I can fix that,” Storm said, in annoyance.

While Storm dashed away to patch up the hole on Rarity’s roof, the cyan Pegasus poked her head amidst the piled mountain of knocked-over mannequins.

“Sorry, new trick,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “Didn’t quite work out.”

“Hmm…” Rarity pondered.

Suddenly, her face lit up like a lightbulb.

“Idea! I’ll make you an outfit for the Gala too, Rainbow Dash.”

“Outfit for what now?” Rainbow asked puzzled.

“I’ll make one for you and you and all of you,” Rarity proposed. “Oh! And of course Fluttershy and Pinkie too. Oh, and when I’m done, we can hold our very own fashion show!”

“What a great idea!” Twilight said. “If you’re sure you can handle it.”

“Oh, it’ll be a little bit of work, but it will be a wonderful boost to my business,” Rarity replied. “Plus fun!”

“Oh, I love fun things!” Rainbow added excitedly.

“And I’m sure my new intern is up to proving his own talents right?” Rarity proposed.

“Umm… s-s-sure!” Storm said bravely, from the roof.

It’s not too surprising he’d be thrust into such a difficult task so soon. Then again, he read a book called ‘The Devil Wears Horseshoes’, about an average pony becoming an assistant to a top fashion designer. He had a good idea what an internship with Rarity would require of him, as well as not to do to get ahead.

“Then it’s settled,” Rarity declared, with conviction. “We’ll have a fashion show starring us.”

Rarity then began to gather materials as Applejack approached her.

“So all you two have to do is make a different, stunning, original, amazing outfit for one, two, three, four, five, plus you and Storm, seven ponies? And lickety-split?”

“Oh Applejack!” Rarity chuckled. “You make it sound as if it’s going to be hard.”

“Ooh boy…” Storm muttered, as Rarity handed him a sketchbook. “What exactly am I doing?”

“I’ll need your help with the designs,” Rarity informed him. “Draw whatever comes to mind. In fact, reach into your very soul and find your inner fashionista.”

“Ooh… kay…” Storm said.

Just then, Rarity scooted closer to his ear.

“If that doesn’t motivate you, our first dress is Twilight’s,” Rarity whispered. “How romantic would it be if her own date designed it himself?”

Storm felt his cheeks blush before he smiled.

“Call me motivated!” Storm exclaimed, sketching away.

Soon the two ponies got to work, and music was hard as Storm showed Rarity his design. It wasn’t much longer before they were busily choosing color fabrics, threads, and other things to complete each dress.

https://m.

Rarity (Sings):
Thread by thread, stitching it together
Twilight's dress, cutting out the pattern snip by snip.
Making sure the fabric folds nicely
It's the perfect color and so hip
Always gotta keep in mind my pacing
Making sure the clothes' correctly facing
We're stitching Twilight's dress

“Ow!”

Rarity turned Storm’s way, as he shook off the stinging in his hoof.

“I’m good!” Storm smiled. “What’s next?”

Rarity (Sings):
Yard by yard, fussing on the details
Jewel neckline, don't you know a stitch in time saves nine?

“I do!” Storm said.

Rarity (Sings):
Make her something perfect to inspire
Even though she hates formal attire
Gotta mind those intimate details
Even though she's more concerned with sales
It's Applejack's new dress

By now, even the materials seemed to dance around Rarity while the two ponies continued their work. Poor Opal was even caught between the dancing materials not once but twice! Then Storm presented two blank sketches of some dresses, in which Rarity was deciding the colors.

Rarity (Sings):
Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink
Fluttershy something breezy
Blend color and form,

“Do you think this looks cheesy?” Rarity asked.

Storm, meanwhile, pondered on the colors himself and turned toward Opal. The cat just gave a bored glare for an answer.

Rarity (Sings):
Something brash, perhaps quite fetching
Hook and eye, couldn't you simply die?
Making sure it fits forelock and crest
Don't forget some magic in the dress

“And a little fabulousness,” Storm added.

“Of course darling,” Rarity agreed.

Even though it rides high on the flank
Rainbow won't look like a tank
We're stitching Rainbow's dress
Piece by piece, snip by snip
Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip
Thread by thread, primmed and pressed
Yard by yard, never stressed
And that's the art of the dress!

While they worked together on the designs from Pinkie’s to Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s to Rainbow’s dresses, Twilight’s dress was designed solely by Storm, with some editing by Rarity but it was very minimal.

<>

The next day…

Rarity had gone out to round up the rest of the girls. Storm just finished setting up the five dresses. At his request, he asked Rarity if he could keep his outfit for the Gala a surprise, to which she heartily agreed. As he waited, Storm could feel himself so nervous that he turned to Opal, who just appeared out of the blue.

“Do you think the girls will like the outfits?” Storm asked.

Opal just meowed with her bored look, sitting on the table near the sewing machine.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to bore you,” Storm replied. “Just needed someone to talk to.”

Opal was about to walk away when she tripped over a snag in some fabric and nearly tumbled to the floor but was surprised to see Storm using his magic to stop her fall and set her gently back on her feet. She walked over to him, nuzzling his fore-hoof, meowing a ‘thank you’ to him.

“Anytime,” Storm said.

Just then, the door opened, and Rarity guided the five girls inside with her voice, since they had their eyes closed.

“That’s it,” Rarity said. “Keep ‘em closed. Don’t look…”

And as soon as the girls were in position…

“Okay, you can look now!”

The give ponies opened their eyes and gasped all at once at the sight of the dresses.

“These are your new outfits,” Rarity declared.

The fashionista proceeded to showcase each dress as she talked about them.

“What do you think of your old work duds now, Applejack? Pretty swanky are they not?”

Applejack’s dress featured a stylish Stenson hat with a collar line that had an apple-shaped jewel and tie. The back of the dress had a brown western saddle with some green Velcro-like pant legs with brown tassels on the bottom (To which Opal was happily playing with them). The front hooves had some stylish green boots with apple decals on them with some lacing.

“And Twilight!” Rarity continued. “Storm made this dress for you himself and together, we designed each outfit theme to perfectly reflect each pony’s personality.”

Twilight’s dress had a celestial theme to it with a cape-like front and back covered in decorative stars literally ‘sparkled’ in the lighting. Let’s not forget a star hairpin to go with it.

“Oh, it took us forever to get the colors right on this one, Rainbow Dash, but we did it,” Rarity pointed out. “Oh, and it turned out beautiful, don’t you think?”

Rainbow’s dress had a golden Athenian style headdress with a chained necklace that had a collection of purple beads on it. The back had a long flowing rainbow colored skirt with cotton lining along the edges to resemble clouds (Opal enjoyed nuzzling the material). On the front hooves were gold laced ballerina style shoes.

“And I know you are going to love yours, Fluttershy,” Rarity said. “It just sings spring!”

Fluttershy’s dress had a leaf-like frontline that featured a large butterfly on the front and a butterfly hair clip. The back had a light blue sash with a long green, multi-layered skirt with a simple line of yellow and blue flowers along the bottom. The fore-hoofs also had some ballerina style shoes, but hers were green and the straps resembled vines.

“And Pinkie Pie, look! Pink!” Rarity exclaimed. “Your favorite! Aren’t they all amazing?”

Pinkie’s dress featured a white-and-blue striped top that had a V neck (Or something close to it), with a pink bow on the front with a long pink skirt divided by a white lace decorated with candy patterns on it. More candy patterns were found along a flowing blue lining along the bottom of the skirt. The front hooves featured some blue shows that had pink bows on them. And it also featured a mini blue and white hat that had a candy shaped bow on the side.

Rarity and Storm smiled widely for them, for they both were impressed with their work. They hoped their friends felt the same… however, all they received was just a long dreadful silence. As the two ponies just smiled, each became uneasy as the others said nothing… just stared.

“Wow… they’re…” Twilight began.

“Yeah, they’re…” Rainbow added slowly.

“They sure are… something’,” Applejack replied.

“Yes! Something,” Twilight agreed.

“I love something!” Pinkie Pie added cheerfully. “Something is my favorite!”

“It’s… nice,” Fluttershy said plainly.

But Storm knew right away there was no real joy in her tone. Which could only mean they weren’t huge fans of the dresses.

“But what’s the matter?” Rarity asked curiously. “Don’t you like them?”

“They’ve very nice…” Twilight said slowly.

“And we’re plumb grateful ‘cause you two worked so hard on them,” Applejack added.

By now, Rarity was feeling upset. No amount of sugarcoating could hide what they were reallysaying at this point.

“Mine’s just not as cool as I was imagining,” Rainbow said.

Of course the cyan Pegasus would be the first pony to finally be upfront about their feelings. Yet all she received were death glares from both Twilight and Applejack.

“She asked,” Rainbow defended.

“I guess what we’re all saying is that they’re just not what we had in mind,” Twilight said.

Storm said nothing but glanced as the others gave a collective ‘yeah’ in agreement. Rarity, on the other hoof, recomposed herself.

“That’s okay,” Rarity said. “Not a problem. There’s plenty more where that came from. Right Storm?”

Storm blinked a bit before finally recollecting himself.

“Of course, Rarity,” Storm said. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Rarity starts to remove the dresses off the mannequins as she speaks.

“Anyway, they were a first pass. You’re our friends and I want you to be 110% satisfied. Not to worry, we’ll redo them.”

“Oh Rarity, Storm,” Fluttershy said. “You don’t have to do that. They’re fine.”

“I can work with fine,” Storm shrugged toward Rarity.

“We want them to be better than just fine,” Rarity said determined. “We want you to think they’re absolutely perfect. Right Storm?”

Storm merely nodded as he returned to the drawing board.

“Are you sure?” Applejack asked. “I mean, we wouldn’t wanna impose.”

“Oh, it’s no imposition,” Rarity said. “Really, I insist.”

“Well in that case…” Twilight spoke. “Thank you again Rarity.”

Rarity just smiled as the rest of the ponies left the boutique. Rarity just sighed as she sat down.

“What have I gotten myself into?” She asked herself.

Rarity used her magic to hand Storm back his sketch pad, as he proceeded to examine their current dresses to determine what could be done to either modify or improve them. Both worked themselves so ragged both their manes grew rather frazzled when Fluttershy arrived back at the boutique later that day. Rarity was currently at work on her sewing machine, while Storm examined the color fabrics for another dress.

“Hello?” Fluttershy greeted softly. “You wanted to see me, Rarity?”

“Fluttershy! Your new-new gown’s ready,” Rarity said, as Storm brought it over.

Once Fluttershy changed into the dress, they examined it together in the mirror. Rarity adjusted the layering of the back of the dress, replacing the butterfly hairpin with a floral one. The bottom of the skirt had been given a more arc-shaped pattern with some colored dots instead of flowers. The blue sash had also been extended to ride further down the skirt.

“We completely revised it and I know you’re going to love it,” Rarity continued.

“What do you think?” Storm asked hopefully.

“I… love it,” Fluttershy said plainly.

Suffice to say, neither Rarity nor Storm believed her.

“Oh, you’re just saying that…” Rarity said.

“No, no,” Fluttershy said quickly. “I do. It’s… nice.”

“Nice?” Rarity and Storm repeated in unison.

“Nice,” Fluttershy said again.

But Storm sighed to himself, he knew what she was thinking.

“If you don’t like it, you should tell me,” Rarity said.

“Lying isn’t making me feel any better about my designing skills,” Storm added.

“Oh, but I do like it,” Fluttershy insisted.

“Like it or love it?” Rarity demanded, forcing Fluttershy back.

“Um… both?” Fluttershy answered feebly.

“Which is it?”

“Please stop asking me this, I…”

“Well, just tell me what you really think! Storm and I want to know!”

“Whoa! Okay Rarity, take it easy…” Storm said cautiously. “You’re getting too into this now…”

“No, that’s okay…”

“Tell me.”

“No… it’s fine…”

“Tell me!”

“I… like it…”

“Tell me, tell me, tell-me-tell-me-tell-me!” Rarity pleaded firmly.

“All right! Since you really want to know…” Fluttershy snapped, taking a deep breath. “The armscye’s tight, the middy collar doesn’t go with the shawl lapel, the hems are clearly machine stitched, the pleats are uneven, the fabric looks like toile, you used a backstitch here when it clearly called for a topstitch or maybe a traditional blanket stitch, and the overdesign is reminiscent of pret-a-porter and not true French haute couture.”

Fluttershy paused to catch her breath, while Rarity and Storm stood dumbfounded. Since when was Fluttershy so knowledgeable about sewing? Learn something new every day…

“But… uh… you know… um, whatever you want to do is fine,” Fluttershy said timidly.

Storm dropped his sketch pad in defeat. There was no way he could improve Fluttershy’s dress now. That critique was beyond even his own understanding of sewing.

“I quit…” Storm said, walking away.

“Get back here!” Rarity shouted sternly, grabbing his tail.

“WAH!!!” Storm yelped, as Rarity drew him back.

<>

Once Storm admitted he just felt overwhelmed, that he wasn’t really quitting, he and Rarity busily modified Twilight’s dress to her standards.

“Now, the stars on my belt need to be technically accurate,” Twilight instructed, pacing about. “Orion has three stars on his belt, not four.”

Storm nodded, as he quickly tried finding a place to put the constellation on her dress. Rarity kept sewing, and eventually started singing again.

Rarity (Sings):
Stitch by Stitch, stitching it together
Deadline looms, don't you know the client's always right?
Even if our fabric choice was perfect
Gotta get them all done by tonight
Pinkie Pie, that color's too obtrusive
Wait until you see it in the light
I'm sewing them together!

As they worked on Pinkie’s dress, the pink pony herself was there with her own suggestions.

“Don’t you think my gown would be more ‘me’ with some lollipops?”

“Lollipops?!” Storm exclaimed.

“Well, I think…” Rarity began.

“Balloons?” Pinkie suggested.

“Wuh?!” Storm exclaimed, looking up from his book.

“Well…” Rarity said again.

“Do it!” Pinkie shouted.

Storm and Rarity sighed before the latter began to sing again.

Rarity (Sings):
Hour by hour, one more change
I'm sewing them together, take great pains
Fluttershy, you're putting us in a bind
Rainbow Dash, what is on your mind?
Oh my gosh, there's simply not much time
Don't forget, Applejack's duds must shine

Dressmaking's easy, every customer's call
Brings a whole new revision
Have to pick up the pace, still hold to my vision

Twilight and Fluttershy continued making their critiques.

“That constellation is Canis Major, not Minor,” Twilight pointed out.

“French haute couture, please,” Fluttershy added.

“Ugh…” Rarity and Storm groaned.

Storm rubbed harder and harder with his pencil, trying to make the modifications in his book. Other modifications were just as frustrating.

“What if it rains?” Applejack said aloud. “Galoshes!”

“More balloons!” Pinkie suggested. “Oh no, that’s ‘too much’ balloons.”

“Thank goodness,” Storm sighed with relief.

“More candy, oh less candy,” Pinkie said instead. “Oh, wait I know! Streamers!”

“Streamers?” Rarity and Storm said together.

“Whose dress is this?” Pinkie asked skeptically.

Storm just turned to Rarity wearily, before the latter gave her a sigh.

“Streamers it is,” Rarity conceded.

Storm sighed as he vigorously erased his design for Pinkie’s dress… again.

Then they went to work on modifying Rainbow’s outfit. They just finished the latest modifications when they turned toward Rainbow.

“What?” Rainbow asked puzzled.

“Aren’t you going to tell me to change something too?” Rarity asked.

“No, I just want my dress to be cool,” Rainbow answered.

“Do you like the color?” Rarity asked.

“I picked it myself,” Storm added, examining his sketch.

“The color’s fine, just make it look cooler,” Rainbow told them.

“Do you not like the shape?” Rarity asked.

“I’m really trying to get the ‘coolness’ here,” Storm said. “But we need to know what we’re missing here!”

“The shape’s fine,” Rainbow answered. “Just make the whole thing… you know ‘cooler’. It needs to be 20% cooler.”

Rarity just groaned, while Storm face planted in his sketchbook in frustration. And somehow, the song continued.

Pinkie Pie (Sings)
All we ever want is indecision

Rainbow Dash (Sings):
All we really like is what we know

Twilight Sparkle (Sings):
Gotta balance style with adherence

Fluttershy (Sings):
Making sure we make a good appearance

Applejack (Sings):
Even if you simply have to fudge it

All, but Rarity and Storm sing, as they stand around the sewing machine.

Group (Sings):
Make sure that it stays within our budget

Rarity (Sings):
Got to overcome intimidation
Remember, it's all in the presentation

Piece by piece, snip by snip
Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip
Bolt by bolt, primmed and pressed
Yard by yard, always stressed
And that's the art of the dress!

Rarity barely sang the last note of her song before they both collapsed onto the floor with an exhausted *PLOP!*.

“Ugh, Opal,” Rarity sighed, examining her work. “These are the ugliest dresses we’ve ever made.”

“Not what I had in mind when I volunteered to help make dresses,” Storm sighed. “I feel no satisfaction with my work; I don’t even feel like I did a good job. I hate feeling like this.”

“We did our best with what we were asked for,” Rarity said. “Come on, let’s get the others.”

Storm just nodded without another word.

<>

Later…

The five girls arrived back at the shop with Rarity and Storm Shield standing before them.

“Okay, we did exactly what each of you asked for,” Rarity told them. “Now don’t hold back. Let us know what you really think.”

“Oh my!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s… perfect!” Fluttershy added happily.

“It’s cool!” Rainbow said.

“Why, they’re the best duds I ever did see,” Applejack declared.

“It’s exactly what I asked for!” The five said at once.

“Thank you, Rarity,” Twilight said happily. “You too Storm.”

“Guess you do have what it takes to be a fashion designer,” Applejack added.

“Um… thanks…” Storm said.

He wasn’t exactly feeling worthy of praise, nor did it make him feel any better about his work. Rarity just smiled sheepishly.

“Are you as happy with them as we are? Huh? Huh? Huh?” Pinkie asked eagerly.

“Well, I’m happy that all of you are happy,” Rarity answered. “We’re just relieved to finally be done.”

“I knew dress making wouldn’t be easy,” Storm sighed. “Next time I’ll skip the invitation.”

“You did just fine for your first commission, darling,” Rarity smiled lightly. “Under the circumstances, it’s the best either of us could do.”

The last lines she literally uttered under her breath, but Storm nodded.

“Well… anything that makes you girls happy is pleasing enough,” Storm reassured.

Suddenly, Spike entered through the front door.

“You are never gonna believe this!” Spike said. “You’ve heard of Hoity Toity.”

“The bigwig fashion hotshot in Canterlot?” Twilight answered.

“Uh-huh,” Spike nodded. “He heard about your fashion show. Well, maybe I happened to mention it to him… he’s coming here all the way from Canterlot to see your work, Rarity!”

“Whoa, Nelly!” Applejack said. “You could sell a ton o’ dresses to this guy. Your business will be booming! And Storm will really make himself a name among the fashion elite!”

“Wow!” Twilight gasped.

“That’s so cool!” Rainbow added.

“I don’t believe it!” Pinkie said excited.

Neither could Rarity nor Storm Shield. The ladder felt as if his heart literally stopped beating.

“Hoity Toity?” Rarity exclaimed. “He’s coming here… to see THESE dresses?”

“Yep!” Spike said. “Get ready for all of your dreams to come true!”

But for Rarity and Storm, the looks on their faces gave the impression they were about to experience their worst nightmare…

<>

Later that night…

Several ponies in town gathered around a stage for the fashion show. Rarity was nervously awaiting with her head sticking out from the curtain. Storm stood right beside her. While he looked calm, deep down his heart threatened to pound out of his chest.

“Oh!” Rarity gasped, making Storm jump. “There he is!”

Rarity began to breathe up-and-down frantically, as Storm tried calming her. Hoity Toity snootily made his way towards the front of the runway. He then gestured for a pony to place a cushion so he could sit, but the pony holding the cushion got his face smashed as Hoity Toity took his seat. Rarity was still frazzled while Storm held her closely for support.

“How are you so calm about all this?” Rarity asked Storm.

“Relax Rarity,” Storm advised. “Our friends like our outfits… so will he.”

Rarity squealed when everything went dark, even Storm jumped once more.

“What’s wrong with he lights?!” Rarity exclaimed frantically.

“Rarity… the show?” Storm pointed out.

“Oh yes. That means the show’s starting, good.”

Storm gulped lightly as the show began. The town’s personal D.J., Vinyl Scratch formerly known as D.J. Pon3, began to play some tunes. From the darkness came Spike’s silhouette.

“Since the beginning of time,” Spike began. “The elite of Equestria have longed for pony fashions that truly expressed the essence of their very souls. Patiently waiting decades—no, centuries—for the perfect pony gown. Today, at long last, Equestria, your wait is over! Let’s hear it for the breathtaking designs of Ponyville’s own Rarity!... and her new intern Storm Shield.”

That last part was spoken with little enthusiasm, most likely jealousy on Spike’s part. But Storm wished he’d been left out. Soon the spotlight set itself upon the five ponies and their new, modified dresses.

What a sight they were! First to walk the runway was Twilight Sparkle, whose dress looked more like a cloak with constellation patterns all over. A large bow was added to her tail along with multiple star boppers on her head and gold star earrings. Applejack’s new dress featured a red ten gallon hat, overalls-styled dress with a crochet quilt style mini skirt and yellow work boots. Fluttershy’s dress had a flower bud neckline with a long skirt that had pink and yellow polka dots, with a grassy like landscape along the bottom. She had some grass patch style shoes and a bird’s nest for a hat. Rainbow’s dress looked more liked a badly dressed comic book superhero, with matching superhero style boots and helmet to boot. Pinkie looked like a clown… literally. The dress was a dark green top with an oversized yellow bow and a large blue tutu mini-skirt. She had tied yellow ribbons along her hooves and wore a giant cupcake for a hat.

The five ponies walked down the runway proudly. But as they did, the other ponies began to murmur and make faces at their outfits. Once they reached the rotating platform at the end of the runway, Applejack was the first to notice that no pony looked pleased with their dresses.

“Why’s every pony lookin’ at us like that?” Applejack asked.

Even Twilight Sparkle could see the discontent faces from the crowd.

“Oh dear,” Twilight said.

“You think we overdid it?” Rainbow asked.

“Nah,” Applejack said.

But one momentary pause and a look toward her work boots later…

“Okay, maybe a little.”

Of all the ponies gathered around, Hoity Toity was most indignant.

“Oh, these amateurish designs look like a piled-on mesh of everything but the kitchen sink,” Hoity Toity remarked.

While that did earn a few laughs from the crowd, Rarity ‘ironically’ had Storm bring a kitchen sink. The colt quietly tried to hide it behind the curtain.

“Those outfits are the ugliest things I’ve ever seen,” Hoity Toity continued. “Oh for shame. Who is responsible for subjecting our eyes to these horrors? Not to mention wasting my valuable time.”

“Oh! Hide me!” Rarity said to Opal.

Rarity ducked behind her cat, as Storm looked as if he was about to have a panic attack.

“What will we do? What’ll we do? What are we going to do?!”

“Come on out and take a bow, Rarity! You too, Storm!” Spike announced. “You two worked really hard for this!”

Reluctantly, Rarity and Storm Shield quietly made their way out into the crowd, as Spike began to cheer… mostly for Rarity.

“Yes! All-right. Woo-hoo! Go, Rarity!”

Rarity just kept her head low while Storm, being the Element of Bravery, tried to stand tall. Their five friends tried to smile at them, but they soon turned to concern while the crowd murmured.

<>

Many days later…

No pony had seen Rarity or Storm Shield in public. Who can blame them? After such a humiliating fashion show, neither one wanted to be seen or spoken too. But that didn’t stop Twilight Sparkle & her friends, the girls opening the door to Carousel Boutique. Soon as they came in, they gasped upon finding Storm inside. The colt hard at work in front of the sewing machine, wearing his glasses and a measuring tape dangling from his neck.

“Storm!” They all shouted.

Storm turned off the machine and flashed a quick smile.

“Welcome to the Carousel…”

But Storm’s cheery tone faded instantly seeing who it was.

“Oh… hey guys…”

And just like that, Storm went back to work.

“Have you been here this whole time?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Pretty much,” Storm said simply. “With Rarity in seclusion, some pony needed to run the Boutique. Except… I’ve had no customers come in since the fashion show. I even tried setting up posters during the night to advertise an original design, but… no pony showed up.”

“What design?” Fluttershy curiously.

Storm pointed a hoof toward two lone dresses. They had the same style, just one dress had a pink top with a blue skirt and a white beaded necklace. The other was a yellow top with a pink skirt with a blue beaded necklace. There were also some matching shoes on the fore-hoofs and a mini bow just below the ears.

“Not too shabby,” Applejack said. “A bit basic for Rarity’s dresses, but definitely pretty.”

“I agree,” Twilight said. “I’d wear either of these dresses.”

“Good to know,” Storm said. “Too bad I didn’t think of going with my gut the first time around with your dresses… OW!”

Storm pricked himself again for, who knows what number at this point? He just shook his hoof and resumed his work.

“Storm, I hope you know how sorry we are for what happened,” Twilight said.

“Yeah, didn’t expect every pony to laugh you guys out of the building,” Rainbow added.

That remark earned her plenty of angry glares.

“What? That’s what happened.

Storm rolled his eyes over her lack of sympathy.

“I’ve done what I could to help Rarity, but she refuses to leave her bedroom,” Storm said. “I don’t blame her. Even after offering to pin the blame on me for what happened, she still said ‘no’.”

“For good reason,” Twilight assured. “You did only what Rarity told you to do. After all, you’re her student and she’s the teacher.”

“Maybe… but you can’t change what happened. The damage is done. I haven’t even been outside the shop, with the exception of setting up posters at night. Even wore a disguise when I left…”

The ponies noticed a trench coat, cat, and some dark glasses on a table.

“… As for Rarity, I’ve at least made sure she eats while she’s up there. Meanwhile, I run and manage the boutique as best as I can.”

“Wait a second,” Twilight interrupted. “If you’ve been here the past few days, where’d you sleep?”

Storm pointed to another corner, specifically toward a single pillow and blanket on the floor.

“You do know you could’ve just slept on the sofa, right?” Pinkie pointed out.

“The only one is Rarity’s chasse sofa,” Storm said. “We all know how that’s reserved for her… ‘emotional moments’.”

A mumbled ‘yeah’ was muttered amongst the five ponies.

“Well, I think it’s time we fix this,” Twilight said. “Come on Storm, we’ll need you help coaxing Rarity out.”

“We can try,” Storm shrugged. “But it won’t do any good.”

Storm shut off the sewing machine, removed both the glasses and measuring tape, and followed the girls upstairs to the door leading to Rarity’s bedroom. Pinkie was the first to approach the door.

“Rarity?” Pinkie called, from outside the door. “You okay in there? You haven’t come out for days.”

“I’m never coming out!” Rarity replied dramatically.

Sure enough, the marshmallow unicorn paced about her own bedroom in a pink bathrobe and slippers.

“I can’t show my face in Ponyville ever again!” Rarity sobbed loudly. “I used to be some pony; I used to be respected. I made dresses. Beautiful, beautiful dresses! But now every pony is laughing at me! I’m nothing but a laughingstock!”

“Rarity please!” Storm pleaded. “This is getting ridiculous!”

“I already told you! This is my fault and mine alone!” Rarity sobbed. “You did what I told you to do. I made the decision to present the dresses neither of us felt were worthy… and now I’m ruined!”

“You’re not the only laughingstock in town!” Storm answered. “Ponies are laughing at me too!”

“Neither of you are a laughingstock,” Twilight pointed out.

“They kind of are,” Rainbow answered bluntly.

“Shh!” Twilight shushed, while Storm lightly growled. “Come on out and talk to us.”

“Leave me alone!” Rarity sobbed louder. “I want to be alone! I want to wallow in… whatever it is that ponies are supposed to wallow in! Do ponies wallow in pity? Oh, listen to me, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to wallow in! I’m so pathetic! Oh Storm, if there’s one thing I do find you at fault for… it’s being loyal to the likes of MEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Rarity continued to sob, as Storm just sighed heavily.

“You see what I mean?” Storm groaned.

“Now what do we do?” Twilight asked.

“Uh… panic?” Fluttershy proposed.

“That’s your answer for everything,” Rainbow shot back.

“Better than your ideas, big mouth,” Storm retorted bitterly.

“Well, we can’t just leave Rarity like this,” Applejack pointed out, which Storm nodded in agreement.

“She’ll become a crazy cat lady!” Pinkie said worried.

“She only has ‘one’ cat,” Twilight remarked.

“Give her time,” Pinkie answered.

Storm Shield made an eyeroll over that when his face suddenly beamed.

“Idea!” Storm sing-sung.

To which earned some awkward stares from the group.

“Guess Rarity rubbed off on me a bit,” Storm defended. “Come on, I’ve got a plan.”

The others followed and Storm had Twilight peek inside of what was Rarity’s personal work room. There on a mannequin was her unfinished dress for the gala. It didn’t take long before the others figured out Storm’s idea, as he grabbed the key to unlock the room.

<>

A few hours later…

Rarity was still… wallowing in her pity, to answer her question from earlier, as she stood before her mirror.

“Exile,” Rarity decided. “I guess technically I’d have to move away to be in exile. Where would I go? And what would I pack? Oh, it’s going to take me forever to do all of the packing. What are you supposed to pack when you are in exile? Are you supposed to pack warm?”

Loud meowing interrupted Rarity of her thoughts.

“Huh? Opal?” Rarity called out.

She followed the meowing, which appeared to come from outside. Rarity gasped when she saw her poor cat clinging fearfully onto a tree branch.

“Opal, how did you get up there?” Rarity asked worriedly. “Hang on, you poor dear! Mama’s coming!”

Rarity raced out her room and out of the Boutique to the tree Opal was in. She came to a halt when she found Rainbow sitting on a branch beside Opal.

“Rainbow Dash?!” Rarity exclaimed. “How dare you strand my poor Opal in a tree!”

“Well, how else were we gonna get you to come out and show you this?” Rainbow answered.

She tilted her head towards the other girls and Storm, who had a special surprise for their friend.

“What is it?” Rarity asked, in shock. “It’s not… You…”

To Rarity’s surprise, as they backed away, before her eyes was her dress for the gala… only now it was finished.

“We all finished your dress for you,” Pinkie said.

“Thanks to Fluttershy’s freaky knowledge of sewing,” Applejack added.

“And Storm’s attention to detail so we could follow your design perfectly,” Twilight concluded.

Fluttershy and Storm blushed shyly in response.

“Do you like it?” Fluttershy asked Rarity.

Rarity said nothing, just walked around the dress studying it quietly.

“Uh oh…” Fluttershy sighed sadly. “She doesn’t like it.”

“I’m just ‘not’ cut out for this,” Storm sighed in defeat.

Fluttershy gave him a support pat on the shoulder while Rarity’s back was against them.

“No, I don’t like it,” Rarity said upfront.

“Aww…” The rest of the group groaned.

“I LOVE IT!!!” Rarity said, turning with sparkling eyes.

“YAY!” The girls all cheered.

“Thank Celestia…” Storm sighed with relief.

“You ponies did an amazing job,” Rarity continued. “It’s exactly the way I imagined it.”

“We just followed your brilliant design,” Fluttershy said. “It was easy with Storm guiding us.”

Storm’s smile to Fluttershy was his way of saying ‘Thank you’, as he took a stand next to Rarity.

“Like we should have let you and Storm for our outfits,” Twilight said. “Those dresses you two designed were perfect.”

“We’re so super sorry,” Pinkie said.

“You two worked really hard to make our dresses exactly the way we wanted them,” Rainbow pointed out. “We all saw how well that turned out.”

Rainbow hovered next to Rarity, with Opal on her back. Eventually the cat hopped from Rainbow’s back and onto Rarity’s.

“Oh, I forgive you,” Rarity said.

“Same here,” Storm stepped in. “We just wanted to make you all happy.”

“Well, that’s mighty big of you,” Applejack said.

“But my whole career is still ruined!” Rarity said in anguish.

“Oh, right,” Applejack remembered. “That…”

Then Rarity noticed the somber look on Storm’s face.

“Darling, how many times have I…”

But Rarity stopped when she remember what Storm said earlier.

“You’re hurting from all this too, aren’t you?”

“Yea…” Storm sighed slowly. “But I’ve been too busy trying to redeem your career to wallow in… well, whatever you’re supposed to wallow in… pity? Ugh! Even I don’t know that answer! Besides, as much as I want to walk away from designing, you need me Rarity. I never turn my back on my friends… especially my new mentor.”

Rarity gave Storm a watery smile, before embracing him.

“We still have a long way to go before we can redeem ourselves,” Rarity said.

“That’s okay, we’ll find a way eventually…” Storm assured. “This bad publicity will blow over, ponies will forget, and then we’ll recover.”

“Maybe not,” Twilight said.

She soon noticed a familiar Canterlot fashion elite walking nearby. It could be assumed he heard and seen everything.

“All right, I haven’t got all day,” Hoity Toity answered snootily.

Storm and Rarity smiled before they rushed inside to get ready. It was then Rarity remembered something else.

“Oh Storm, we’ve been so busy preparing everything else we forgot all about your outfit!” Rarity pointed out.

“Oh don’t worry!” Storm smiled, with a wink. “I got it covered.”

Rarity just smiled, as they quickly came up with some fresh choreography.

<>

Meanwhile, Hoity Toity waited impatiently for the fashion show to begin. Opal seemed to be entertained playing with the end of his side ponytail. The pony merely shoved the cat out of the way.

“Take two,” He said firmly.

Rarity and Storm smiled before making both their horns glow. Hoity Toity ‘oohed’ as a large collection of stars appeared before them all. Some of them flew into the back end of Twilight’s skirt as she posed in the original design Storm created for her.

“Hello…” Hoity Toity spoke, shocked. “Oh, this can’t be the same designers.”

The scene shifted toward a large orchard loaded with apples. Then a lasso from the distance appeared, pulling a long apple from the tree. The appeared disappeared and Applejack appeared in place, with her dress and striking a pose.

“Simply magnificent!” Hoity Toity said. “And I suddenly have a fierce craving for Dutch apple pie, candied apples on a stick, apple turnovers, apple cobbler…”

His thoughts were interrupted as rainclouds appeared. But rather than water, it rained various types of candy. Some landed on the side of Pinkie’s dress and one large one on her hat. Pinkie didn’t resist extending her tongue to collect a green gumdrop before striking a pose.

“Brilliant!” Hoity Toity exclaimed.

*BOOM!*

Two classes of lightning startled Hoity Toity before him. Then Rainbow came flying through the air, making a dynamic pose as she landed.

“Oh spectacular!” Hoity Toity applauded.

Opal smiled in agreement when they were both taken aback by some vines appearing before them. The vines produced some flowers, which their pedals dropped instantly as a few butterflies flew by. One landed on the side of Fluttersh’ys head, turning into her hair pin and some on the front of her dress, while she made a calm, yet confident pose.

“Now this is a fashion show!” Hoity Toity declared, enjoying himself. “All of these dresses are absolutely amazing! Who is responsible? Step forward, show yourself!”

It was then Rarity appeared, using her horn to make a disco ball lighting effect around her dress as the rest of the girls appeared behind the mare making her way to the front.

“Brava! Brava! Magnifico! Encore!” Hoity Toity cheered.

“Let’s not forget some pony else!” Rarity said.

She made her horn glow once more, but this time a black carriage appeared before a satin red carpet. Flashed surrounded the background ponies, as they cheered and squealed for Storm, who exited from the carriage like a celebrity. His outfit featured a black formal shirt with low key glitter, with a splatter-style grey vest and gold necktie. He also had some shiny black shoes on his hooves and a Fedora hat with a black band around it with a red rose tucked into it. Storm walked down the red carpet, posing twice before glancing at his side. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Twilight were shown, pretending to be fan girls as they cheered for him.

Storm tossed his rose toward Twilight, who acted smitten as the colt held her by a forehoof and escorted her down the red carpet with him. After all, she was his date for the Gala.

“Stupendous! Encore! Encore!” Hoity Toity replied.

“Oh, thank you. Thank you! Oh, thank you so much!” Rarity said happily, as Storm stood on her right side.

“I’m glad you enjoyed the show and our work, sir,” Storm added. “There’s plenty more where that came…”

*WHACK!*

Storm was suddenly smacked in the back of the head by a red rose. He turned to see Pinkie Pie, as she ‘hmphed’, dropped the rose, and turned her head away with her nose in the air. All eyes were on Storm now.

“Heh… fashion models, am I right?” Storm replied sheepishly.

There was a brief silence… before they all laughed, even Hoity Toity. While the rest of their friends enjoyed themselves, Twilight instructed Spike to write a letter for the princess.

Dear Princess Celestia,
This week, my very talented friend Rarity, as well as your student Storm Shield, learned that if you try to please every pony, you often times end up pleasing no pony, especially yourself. And I learned this: When some pony offers to do you a favor, like making you a beautiful dress, you shouldn’t be overly critical of something generously given to you. In other words, you shouldn’t look a gift hose in the mouth.

Twilight giggled at her little pun, as Spike tied up the letter and sent it towards Canterlot. Hoity Toity watched the letter leave the Boutique before speaking with both Rarity and Storm Shield.

“Rarity, Storm, my congratulations to you both on your most impressive fashion debut,” Hoity Toity commended. “Would you do me the grand honor of allowing me to feature your couture in my Best of the Best Boutique in Canterlot?”

Rarity gasped excitedly, while Storm smiled… yet shook his head.

“That’s a mighty fine offer sir,” He said kindly. “But I think I’ll let the ‘real’ fashion designer, my good friend Rarity, handle couture from now on.”

This caused Rarity to face him with surprise.

“Are you quite sure Storm?” She asked. “I’d never have gotten this opportunity had it not been for you.”

Storm chuckled but nodded his head just the same.

“I’m pretty sure,” He said. “You’re an amazing designer; I know you’re going to be big one day. I just don’t think this for me.”

Rarity smiled at her friend, nodding her head in understanding. They both hugged one another in gratitude.

“Now, I’ll need you to make a dozen of each dress for me by next Tuesday,” Hoity Toity instructed. “Oh, and that will include a dozen of Storm’s ensemble as well.”

Rarity’s eyes nearly popped out, as they both chuckled and smiled sheepishly. No pony said the road to being a well-known fashion designer would be easy… on the other hoof…

“Actually… I may know some ‘friends’ who’d be glad to help,” Storm proposed.

Storm turned his head, stuck a hoof into his mouth, and gave a loud shrilling whistle. Suddenly, the ground began to rumble and the door to the boutique slammed open. Before the group’s eyes, an army of Storm Shield clones, each of them dressed like some big wig fashion figure, gathered before the group. Plenty of them wearing glasses, measuring tapes around their necks, a pincushion in a few of their mouths, and the most outlandish outfits imagined.

“So when do we start?” A clone asked, in a Brooklyn accent.

Feeling Pinkie Keen

One beautiful day in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield were outside taking turns learning and refining a few of their magic tricks. For the moment, it was Spike’s turn to be target as he had some rocks and other items in his hands.

“Tuh! Nuh! Uh! Nyuh!” Twilight shouted.

She used her magic several times to change Spike into various outfits, eventually settling on a nice tuxedo. It was then Twilight and Storm noticed Spike seemed a little distracted.

“Eyes up front, Spike!” Storm called out.

“Uh, sorry!” Spike said.

Twilight proceeded to turn the twig he was holding into a fancy cane.

“For this to work,” Twilight spoke. “It’s crucial we keep our concentration totally on the—”

“OOH!” Pinkie exclaimed out of nowhere.

This cut off Twilight’s explanation, and her concentration, as the rock she turned into a top hat reverted back into a rock and clonked Spike on the head.

“NYUH!” Spike yelped, tumbling over.

“LITTLE BUDDY!!!” Storm called out.

Storm quickly raced over, helping the little guy back to his feet thought he was still rather woozy.

“Spike!” Twilight scolded. “This magic needs our full attention to make it happen. There’s no other way.”

“Perhaps you care a little more about the fact poor Spike ‘may’ have a concussion!” Storm scolded.

“I can’t help it!” Spike protested. “Look!”

Storm and Twilight finally noticed Pinkie darting about frantically with an umbrella hat on her head. She looked rather intimidated, nervous even.

“Huh… wonder what’s got her all wound up,” Storm pondered. “Haven’t seen her like that since she ate that whole tube of cake frosting. A whole thirty-pound bag! Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a pony that on edge since final exams last semester.”

“Oh hush you!” Twilight frowned.

It was clear she wasn’t willing to admit he’d been referring to ‘her’ as she watched the pink pony.

“Ugh, never mind her. She’s just being Pinkie Pie.”

“Super-extra Pinkie Pie today,” Spike remarked.

“Plus ‘super extra’ random,” Storm added. “I swear I’ll never understand that mare.”

It was then they heard some eerie music as Pinkie’s tail appeared to be… vibrating?

“Hmm… Twitchy, twitcha-twitcha, twitch,” Pinkie uttered aloud.

Storm just looked stunned before rolling his eyes.

“You know… I think maybe it’s high time I created that book on Pinkie language.”

To showcase how serious he was, he used his magic to conjure up a few scrolls of parchment and some quills. He then proceeded to conjure up a few of his clones, handing each of them some parchment and a quill.

“Gentlecolts, our mission today is to create an encyclopedia,” He announced. “This book will contain all the jumbled up, strange words of Pinkie Pie. I believe that an appropriate title for this project shall be… Project Pie Chart!”

“SIR, YES SIR!” The clones chanted.

That said, they all trotted off and got to work. Storm chuckled to himself before turning around and looked face-to-face toward Twilight, who merely looked rather confused.

“Trust me,” Storm said. “You’ll thank me later.”

Spike and Twilight rolled their eyes at him before they approached the pink pony.

“Pinkie Pie?” Twilight asked curiously. “What in the wide, wide world of Equestria are you up to?”

“Oh! It’s my tail! It’s my tail! It’s a-twitch a-twitchin’!” Pinkie answered. “And you know what that means?”

“Actually, Pinkie, I haven’t the slightest idea,” Twilight spoke.

“My best guess is some pony said you’d have bad luck today and you believed them,” Storm suggested. “OR… one of Fluttershy’s chickens is claiming the sky is falling.”

Twilight giggles lightly over the second answer.

“The twitchin’ means my Pinkie Sense is telling me that stuff’s gonna start falling!” Pinkie answered. “You two better duck and cover.”

“Oh, Pinkie, it’s not gonna rain,” Twilight replied.

As Twilight continued to speak, Storm began to search his surroundings just in case. Suddenly, he silently gasped and shielded his head with his fore hooves.

“Umm… Twilight…?”

“Why, there’s barely a cloud in the—UGH!”

Twilight was soon cut off by a frog smacked right on her nose. Twilight’s eyes were started, as she and the frog just stared at each other from close range. The frog simply croaked.

“He just said, ‘nice catch’ in Frog,” Pinkie told Twilight.

Poor Twilight was too shocked to answer as the Frog croaked in reply.

https://m.

Twilight Sparkle still hadn’t moved as the frog continued to hop about her head.

“Oh, I’m so, so sorry!”

A voice from above drew everyone to look up and spot Fluttershy, flying above carrying a large number of frogs in a giant wooden cart, her saddle bags, and even her fore hoofs.

“Hi Fluttershy!” Storm greeted.

“Hi Storm!” Fluttershy politely answered, facing Twilight. “You okay Twilight Sparkle? I just couldn’t stand to see the pond so over-populated, what with the frogs all hopping into each other and all, so I decided to fly as many as I can over to Froggy Bottom Bogg.”

“Of course you did,” Twilight sighed, in annoyance.

“Fluttershy, if you needed help moving the frogs, why didn’t you come ask me to help?” Storm asked curiously. “I have a few clones to spare, ‘very’ reliable… except for the ‘one’. Anyways, they’d be glad to help take them over to the bog or at least move them for you.”

“Oh… I… I didn’t want to intrude,” Fluttershy answered feebly. “You seemed pretty busy…”

“Nah, I’m never too busy to help an honorary sister. So, you need my help?”

“I’ll be fine,” Fluttershy smiled. “But thank you so much for asking. I think Twilight wants me to go. Bye-bye!”

Twilight’s goodbye was slightly muffed, as Fluttershy flew away with the long frog moving about her head.

“Um… Twilight?” Pinkie called out. “You gotta little somethin’ on your face there.”

“Oh, really?” Twilight remarked annoyingly. “Did you Pinkie Sense tell you that, too?”

“Nah, I could see it,” Pinkie replied.

Soon she began walking away, while singing ‘la-la-la-la-la…’, and it was then the frog finally hopped off Twilight’s face.

“Come on, Spike and Storm, let’s continue our practice session where there’s a little less commotion,” Twilight suggested.

“Wow! That was amazing!” Spike admired, climbing down Twilight’s back. “Pinkie Pie predicted something would fall, and it did!”

“You’re kidding me, right Spike?” Storm exclaimed, exasperated.

“Oh come on,” Twilight retorted. “She said that something would fall, and a frog just happened to fall right around the same time. A coincidence, nothing else to it.”

“Besides, Spike,” Storm added. “I saw Fluttershy fly above us when Pinkie said that, add to the fact she was overloaded with frogs. One falling was bound to happen.”

“If you say the frog about to fall, why didn’t you warn me?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight, you’re my best friend… and I care about you,” Storm said. “But I’ve learned by now that you never listen to me!”

Twilight Sparkle looked rather indignant over that statement.

“I’m working on it…” She muttered, as Storm rolled his eyes.

It was just then Pinkie Pie suddenly returned.

“My Tail! My Tail!” Pinkie called out. “Twitch-a-twitch! Twitch-a-twitch! Somethin’ else is gonna fall!”

Spike tensed up and began to search around. Storm looked about as well, even extending an ear trying to detect something. Twilight just kept walking forward without a care in the world.

“Oh, Pinkie, please,” Twilight said. “Nothing is gonna fa-AAAH!!!”

Twilight hadn’t been watching where she was going and fell into an empty ditch. Storm barely stopped himself from falling but was too late to warn Twilight. Meanwhile, the pony herself laid on her back completely stunned.

“Oh no, Twilight fell!” Spike panicked. “Is it… safe to go help her?”

“Now I know you’re kidding!” Storm groaned.

The stallion wasted no time jumping down to help Twilight.

“Besides, even if something else fell, I’m not letting Twilight be in harm’s way.”

But Spike completely ignored Storm, and instead waited for Pinkie’s answer.

“It’s okay, my tail stopped twitching,” Pinkie confirmed. “La-la-la-la-la, la-la-la…”

And just like that, Pinkie walked merrily away leaving Storm to revive Twilight and help her upright. Soon enough, Applejack arrived onto the scene.

“Ha-ha! That was amazing!” Spike said.

“Uh, Twilight?” Applejack asked. “Why are you and Storm hanging out in a ditch?”

“Because Pinkie Pie predicted it!” Spike said excitedly.

Twilight and Storm merely rolled their eyes. Eventually Twilight poked her head out of the ditch, while Storm hopped out.

“Honestly Spike, she did not,” Twilight argued. “Two coincidences like this may be unlikely, but it’s still easier to believe than twitchy tails that predict the future.”

Storm reached out a hoof and helped Twilight out of the ditch when Applejack froze and gasped with fright.

“Twitchy tail? Pinkie Sense?” Applejack spluttered. “Whoa! Nyu-uh!”

Applejack nervously ducked under a table.

“Don’t worry, it’s safe,” Spike reassured. “Prediction already came true.”

Applejack breathed a sigh of relief as she crawled out from under the table.

“Oh, wait,” Twilight said. “Don’t tell me you believe in this stuff, too?”

“Oh great!” Storm muttered. “It’s the Zecora scenario all over again! Why am I not surprised?”

“I know it doesn’t make much sense,” Applejack replied. “But those of us who have been in Ponyville a while, have learned over time that, if Pinkie’s a twitchin’, you better listen.

“And you’re proof of this is…?” Storm asked skeptically.

“I know plenty of ponies who have seen the Pinkie Sense in action,” Applejack retorted. “It’s quirky, but accurate. So quit doubting my word before I turn you into the Ponyville Day balloon again!”

Storm glared before giving her a raspberry, which Applejack returned. Pinkie Pie then came back again.

“My ears are flopping! My ears are flopping!” Pinkie cried out.

“Nyuh! What does that mean?!” Spike asked nervously.

Pinkie turned toward Twilight and Storm.

“I’ll start a bath for you,” Pinkie answered.

“Huh?” Twilight chuckled. “A bath? This thing keeps getting more ridiculous by the minute!”

As Twilight spoke, Storm looked around to see what could cause them to need a bath. It was then he noticed a pony with a kart walked by quickly and a mud puddle right behind them.

“Heads up!” Storm called out.

He jumped high into the air as the mud came at them. Storm landed right before the mud, just as Twilight was about to get drenched. Twilight gasped as Storm fell to the ground completely covered in mud.

“Storm… I can’t believe you jumped in front of a mud puddle for me!” She said thankfully.

“Yeah… I’m starting to regret it at the moment,” Storm commented. “Pinkie, I’ll take that bath now.”

Storm grumbled before allowing Pinkie to escort him to Sugarcube Corner. Not only did Pinkie work there, but she lived there too. Storm just enjoyed the bubble bath while Twilight waited downstairs for them. Pinkie quickly popped out of nowhere next to the bathtub causing Storm to shriek like a girl and cover himself. Hearing this, Twilight burst in with her magic at the ready.

“I heard a scream!” She said. “What’s going on?”

“Doesn’t any pony knock anymore?” Storm asked annoyed.

Twilight quickly blushed in embarrassment, seeing Storm in the bath.

“Soo… basically it works like this,” Pinkie explained. “I get different, little, tingly feelings and they mean different things. Like, when my back is itchy, it means it’s my lucky day, and when my knee gets pinchy, that means something scary is about to happen.”

“Is your knee pinchy now?” Storm asked curiously.

“No, but my shoulder’s achy,” Pinkie said. “That means there’s an alligator in the tub.”

Pinkie ducked her head into the bath and pulled out a baby alligator from the water.

“AAAH!!!” Twilight and Storms screamed.

“How come your knee didn’t get pinchy?” Twilight asked. “That isn’t just scary, it’s downright dangerous!”

Pinkie only chuckled in amusement.

“No, it’s not, silly!” Pinkie answered. “This is my pet alligator, Gummy. He’s got no teeth. See? Ha-ha!”

Pinkie laughed as Gummy tried biting Pinkie’s mane and tail several times, but all that did was just tickle Pinkie.

“Okay, okay… I get it,” Twilight said annoyed. “Storm, are you finished with the bath?”

“Hmm… let me think,” Storm said sarcastically. “Pinkie just pulled an actual alligator out of here. Not only that but she actually dunked her head in ‘here’ when I’m still bathing! Yeah… I think I’m done.”

Twilight once again blushed bright red as Storm quickly snagged a towel to dry off. Once that was finished, they all made their way back downstairs to the shop to continue their conversation.

“Well, I still don’t believe in all this… ‘special power’ stuff,” Twilight remarked. ‘It’s just a bunch of mumbo jumbo.”

“What’s not to believe?” Pinkie asked, indignantly. “You do magic, Storm can conjure hundreds of copies of himself, what’s the difference?”

“You know Twi, even I have to admit it,” Storm spoke up. “This Pinkie Sense is starting to seem pretty legit.”

Pinkie smiled at him before she picked up her pace. They were racing right towards a cardboard crate along the way.

“To answer your question Pinkie, it’s huge!” Twilight answered. “For one thing, magic is something you study and practice. It only happens when you decide to do it, and it’s meant to make something specific you choose to happen, happen. With you, uh, it makes no sense at all!”

“True as that may be, it still seems odd,” Storm added. “I admit I can see how certain twitches and flicks signal different things. And I ‘do’ know certain ponies are born with that added sense that can detect danger. But… your Pinkie Sense is still too random for me. I’m just not ready to fully accept it… yet.”

Storm didn’t want to outright say he ‘rejected’ the Pinkie Sense. He just wanted to learn more about it. However, Pinkie still took their lack of acceptance personally.

“That’s so not true, Twilight and Storm!” Pinkie said. “Sometimes it’s a bunch of random things happening to my body at random times that supposedly predict the future. I call ‘em ‘combos’.”

“Combos?” Twilight asked.

“Okay, now that’s as believed as you and me getting married Pinkie,” Storm retorted, in annoyance.

“Uh-oh, I feel a combo coming on,” Pinkie replied. “Ear flop, eye flutter, knee twitch!”

*CRASH!*

Storm and Twilight were walking right in front of the door to the library when Spike roughly slammed the door open, smashing both of them into it. He was apparently carrying some heavy objects, making the sound of a beeping truck backing up as he walked away. The door then closed on its own. Twilight was still flattened against the door as Storm floated to the ground all flat as a pancake.

“All I’m missing is a blot of butter and maple syrup…” He groaned.

Twilight was soon able to unpeel herself from the door and landed right on top of him.

“Urgh… you said that combo means beautiful rainbow!” Twilight protested wearily.

“Oh-no-no-no-no-no,” Pinkie said. “You’re thinking of an ear flop, then knee twitch, then eyes flutter. That was an ear flop, then eye flutter, then knee twitch. That usually means ‘look out for opening doors’. You okay?”

“I don’t believe this,” Twilight groaned irritated.

She stood up, not even realizing she was still ‘standing’ on a flattened Storm Shield.

“You don’t believe because you don’t understand,” Pinkie Pie remarked, in Twilight’s face.

“Hmm…” Twilight pondered to herself.

A groan drew Twilight back to reality and she realized what she was standing on… or in this case, ‘who’.

“Oh! Sorry Storm!” Twilight said. “I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s alright,” Storm muttered.

He had revived on his own but managed to un-flatten himself as he lifted his head.

“I’m just the doormat after all…”

“Oh stop, Storm,” Twilight scolded. “You’re our friend!”

Storm stuck his hoof in his mouth and blew. He then started to puff up with air like a balloon until he eventually managed to unflatten himself.

<>

Afterwards, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle guided Pinkie Pie to an underground room of the library. It was here that Storm and Twilight conducted more technical, ‘potentially’ dangerous magic spells and experiments. It was fortunate to say neither of them suffered an accident in years. For the moment, a metallic dome shaped helmet was set on Pinkie’s head that had lights on it. She was also shackled into place as well by the fore-hoofs as Twilight got the machinery and a device that resembled a seismograph ready. Storm stood by to take notes and provide ‘assistance’. Twilight proceeded to hook up several wires to the machine.

“Okay,” Twilight said. “Now when you get another twitch, we’ll have all kinds of scientific information.”

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie said.

Soon the machines began to steam and whistle about. Storm and Twilight waited impatiently for some results.

“Any twitches yet?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Nopey-dopey!” Pinkie smiled.

“Now? Anything?” Twilight asked, not long afterward.

“Wait! Hold!” Pinkie said anxiously, before looking neutral. “Uhh… no.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Twilight shouted, in frustration. “After a whole day on non-stop twitching, now that I’ve got you hooked up, you’re not getting a single one?”

“How ironic?” Storm muttered.

“I don’t control it,” Pinkie answered. “They just come and go.”

“Like some kind of instinct?” Storm asked curiously.

“Storm, we ponies don’t rely on instincts anymore!” Twilight replied. “We rely on facts, logic, and reasoning. Instincts? That makes no sense!”

“Sometimes you just have to believe in things,” Pinkie answered. “Even when you can’t figure them out.”

“Like Santa Hooves,” Storm replied.

To which Twilight gave him a dirty look as a reward.

“What? That’s a good example,” Storm defended. “We were never able to calculate how he manages to visit every pony around the world in just one night. Yet we have proof under our trees every year that he did it.”

“Oh brother!” Twilight groaned, rushing to Pinkie’s face. “I will not believe in anything I cannot explain.”

“Kind of being a little cynical, aren’t you?” Storm asked.

“Wait, hold on!” Pinkie interjected. “I’m feeling something…”

“Oh my gosh!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly. “What? What is it?!”

There was a short silence before a loud rumble from Pinkie’s stomach disturbed the peace.

“It’s my tummy!” Pinkie said. “That usually means I’m hungry. Let’s eat!”

“That’s done,” Storm declared, tossing the empty notebook aside.

“URGH!!!” Twilight grunted angrily.

The frustrated mare practically used her teeth to rip out the cables to Pinkie’s helment and shut the machines down.

“You know what? Just forget it. I don’t need to know if this is real or not! I don’t need to understand it! I don’t even care!”

“Okie-dokie-lokie!” Pinkie replied.

She easily pulled her fore-hooves out of the shackles and bounced past the frustrated Twilight and Storm up the stairs. Just then, Pinkie gasped.

“Uh-oh,” Pinkie said, with a second gasp. “Hu-bu-bu-bu-bu-buh!”

Pinkie twitched about, tumbling onto her back. Storm nearly rolled his eyes until he saw that she had done an ear flap, eye flutter, and knee twitch. He soon spotted Twilight nearing the door.

“Twilight, look out!” Storm called out.

Twilight looked back when…

*SMASH!*

Spike slammed the door on her.

“Pinkie? Have you seen Twilight?” Spike asked curiously.

“Uh-huh,” Pinkie replied casually.

As the pink mare bounced her way out of the room, the door closed on its own and Twilight was now pasted to the door.

“Twilight?” Spike asked. “What are you doing back there?”

“Are you okay, Twi?” Storm asked, concerned.

“Rrrrgh… did you two plan this?” Twilight asked annoyed.

“Plan what?” Spike asked.

His tone pretty much answered his own question as Twilight was peeled off the door and landed on the floor with a *PLOP!*… and onto Storm’s back again.

“I’m always the fall guy,” He muttered.

“Urgh! This is ridiculous!” Twilight said. “This can’t be happening. This makes no sense. I have to figure this out.”

“Couldn’t we just declare today just a bad day and give it a rest?” Storm asked, fearing the worst.

Twilight just smiled, but it wasn’t a cheerful smile. It was more of a ‘What do you think, Storm?’ kind of smile. Storm just groaned knowing where this was going.

<>

It wasn’t much longer before Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle collected a nearby bush, camouflaging themselves as they heard frogs croaking in the background. They both wore tribal hats as they peeked out of the bush watching Pinkie bounce about in the park.

“Mmm…” Pinkie giggled.

As she sniffed a flower, Twilight jotted down some notes while Storm tapped the side of his hat, causing some metal goggles to appear over his eyes. Twilight was stunned when Storm made the goggles expand and contract.

“Where’d you get those?” Twilight asked.

“Made ‘em myself,” Storm replied. “I’d make you a pair, but you wouldn’t let me borrow your hat.”

Twilight just groaned aloud, recalling she cut Storm off when he asked that question. His goggles did look far more effective than her binoculars.

“Twilight?”

“Ah!”

“Yipe!”

Storm and Twilight jumped when that saw Spike standing next to the bush.

“Whoa-oh-uh!” Spike yelped, as Twilight tugged him into the bush.

“Honestly, Spike!” Twilight snapped. “Don’t you know better than to sneak up on ponies?”

“Oh, sorry, but, um, well, isn’t that what you’re doing?” Spike asked, standing outside the bush.

Twilight then gasped when she suddenly pounced on Spike, knocking the young dragon to his back.

“No!” Twilight retorted quickly. “We’re doing scientific research. I’m observing Pinkie Pie, scientific name: Pinkius Pieicus, in its natural habitat.”

“Pinkius-whoicus? Huh!” Spike asked, standing between Twilight & Storm.

“Wouldn’t rosea mannulus be more accurate?” Storm asked.

That was the politically correct term for ‘pink pony’.

Twilight said nothing as she turned head to speak to Spike.

“There’s something fishy going on with the whole twitchy thing,” Twilight said. “And I’m getting to the bottom of it. So, shh!”

Storm just gestured that Pinkie was leaving the park.

“Come on,” Twilight urged the boys. “Pinkius Pieicus is on the move.”

Storm and Twilight each held the bush and went on their way. Spike offered to help, but since the two ponies held the bush so high up Spike literally walked on thin air as they carried the bush and followed Pinkie. It wasn’t much longer before Pinkie arrived at the school playground. Since the children were in class at the moment, Pinkie just rolled around the grass and enjoyed herself as she hummed. Then she stopped and started rubbing her nose a bit.

“Hmm… itchy nose…” Twilight said.

“That’s new,” Storm said. “At least for being a Pinkie twitch… if it is one.”

Pinkie gasped, then ducked nervously under a metal horseshoe.

“Hmm… interesting…” Storm replied.

“Aha!” Twilight told Spike. “That makes no sense. See? She’s hiding like something’s about to fall from the sky, but a twitchy tail means something’s gonna fall from the sky, not an itchy nose.”

Pinkie continued to stare at the sky nervously. Spike and Storm looked up as Twilight spoke. Then they heard some theremin music and the sound of a large swarm buzzing overhead. Twilight, however, was completely clueless about the swarm.

“This proves…” Twilight continued.

“Oh no!” Spike and Storm groaned.

“… perhaps conclusively, that—”

“GAH!” Spike yelped, running away.

“Spike! Where are you going?” Twilight called out. “I’m trying to teach you the value of scientific—HEY! Storm, let go of me! Get off!”

Storm grabbed her from behind, trying to pry her out of the bush.

“Twilight, we need to get out of—”

“I said get off!” Twilight yelled.

She used her magic to fling Storm off her and out of the bush. She proceeded to turn back toward Pinkie… only to be completely swarmed by bees.

“Ow! Ouch! Ow! Yeow! Ow! Ow! Ow!”

The swarm surrounded the bush for the attack, stinging Twilight to their heart’s content, making her whimper in pain. Both Storm and Spike stood along the sidelines, watching while shaking their heads.

“See what not listening to others gets her?” Spike asked Storm.

“Yep,” Storm nodded. “A flank full of bee stings.”

<>

A short while later, Storm and Twilight, the latter now covered in multiple bandages, were observing Pinkie as she walked about the open fields of Sweet Apple Acres. Spike too jotted down some notes in a notepad.

“What’s she doing now?” Spike asked curiously.

Storm zoomed in with his goggles for a better look. She was apparently…

“Smelling a flower,” Twilight and Storm answered plainly.

“Holy guacamole!” Spike exclaimed, dropping the notepad. “I wonder what that means?”

“Probably that the flower smells good,” Twilight answered.

“This is so boring…” Storm nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, they noticed that Pinkie Pie was twitching again.

“Wait, I’m getting something,” Twilight said. “Ear flop, eyes flutter, knee twitch.”

“Hold on… you told me that’s the combo that says, ‘Watch out for opening doors’?!” Spike exclaimed.

Frightened, the little dragon dashed away from the barn door and hid behind some haystacks.

“Oh-ho… you really, really believe this stuff, don’t you?” Twilight teased. “Here, let me show you there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Twilight walked toward the barn door. And since the top half was already open, she was able to look inside to see if anyone could be coming that could smack them with the door if they opened it. No pony was even there.

“You see?” Twilight pointed out.

Just as she started walking away from the door, as if fate just had it in for her, a door opened from the ground and Storm gasped.

“I promise you,” Twilight continued. “There’s nothing to fear from that—Who-o-ah!”

Twilight fell through the opening, but Storm grabbed her tail by his teeth trying to pull her up.

“I got ya, I got ya… WAH!!!” Storm called out.

Unfortunately, Twilight’s momentum ended up pulling him down with her.

“OW! UGH! OW! OW!”

They both yelped as they tumbled down a set of stone stairs and landed hard at the bottom.

“Twilight! Storm! You came to visit my new apple cellar, how nice,” Applejack replied cheerfully. “Twi? Storm? Are you okay? Uh, Twi? Storm?”

“MEDIC!!!!” Storm shouted, before he and Twilight passed out.

<>

A short while later…

Both Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle were back on the chase again. That last injury did a number on both of them. Twilight’s fore-hooves had been badly injured to the point they were bandaged. Twilight herself was now in a wheelchair for mobility. Storm was more fortunate, only injuring his back and the top of his head. While his back and head were also bandaged, he could still move without a wheelchair or any support. But concentrating made him more prone to bad headaches. Plus, he couldn’t run or move very quickly either. Twilight tried using her bandaged fore-hooves to lift her binoculars, but her injuries prevented her from doing so.

“Here, let me help you,” Spike offered.

Spike pulled a special pulley rope, which he created, to help Twilight lift her fore-hooves without injury until the binoculars reached her eyes.

“Okay, take this down,” Twilight instructed the boys. “Twitchy tail.”

“Twitchy tail?” Spike gasped frantically. “Twitchy tail!”

Spike released the rope, making Twilight’s fore-hooves painfully smack the top of a bench. A familiar theremin music could be heard as Storm looked toward the sky, now feeling very uneasy.

“Hush, Spike!” Twilight scolded sternly. “We can’t let Pinkie know we’re here, remember?!”

Then Storm gasped when he saw something above and tried to concentrate, but his head injury made focusing difficult.

“Something’s gonna fall, something’s gonna fall!” Spike shouted, in full panic. “Run for your lives! Ah-ha-ha!”

Spike took off, leaving the two ponies behind. Storm was still trying to activate a shield.

“Ugh, Spike honestly, you’re overreact—”

*CRACK!*

A flowerpot landed on Twilight’s head. Poor Storm tried harder to ignore his headache to raise the shield.

*CLANG!*

Twilight got an anvil on her head, just when Storm finally got the shield up.

“Got it!” Storm panted, ignoring the pain.

He turned and saw Twilight glaring at him, the anvil firmly on her head. Storm chuckled, smiling apologetically.

“Well… better late than…”

*SMASH!*

It was then a large wagon loaded with hay crashed on both of them. The impact was so strong that it destroyed Storm’s shield and Twilight’s wheelchair. And to add more insult to injury…

*CRASH!*

A piano dropped on top of them as well, breaking apart on top of them.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned.

“Why???” Storm added, in the same tone.

<>

For anyone wondering why Storm didn’t just move the wheelchair out of the way, remember his back injury prevented him from moving quickly. Plus, he panicked when he saw the deliver ponies above that all he could think of was a shield. He ‘could’ have moved Twilight out of the way regardless, but… even Storm can’t think straight when he panics. And the headache he got trying to raise a shield didn’t help either.

Up in the sky, a colt Pegasus gave his employees, one a popular cross-eyed mare with bubbles for a cutie mark, a death glare. She was the first to smile apologetically and the other pegasi followed. They were the ones who accidentally dropped their deliveries on the two ponies below.

<>

Later…

Pinkie Pie was back to humming cheerfully in the park when Applejack arrived.

“Hey Applejack,” Pinkie said. “Whatcha doin’?”

“Takin’ more apples to my new apple cellar,” Applejack answered, showing a basket of apples. “How about you Pinkie Pie? Whatchu doin’?”

“Oh, letting Twilight and Storm secretly follow me all day without me knowing,” Pinkie answered simply.

“WHAT?!?!?!” Storm shouted.

“You mean you knew all along?!” Twilight demanded angrily.

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield emerged from hiding, giving her a death glare of their own. It had taken one of Storm’s magical potions to get the pair back on their hooves. While their physical injuries had recovered thanks to the potion, they still had their bandages on their manes, fur, and dark circles around one eye showing they’ve been through quite a day.

“Why didn’t you tell us in the first place?” Storm asked angrily.

“Silly,” Pinkie giggled. “That would have spoiled the secret.”

“Urgh!”

Twilight’s jaw opened and closed, one of her eyes twitched, and her body trembled with anger. Even Storm felt his anger surge, but soon as he noticed how unraveled Twilight was becoming he quickly pulled her into a hug.

“Easy, easy,” He said gently, settling Twilight down.

Meanwhile, Spike still seemed a bit on edge.

“Tail… still twitching?” Spike asked.

“All done,” Pinkie answered. “Clear skies from here on in, as far as I can tell—HU-BU-BU-BU-BU-BU!”

All of a sudden, Pinkie’s entire body began to twitch and shudder violently.

“Okay, ‘that’ makes even me feel very uneasy,” Storm observed.

“Oh no! What does that one mean?” Spike asked nervously.

“Dunno, never gotten any like it before,” Pinkie answered. “But whatever that shudder is about, it’s a doozy. Something you’d never expect to happen is gonna happen! Hu-bu-bu-bu-bu hu-bu-bu-bu-bu! And it’s gonna happen… at Froggy Bottom Bog!”

Spike looked rather nervous as Twilight just looked plain bored.

“Phew! That’s a relief,” Storm sighed.

To which every pony else just looked at him.

“Don’t tell me you believe in the Pinkie Sense now?” Twilight asked.

“Why not?” Storm replied, holding out the notepad. “I’ve been taking notes ‘all’ day. The proof of these ‘instinctive warnings’ is in the pudding. The Pinkie Sense has some legitimacy about it. Plus our… no, your ignorance of it landed us in the hospital… twice! This doozy could be anything! The end of the world! A pony apocalypse! Me realizing my soulmate is Rainbow Dash! All equally terrible, but also ‘possible’.”

Storm gave Twilight his own frantic look, to which Twilight looked rather passive to his concerns.

“Storm, I said something you’d never expect to happen,” Pinkie pointed out.

“Be quiet!” Storm said, indignantly.

Applejack just chuckled until she realized something and gasped.

“You mean it’s true?!” Storm asked frantically.

“No, not that,” Applejack answered honestly. “That’s where Fluttershy’s headed!”

“Oh no!” Spike remarked worriedly. “Is it about her?”

“Uh, I’m not sure,” Pinkie answered.

“We better go and make sure she’s okay,” Applejack replied.

“Calm down, every pony,” Twilight said. “All we know right now is that Pinkie Pie just got a case of the shivers. That’s all.”

Pinkie glared, and Storm did as well.

“It’s ‘shutters’ Twilight,” Storm corrected. “Big difference.”

<>

Soon enough, the group of ponies (And Spike) made their way towards the bog. Along the way, Twilight scooped Spike onto her back.

“Guh-Hey!” Spike yelped. “I thought you didn’t believe in this stuff?”

“I don’t,” Twilight retorted. “I just want to be there to see the look on Pinkie’s face when we find out nothing is wrong.”

“Okie-dokie!” Pinkie said.

“Twilight, stop!” Storm called, standing in front of her. “I’d rather you stay here and ‘not’ end up in the hospital… again.”

“Step aside Storm!” She demanded.

“No! I’ve had enough!” Storm stated sternly. “I’ve been putting up with your craziness all day, and this time I’m putting my hoof down!”

He proved a point by stomping his right hoof on the ground, while Twilight just glared at him… until she smiled.

“Storm… have I ever told you how much I like your mane?” Twilight asked sweetly. “It’s very cute.”

Spike made a face behind her. Storm meanwhile blinked twice, then blushed.

“Really? Well, heh… I… I never thought of it as anything special, but…”

Storm suddenly realized he’d been tricked, and Twilight was gone in a matter of seconds. He groaned angrily, gritting his teeth so hard sparks flew out.

“URRRRRRGH…. YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!” Storm shouted, to the world.

He quickly rushed after her, eventually catching up with Twilight along with the rest of the ponies as they were along the outer edges of the bog.

<>

For the moment, Fluttershy herself was just casually helping her frogs exit her cart and settle down in the bog while the rest of the ponies were slowly making their way towards her. Storm was about to give Twilight a piece of his mind when Pinkie started vibrating and shuttering again.

“Hu-bu-bu-bu-bu-bu!” Pinkie stuttered.

“Cold?” Twilight asked smugly. “Need a jacket or something?”

“No thanks, I’m fine,” Pinkie said, then shuttered again. “Hu-bu-bu-bu-bu-bu!”

“So… whadda’ya think happened to Fluttershy?” Spike asked worriedly.

“I hope nothin’,” Applejack said.

No question the Earth pony tried to keep her face from showing any worry or concern… not an easy feat for the ‘Element of Honesty’.

“I know, but… whadda’ya ‘think’ happened?” Spike asked further.

“I’m tryin’ not to think about it,” Applejack answered bluntly.

“Me too…” Spike spoke bravely, then pondered. “But I’m thinkin’ about it anyway. Like, what if she exploded?”

“Just exploded?” Applejack asked puzzled. “For no reason?”

“Yeah, like boom!” Spike answered.

“Whoa!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“I know,” Spike replied, in agreement.

“What if… what if she exploded, and then… and then exploded again?” Pinkie suggested.

“Can you do that?” Spike asked fearfully. “Can you explode twice?”

“Of course not,” Applejack said.

“You’ve never been with Twilight when she does potions,” Storm replied.

To which he earned himself a glare from the purple pony, but Storm merely stuck his tongue at her.

“But what if she exploded, and exploded again, and then… ugh!”

Spike was cut off the moment Twilight stepped on his tail… not too hard to hurt him, but enough to bend it out of shape.

“Will you two stop?!” Twilight retorted. “She’s fine, I’m sure of it.”

“I hope you’re right, for Fluttershy’s sake,” Applejack said.

To which Storm nodded in agreement, as he walked alongside the orange pony as they forged ahead.

“Look!” Applejack pointed. “There’s Froggy Bottom Bog.”

They heard the buzzing of a dragonfly before they found who they were looking for. The yellow Pegasus just in the distance, right before their very eyes.

“Fluttershy?” Applejack asked.

“Fluttershy?” Pinkie gasped.

“Fluttershy!” Spike called out.

He hopped onto Fluttershy’s back and hugged her, much to the Pegasus’s surprise.

“You’re okay!”

“Of course,” Fluttershy answered calmly.

“Phew! What a relief,” Applejack sighed with relief.

“I’ll say,” Storm added.

“Sorry, I know it’s not nice to gloat, but…” Twilight began.

“You’re going to anyway…” Spike remarked, with an eyeroll.

Applejack and Pinkie glared as well.

“… AHA!” Twilight declared proudly. “I told you there was nothing to worry about, and I was right. Pinkie said whatever she was shuddering about was a *Cough* doozy, and *Cough* the only *Cough* doozy here is how right I am.”

While Twilight was bragging, some fog mist began to rise from the swamp, making breathing a bit difficult and then something rose behind Twilight. Storm and the others gasped in shock.

“Um… Twilight?” Applejack spoke fearfully.

“Pinkie’s made a lot of predictions today but *Cough* ugh, what’s that smell?”

It was then Twilight recognized all the dust and sudden stench in the air, but still she kept talking.

“But we’ve shown here is that there’s no point in believing *Cough* in anything you can’t see for yourself.”

The rising creature turned out to be a hydra, which was a creature with four heads on its body. Every pony (And Spike) quivered fearfully at the sight.

“W-Well t-then, s-see what’s b-b-behind you,” Spike said fearfully.

That was when the hydra growled, as Twilight slowly turned around.

“I see it…” Twilight spoke, in shock. “But I don’t believe it!”

The hydra gave a loud roar.

“What more proof do you need?!” Storm called out. “Visiting the inside of its stomach?!”

“Is that a hydra?” Pinkie asked, in shock.

“Who cares? RUN!!!” Applejack called out.

All the ponies (And Spike) screamed, racing for their lives except for Pinkie. The poor mare was so frightened she couldn’t laugh her fear away or even move. All she could do was whimper.

“Pinkie! Come on!” Twilight called out.

She grabbed her tail and pulled her away just in time as a hydra head tried snatching her… and barely missed.

“OMPH!” Pinkie panted.

She soon went airborne from the pull, as everyone else made a run for it. Fluttershy then noticed a frog running for its life as well.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy apologized to the frog.

Three of the four heads lunged for the attack.

“AH!” Fluttershy screamed, as a hydra head missed.

The two others tried to attack Pinkie and Applejack, but they missed too. The single hydra head hadn’t attacked, merely laughed at the other three as they continued the chase. Soon the ponies reached a steep ledge only Storm could successfully jump to, and they quickly looked around for another escape route.

“Every pony up that hill!” Twilight commended.

They were about to leave when…

“HE-E-ELP!!!”

Poor Spike had gotten caught in some swamp muck and was trapped as the hydra inched closer to him.

“Spike!” Storm called out.

The stallion was just about to go get him, but Twilight had already taken off.

“Coming Spike!” Twilight called out. “Hang on!”

She grabbed Spike in the nick of time, as the hydra attack. The ponies then made their way up the hill when Storm noticed the hydra tried to follow but had gotten a foot stuck in the muck. Storm just growled on sight.

“Girls, Spike, get up the hill, and find a safe place!” Storm instructed. “I’ll try to stall that beast!”

“Storm, NO!” Twilight called out.

But Storm Shield already rushed down the hill. The hydra just freed its foot when it noticed Storm charging towards it.

“You’re not going to be having any of my friends for dinner,” Storm said angrily. “If you want something worthwhile, try and catch me!”

Storm stood on his hind legs and gave the Hydra a smirk. He gave a loud shrill whistle, which was accompanied by the sound of screeching. Storm looked up and saw Blaze soaring through the air as the Hydra roared and one head tried to attack. Thankfully, Blaze noticed the incoming attack and took a swipe with his talons at one head’s eye. The Hydra head howled in pain as it shot back, clenching its eye. The second and third heads attacked, but Storm either quick-stepped or cartwheeled out of the way. One of the Hydra heads, the one Blaze attacked, followed the Phoenix around as he flew about. Storm then ran around at high speed as the Hydra continued its attack. Then he came to a stop when the fourth head tried to lunge. Storm used his match to make the ground launch him upward, causing him to twirl in the air a bit out of the fourth head’s way. Storm gave another whistle and Blaze snatched him in his talons gently. The two flew up to one head and spun jumped into it, knocking it senseless. The other hydra heads growled before Storm pulled the same move to them. Everyone else was watching from the distance.

“Wow, Storm’s gotten way better at his attacks!” Spike observed impressed.

“I had no idea Storm was that athletic,” Applejack admired. “I thought fer sure he was only a runner.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, then yelped as the hydra heads came at Storm all at once. Storm surprised every pony when Blaze let go and Storm flipped several times to get himself out of reach before landing on all four of his hooves.

“Let’s see if you can take the heat!” Storm cried out.

Blaze screeched, making the Hydra look up as the Phoenix came down rapidly. Just before he hit the ground, he quickly altered his flight to where he was only soaring about an inch off the ground. His tail feathers then suddenly burst into flames causing a line of fire to trail behind him as he circled the Hydra. Soon the Hydra was surrounded by a giant ring of fire. That’s when Storm went on the attack with bolts of magic from his horn. While he could only target two heads at once, he had no trouble switching targets to prevent the hydra from attacking. Then his body sparkled, as he was able to target all four at once with a wave of larger spurts of magic. The hydra was quickly overwhelmed as the sparks exploded, leaving it dazed as Storm charged up an even bigger surge before…

*BOOM!*

Storm sent one of the biggest magical blasts he ever created into the Hydra stomach, sending it backwards and knocking it out cold. The other ponies cheered as Storm made a huge backwards somersault that landed him halfway up the hill. Storm breathed a sigh of relief, as Blaze calmly floated down and landed on his back. Storm glanced at his faithful companion, nuzzling his head against Blaze.

“Thanks for the assist old buddy,” He said thankfully.

Blaze chittered in appreciation.

“That was amazing!” Spike cheered, as the others smiled.

“Well, thanks I… WAIT!!!”

Storm froze, with his eyes widen.

“You guys were supposed to find a safe place to escape while I distracted it!!!”

The ponies just looked at each other before chuckling sheepishly. They had been so busy watching Storm fight they forgot about trying to escape somewhere safe. Storm face-hoofed himself until he heard a roar. Apparently, this Hydra was very durable because it had already recovered and lunged in pursuit once again.

“LET’S GET OUT OF HERE!!!” Storm called out.

They made their way back up the rest of the hill, running as fast as they could.

“I think we’re gonna make it!” Twilight said, reaching the top.

“But Pinkie’s still shuddering!” Spike pointed out.

Pinkie’s shudders made it very difficult for the pink pony to climb up the hill, but then the shudders stopped.

“Oh, lookie there, it stopped.”

Suddenly Pinkie shuddered again…

“O-h-h-h, t-h-e-r-e i-t i-s a-g-a-i-n!”

Despie her shudders, Spike helped Pinkie up the hill. They reached the top only to find it was a dead end. They all gasped when they realized that the only way across was a series of platforms that crossed over some bubbly bog water far below them. They hydra was gaining ground quickly.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked frantically. “What ARE we going to do?!”

“Ugh, he’ll be up here in no time!” Twilight told every pony. “Quick, one at a time, cross!”

“Nyu-uh!” Spoke protested, then faced Twilight. “Do you know any spells for turning a hydra into a mouse?”

“No…”

“How about a squirrel?”

“No!”

“How ‘about—”

“No small rodents of any kind!” Twilight snapped.

“That’s too bad,” Spike said.

“And even if we did,” Storm pointed out. “You think I’d have fought the hydra a minute ago?”

Spike just smiled sheepishly before rubbing his head nervously. Fluttershy just looked nervously at the platforms.

“A hop, skip, and a… jump!” Fluttershy called out.

Soon as she made her way across, Twilight grabbed Spike by the tail and tossed him.

“WHOA-HO!”

The little dragon bounced across the platforms to the other sides.

“Whoa-oa-oa-oa-oa!”

Pinkie vibrated, nearly fall off the cliff as Applejack pulled her back by the tail with a grunt.

“He’s too close,” Twilight said. “I’ll distract him. You three go, now!”

Storm was agape as Applejack obeyed and pulled Pinkie across, but Storm didn’t leave. Not even while the hydra was getting closer.

“Go!” Twilight told Storm.

“I’m not leaving you to fight that thing!” Storm yelled. “You go! I’ll deal with it!”

“I… said… GO!!!” Twilight yelled.

She pushed Storm near the cliff edge, got behind him, and turned toward Blaze.

“Get him to safety!”

The Phoenix just gave a small nod, grabbing hold of Storm a bit more strongly and carried him to safety. While Blaze managed to get Storm to the other side with the others, Storm looked back as Storm stood her ground.

“Why do I put up with her?” Storm asked himself.

Meanwhile, the hydra got closer to Twilight, making him feel very nervous. She was starting to regret telling Storm to let her deal with it alone.

“Oh… what would a brave pony like Rainbow Dash do?” Twilight asked herself.

The hydra got closer until Twilight just ran towards it.

“CHAAARGE!!!” She shouted instinctively.

Twilight quickly ducked under its short legs. All four heads tried to follow her, but it ended up toppling over.

“T-T-T-Twilight!” Pinkie Pie cried out.

Twilight made a charge towards the platforms, but the hydra had already recovered and went to attack her. Twilight just barely dodged out of the way. Unfortunately, the hydra’s attack slammed into the platforms, causing several of them (Minus two on the other side) to crumble into the boggy abyss. Twilight was stranded. The hydra head whimpered over a lump it had gotten on its head before roaring angrily. The other ponies looked worriedly.

“T-T-T-Twilight!” Pinkie shouted. “You have to jump!”

“I’ll never make it!” Twilight shouted back.

“You’ll be fine!”

“I will not!” Twilight protested.

The hydra roared behind her, drawing closer to her.

“It’s your only ho-o-oope!” Pinkie told her, while the shutters hit her. “You need to take a leap of faith!”

Twilight gulped as she looked towards the platforms before backing and making a charge to take a jump. The hydra attacked again. While it missed, it caused the piece of the ledge Twilight stood on to crumble. Storm quickly hopped onto the second platform, extending a fore hoof trying to catch her as she made her leap.

“Y-ugh!” Twilight grunted, making the jump.

Even with the crumbling ledge getting her a bit closer, she tried to reach out for Storm’s fore-hoof, but she didn’t quite make it.

“No! Oh no! NOOO!”

Twilight went falling down into the bog below, closing her eyes tight as she anticipated herself crashing to the ground. So imagine how surprised she was when she slowly opened an eye seeing she floated off the ground.

“Huh?”

She looked up and saw none other than Blaze holding her in his talons, slowly lifting her back to the top. Blaze then dropped her down and Storm caught her. Twilight was rather dazed, while the ponies cheered as Storm set her down and hugged her.

“Storm, you can let go now,” Twilight giggled.

Storm did so, but not without looking embarrassed.

“S-S-Sorry,” Storm said. “It’s just… when you fell… and I couldn’t reach you…”

Twilight could see just how frazzled Storm looked, smiling at him.

“I’m okay,” Twilight spoke gently.

Storm nodded as he recomposed himself. It was then Blaze landed on Twilight’s back, rubbing his feathered head against her cheek. Twilight smiled as she nuzzled him back with a giggle.

“Thank you for saving me Blaze,” She thanked.

The phoenix gave a squawk which could only be translated as ‘You’re welcome’.

“You did good buddy,” Storm praised. “Why don’t you head on back to the library and take a rest? I’ll come back later with an extra special treat for you.”

Blaze screeched in appreciation before zipping up into the air, taking flight back to Ponyville. Twilight then exchanged an embrace with Pinkie.

“I knew you could do it, Twilight!” Pinkie told her happily.

“I don’t know how it happened, coincidence, dumb luck, or what,” Twilight told her. “But you said there’d be a doozy here at Froggy Bottom Bog, and I’d say we just had ourselves one heck of a doozy. I mean that hydra…”

Storm merely nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Pinkie began to shutter again.

“Pinkie?” Twilight asked worried.

Pinkie’s shuttering had become more intense.

“That wasn’t it,” Pinkie said plainly.

Twilight and Storm looked rather stunned.

“Huh?” They asked.

“What wasn’t what?” Spike asked curiously.

“What are you talking about, Pinkie?” Applejack asked as well.

“The hydra wasn’t the doozy,” Pinkie remarked.

This earned herself a raspberry by the same creature, as it walked away indignantly.

“I’m still getting the shudders,” Pinkie continued. “Oo-o-oh, oo-o-oh. You see? There it is again. Whatever the doozy was at Froggy Bottom Bog, my Pinkie Sense says it still hasn’t happened.”

Storm just groaned, while Twilight’s eye twitched.

“Huh? But I—WHAT?!” Twilight snapped. “The hydra wasn’t the doozy?! How could it not be the doozy? What could be more doozier than that?!”

“Dunno, but it just wasn’t it,” Pinkie answered simply.

Twilight could feel her temperature rising. The sound of a kettle whistled loudly as she gritted her teeth like a powder keg ready to blow. Storm panicked before he pulled the steaming purple pony close for another hug.

“Just let it go!” Storm pleaded. “Come on… let’s go home… read a nice book…”

“RRRGH!!!”

Twilight growled and leapt into the air; her entire body lit up in flames.

“WOO-HA-HOO! WOW-WHOA!!!” Storm yelped.

He clutched his back end, which caught on fire from the flame, and quickly bounced about before finally putting the flame out. Fortunately, Twilight’s anger fizzled out and only her mane and tail were slightly charred.

“Ooh… I give up…” Twilight conceded.

She plopped onto the ground with her hind legs resting against a nearby rock. Despite the circumstances, Storm couldn’t help but feel his heart break. It was extremely rare to ever hear the purple pony say those three words aloud.

“Give what up, Twi?” Spike asked.

“The fight…” Twilight spoke, in exasperation. “I can’t fight it anymore. I don’t know how, why, or what, but the Pinkie Sense somehow… make sense. I don’t see how it does, but it just does. Just because I don’t understand doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

“Y-Y-Y-You m-m-mean you b-b-b-believe?” Pinkie asked, vibrating increasingly.

“Eeyup, I guess I do,” Twilight spoke quietly, worn out.

Pinkie’s vibrating and shuttering grew even more intensely.

“She’s going to blow!” Storm cried out fearfully.

He created a front shiedl, but only Twilight, Storm, and Spike stood behind it.

“Oo-woo-oo-oo-oo, woo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oh, woo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooh. Ooh!”

Pinkie’s body contorted into various shapes before finally settling down.

“That was it!” She gasped. “That’s the doozy.”

Twilight, Storm, and Spike looked stunned.

“Bbrrbbrrbbrr…” Spike remarked, shaking his head wildly.

“What? What is?” Twilight asked puzzled.

“You believing,” Pinkie said. “I never expected that to happen. That was a doozy, oh and, oh what a doozy of a doozy it was! La-la-la-la-la…”

The other’s just watched stunned, as Pinkie just walked away without a care in the world. Storm just rubbed his head.

“That pony gives me such a headache…” Storm groaned.

*SMOOCH!*

And Twilight kissed his cheek! Storm just looked stunned, as his cheeks turned bright red.

“Don’t ask, I just felt like it,” Twilight spoke simply. “Besides, after what I put you through today, I just wanted to say I appreciate you being such a good friend.”

Twilight then walked away, leaving Storm to endure the snickers of Applejack, Fluttershy, and Spike as a dazed smile appeared on his face.

<>

Later that week, Spike rushed to return back to the library. Giggling could be heard from outside as he walked inside.

“Oh good, Spike, you’re here,” Twilight said. “Take a letter.”

“With pleasure, Twilight,” Spike said, grabbing paper and quill.

Dear Princess Celestia,
I’m very happy to report that—

Twilight realized Spike look distracted.

“Spike, what have I been saying about focus?”

“I know, but I… well…” Spike stuttered.

He was surprised to see Twilight and Storm each wearing an umbrella hat on their heads. Pinkie was there too, wearing her own hat.

“What’s wrong Spike?” Twilight asked. “Never thought you’d see me with an umbrella hat on?”

“Not really, no,” Spike answered.

“Pinkie’s tail’s a-twitchin’,” Twilight pointed out. “What else could we do?”

“Personally, I’ve had enough trips to the hospital this week,” Storm added.

Every pony laughed as Spike recomposed himself so Twilight could finish the letter.

--We are happy to report that we now realize there are wonderful things in this world you just can’t explain, but that doesn’t necessarily make them any less true. It just means that you have to choose to believe in them and sometimes it takes a friend to show you the way.

Twilight walked over to Pinkie and Storm as she finished talking.

“Honk!” Pinkie poked Twilight’s nose.

She’d been poking Storm’s nose beforehand, and the colt was glad it wasn’t him… again.

“Honk!” Spike chuckled.

Always your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield

With the letter concluded, Twilight, Pinkie, and Storm made their way out of the library as Pinkie’s tail twitched again.

“There it goes again,” Pinkie said.

“I wonder what’s gonna drop outta the sky this time?” Twilight wondered, as she and Storm looked up.

“You never know,” Pinkie said, looking up.

“I just hope our umbrellas can protect us,” Storm hoped.

“If not, we can always swap you as the crashing target,” Pinkie suggested.

“True,” Twilight added. “You are supposed to protect us girls.”

The two girls giggled to each other as Storm looked annoyed.

“Remind me to buy some life insurance,” He informed them.

Pinkie and Twilight laughed as the three ponies continued their way. Back at the library, Spike opened a window on the second floor to breathe fire on the letter to send it. He was then interrupted when he heard the sound of a jet engine and Princess Celestia crashed down on the tree branch.

“Twitchy tail?” Spike remarked.

Celestia took the letter and flew off without another word.

“Holy guacamole!” Spike said afterward.

The little dragon watched as the Princess flew away into the sky. Did this truly mean Celestia believed in the Pinkie Sense this whole time? Equestria may never know…

Prologue

When the ponies reflect on Equestria’s history, all the way back to the fall of Nightmare Moon, there is one thing engraved in all their minds: the Elements of Harmony.

Every pony knew of the six most powerful elements in the universe: Kindness, Loyalty, Generosity, Honesty, Laughter, and Magic. The very foundation of friendship itself. But what ponies may not know that history has clouded over one very important, very crucial factor:

There wasn’t just ‘six’ elements… There were ‘seven’.

And how would this truth be known? Because I was there… I was there where the real story begins… My story…

My name is Storm Shield, and any pony who ever met me knows I’m a very outgoing, friendly unicorn. They remembered the colt with the tan-beige colored coat, the jet black mane with red streaks, and eyes consisting of the most beautiful shade of teal any pony has ever seen. My family and I grew up in Canterlot for as long as I could remember. My parents own and operate a flower shop, where I, along with my sister, Rose Gold, often worked. Despite living in the biggest capital in all Equestria, living a fairly modest life, I always believed there was something bigger, something better out there in the wide open landscape.

As I grew older, my magical abilities evolved with me. I spent years conjuring spells and enchantments far beyond the level most colts my age could reach, that certainly drew a ton of attention. Then one day, I received a letter inviting me with an opportunity to enroll in Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only thing I needed to do, to be fully welcome at this most prestigious school, was to pass an entrance exam… Just one. In which case, I had to do one thing: Hatch a Phoenix egg. Sounds easy, right? Well… Not exactly.

At first, it was a difficult process, to hatch an egg with my magic alone. But soon enough, I dug deep within my very soul and eventually a gigantic burst of magic was released, striking the egg. I remember that moment… A newborn Phoenix, free of its shell, flapping its tiny wings before perching itself on my back. Needless to say, the teachers there were rather impressed by such a display of power.

Once the exam was over, I was asked to stay and observe the next exam, to take some notes. I could’ve simply just walked out after already completing my task, but I decided to stay and watch perhaps to learn something. Otherwise, I had nothing better to do the rest of the day. So, I agreed, and took a seat waiting for the next pony to enter the room. When I turned to the open doorway, I remember how far my jaw dropped, how wide my eyes grew.

She was the most beautiful unicorn I’ve ever seen in my life. I remember her very well: Her mane and tail with such a lovely shade of magenta and purple, and her eyes… Those beautiful lavender eyes. The teachers introduced her as Twilight Sparkle, a fitting name for her. I remember sitting there, staring dreamily at the unicorn like a living work of art. She began her exam, in her case hatching a dragon egg. She tried so hard, with all her ability, but for whatever reason the magic refused to ignite. She seemed so sad; I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

Then it happened, just as she was about to walk away, there was an explosion… A massive rainbow shook the very Earth itself. In a single instance, I witnessed the little unicorn’s magic going haywire, blasting everything in sight. I saw her parents turn to plants, the egg hatched releasing the baby dragon, only to make it grow a near fifty feet at least. It was complete mayhem, I barely got through it unscathed.

I barely remember what I was doing or why I did it, but in that moment, I leapt into action. Not even bothering to consider my own welfare, I used my own magic to deflect the magical bolts so as not to cause any further harm. I was able to conjure a magical shield, big and strong enough to deflect the beams before rushing toward Twilight and encasing her in my own red magical aura. A sudden sense of calmness washed over her; I could see it in her eyes watching as her magic eventually ceased. I recall the very first time she looked up to the young colt who helped her, the teal eyes looking into her lavender gaze.

Suddenly, a blinding white light engulfed the room and it cleared, there she was: Princess Celestia, the Goddess of the Sun and Ruler of Equestria, standing in the middle of the room. We witnessed her use her great power to turn everything back to normal before approaching the two young unicorns, one with a guilty look on her face… Not that I was any better.

However, rather than a stern lecture, the Princess made an offer: For the two of us to serve as her personal proteges at the school. To say I was completely taken aback is an understatement, but there I was… Staring at her in surprise. Twilight, meanwhile, leapt into the air and cheered excitedly. As if that wasn’t enough, the Princess indicated to our flanks and when we looked back… I remember smiling as excitedly as her. Twilight’s cutie mark was a magical pink star, whereas I had a silver shield with a golden star on the front covering two crossed swords. This day truly proved to be the greatest day of our lives. I never truly saw myself as one of Princess Celestia’s prized students or anypony truly destined for the greatness that awaited, but it certainly offered one of the craziest adventures of my entire life

If this article is ever found, understand that from that moment on: Neither one of us were ever prepared for the future that awaited us… How this experience would forever change Twilight Sparkle… As it did… For me…

Friendship is Magic: Part 2

Nightmare Moon cackled amongst the gather of frightened ponies before her. She stood high and mighty, believing she had won over her subjects. The only pony brave enough to speak up was Mayor Mare.

“Seize her!” Mayor Mare shouted. “Only she knows where the Princess is!”

A group of Pegasus guards flew toward Nightmare Moon, in an effort to prevent her escape.

“Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare Moon laughed.

Generating gigantic thunderbolts, Nightmare Moon knocks the guards back. Seeing the guards crash upon the grounds, amidst the frightened ponies, made Storm Shield furrow his brow angrily. Without thinking, the unicorn charges toward Nightmare Moon.

“Hey Queen Meanie!” He called out. “Over here!”

“Aww, he used my nickname!” Pinkie giggled, behind a fallen table.

Completely disregarding his own safety, Storm Shield galloped ahead at full speed. He conjures his magic, charging up a huge ball of red energy before hurling it toward Nightmare Moon. But Nightmare Moon easily swat the magic aside and shot a beam which sends Storm flying backward crashing toward the wall with a ‘THUD!’. Dazed, Storm could only watch as Nightmare Moon shifts into a dark blue mist, slipping out of the building with ease..

“Ergh…” Applejack groaned.

In the meantime, Applejack had tried to hold Rainbow Dash back. But eventually, the blue Pegasus finally broke free, sending Applejack flying backward as Rainbow tried to pursue the released Mare in the Moon. But the mist proved too fast, disappearing into the night.

“Come back here!” Rainbow panted.

It was then that she allowed Nightmare Moon’s words to sink in, realizing what she meant.

“Nighttime? Forever?”

Just then, before Rainbow had more time to think, she spots Twilight Sparkle dashing out the building as fast as her hooves could take her. Storm, still dazed and woozy, wobbled out of the building, kneeling along the railings.

“Twi, wait for me!”

Before Rainbow Dash knew it, she watched him gallop away at incredible speed as if he had just made a remarkable recovery. This stunned the speedy Pegasus, but then remembered her train of thought.

“Where’re they going?” She demanded from above. “Hmph… They know something!”

<>

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle had just arrived back at the library by the time Storm Shield entered through the doors. She had just put Spike to bed, the baby dragon completely oblivious to the situation as he slept.

“Uh… We gotta stop Nightmare…”

But it wasn’t long before the young dragon conked out again, falling fast asleep. Twilight smiled warmly, as she tucked Spike into his basket for the night.

“You’ve been up all night, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, as he slept. “You are a baby dragon after all.”

Once she turned off the light, Twilight quickly searched the library, tossing books around. Just then, she heard an ‘OW!’ when she noticed one of the books hit an already stunned Storm Shield in the face. It wasn’t enough that he had a rough landing against Nightmare Moon, but it annoyed him more that his so called ‘best friend’ didn’t even ask if he was okay. She just kept going while he rubbed his muzzle, trying and failing to dodge the barrage of books.

“Storm, where have you been?!” Twilight asked, unattentively.

“Aside from a little landing on my… OW!” Storm retorted, as a book hit his face. “I’m doing… OW!... Great! Thanks for OW… Oh, forget it!”

Storm used his magic, at the last moment, to stop a book from flying toward him. He drops it on the ground angrily, as he made toward another shelf searching for the book Twilight was desperate to find.

“Elements, elements, elements…” Twilight said frantically. “Ugh! How can we stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony? Storm, can you…?”

Twilight didn’t finish when a certain blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail flew right into Twilight’s face, forcing the unicorn to back away nervously.

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony?” Rainbow demanded. “And how do you and Storm know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you two spies? Whoa!”

Rainbow was pulled back just as Applejack appeared. The male unicorn watched as the cow pony tugged the blue Pegasus away by the tail, letting her go at a safe distance from the two visitors.

“So much for being friends,” Storm thought, scratching the back of his neck.

“Simmer down, Sally,” Applejack remarked. “She and Storm are no spies. But they sure knows what’s going on. Don’t you, Twilight? Storm?”

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity arrived close behind, clearly sharing the same train of thought as their faces showed. Twilight looked at them one by one, hesitant to answer. Storm stood beside her, motioning her to talk.

“I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon,” Twilight explained. “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!”

Pinkie Pie merely walked over to a nearby shelf, examining a rather old book.

“’The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide’,” She read aloud.

Hearing the title, Twilight zipped over and pushed her out of the way.

“How did you find that?!” Twilight asked.

“It was under ‘E’,” Pinkie said, in a sing-song voice.

Storm slapped a hoof over his face; Twilight felt rather silly as well.

“Of course!” Storm Shield muttered.

“Oh…” Twilight remarked.

Regardless, Twilight Sparkle was quick to recompose herself before reading the contents of the book.

“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 five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters.”

It was during this time a mysterious black mist returned, floating as if it were watching the seven ponies from outside the window. Having heard enough, the mist zips away unnoticed by the group.

“I’m going to regret asking this,” Storm spoke. “But… Exactly where does the book say we can find the castle?”

“It is located in what is now—” Twilight read.

<>

“THE EVERFREE FOREST!” The ponies said in unison.

Ominous music is heard, as if the melody rushed into the dark marsh that stood before them. A short time had passed since they read for where to find the castle, where the Elements are said to be secured. But the overall dread remained as the only way to find the castle was to enter the very mysterious, very frightening Everfree Forest.

“So… The only way to find the castle and get the elements is to enter the deepest darkest forest, risk being attacked by monsters, and possibly being hopelessly lost in an endless maze of trees and ravines?” Storm asked, for clarification.

“Yep,” Twilight answered, short and simple.

“… Okay then.”

“Whee!” Pinkie cried eagerly. “Let’s go!”

Pinkie Pie bounced forward to the entrance of the forest when Twilight Sparkle ran in front of her stopping the party pony in her tracks.

“Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but… Storm and I can handle this on our own…”

But Storm Shield shook his head rapidly, mouthing ‘No, we can’t’. But whether Twilight Sparkle saw his lips move or not, at least some ponies wouldn’t be brushed off that easily.

“No can do, sugarcube,” Applejack said firmly. “We sure ain’t lettin’ any friends of ours go into that creepy place alone. We’re stickin’ to you like caramel on a candy apple.”

The rest of the girls agreed with a ‘Hmph’, as they ventured forward. Even Fluttershy, the most nervous of the group, trotted with the group of eager ponies. The only one who didn’t go in with them was Pinkie Pie.

“Especially if there’s candy apples in there,” Pinkie Pie said.

But her rambling earned some stares from both Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“What? Those things are good.”

Twilight Sparkle just sighed heavily, while Storm shield stifled a chuckle. The young unicorn had to admit that Pinkie’s wacky sense of humor had grown on him. They wasted no time following the group of ponies close behind, venturing into the deep dark wood in search for the legendary Elements of Harmony.

<>

The trek through the Everfree Forest was quiet… Perhaps too quiet. Apart from a slight breeze brushing against the trees, the forest was as inactive as the starry night sky as the moon cascades over the area. As they walked, Twilight Sparkle turned towards Storm Shield who kept a lookout as if expecting an ambush.

“So… Are you okay?” Twilight asked, breaking the silence.

At first, Storm didn’t answer or didn’t seem to hear her. Course, it was hard to tell from his expression as Twilight tried to observe him. She released a sigh before she pressed on.

“Look… I’m sorry I didn’t ask earlier. It’s just… It’s been overwhelming with all this, you know?”

“Eh, I’m fine,” Storm shrugged it off. “I’ve had worse. Actually… There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“What’s that?”

“I was doing some additional reading about the elements, trying to find some more clues. I actually discovered something.”

“What did it say?”

“According to the passage in the book and I quote, ‘When the sixth element is revealed, a special seventh element, the most powerful of them all, will emerge’. It seems this element is supposed to serve as the heart that binds the six elements together. But no pony, not even the royal sisters, ever uncovered this… Seventh Element. What do you think it means?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure,” Twilight answered. “But the sooner we find the other six, the better. Maybe this seventh element might help us.”

“I sure hope so,” Storm sighed.

Eventually, the two Canterlot ponies managed to catch up with the rest of the group. When things got quiet again, Twilight once more spoke up.

“So, none of you have been in here before?” Twilight asked.

“Ugh, heavens no!” Rarity answered, surveying the marsh. “Just look at it – it’s dreadful!”

“I’m not going to argue with that one,” Storm nodded.

The ponies approached a large cliffside overlooking the entire forest. It was then the dark mist appeared, creeping into the cracks of the ground beneath them.

“And it ain’t natural,” Applejack added. “Folks say it don’t work the same as Equestria.”

“Funny, I’ve been reading about that too,” Storm replied. "Course, I always thought they were just rumors to keep fillies and colts from wandering into the forest."

As they walked through the dark brush of the wood, he couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous over this whole endeavor. But never once did his belief falter nor his courage waver.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight asked Applejack.

“Nopony knows…” Rainbow said.

The way she lowered her voice, Rainbow Dash made it sound as if she were about to tell a scary ghost story. It was more than enough for Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy to shiver nervously.

“You know why?”

“Rainbow, quit it!” Applejack scolded.

The cow pony knew exactly what the blue Pegasus was trying to do, and she did not like it, not one bit.

“’Cause everypony who’s ever come in has never come out!” Rainbow Dash concluded.

The three mares flinched quietly, but Storm Shield snorted as he stood behind Rainbow.

“Please…” He said confidently. “I’m pretty sure this forest is nothing ‘we’ can’t handle.”

Suddenly, there was a loud crash, as the ground beneath their hooves gave away. Every pony screamed as they slid along the steep slope. Only Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were able to avoid the drop, but saw their friends were in danger.

“Fluttershy! Quick!” Rainbow shouted, swooping down.

“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!” Fluttershy panicked, before joining Rainbow.

Both Twilight Sparkle and Rarity screamed their lungs out, trying to slow their descent down the slope, which ended at a very large drop off. Storm fought hard, scratching the Earth with his hooves, but was unable to slow down. Applejack managed to clamp her feet on a root to stop sliding. Rainbow scooped up Pinkie Pie, while Fluttershy grabbed Rarity’s tail slowing her down.

Poor Twilight was losing ground fast and soon dangled over the edge of the cliff. Storm tried to hold on, but part of the cliff he held onto suddenly broke away.

“TWIIIIIIIIII-LIIIIIIIIIIIGGHHHHHHHT!!!” Storm cried, midfall.

“STORM!!!” Twilight cried out, as her grip slipped.

Soon, Storm was falling very quickly, very fast, the ground just inches away. He was certain this was the end of him; many thoughts raced in his head.

“I’m never going to see my family again; I should’ve gone to the party with my Canterlot friends! All the years growing up with my studies, my loyal companion…”

Just then, Storm’s eyes widened as if he had an epiphany.

“WAIT A MINUTE… I’M SMART!” Storm shouted.

Storm took a deep breath and released a loud, shrill whistle which echoed through the entire forest. Suddenly, a loud screech met his ears as he looked out toward a great bird flying rapidly in his direction. The bird had a blend of red, orange, and yellow feathers making it look like it was on fire. But this was no ordinary bird. This was his loyal companion and childhood friend, Blaze the Phoenix.

“Over here, Blaze!” Storm shouted.

Blaze screeched again, seeing his master quickly descending to the ground, flying at a rapid pace. Using his amazing strength, Blaze caught Storm in his talons, floating themselves down to safety. Storm released a huge sigh of relief once back on the ground, as Blaze landed gracefully on his back.

“Thanks for the help, old buddy,” Storm thanked the phoenix.

Blaze gave a soft chittering, rubbing his feathery head against Storm’s cheek. Storm looks back toward the cliff, seeing the others struggling to hold on. But his eyes were on Twilight who was in a precarious situation.

“Hold on!” Applejack called out. “Ah’m a-comin’!”

Applejack let go of the branch, gently making her way towards Twilight. She grabs her front legs, preventing the unicorn from falling.

“Applejack! What do I do?” Twilight asked, frightened.

Applejack just held Twilight tightly, before she looked up and saw something. She then turns toward Twilight Sparkle.

“Let go,” Applejack said, plainly.

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight retorted.

“No ah ain’t,” Applejack assured. “Ah promise you’ll be safe.”

But the frightened look on Twilight’s face proved she wasn’t convinced.

“That’s not true!” Twilight proted.

“Now listen here,” Applejack said firmly. “What ah’m sayin’ to yah is the honest truth. Let go, and you’ll be safe.”

Twilight Sparkle hesitated for a moment, before she eventually lets go.

“YAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

Twilight screamed before she felt her fall stop midway. She turns from side to side, realizing both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy caught her in the air.

“Phew!” Twilight replied, with relief. “WAH!!!”

They dropped suddenly, but soon stabilized their flight again as the two Pegasus ponies slowly brought Twilight to the bottom of the drop off. Rarity and Pinkie Pie were already there.

“Sorry girls,” Fluttershy apologized. “I’m not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two.”

In the meantime, Twilight watched Applejack hop her way down and smile, grateful she could trust this pony. Just then, she realized something.

“Storm!” Twilight cried, fearing the worst. “Where is he?!”

“Over here!”

Twilight Sparkle turned, as Storm walked alongside the girls with Blaze on his back.

“I was just talking to my little friend about—”

“STORM!!!”

Seeing Storm was okay, Twilight quickly ran up to him and threw her arms around him with a very tight hug. Storm was slightly taken aback, but he hugged her in return.

“I thought I lost you,” Twilight choked out.

Storm gives her a reassuring pat on the back with hoof, as he backs away to look into her eyes.

“You’ll never lose me, Twi,” He smiled.

Twilight Sparkle smiled before acknowledging the large Phoenix perched on his back.

“Hi Blaze!” Twilight greeted.

Blaze chittered again, as Twilight gave his head a pat.

“Thank you for saving Storm.”

“Good thing Phoenix’s make loyal companions,” Storm remarked. “Else I’d never survive that fall.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Twilight said.

The two unicorns smile toward each other, sharing a tender moment… Until Twilight quickly jabs Storm in the front shoulder.

“OW!!!” Storm cried, clutching his right shoulder.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again!” Twilight shouted, before walking ahead.

"She digs me," Storm said, to himself.

Rubbing his front shoulder, Storm Shield follows as the ponies head out. Little did they know, the purple mist swooped about the forest before approaching a creature, its contact made it utter a mighty roar.

<>

“So, tell me, Storm,” Rainbow rambled, pointing at Blaze. “Is that really a Phoenix?”

“Sure is,” Storm answered simply.

“That is so cool!” Rainbow practically squealed.

“Oh, you must tell me all about him!” Fluttershy spoke excitedly.

“Maybe after this whole adventure is over,” Storm suggested.

It was for the best, as he knew Twilight would keep moving even if there was a chance to talk. As they ventured through the forest, Rainbow couldn’t stop bragging about herself.

“And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, and Storm was caught by Blaze,” Rainbow spoke, excitedly. “Whoosh… Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you in the nick of time.”

Twilight looked indignant, or at least ‘tried’ to be. Suffice to same, Storm shared the same thoughts as he grew tired of all the bragging. Even Blaze got sick of it, as he chittered in Storm’s ear.

“Get used to it buddy,” Storm said, with a headshake. “She does this… A lot.”

“Yes Rainbow, I was there,” Twilight replied simply, before smiling. “And I’m very grateful, but we gotta—”

Suddenly, to every pony’s surprise, a creature pounced before them. Twilight gasped, as before her eyes stood a hybrid between a lion and a scorpion.

“A MANTICORE!!!” Twilight cried, as it roared. “We’ve gotta get past him!”

The creature tried to attack, with a swipe of his paws. But Rarity gave him a good buck in the face, forcing him to jump back.

“Take that, you ruffian!” Rarity called out confidently.

The manticore responds with a mighty roar, the intense breeze messed up Rarity’s mane, making it poofy and messy.

“My hair!” Rarity cried out, before noticing the Manticore’s glare. “Woop—”

Rarity just barely missed getting swiped, dashing off to the side.

“Wait,” Fluttershy said, softly.

“You say something, Fluttershy?” Storm asked.

But the Manticore’s roar knocks him onto his back, as he stares face-to-face with the vicious beast. The Manticore raises its paw to strike, the pony holds his hooves up in defense… When Applejack lands atop the creature.

“YEE-HAW!” Git along, little dogie!” Applejack called out.

Storm Shield recovers to his feet, as he watched Applejack ride the beast like a wild bull at a rodeo.

“Wait,” Fluttershy repeated.

But firm as she could, her voice was still too soft no pony could hear her. Storm charges his magic, ready to hurl a massive beam at the monster. But just then, he’s interrupted when he sees Applejack tossed off with a ‘WHOA!’. Storm Shield comically runs around, reaching his hooves out trying to catch her.

“Don’t worry A.J., I got you!” Storm shouts.

‘CRASH!’

As the dust settles, Applejack had landed directly on top of Storm Shield, his hooves spread out as a groan erupts beneath her. Her Stetson hat floats softly back onto Applejack’s head as Rainbow Dash flew above them.

“All… Yours…” Storm groaned.

“I’m on it!” Rainbow said, diving towards it.

“Wait!” Fluttershy called out, louder.

Rainbow Dash soared round and round the Manticore, trying to distract him. But the monster’s roar blows the Pegasus away, making her scream.

“Rainbow!” Twilight called out.

The beast’s grunt gestures the group toward them, as Applejack helped Storm Shield back on his hooves. Soon, all the ponies, minus Fluttershy, leapt into battle. Twilight snorts with determination, bucking her hooves.

"CHARGE!!!" Storm called out.

The five girls and Storm charge at him at once…

Well ‘four’, since Pinkie bounced toward the manticore…

Anyways, the ponies were just within attacking range until…

“WAIT!!!” Fluttershy called out.

The beast and the ponies stopped charging, though the creature still growled. Fluttershy simply approached the Manticore, who raised its paw to attack. The others flinched nervously, anxiously assuming the worst.

“Shh… It’s okay.”

The ponies open their eyes as Fluttershy kindly nuzzled the Manticore’s other front paw. The creature extends it, revealing a very thick thorn in his paw.

“Oh, you poor, poor little baby,” Fluttershy cooed.

“Little?” Rainbow replied, stunned.

“Baby?!” Storm spoke, eyes widen.

The others watch with interest, as the Manticore faced the kind yellow Pegasus with a rather sad look.

“Now this might hurt for just a second,” She told him gently.

The Pegasus quickly used her mouth to pull the thorn out. The beast roared, scooping Fluttershy towards his mouth quickly.

“Fluttershy!” The others cried out.

But what really made all their jaws drop in shock… The manticore wasn’t going to eat her. Instead, he just licks her, clearly grateful that this pony removed the thorn from his paw, practically purring even. Everyone smiled, as Storm breathed a sigh of relief.

“Aw, you’re just a little ol baby kitty, aren’t you?” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “Yes you are, yes you are.”

The manticore continued licking her mane, before setting her down. By then, her pink mane stuck upward like a Rockstar. Every pony gave her a cheer, as the Manticore went on his way. Of all the ponies, Twilight Sparkle was the most impressed.

“How did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked.

“I didn’t,” Fluttershy replied, as she walked by. “Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness.”

Twilight just smiled as Fluttershy moved on, before noticing Storm smiling with his hooves folded.

“What’re you smiling about?” Twilight asked.

“Honestly, I’m just amazed she was able to calm him for simply being nice,” Storm replied.

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, as the two followed the ponies deep into the Marsh, missing the fact that the thorn shifted back into the mist as it followed them.

<>

The march through the marsh continued for this rag tag group of ponies. But the forest seemed to go on forever, they felt like they weren’t getting any closer.

“No,” Rarity groan. “My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!”

All at once, every pony’s vision went black as darkness casted over the forest.

“Well, I didn’t mean that literally.”

“That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn’t even know it,” Twilight pointed out.

“Don’t you just hate those situations?” Storm remarked.

It was so dark in fact, Rarity bumped right into Twilight Sparkle.

“I didn’t see you there, my apologies,” Rarity remarked.

“Right here… Guh…” Rainbow remarked but bumped into Storm.

“Watch it, will ya?!” Storm snapped.

Rainbow merely growled in annoyance.

“Oh wait,” Applejack paused, raising her hoof. “I think I stepped in somethin’.”

Fluttershy suddenly screamed, but Applejack was indifferent.

“It’s just mud,” Applejack reassured.

Suddenly, there was an ominous growl from one of the trees. Then another, another, and soon, they were all surrounded. On each tree, they seemed to make a scary face at the ponies with large eyes and razor-sharp teeth. They all screamed, while Storm guarded the girls trying to hide his fear toward the growling trees.

“D-D-D-Don’t worry, girls,” Storm stuttered. “I’ll protect—”

Suddenly, they heard Pinkie Pie… Laughing?! Surprised, all the ponies noticed how Pinkie was busily laughing and making goofy faces toward one of the scary trees.

"--you?" Storm finished, confused.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” Twilight asked fearfully. “Run!”

“Oh girls, don’t you see?” Pinkie Pie asked.

And all at once, before any pony knew it, Pinkie Pie… Started singing…

https://m.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
When I was a little filly,
And the sun was going doo-ow-ow-n!

“You’re kidding me,” Storm replied with dread.

“Tell me she’s not…” Twilight added.

But she never finished when Pinkie popped up from above them, upside down.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
The darkness and the shadows,
They would always make me froo-ow-ow-n!

“She is,” Rarity replied.

“Oy ve,” Storm muttered.

Meanwhile, Pinkie kept singing while bouncing around the group.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I’d hide under my pillow,
From what I thought I saw.
But Granny Pie said that wasn’t the way
To deal with fears at all!

“Then what is?” Rainbow asked, as Pinkie got in her face.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
She said, “Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears.
You’ll see that they can’t hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear.”

Ha! Ha! Ha!

As if by magic, the once scary tree turned normal, no face on it whatsoever. Even the darkness surrounding the tree disappeared, much to the ponies surprise.

“Well…” Storm began, with a smile. “In that case…”

Pinkie & Storm (Sings):
So… Giggle at the ghostly,
Guffaw at the grossly.
Crack up at the creepy,
Whoop it up with the weepy.
Chortly at the kooky,
Snortle at the spooky.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
And tell that big dumb scary face
To take a hike and leave you alone
And if he thinks he can scare you
Then he's got another thing coming
And the very idea of such a thing
Just makes you wanna... Ha-ha-ha-ha...

“Pinkie…” Storm interrupts, tapping his hoofs.

“Heh…” Pinkie sighs.

Pinkie (Sings):
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!

Soon, with a little help from her friends, all the scary trees disappeared. The rest of the ponies rolled on their backs, laughing themselves silly. Storm Shield, especially, was most impressed.

“Where was that all my life?” Storm thought. “Sure could have used that lesson when I was younger.”

“Sometimes we learn when we are ready,” Pinkie replied, before zipping away.

Storm looked bugged out for a second, before shaking his head. A giggly grin forms on his face.

“I’ll never understand that pony,” Storm thought to himself.

<>

As they continue to laugh and hop merrily on their way, Pinkie Pie came to a sudden stop causing every pony to collide with each other. Before they could say anything, they noticed before their eyes was a wide stream dividing the forest. While it appears rather shallow, the water was actually raging violently.

“How are we gonna cross this?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Hmm…” Storm muttered, studying the stream. “Too strong to swim across, and no bridge to cross. Guess we can say we’re…”

“Don’t… Even… Say it!” Rainbow warned.

Storm held his tongue and kept silent as the ponies looked on… But only for a few seconds.

“Up a creek without a paddle,” Storm finished.

“YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Before Rainbow could charge at Storm, they suddenly heard crying in the distance. Confused, they turn towards a rather large, yet very lanky sea serpent weeping himself in the middle of the water. His elongated figure wiggling so fast, the rapids were building. They also noted one half of his orange mustaches, which matches his orange hair, looked torn as if it were chopped off.

“What a world,” He sobbed dramatically. “What a world!”

“Excuse me, sir,” Twilight called out, trying to be polite. “Why are you crying?”

“Well, I don’t know,” The Serpent replied, facing the seven ponies. “I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid!”

The serpent wailed as he slammed back into the water, creating a massive wave toward the ponies.

“Shields…”

SLOOOOOSH!!!

“… up…” Storm muttered.

In an attempt to raise a large barrier over the other girls, sadly Storm Shield was too late. For the shield went up after they were already drenched, and all the ponies turned to him rather annoyed. Storm looked indignant, as he lowered the shield.

“Oh, give me a break,” Rainbow muttered annoyingly.

“That’s what all the fuss is about?” Applejack asked, in disbelief.

Suffice to say, Rarity felt indignant of the situation.

“Why, of course it is!” Rarity replied, stepping forward. “How can you be so insensitive?”

“Rarity actually has a point,” Storm added, in agreement. “Any pony would feel subconscious if they had to be out in public, only to have a bad or messy mane… Or in this case, a mustache.”

Storm and Rarity walk side by side toward the sorrowful serpent.

“Precisely,” Rarity nodded. “Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales.”

“I know,” Storm nodded. “And that expertly coiffed mane.”

“Oh I know, I know,” The serpent replied, running his fingers through it.

“Your fabulous manicure,” Rarity pressed on.

In the meanwhile, Storm watched her with interest. Course, it was hard to tell if Rarity was genuinely cheering him up or buttering up his vain ego. Either way, he allowed her to keep talking.

“It’s so true!” The serpent answered, looking at his fingers.

“All ruined without your beautiful mustache,” Rarity finished, sympathetically.

“It’s true, I’m hideous!” The serpent cried dramatically.

As over the top as the serpent was acting, Storm Shield too felt sympathetic for him. Something needed to be done to cheer up this poor creature, but ‘how’ to do it was another matter. Luckily, Rarity was already a step ahead of him.

“I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!” She declared.

Before the serpent or Storm could say any further, the determined mare pulled off one of the serpent’s scales, making him yelp.

“What did you do that for?” He asked.

Rarity said nothing, as she held the round part of his scale in her mouth. The sharp end gleams in the moonlight, as she raised it in the air. The rest of the ponies were stunned, unsure what she was about to do.

“Rarity, what are you—”

SWIPE!!!

Every pony’s eyes shrunk with shock, as the serpent fainted. Fortunately, he neither splashed them with water and neither was he severely hurt. Instead, Rarity’s now long, beautiful tail was cut off, leaving just a short remainder of purple hair. Using her magic, she levitates the cut tail and carefully ties it with the remains of the serpent’s sliced mustache. When he awoke, he saw that his mustaches had been restored… To some degree.

“Oh-hohohoho!” The serpent exclaimed, gleefully. “My mustache. How wonderful.”

“You look smashing,” Rarity said, returning to her friends.

“Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail…” Twilight said sadly.

Rarity looks upon her now short tail sadly yet still smiling.

“Oh. It’s fine, my dear,” Rarity said bravely. “Short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.”

“So would the mustache,” Rainbow muttered on the side.

“Right, right,” Storm said, hearing Rainbow. “Tell you what: Next time that awesome mane of yours gets a buzz cut, I’ll be sure to remind you, ‘It’ll grow back’. What do you say?”

Rainbow nervously put a hoof on her mane, as the others chuckled to each other.

“Heh, heh… No thanks!” Rainbow replied, chuckling. “I’m good.”

Just then, Twilight Sparkle looks ahead and gasped as the water before them was shallow again.

“We can cross now,” Twilight informed, walking through the water. “Let’s go. Ah!”

Twilight was startled when she found herself upon the hump of the serpent’s elongated body.

“Allow me,” He offered.

And so, the serpent creates a set of hump platforms with his body for all the ponies to cross to the other side.

“Hmm… What a gentleman,” Storm replied, jumping across. “Thank you, good sir.”

One by one, the rest of the ponies jump across and follows Storm Shield as their journey to recover the elements continues.

<>

It wasn’t long, during their travels, when Twilight Sparkle recognized the site which they had been searching for.

“There it is!” Twilight said, excitedly. “The ruins that hold The Elements of Harmony. We made it!”

“Well, what are we waiting for?!” Storm asked, rhetorically.

Twilight and Storm proceed to take off, with the rest of the girls following in hot pursuit.

“Twilight! Storm!” Applejack called out. “Wait for us!”

“We’re almost there!” Twilight called back. “Whoa!”

In her hurry, Twilight Sparkle nearly tumbled down a large gap but managed to dig her front hooves against the cliff side preventing herself from falling. Storm Shield, however, took a larger step and nearly fell. Reacting quickly, he twists his body to grab the edge of the cliff at the last second using his hind legs to comically boost himself back to safety rolling forward from the edge. Thankfully, Blaze, who had flown overhead earlier, swooped down quickly, and snatched Twilight, drawing her back to safety.

“What’s with you and falling off cliffs today?” Rainbow joked.

“Oh… Shut up!” Storm Shield muttered, annoyed.

Twilight Sparkle, on the other hoof, was too shell-shocked for a retort. She merely breathed a sigh of relief, before turning to Blaze.

“Thanks again, Blaze,” Twilight spoke.

The Phoenix chittered again before resting atop of Storm’s back.

“Now what?” Pinkie sighed.

“Duh,” Rainbow remarked, flapping her wings into the air.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie chuckled.

Taking to the skies, Rainbow searched for the rope holding the boards to the bridge in place. Finding them through the mist, she flies back toward the opposite end intending to tie the bridge together.

“Rainbow…”

A mysterious voice caught the blue Pegasus’ attention, dropping the rope before she could tie it.

“Who’s there?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow…”

She stood upon her upright hoofs, using her wings to stay balanced. She placed her front hooves in front of herself in case the mysterious figure had malicious intent.

“I ain’t scared of you!” Rainbow said bravely. “Show yourself!”

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria,” The voice spoke, deviously persuasive.

“Who?” Rainbow asked curiously.

“Why, you, of course.”

“Really?! I mean… Oh yeah, me,” Rainbow stuttered. “Hey, uh, you wouldn’t mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? ‘cause I’ve been trying to get into that group for like, ever.”

“No, Rainbow Dash…”

Before Rainbow’s very eyes, three Pegasus ponies, wearing dark blue-and-black flight suits and goggles, appeared before her. While two of the ponies were silent, the leader, a woman, did the talking.

“We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts. We’re the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain.”

The lead pony began to fly around Rainbow Dash, stroking her ego more and more.

“The most magnificent—”

“Yep,” Rainbow agreed.

“Swiftest—”

“Yes.”

“Bravest flyer in all the land.”

“Yes,” Rainbow chuckled. “It’s all true.”

“We need… You,” The leader offered.

“WOOHOO!” Rainbow shouted excitedly. “Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge ‘real’ quick and then we have a deal.”

Rainbow grabbed the rope in her mouth, proceeding to tie it to the post. Suddenly, the leader charged next to her, making the blue Pegasus drop the rope.

“No!” She barked. “It’s them or us!”

Rainbow suddenly felt as if she was in a tight spot. On one hoof, Rainbow needed to get the bridge tied so their friends can cross and help find the missing elements. But on the other hoof, if she turned down this offer to join a real flight team, word of this will surely get out and Rainbow may never get accepted into ‘any’ flight team. She won’t get another chance if she refused now.

“Rainbow, what’s taking so long?” Twilight called out.

From the other side, the other ponies were waiting for Rainbow Dash to tie the bridge. Storm Shield quickly saw the Shadowbolts and silently pointed them out to Twilight Sparkle.

“Oh no,” Twilight gasped. “Rainbow!”

The Shadowbolt leader’s eyes glowed, creating a thick fog drowning Twilight out.

“Don’t listen to them!” Twilight called out.

But it was all for naught, her cries were muted by the fog. Twilight tried to shout again when Storm raised his hoofs over his mouth. From the other side, Rainbow was unsure what to do while the mysterious flight team waited for her answer.

“Well?” The leader asked.

“Rainbow!” Storm shouted. “I know how much you want to be the best flyer; I know this has been your dream! Don’t worry about us, we’ll find the elements and save Equestria. Just know whatever you decide, we’ll always support you no matter what. Even if this means goodbye… I won’t be disappointed in you; I promise.”

Rainbow Dash hesitated for another second, until a decision was finally made.

“You…”

The three Pegasus ponies seemed satisfied with her answer, when she suddenly took the rope to secure the bridge, much to their shock.

“Thank you! For the offer, I mean,” Rainbow clarified. “But I’m afraid I have to say no.”

Rainbow zipped away, as the leader and her two cohorts grit their teeth before turning back into the dark mist and floated away. The rest of the ponies cheered as Rainbow Dash flew back to the other side, as they began to cross the bridge.

“See?” Rainbow told Twilight. “I’d never leave my friends hangin’.”

Twilight Sparkle just smiled, as Rainbow zipped just above Storm Shield’s ear.

“Thanks for the support,” She whispered. “It made the decision easier.”

Storm smiled, giving her a nod as they all crossed the bridge together.

<>

It wasn’t long before our heroes found themselves in the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Sisters. As they explored the ancient castle, they pause before a large stone structure, which held several orbs around it. In a way, it reminded the ponies of something out of a planetarium.

“Whoa!” Twilight and Storm gasped, in unison.

“Come on, Twilight and Storm,” Applejack said. “Isn’t this what you’ve been waitin’ for?”

“The Elements of Harmony,” Twilight said, gapping at the statue.

“The legends are true,” Storm added. “We’ve found them!”

Slowly but surely, Rainbow and Fluttershy brought down the orbs one at a time.

“Careful, careful!” Twilight warned.

But fortunately, all the orbs were set in place before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“One, two, three, four… There’s only five!” Pinkie pointed out.

“Where’s the sixth?” Rainbow asked.

“The book said,” Twilight explained. “When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.”

“And don’t forget,” Storm points out. “When the six elements come together, another element will appear. It serves as the center that will bind the power of the six elements together… The seventh element…”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked curiously.

“I’m not sure,” Twilight admits. “But I have an idea. Stand back. I don’t know what will happen. Storm, can you give me a hoof, please?”

Hearing the word ‘please’ was a first for Storm Shield, especially from Twilight Sparkle. He almost didn’t hear her right.

“You want… My help?” Storm asked, before straightening up. “I mean… Why yes! With pleasure.”

Both unicorns kneel forward, channeling their horns to glow, focusing their magic upon the orbs before them.

“Come on now, y’all,” Applejack said, guiding every pony out. “They need to concentrate.”

As Twilight and Storm concentrated, the dark mist soon arrived and encircled the elements, all while they tried to generate a magical spark. Soon, they both open their eyes and witnessed a huge blue cyclone before them. Twilight and Storm gasped, realizing what was happening.

“Aah!” They both shouted.

“Twilight! Storm!” Every pony shouted.

“The Elements!” Twilight shouted.

“We must stop her!” Storm added.

The two unicorns dove into the funnel of the cyclone, as it magically disappeared along with them. The other five ponies looked around, talking amongst each other.

“Twilight?!” Fluttershy called out. “Storm?”

“What?!” Applejack exclaimed.

“Where did they go?” Rarity asked.

“What happened?” Pinkie asked.

“What’s going on?!” Rainbow Dash finished.

All of them, minus Applejack, dashed about, wondering where their two friends disappeared to.

“Twilight, Storm, where are you?” Applejack asked, worried.

“Look!” Rarity called out.

They turned toward where Rarity was pointing, as a nearby rundown ruin glowed nearby.

“Come on!” Applejack called.

Together, all the ponies rushed out as fast as they could to reach their friends.

<>

Meanwhile, the blackish blue mist transported Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield toward a new location, the two unicorns coughed and sputtered from all the dust. Before them was Nightmare Moon herself, laughing evilly over the Elements. Twilight gasped, before she and Storm glared sternly, preparing to charge.

“You’re kidding,” Nightmare mocked. “You’re kidding, right?”

“You wish…” Storm replied.

Twilight just glared, before she and Storm charged toward her and Nightmare Moon came right at them. At the last possible moment, just when their horns were about to make contact, Twilight conjured her magic to instantly vanish and reappear in the middle of the elements. Storm Shield sidestepped Nightmare Moon at high speed, zipping over the Mare in the Moon, her horn barely scratching off bits of his mane before he dove toward the center of the elements besides Twilight.

Slightly woozy, since Twilight wasn’t used to teleportation, she, along with Storm Shield, ignited their horns once more trying to generate life back into the elements.

“Just one spark,” She groaned. “Come on, come on!”

“Spark…” Storm grunted. “Spark!”

Nightmare Moon quickly turned back into mist, sending an electric blast propelling the unicorns backwards and onto their backs. However, the elements seemingly charged back to life.

“No, no!” Nightmare Moon cried out.

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield smiled triumphantly… Until the charge fizzled out, leaving them agape.

“But… Where’s the sixth element?!” Twilight cried out.

Nightmare Moon laughed sinisterly, lifting her front hooves, and stomped around the orbs, causing them to shatter into a billion pieces. Twilight and Storm stood in shock, their only weapon against her… Destroyed before their very eyes.

“Oh no…” Storm groaned. “What will we do? What’ll we do? What are we going to do?!”

“You little foals!” Nightmare Moon laughed. “Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your precious, or your sun! The nightwill last forever!”

Nightmare Moon cackled evilly, generating a great dark blue storm above her. Twilight and Storm felt that it was all over, their efforts to prevent Nightmare Moon’s take over were in vain. Suddenly, familiar sounds caused them to turn behind, as a group of shadows approached talking over each other.

“Don’t worry Twilight, we’re here!” Pinkie called out.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be there!” Applejack added.

As they waited for their arrival, something clicked between Twilight and Storm. A special spark suddenly appear in both their eyes. Exchanging looks, they give each other a quick smirk silently realizing what this means. They turned around to face Nightmare Moon, their expressions shifting to fierce confidence.

“You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that?” Twilight challenged, as Storm stood beside her. “Well, you’re wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here.”

As if they rehearsed this moment, all five mares stood around Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“What?” Nightmare Moon exclaimed.

Before Nightmare Moon’s eyes, several shards suddenly rose from the broken elements, surrounding the mares one by one as Twilight spoke.

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of… Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of… Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of… Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart’s desire, represents the spirit of… Loyalty! These five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us.”

“But you still don’t have the sixth element!” Nightmare Moon protested. “The spark didn’t work!”

“But it did!” Twilight corrected, facing the five ponies. “A different kind of spark. I felt it at the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you.”

Twilight smiled, as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.

“The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… Were my friends!”

Upon Twilight Sparkle’s epiphany, a light glowed around the unicorn as all eyes watch it descend before her. It did not take long for Twilight Sparkle to realize what it all meant.

“You see, Nightmare Moon,” Twilight continued. “When those Elements are ignited by the… The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: The element of… Magic!”

It was then the sixth orb appeared, revealing the sixth element as it descends above Twilight. The shards of the other elements restored themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element residing in the center. Twilight’s element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head. Storm Shield smiled proudly, watching the six ponies wielding the elements.

“My dearest friend, Storm,” Twilight said sweetly, her eyes closed. “Did you think I’ve forgotten you?”

Slightly stunned, Storm suddenly felt a magical aura lift him high into the air.

“When the six elements join together,” Twilight said aloud. “Another element will appear; the seventh.”

“Impossible!” Nightmare Moon said. “That element is a myth; pure fantasy!”

“No… It is not. That element represents the combination of all six elements, an element that’s been with him this entire time.”

“Me?!” Storm said, stunned.

“Storm,” Twilight continued. “Ever since I’ve met you, you’ve shown the core values of friendship: Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, and loyalty. You’ve shown to me and my friends you understood the magic of friendship long before I ever did.”

Every element began to glow, a piece of each floating around Storm Shield, who looked at each one nervously. But the power he felt brought peace to his mind, body, and soul, smiling as he embraced the magic within. The shards circled around him, converging into his body, emanating a blinding radiance. When Storm Shield reappeared, he floated effortlessly in the air, his coat and mane glowing a golden yellow.
“Storm Shield, my most faithful companion, represents the magic that deems the Elements of Harmony so powerful,” Twilight announced. “The element of… Bravery!”

A bright light surrounds the ponies, as the seven elements converge with Storm in the center of what was raw power.

“TASTE THE RAINBOW, NIGHTMARE MOON!!!” Storm Shield bellowed.

Using his element, emanating from his horn, Storm directs the energy, a large and powerful rainbow, toward Nightmare Moon, engulfing her in a multicolored cyclone.

“Nooo!” Nightmare Moon screamed. “Nooo!”

As the rainbow’s power consumed the Mare in the Moon, the elements themselves glowed brighter until Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes, which glowed as well. The brightness consumed them all, filling the entire room with radiance. Eventually, the bright light faded, leaving every pony laying on the ground, clearly spent from the exposure to all that power.

“Ugh, my head,” Rainbow groaned, sitting up.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked, as the rest got back on their hooves.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity cried.

All the ponies turned as the fashionista looked behind herself. Apparently, the magic of the elements was so powerful, it restored her beautiful tail to its former glory.

“Why Rarity, it’s so lovely,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“I know!” Rarity said, cuddling her tail. “I’ll never part with it again.”

“No, your necklace,” Fluttershy corrected. “It looks just like your cutie mark.”

Rarity finally noticed her gold necklace, noting how the purple diamond in the center matched her cutie mark swimmingly.

“What? Ohh!” Rarity exclaimed. “So does yours!”

Fluttershy looked upon her own necklace, smiling warmly. All the other ponies acknowledged their new jewelry bestowed upon them by the elements’ power.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Aw yeah!” Rainbow said proudly, admiring her own.

“Hey girls, check out mine!” Storm said, tapping his chest. “Not to brag, but I think mine’s the best one! It’s got a little of every element on it.”

Strapped to his chest was a special golden chest plate, a shield and two swords in the center, and all the colors of the six elements surrounding it. Atop his head sat a magnificent golden crown somewhat similar to Twilights, except the center jewel of his was a gold star

“Let’s not go that far, Storm,” Rainbow smirked.

All the ponies ‘oohed’ and ‘awed’ at their elements, as Twilight admired her tiara with a big smile.

“Gee, Twilight!” Applejack spoke. “I thought you two were just spoutin’ a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.

“Indeed you do…”

A majestic voice draws the group toward the window, as the sun returns, and a warm light enters the castle ruins. As the familiar golden orb of hope and light ignited the dark sky, another made its way before the ponies. And there, standing majestically before them, was Princess Celestia herself, towering before her subjects. All, minus Twilight and Storm, bowed before their mighty ruler. The two ponies in question were all too happy to see her again.

“Princess Celestia!” Storm and Twilight gasped.

The unicorns rushed towards their mentor, sharing a warm embrace.

“Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, my faithful students,” Celestia said proudly. “I knew you could do it.”

“But… You told me it was all an old pony-tale,” Twilight pointed out.

“I told you and Storm that you needed to make some friends, nothing more,” Celestia corrected.

As the other ponies stood up, minus Fluttershy given her shy nature, Celestia continued as it all became clear for her students.

“I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon’s return, and I knew it was you both who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.”

Celestia’s words spoke directly to Twilight Sparkle, given she was the one who not only discovered how her friends represented the elements, but that Storm Shield was destined to be the seventh. Twilight turned toward the other ponies, offering a grateful smile.

“Now if only another will as well,” Princess Celestia said.

The seven ponies turned as Princess Celestia made her way towards what remained of Nightmare Moon, or rather her true form…

“Princess Luna!”

There, sitting upon the remains of now useless pebbles and shards, a lighter blue alicorn, with an even lighter mane and tail, met their gaze. The paleness of her coat and mane a sign she had been drained of her magical power, the alicorn much smaller in size compared to the white-coated Princess Celestia. She gasped upon hearing her name, one she hadn’t heard in so long, as she looked toward Princess Celestia fearfully.

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

Every ponies’ jaws dropped upon that startling twist.

“Sister?” Twilight, Storm, and Rainbow said at once.

“Will you accept my friendship?” Celestia offered, extending a hoof.

The other ponies leaned forward with interest, anxiously waiting to see how Luna would answer. Pinkie Pie, however, learned too far forward.

“Whoa!” She called, losing her balance.

After a brief moment, Princess Luna burst into tears and raced to embrace her older sister.

“I’m so sorry!” Luna sobbed. “I missed you so much, big sister!”

Tears formed on the bottom of Celestia’s eyes, holding Luna close.

“I’ve missed you, too,” Princess Celestia said, tearfully.

That was when Pinkie Pie burst into tears, sobbing… For a few seconds, before blowing her nose.

“Hey, you know what this calls for?” She asked.

<>

“A party!”

It wasn’t long before the seven ponies, and the two princesses, returned to Ponyville, as the entire town cheered for the princesses’ return, as the celebrations began. Amongst the crowd, Spike appeared giving both Twilight and Storm a warm welcome. Princess Luna, unsure about being there, was suddenly approached by two young Pegasus foals presenting her with a beautiful necklace of roses, as she gave Celestia a teary smile. All of Ponyville was happy… Except two.

Despite their success, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield exchanged sad faces with one another, assuming this is how it all ends.

“Why so glum, my faithful students?” Princess Celestia asked gently. “Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?”

Exchanging looks once more, Twilight and Storm turned toward their friends, who seemed sad that they were about to leave.

“That’s just it,” Twilight spoke. “Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, we have to leave them.”

“I really don’t want to, your highness,” Storm added. “I’m not sure why, but I somehow feel as if I fit in around here more than I ever felt back in Canterlot. Truth be told I was hoping to request a transfer, to find my own place, and maybe continue my studies here… Just for me. But…”
Storm Shield paused before turning toward Twilight Sparkle, looking her straight in the eyes.

“… I realized that no matter where I go or what I choose to do, I don’t want to be without my best friend. Twilight and I are a team; I need her as much as she needs me… Maybe way more. It wouldn’t make sense for one to go off without the other, so… Wherever Twilight goes, even if she drives me crazy, I always want to be by her side no matter what.”

Twilight Sparkle gave Storm Shield a warm hug, as they exchange smiles. Princess Celestia smiled, understandingly.

“Spike take a note please,” She commanded.

On command, a quill and parchment in hand, Spike took notes as Princess Celestia made an announcement before all the ponies in Ponyville.

“I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorns, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. They must continue to study the magic of friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville.”

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield smile excitedly, as the rest of the ponies cheered, and their new friends gathered around them for a group hug.

“Oh thank you, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said happily. “We’ll study harder than ever before!”

Storm Shield nodded in agreement, as all of Ponyville cheered once more. As Storm Shield looked around, to all their friends gathered together, he had to admit… What started as a simple research project would evolve into a brand-new adventure. He may not know where their journey will take them, what dangers they may encounter, or how this entire experience will forever affect his life. But come what may, Storm Shield couldn’t wait to get started.

“Isn’t this exciting?” Pinkie Pie popped out. “Are you excited, cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went *DEEP GASP* but I mean really—”

“Okay, okay,” Storm spoke, pushing Pinkie aside. “That’s enough for today; nothing to see. That’s all folks! Hmm… You know, I kind of like the sound of that.”

https://m.

“Th-th-th-that’s all folks!” Storm Shield announces, as the scene fades to black.

Winter Wrap Up

Author's Note

Happy Easter to everyone!

Winter Wrap Up

Just outside the Grand Oak Library, the crickets chirp along in the early morning. Twilight Sparkle and Spike laid fast asleep in their tiny sleeping questions. As Spike snored heavily in his basket, Twilight awoke with a gasp.

“Spike, wake up!” Twilight said excitedly. “Wake up, wake up, wake, up, it’s Winter Wrap Up Day!”

“Huh? Mommy?” Spike mumbled, opening his sleepy eyes.

“Winter Wrap Up!” Twilight repeated, in the young dragon’s face.

“You’re not mommy,” Spike replied, falling back to sleep.

“Spike, the first day of spring is tomorrow,” Twilight informed. “So every pony in Ponyville needs to clean up winter. Now help me get ready.”

Shortly after checking her calendar, noting the hand drawn tree on the date, Twilight jumps into a pair of short yellow boots and tied what appeared to be a fleece saddle, which she struggles to keep in place along her back.

“Clean up winter?” Spike asked sleepily. “Who cleans up winter? Don’t they just use magic to change the seasons like they do in Canterlot?”

“No Spike, Ponyville was started by Earth ponies,” Twilight explained. “So for hundreds of years they’ve never used magic to clean up winter. It’s traditional.”

No sooner did she say it when her saddle fell off and she sighed heavily.

“It’s ridiculous!” Spike remarked. “No magic… fuh!”

Ignoring Spike’s comments, Twilight retied her saddle back in place, grabbed her pink and white scarf, which she secured tightly around her neck, and went over a checklist.

“Okay, let’s see… scarf, check; boots, check; Spike refusing to get up and going back to sleep, check.”

Twilight Sparkle leaves a checkmark off every item recorded on her list.

“It’s a good thing I’m so organized, I’m ready. Bright and early!”

Twilight opens the door… only to find it was still dark out and no pony else was up. If one were to guess, it was approximately three or four in the morning.

“Oh… maybe a little too early,” Twilight chuckled sheepishly.

https://m.

After her slight mishap, Twilight removed her gear and returned to bed. She found it difficult to fall back asleep since she was too excited about Winter Wrap Up and decided to do some reading. So into her book, it felt like minutes passed at a rapid pace.

*KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!*

Knocks at the door draw Twilight’s attention. Putting her book down, she opened the door to find Storm Shield, standing outside and wearing just a light blue winter hat upon his head.

“Morning Twilight,” Storm greeted. “Excited for your first Winter Wrap Up?”

“I sure am!” Twilight said, looking outside. “But it’s still dark out.”

“Not for long…”

Storm leaned his head out, showing Twilight a golden light beginning to remove the darkness in the early winter sky from the horizon.

“Oh, it’s time!” Twilight observed. “Let me get Spike and we can get going.

Storm nodded, as he watched Twilight race upstairs.

“Sure you don’t want me carrying mister sleepyhead?” Storm called out.

“I’ve got him!” Twilight called back.

It isn’t long before Twilight Sparkle climbed downstairs, with the still snoozing dragon nestled on her back.

“Well come on, let’s get going!” Twilight urged.

“Oh, before we do, could we stop at the train station?” Storm asked.

“Why?”

Storm smiled brightly as he used his magic to lift a rolled-up scroll from his saddlebags. Unrolling the paper, he passed it over to Twilight, who reads it slowly.

Hey Storm,
I’ve missed you so much since you and Twilight moved to Ponyville. Honestly though, I wish I had gone with you sometimes. Life in Canterlot is so boring without you. Don’t get me wrong, I love helping mom and dad in the shop, but it gets really old after a while. Matter of fact, I’ve missed you so much that I have a little surprise for you. I’m coming to Ponyville to visit you and to see for myself how the citizens deal with this ‘Winter Wrap Up’ I keep hearing about. I should be arriving in Ponyville on the early morning train.

I can’t wait to see my big brother again.

Love always,
Rose Gold

Twilight Sparkle glanced from the scroll with a smile on her face that rivaled that of Storm’s perfectly.

“Oh… my… GOSH!!!” She squealed.

“I know right?!” Storm said excitedly. “Little Rosie’s coming to Ponyville today!”

“You think I can come to the station with you? I really want to meet the little sister you always talk about.”

“Absolutely!” Storm nodded. “If I know Rosie, she’ll want to meet you just as much.”

<>

A short while later, the two unicorns trotted along through town while little Spike snoozed lazily on Twilight’s back. Arriving at the train station, both ponies stood anxiously awaiting the arrival of Rose Gold. Eventually, the white puffs of the Ponyville Express drew closer as the train itself came into view. Coming to a screeching halt, the train doors opened up and a light rose gold Pegasus mare stepped off.

She had a bright yellow mane with a single pink streak going down the middle and a purply flower nestled perfectly over one ear. She had the same amazing teal eyes Storm had and a bouquet of assorted flowers for a cutie mark.

“ROSIE!!!” Storm yelled.

Rose Gold turned and saw her older brother running full speed toward her. A huge smile spread across her face, as she quickly galloped in his direction as well. The two siblings soon met in the middle with a huge hug.

“I’ve missed my Rosie sooooo much!” Storm said, ruffling his sister’s mane.

“I’ve missed you too big bro!” Rose giggled. “Now can you please stop messing up my hair?”

Finally, Storm let go and just stared at his sister joyfully.

“Sorry bout that,” He apologized. “I’m just so glad to see you again. How have things been going back in Canterlot? Are mom and dad doing good?”

“They’re doing about as good as they can,” Rose answered. “Business is booming and doing really well. Fancy Pants comes in every day and practically clears the shelves, buying all the flowers he can for Fleur de Lis.”

“Well that’s good. Fancy Pants is our family’s best customer.”

Then Rose looked past Storm, catching Twilight standing there and waving. She walked past her brother, approached the unicorn mare, and shook her hoof.

“And you must be Twilight Sparkle!” She greeted. “The mare my big brother always talks about!”

“Yep, that’s me!” Twilight nodded. “It’s nice to finally meet you Rose Gold. Storm’s told me so much about you!”

“He’s mentioned you quite a lot too!” Rose grinned.

Hearing this made Twilight face Storm, who blushed fiercely. She gave a humorous grin and a sly look in her eyes.

“And what kinds of things has Storm said about me?” She asked mischievously.

“Oh, just that you’re the most…”

Storm quickly ran up and placed a hoof over his sister’s mouth, laughing nervously.

“Well, this certainly has been fun and all!” He chuckled. “But we probably should get moving; we’re supposed to meet Mayor Mare in town.”

Storm proceeded to lead the mares toward town hall. Despite running all the way there, the sun was already drawing high in the sky. Dozens of other ponies were already gathering around the area surrounding the cylinder-shaped building. Twilight soon noticed most of the ponies were wearing colorful uniforms.

“Those must be the team vests Rarity designed,” Twilight pointed out. “Blue for the weather team, green for the plant team, and tan for the animal team. I wonder which team vest we’ll be wearing.”

“Good question,” Storm replied. “Truth be told I haven’t really thought about vests. I just want to help anyway I can, but if we’re lucky we’ll get to be on the same team.”

“Oh Storm, we do things together all the time. No harm in being on separate teams.”

“I guess not…” Storm nodded.

“Ah, don’t fret big brother!” Rose smiled. “Whatever vests we receive, the important thing is helping Ponyville get ready for spring.”

“I’ll take a blue vest, same color as my blanket,” Spike remarked sleepily. “Which I think I hear calling me name. ‘Spike! Spike! Come to bed!’. Ugh, it’s too early.”

Twilight, Storm, and Rose Gold chuckled to each other just as Mayor Mare appeared before all the ponies.

“Thank you every pony, for being here bright and early,” Mayor Mare said proudly. “We need every single pony’s help to wrap up winter and bring in spring.”

The ponies cheered as Twilight hopped up and down amongst the crowd of ponies.

“Now all of you have your vests and have been assigned to your teams,” Mayor Mare continued. “So let’s do better than last year and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up ever!”

The ponies cheered again.

“Oh, this is so exciting!” Twilight said.

“It sure is,” Storm agreed. “But why did Mayor Mare say every pony has their vests and assigned teams? I never received my notification or my vest for that matter.”

“Maybe it got lost in the mail,” Rose guessed.

“All right every pony, find your team leader, and lets get galloping,” Mayor Mare finished.

“I better go up and see if there’s anything I can offer to help,” Rose informed her brother. “Maybe I can find time and speak with the Mayor about getting you guys a vest.”

“Thanks sis,” Storm smiled.

He watched her take off to join the other ponies, as a sigh escaped his lips.

“Well now what do we do, Twi? I hope this isn’t like magic school where I’m stuck having captains telling each other to pick me.”

Suddenly, memories of his days on the track team popped in his mind. Memories that haunted him to this very day. Storm isn’t the only pony concerned, as Twilight was rather overwhelmed.

“Oh gosh, where should I go?” She wondered. “I’m not sure where I fit in. What exactly does every pony do?”

It was then the screen went black, and a single spotlight appeared around Rainbow Dash. It appeared to be time for another one…

And not a Pinkie Pie number… phew!

Anyways, the spotlight moved from Rainbow Dash switching to another pony for each new solo.

https://m.

Rainbow Dash (sings):
Three months of winter coolness
And awesome holidays

Pinkie Pie (sings):
We've kept our hoovsies warm at home
Time off from work to play

Applejack (sings):
But the food we've stored is runnin' out
And we can't grow in this cold

Rarity (sings):
And even though I love my boots
This Fashion's getting old

As the spotlight goes from each of the Mane Six, Twilight and Storm stroll about the town.

Twilight Sparkle (sings):
The time has to welcome spring
and all things warm and green

Storm Shield (sings):
But it's also time to say goodbye
It's winter we must clean

Twilight & Storm (sings):
How can I help? I'm new you see
What does everypony do?
How do I fit in without magic?
I haven't got a clue!

And sure enough, several ponies began to dance and join their respective teams.

Chorus (sings):
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap up!

Applejack (sings):
'Cause tomorrow spring-

Rainbow Dash (sings):
-is here!

Chorus (sings):
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Several Pegasi take to the air, clearing and moving the unwanted clouds from the sky. Half of which aid the birds on their return trip from the south.

Rainbow (sings):
Being home the southern birds
A Pegasus' job begins
And clearing all the gloomy skies
To let the sunshine in
We move the clouds
And we melt the white snow

Rainbow & Pinkie (sings):
When the sun comes up
It's warmth and beauty glow!

Some ponies began collecting and materials for Rarity, while others proceed with the snow removal tasks.

Chorus (sings):
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Work for the nests and baskets get underway with Rarity in charge of the process.

Rarity (sings):
Little critters hibernate
Under the snow and ice

Fluttershy, along with several ponies, help awaken the hibernating animals. They provide some food and even clean their sleeping spaces. Few birds encircle Twilight, Storm, and Spike shortly before flying off.

Fluttershy (sings):
We wake up all their sleepy heads
So quietly and nice

Rarity (sings):
We help them gather up their food
Fix their homes below

Fluttershy (sings):
We welcome back the southern birds

Fluttershy & Rarity (sings):
So their families can grow!

The ponies proceed to remove the snow from the trees. Twilight, Storm, and Mario get a load of snow dumped on them. They quickly look up and glare when they find out Rainbow was the one who dropped the snow on them.

Chorus (sings):
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up! ([Rarity] Winter, Winter])
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up! ([Rarity] Winter, Winter])
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up! ([Rarity] Winter, Winter])
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Some ponies proceed to clear the snow from the farming grounds, allowing the rest to till the land.

Applejack (sings):
No easy task to clear the ground
Plant our tiny seeds
With proper care and sunshine
Everyone it feeds
Apples, carrots, celery stalks
Colorful flowers too
We must work so very hard

Applejack, Cherry Blossom, & Golden Harvest (sings):
It’s just so much to do!

The ponies clear their rooftops of all the excess snow.

Chorus (sings):
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Pinkie Pie (sings):
‘Cause tomorrow spring is here

Chorus (sings):
‘Cause tomorrow spring is here!

Twilight Sparkle (sings):
Now that I know what they all do
I have to find my place

Storm Shield (sings):
And help with all of my heart
Tough task ahead I face

Twilight Sparkle (sings):
Help the Earth pony way
I wanna bring so I must
Do my best today,

Twilight & Storm (sings):
Do my best today!

And the two ponies overlook a cliff as all of Ponyville are hard at work clearing winter.

Chorus (sings):
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
Let's finish our holiday cheer
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
Winter Wrap Up! Winter Wrap Up!

Twilight & Storm (sings):
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here
'Cause tomorrow spring is here!

In three perfect seconds, each team disappeared. Until at last, only Storm and Twilight, even Spike, were left alone to decide where to go and which team to aid.

“Every pony belongs to a team,” Twilight told Spike and Storm. “What should I do? Where should I go?”

“I’m just as unsure as you Twilight,” Storm replied. “Maybe…”

*ZOOM!*

Just then, Rainbow flew by at high speed to the other Pegasi waiting for her in town. She was the captain of the weather team.

“All right team, you’re clear for takeoff!” Rainbow ordered.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight called out.

As the Pegasi took flight into the air, Twilight and the others caught up with the blue Pegasus.

“Oh hey Twilight, Storm, what’s up?” Rainbow asked.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Sending off one of my of my flight crews to retrieve the birds that flew south for the winter,” Rainbow answered.

“Oh, can I help?” Twilight asked eagerly. “How about if I help clear out the clouds?”

“Umm…”

Rainbow raised and flapped her wings, reminding Twilight about a huge flaw with her idea.

“Right…” Twilight remembered. “No wings.”

“Mmm… that’s too bad,” Storm nodded. “But luckily, I planned for that.”

“Excuse me!”

Rainbow Dash turned and spotted Rose Gold fluttering toward her.

“I heard you were sending some ponies to retrieve some birds from the south,” Rose spoke up. “I’d like to help you with that if I can.

Rainbow looked at the newcomer for a moment before facing Twilight and Storm curiously.

“Who’s this?” She asked.

“That’s my sister Rose Gold,” Storm told her. “She’s in town to visit me and watch how Winter Wrap Up works.”

Rainbow smiled, as she landed softly on the ground.

“Well it’s nice to meet ya,” She said. “My name’s Rainbow Dash. Fastest flyer in Equestria and all in all coolest pony you’ll ever meet.”

“Not to mention the biggest show off ever,” Storm whispered.

Rainbow shot a heated glare at Storm, who just turned away and whistled, faking innocence.

“Okay kid, you’re hired,” Rainbow told Rose enthusiastically. “You’ll be with Ditzy Doo’s team to lead the birds back to Ponyville. Now let’s bust some clouds!”

“I won’t let you down Dash ma’am!” Rose smiled, turning to Storm. “Wish me luck big brother!”

“You’re in good hooves Rosie!” Storm waved off.

Storm looked on as Rose flapper her wings and took off into the sky with Rainbow.

“Sorry Twilight and Storm,” Rainbow said.

She took off at high speed, with Rose flapping behind her, startling Twilight a bit as she watched Rainbow and Rose disappear. Storm turned away when he suddenly realized something.

“Oh Rose, did you ever find out—annnnnnnd, she’s gone,” Storm sighed.

“Great, now what do we do?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know about you,” Spike yawned. “But I’m gonna be nappin’.”

Spike was soon snoring, as Twilight poked his cheer with a fore hoof.

“Come on Spike,” Twilight retorted. “This is serious business. Winter needs to be wrapped up, and we’re determined to do our part. Somehow.”

Seeing Twilight looked worried, Storm strolled beside her.

“Let’s keep looking around,” He proposed. “I’m sure there’s plenty to do on the ground.”

Twilight smiled as they continued their search. Soon they found themselves before the Carousel Boutique where Rarity was busy working on a project.

“Rarity, please tell me there’s something, anythingthat we can do to help,” Twilight asked.

Twilight’s tone comes off as nearly pleading as Spike stood between the two girls and the stallion.

“Well, how would you like to help create Ponyville’s finest birds’ nests?” Rarity suggested.

“Birds’ nests?” Twilight asked puzzled.

“Why yes,” Rarity replied. “When the weather team guides the birds back north for the spring, they’ll need a place to lay their eggs.”

Rarity presented a nicely made nest made from scratch.

“Wow Rarity, that one’s really beautiful,” Twilight admired.

“It’s amazing!” Storm added.

“Oh why thank you most sincerely,” Rarity said kindly. “Would you two like to try your hoof at a nest?”

“Would I?!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly. “Yes! Where do I begin?”

“Okay. Now… uh, take some straw and hay over there,” Rarity instructed, handing Twilight the materials.

Twilight worked as she listened to Rarity’s instructions, or at least tried to.

“Now, weave them through there, yes. Uh, take some ribbon, yes, oh uh, n… not there, yes, uh, tuck it over there, uh but be careful not to… I don’t know I guess that would do… oh dear.”

“There!” Twilight said, pleased with herself. “It looks just like… yours. Oh my.”

Twilight then noticed that compared to Rarity’s work that her nest looked like something a foal might have done for a preschool project.

“That nest needs to be condemned,” Spike told Rarity.

“Oh, Spa-ha-hike!” Rarity chuckled. “It’s not so bad, ah, maybe birds can use it as a…”

Rarity did her best not to hurt Twilight’s feelings, whereas Spike…

“An outhouse?” Spike proposed.

The little dragon was not afraid to be directly honest.

“Spike!” Rarity said firmly.

Seeing Twilight looking rather upset and hurt, she did her best to cheer her up.

“It’s just fine.”

Twilight just gave an embarrassed smile.

“Yeah, Spike, it was her first try,” Storm added. “I’d like to see you do better.”

“Well, what about you?” Storm proposed. “You are the artistic one.”

“Fine!” Storm said smugly.

He studied Rarity’s example carefully and proceeded to gather some of the materials.

“Hmm… let’s see, a little of that… that goes there… and this ties to… uh-huh, uh-huh. Got it!”

Storm quickly shifted his hooves over the materials, crafting a perfect replica of Rarity’s nest in mere seconds. Then he made another, then another, and then another… till he made a good dozen perfect nests.

“It gets easier once you do it over and over again and… oh…”

Storm’s excitement soon disappeared as Twilight gave him an irritated glare.

“I’m sorry… I’ll stop for now.”

“Yours is just fine,” Rarity assured Twilight. “It’s just a little rough around the edges. Let me lend you a hoof.”

Rarity pushed Twilight aside, trying to tweak it.

“Let’s just untie this ribbon, and let me take out these sticks here, we’ll shave this…”

Rarity continued to mumble as Twilight sunk her head lower and lower in defeat.

“Hmm…” She groaned.

Soon she, Spike, and Storm were right behind Rarity as her mumbling continued.

“I think we lost her,” Spike observed.

Twilight just lowered her head and walked sadly away.

“Ah, and we need to weave the string…”

Rarity continued to mumble, not knowing the two ponies and dragon disappeared.

<>

Soon the three friends found themselves along the outskirts of Ponyville, where they discovered a familiar pink pony on some ice.

“Helloooooo, Twilight! Storm! Wheeeeeee!”

Pinkie called out from the ice as she continued to skate about gracefully. Twilight and the gang made their way down toward the lake.

“Wow Pinkie Pie, you’re quite the skater,” Twilight said. “Probably the best skater I’ve ever seen.”

“I didn’t know you were skilled in figure skating,” Storm added, rather impressed.

“Thanks Twilight and Storm,” Pinkie answered. “I’ve been doing this since I was an itty-bitty, little-whittle, Twinkie-Pinkie. Just comes natural, which is probably why they designated me the lake scorer.”

“Lake scorer?” Storm asked curiously.

“Sure! I cut lines in the lake with my skates. That way, when the rest of the weather team comes here to break the ice, it will be easy as pie.”

Pinkie continued to skate about to demonstrate her point.

“How clever!” Twilight said. “When the thick ice begins to melt, it will break along those lines.”

“Well, you sure have lots of work ahead of you,” Storm added. “There’s quite a few lakes that make up Ponyville.”

“Ha! Tell me about it,” Pinkie said wearily, then getting an idea. “Hey, Twilight and Storm, wanna help me out?”

“Would I?” Twilight replied excitedly for both of them.

“Come on, put on those skates over there,” Pinkie said. “I bet you’ll be a natural too.”

“Okay,” Twilight nodded.

She rushed over to gather Pinkie’s spare skates. Meanwhile, Storm reached into his own bag.

“Good thing I packed my old pair,” Storm replied. “A little bit rusty…”

“Ooh, you shouldn’t go skating on rusty skates,” Pinkie said. “I think I’ve got another pair…”

“Oh no, no, no! I mean my skills are rusty,” Storm corrected. “I haven’t gone skating in years.”

Storm proceeds to put on some light-blue skates along all four hooves.

“What do you know? They still fit!”

Storm worked his way onto the ice, wobbling before getting his balance. But soon the stallion was skating about as gracefully as Pinkie, as the Party Pony skated alongside him.

“My Storm, you are natural!” Pinkie said. “Come dance with me.”

Storm rolled his eyes before he got an idea.

“If we skate side by side, we can make twice as many lines while we dance,” Storm proposed.

“What a great idea!” Pinkie replied. “Let’s dance!”

Soon the two were enjoying themselves, doing steps, flips, balancing poses, and more together in sync. But poor Twilight had trouble just trying to stand up with her skates. The unicorn could barely keep her stomach from hitting the ice.

“Uh… maybe on second thought…” Twilight began.

“What are you talking about?” Spike protested. “You said you wanted to be helpful.”

“Yippie!”

“HA-HA!!!”

The chortling between Storm Shield and Pinkie Pie drew Twilight’s attention, as she watched them skate across the lake.

“Now get out there,” Spike urged.

Spike pushed Twilight forward, but unfortunately he shoved her so hard she soon skated too fast with little control over her momentum.

“Oh no! Whoa, wow…” Twilight retorted.

She tried to gain control of her momentum on the ice. Seeing their friend in trouble, Pinkie stopped skating while Storm went after her.

“Twilight, steer! Steer!” Pinkie shouted.

Storm managed to keep Twilight from sailing off the ice, but Twilight moved so frantically he was soon holding onto her with his back hooves off the ground.

“Yaaaaa!” Twilight screamed.

Storm tried getting his back hooves on the ice, but it was no use. And the two unicorns skated straight toward a certain party pony.

“Oh boy…” Pinkie said.

*WHAM!*

Twilight collided with Pinkie Pie and all three screamed. Spike was too busy laughing until they collided with him and crashed into the snow. Their collision created a snow-pony made out of three snowballs. Spike at the top, followed by Pinkie in the center, and Twilight as the bottom ball. Where was Storm? Why he was the platform beneath the snow-pony.

“Pwuh!” Spike spluttered, poking his eyes from his snowball.

Pinkie and Twilight just poked their eyes out of their snowballs.

“Mmmmmmm-mmmmmmm!” Storm muffled, beneath the snow.

Spike rolled off of Pinkie and Twilight laughing, as the two ponies scooted over so Storm could poke his head from the snow.

“Ow, my back!!!” Storm muttered.

“Ha, ha, you are a natural, Twilight!” Spike laughed. “A natural disaster.”

“Twilight, you did a great job your first time around,” Pinkie said cheerfully. “I’m sure my first time was just as wobbly and bobbly and crasheriffic as yours.”

“Really?” Twilight said hopefully.

Unfortunately, Pinkie’s usual smile went straight.

“No,” Pinkie said point blank.

Spike chuckled, while Storm gave him a death glare. Suffice to say, Twilight felt rather discouraged.

“But did I make you feel better?” Pinkie asked.

“Mm-hmm, yeah I guess,” Twilight answered, unable to hide her disappointment.

“I think you’ll be super awesome at something that keeps your hooves on the ground,” Pinkie suggested. “I know Fluttershy could probably use your help with the critters.”

“A simple job for simple ponies,” Storm declared.

“Well… I’m pretty good with little animals,” Twilight said. “Yeah, I’ll go help her.”

Twilight tried to skate away.

“Uh… it’s, ah, that a-way,” Pinkie pointed, in the opposite direction.

“Yaaaaa!” Twilight screamed, as Spike laughed.

Storm angrily dumped a pile of snow on Spike before skating off to catch Twilight. Spike popped out from the snow pile indignantly before catching up with the two ponies.

<>

Naturally finding Fluttershy was easier than they thought, since they found her near a large collection of holes in the ground. The yellow Pegasus just used her bell and was now halfway inside a nearby hole.

“Wake up, little sleepy heads,” Fluttershy said gently. “Hope you had some wonderful dreams and restful hibernation, but it’s time to get up now, spring is coming.”

Two little hedgehogs yawned, as they crawled from their holes.

“Aww, how cute,” Twilight said, as the hedgehog walked away.

“Hey there, little guys!” Storm waved to them.

They began to say something in their language to him, but Storm understood what they were saying.

“Oh okay, but just this once,” Storm said.

He then did a few spin jumps for them and rolled about in a ball. The two hedgehogs applauded him.

“Hey, it’s thanks to you guys I can do that,” Storm replied, as he waved goodbye.

“They are cute, aren’t they?” Fluttershy replied once Storm finished. “This is my favorite task the whole season when I get to see my little animal friends again.”

“Uh, what’s ‘hibernation’?” Spike asked, uttering the last word slowly.

“It’s like a long sleep,” Fluttershy answered.

“Long sleep?” Spike repeated.

“Yes,” Fluttershy said.

She proceeded to ring her bell again toward another animal hole.

“Wake up little porcupines!” Fluttershy called out, facing her friends. “Animals often hibernate through the winter to save their energy and eat less food.”

“I definitely like the idea of hibernation,” Spike replied, as two porcupine leave. “Uh, except for the ‘eat less food’ part.”

They yawned as they went to give each other a hug, but then yelped as they ended up striking each other with their quills.

“Oh, would you just look at all these warrens and dens,” Fluttershy surveyed the holes. “I’m worried that I won’t be able to wake up every animal before spring comes.”

“Well, Storm and I can help, Fluttershy,” Twilight suggested.

“You will?” Fluttershy said happily. “Oh, that would be wonderful.”

Fluttershy handed Twilight a bell. Storm pulled out a spare from his saddlebag and followed Fluttershy toward the other dens. Twilight looked around to decide which hole she wanted to try first.

“Okay, let’s start there,” Twilight said, making her choice.

She gave the bell in her mouth a light ring.

“Hello?” Twilight called, peeking inside. “Wake up little friends, wherever you are. Spring is coming.”

Twilight gave her bell another ring.

“I wonder which cute little furry creatures I’ve awoken,” Twilight said excitedly.

She soon got her answer as three creatures gave her a loud hiss.

“Waaa! Snakes! Snakes!” Twilight yelped.

The unicorn quickly backed away right past Fluttershy and Storm, who had just taken care of a couple of dens when Twilight went by and right into a large cave. Twilight raced out screaming as some bats flew out. She was so focused on running away she crashed right into a tree.

“Ugh!” Twilight grunted.

Storm and Fluttershy looked up as a nearby beehive fell from its branches and landed right onto her head. Twilight screamed again, as she raced away from the pursuing bees toward another hole.

“Ugh!” Twilight groaned.

This time she ran into a hole which belong to a couple skunks. Spike held his nose and Storm covered his own as the two skunks walked out, stink and all.

“Good morning, friends,” Fluttershy said sweetly.

Twilight just groaned from inside the cave.

“I’ll get her,” Storm said, his voice nasally.

He equipped a beehive suit with a gas mask. It didn’t help that Twilight screamed when he saw him either. But once she realized it was Storm, she let him carry her back to the library…

But not after smacking him for frightening her first.

<>

In the main library, Storm waited while rubbing his sore face. Spike was with Twilight in the pantry since the only cure for skunk stench was bathing in tomato sauce (Or paste, whichever was available). Spike busily washed Twilight as she sat in the tub groaning. Not only was she stinky, but her face was covered in bee stings.

“All this Winter Wrap Up stuff is a lot harder than it looks,” Twilight sighed. “For most of us…”

The last few words emerged bitterly, as Twilight glared outside the door where Storm stood waiting. But Spike didn’t seem to notice, the dragon himself kept a pin over his nose to keep the smell from entering his nostrils.

“Right, because there’s no magic,” Spike replied nasally. “Why don’t you just use magic, Twilight, and get it done the right way?”

“No, no, no!” Twilight retored. “I’m gonna find some other way even if it kills me.”

“I wouldn’t joke about that, Twilight,” Storm replied, outside the door.

It didn’t help since the door didn’t block out any of the conversation.

“You stay out of this!” Twilight yelled angrily.

Spike shook his head as he dumped another can of tomato sauce on her head. Storm grumbled but kept quiet all the same. At least until Twilight emerged so he could give her the cream that would heal the bee stings.

<>

Once Twilight was stink free and healed, the three friends quietly made their way towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“Keep pushin’, Caramel!” Applejack called, from a distance. “That’s it, Bumpkin! I know it’s hard work, but you guys are doing great. Yee-haw!”

“Hey Applejack!” Twilight called, as she and the boys arrived. “How’s everything going?!”

“Oh just dandy,” Applejack replied. “A little slow startin’, but peachy all the same. There’s a lot of ground to clear, ya hear? We can’t even start the plantin’ and the waterin’ until we git all this heap of snow hightailed outta here.”

“Okie-Dokie!” Storm said. “Watch this!”

Storm jumped into the air, curled into a ball, rolled himself about to dig deep into the snow, and sped away, while his trail was thinner than the other colts pushing the snowplows. Still, he was clearing the land at a much faster pace. Twilight just rolled his eyes at him before remembering why she was there.

“Well, I’d like to help,” Twilight offered.

“Well, I… I dunnoa Twilight,” Applejack said uncertainly.

“Just give me a chance,” Twilight proposed with a toothy smile.

“Well, I never turn down a hard worker, but…”

Applejack didn’t get to finish as Twilight walked over to the snowplow and climbed into it.

“Ugh… ugh!” Twilight struggled, gasping.

She tried to move the snowplow forward, but she couldn’t get it to budge. She stopped for a second and looked back. Both Spike and Applejack shook their heads. It was then Twilight remembered what Spike said:

“Think of how much quicker they could wrap up winter with your magic.”

Twilight still wasn’t sure till Storm zoomed past her at high speed. Her hesitancy seemed to disappear once she saw the colt easily clear the snow without a snowplow.

“I could use a come-to-life spell,” Twilight told herself, making her horn glow. “Here goes…”

Soon the snowplow began to move on its own at a steady pace. Twilight moved at the same speed just to avoid suspicion. The other colts thought something was off and NOT because she was a mare. Applejack, however, was no dummy either.

“Hmm… she’s awful strong for such a little pony,” She remarked suspiciously.

Spike noticed the faint glow and smiled.

“That’s my girl, following my advice,” Spike said.

“And what in tarnation does that mean?” Applejack asked, glaring at him.

Before Spike could answer, Twilight suddenly realized her snowplow was picking up its pace. Soon it was pushing her forward and she couldn’t control it anymore.

“Uh-oh,” Twilight gasped. “Slow down. Slow down!”

But it was no good, her snowplow spiraled out of control. She barely avoided the other colts and soon found herself creating a large snowball in front of her plow. She tried her hardest to regain control, but because she couldn’t see, she ended up colliding with Spike and Applejack. Spike and Applejack yelped and cried out as they went round and round inside the snowball.

“Whoa-oa-oa!” Spike yelped.

“What’s going on?” Applejack demanded, speaking each sentence when her head rolled. “Wha’d’ya do? You used magic, didn’t you?”

Before Twilight could reply, they collided into a dirt wall barrier near a nearby hill. Since the hill was loaded with snow, it caused a large avalanche. The snow covered a large portion of the land the colts spent most of the day clearing. They all gave Twilight a distant glare as the two ponies and Spike popped themselves out of the snow. Storm had just arrived to get them out.

“You girls alright?” Storm asked.

“Nuts, Twilight!” Applejack said sternly. “You used magic!”

“The nerve!” Spike added in disapproval. “Can you believe her?”

Applejack just glared, but not as heavily as Storm. He couldn’t stand seeing Spike dump all the blame on Twilight that way.

“It was your idea, genius!” Storm retorted.

Spike just chuckled sheepishly, as Applejack turned back toward Twilight.

“That’s not how we do it ‘round here, Twilight,” Applejack scolded severely. “And especially not around MY FARM!”

Poor Twilight, whether Applejack intended to or not, was on the verge of tears.

“Well, see, I just wanted to…”

Twilight couldn’t say anymore, she just released a whine before taking off as fast as she could. Storm turned toward Applejack, who soon regretted being so harsh toward Twilight.

“That was nicely handled, Applejack!” Storm spoke disapprovingly, before racing off.

“Storm…” Applejack called.

But it was too late. Storm Shield was already after Twilight, just barely able to keep up.

“Twilight! Twilight wait up!” Storm called.

Eventually, he caught up with her and raced in front of her.

“Look, it was an accident and Applejack just lost her…”

“Just leave me alone!” Twilight yelled, her voice cracking. “I don’t need you showing me you can do anything while I can’t do anything at all!”

“But I was just…”

But Twilight took off again, leaving Storm sitting in the snow as she disappeared and he in turn watched her leave.

“I was just trying to help…” Storm sighed, shedding a few tears.

<>

It was late afternoon by the time Storm Shield and Spike found Twilight. The unicorn hid herself inside a bush just outside the town hall building. While Spike tried to talk to Twilight, Storm said nothing. After his spat with Twilight, still upset over being yelled at and uncertain how he could help, he did the one thing he did know how to do. Sitting with his hind legs crossed, his front hooves extended, his eyes shut, and breathing heavily… meditating.

“Come on, Twilight,” Spike said. “Come on out.”

“I’m a winter mess up,” Twilight sighed sadly, her voice muffled by the bush.

“Well, you’re good at a lot of things,” Spike pointed out. “Just not nest-making, ice-skating, animal-waking, and snow clearing…”

“Thanks a lot for making me feel so much better,” Twilight remarked with a small whine.

“That’s what I’m here for, sister,” Spike said proudly.

Storm would’ve face-hoofed himself if he wasn’t trying so hard to focus.

“I don’t know if it’s lack of sleep or not, Spike,” He spoke sternly. “But you’re sensitivity to Twilight’s problems are really off today.”

“Like yours?” Twilight snapped. “Always acting like everything’s so easy! While you make me look like a big goof?!”

“Ease off the guy, Twilight,” Spike said. “It’s not like he’s doing that on purpose!”

“I can’t help it if these jobs come easy for me,” Storm replied. “I didn’t expect you to hate me for it.”

Twilight just released a long, heavy sigh.

“I don’t hate you, Storm,” Twilight said softly. “It’s just I…”

“NOT here… Twilight,” Storm interrupted, his back against Twilight. “Not… now.”

Twilight Sparkle peeked out the bush toward her friend, who just sat there trying to meditate and find his inner peace. Her face grew sadder, with heavy regret for lashing out at one of her closest friends and for what? Just because she was frustrated for not getting things right. Another sigh escaped her lips, wondering how this day couldn’t possibly get any worse.

“Rainbow Dash, y’all on the weather team need to melt the rest of the snow here on the ground and in the trees, pronto!” Applejack ordered, a few feet away.

Twilight peeked out from the bush, while Storm’s left eye opened out of curiosity. Apparently, something was up as Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy stood outside town hall.

“Got it!” Rainbow replied.

She went to take off but was then stopped.

“Wait!” Fluttershy said. “My poor little animals’ homes will get flooded if the snow melts too fast.”

“Got it,” Rainbow said.

She went to leave but was stopped… again.

“I’m tellin’ you, Rainbow,” Applejack said, losing patience. “You gotta melt that snow now.”

“No, you simply must wait,” Fluttershy said.

“Okay,” Rainbow said.

But there was no mistaking, Rainbow Dash was unsure what to do now.

“Go!” Applejack ordered.

“Stop!” Fluttershy said after.

“Go!”

“Stop!”

“GO!”

“STOP!”

“Ugh! Make up your minds!” Rainbow snapped loudly.

Before things could heat up further, Mayor Mare arrived to investigate the dissention amongst the towns-ponies.

“Oh! What in Equestria are all you arguing about?” Mayor Mare demanded. “This sort of silliness is why we were late for spring last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.”

“Did she say late?” Twilight and Storm said in unison.

This comes as quite a surprise for the Canterlot unicorns, as Twilight completely poked her head from the bush. So apparently, this had happened before.

“I was hoping my amazingly inspirational speech would urge everyone to do better than last year,” Mayor Mare continued. “But now it looks like we’re going to be later than ever. I mean just look at this catastrophe! The ice scorers made the chunks too big to melt…”

Pinkie just shrugged her shoulders sadly, not understanding what went wrong.

“… The next designer is horrendously behind, we need several hundred, and she’s only made one… oh wait… thirteen… but still not enough…”

Poor Rarity spent so much time trying to fix Twilight’s poorly made nest that she neglected to make the rest. Rarity began sobbing loudly before planting her face into the nest.

“… And don’t get me started on all the clouds in the sky, the icicles on the trees…” Mayor Mare said worriedly. “This isn’t good, not at all.”

“And it’s gonna be to pieces disastrous if we can’t get our seeds planted,” Applejack added.

“Chillax Applejack!” Rainbow replied. “We’re bustin’ our chops as fast as we can.”

“No, not fast!” Fluttershy warned. “We have to wake animals slowly.”

It was then Big MacIntosh arrived with Caramel by his side, looking glum and nervous.

“Uh A.J.?” Big Mac spoke up.

Applejack looked at Caramel’s face, knowing what had happened.

“Oh good gravy!” Applejack retorted. “Caramel lost the grass seeds again, didn’t he?”

Caramel just gave an apologetic look.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac answered for him.

“Ditzy Doo accidentally went north to get the southern birds!” A Pegasus named Rainbowshine grunted.

“ROSIE!!!” Storm gasped.

It dawned on him that Rose Gold was assigned with Ditzy Doo to help with the birds, and realized they must’ve gone the wrong direction.

“Oh that featherbrain!” Rainbow replied, very annoyed. “Didn’t she learn her lesson last year when she went west?”

Soon pony after pony appeared, grumbling and complaining to each other. But not for long.

“Stop this at once!” Mayor Mare said sternly. “We don’t have time to argue. It’s almost sundown. Spring is going to be late again. Another year of scandal and shame. If only we could be more organized.”

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked frantically. “What are we going to do?!?!”

It was then Twilight got a brilliant idea.

“Spike! Get my checklist and clipboard, STAT!” Twilight said.

“Eh, yes, ma’am!” Spike said.

“Storm, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Twilight asked.

Storm turned toward Twilight’s face, taking a moment to think… then he smiled in realization.

“Let’s do this!” Storm replied confidently.

Twilight gave him a quick hug, making him blush a bit before Twilight addressed the arguing ponies.

“Stop, every pony!” She called out.

But she could not be heard amidst all the arguing.

“Stop!” Twilight tried again, as a bird chirped next to her.

All the ponies in town were still arguing when…

CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRP!!!

Twilight used her magic to enhance the bird’s chirping, making it louder and stronger. Every pony stopped arguing, turning to face her. The bird didn’t take fondly of being used as a whistle as it glared at the purple pony.

“Sorry,” Twilight said quickly to the bird.

And the bird took off as Twilight addressed the crowd.

“I know you all want to complete your jobs on time. But arguing is no way to go about it. What you need is organization, and I’m just the pony for the job.”

With a clipboard in one hand, a quill in the other, Spike was ready for action.

“So… what do I do?” Storm asked.

“Well, since you seem to be good at a ton of the jobs,” Twilight said. “I need someone who can help supervise and manage each job. Just so they get done quickly and correctly. Can I count on you to do that?”

“Is Princess Luna’s hair blue?” Storm smiled. “Piece of cake!”

<>

The first step was gathering al the materials needed to create the nests for the southern birds. With Storm’s help, Rarity and several other ponies made sure the nests were made and positioned in all their proper spots in the trees.

Then Storm and Twilight worked together to create a routine to help Pinkie and her group cut the ice into properly sized chunks. Of course, Pinkie asked Storm to skate alongside with her and for once, he willingly conceded. This got the ice cutting done in a couple of trips across the ice.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack began to coordinate the colts pulling the snowplows to clear the snow side by side. As the snow cleared, another group of ponies dropped the seeds into the fresh soil behind them. Storm was able to use his many clones to clear the land and plant the seeds his own way. Applejack, very satisfied with the work, shared a high hoof with Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight tasked Storm to tie together multiple bells over each underground den. This way when Fluttershy pulled the ropes, she was able to wake all her little friends at the same time. Twilight gasped as a set of familiar snakes slithered by, while Storm, Fluttershy, and Spike smiled at the reptiles. Then they noticed Twilight had disappeared until they looked up and found her trembling as she held a tree branch for dear life. She just smiled sheepishly until Storm stood on his hind legs and held out his fore-hoofs so she could jump down. Storm caught her and gave her a warm smile, while Twilight rolled her eyes trying to look annoyed. But the blush on her cheeks pretty much said it all: She liked being in his fore-legs.

With a shrilling whistle, Spike gave the signal for Rainbow to summon her team of weather ponies. By working together, they created a horizontal cyclone that sucked up all the surrounding snow off the ground, the trees, and even far away hills and mountain tops. It also helped clear away the winter clouds thereby allowing the late afternoon sun to shine brightly in the sky. Just in time since the sun was able to successfully break the ice on all the lakes as well.

Even after the sun set and nighttime fell, all the ponies were hard at work farming and tilling the land, so all the crops were planted and ready to grow. Even Mayor Mare and Twilight pitched in, bringing the additional supplies needed. Of course, Storm’s clones made transporting the needed supplies to the region faster. And it ensured that everything would be set to go by the time the sun returned to the sky.

By the next morning, the Pegasi in charge of bringing all the southern birds, including Rose Gold, arrived. The birds happily made their way towards the finished nests and settled into their new homes. All the other springtime animals like frogs, turtles, and lots of beautiful butterflies had also made their return to Ponyville. Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the ponies busily watered the grounds, so the plants had what they needed to start producing a new crop of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Twilight stood just outside the outskirts of Ponyville, as Storm walked beside her. It was a long, hard effort but at last their work was done. Mayor Mare approached the two unicorns.

“I can’t believe it,” Mayor Mare said. “Spring is here! On time! And we have you two to thank for it. If it weren’t for your organizing skills and Storm’s supervising skills, we would still be arguing.”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac agreed, as all the ponies laughed.

“It was a team effort,” Twilight replied.

“Just happy to do our part,” Storm nodded in agreement.

“And since you two helped every team, we have an official vest for each of you,” Mayor Mare said. “We give Twilight the title: ‘All-Team Organizer’ and for Storm ‘All-Team Supervisor’.”

Rarity used her magic to equip each vest on the two ponies. Twilight’s vest was blue and green with golden yellow edging around the neck and button line. Storm’s was of similar design, except in shades of blue and grey with a golden yellow edging. The two ponies smiled at their new vests.

“Gosh, I don’t even know what to say,” Twilight said surprised.

“Thank you, every pony!” Storm said, in amazement.

“And hereby I declare that winter is… wrapped up on time,” Mayor Mare said.

Every pony cheered for Twilight and Storm, among them Rose Gold applauded proudly.

“That’s my brother!!!” Rose cheered.

It was then Applejack noticed Spike disappeared, and soon she found out where he was. Apparently, the little dragon had fallen asleep… right on top a lone block of ice.

“Spike’s sure gonna be in for a hog-sized surprise when that last piece of ice melts,” Applejack chuckled.

Everyone else laughed, even Twilight Sparkle as wrong it may be. But then she stopped and turned as Storm Shield was not beside her. Looking around, she found him sitting by the table near town hall. In his forehooves Storm Shield held up one of the nests, in this case the first one he made just the other day. Twilight Sparkle slowly approached Storm Shield who keeps his eyes on his handiwork.

“My first nest when I was a colt… was the worst one I ever made,” Storm spoke absently. “I was so frustrated, nothing I did was working. Nearly gave up.”

“What stopped you?” Twilight asked curiously.

“… Rosie,” Storm answered. “She taught me how to make the nest, showed me a few tricks to make the materials hold together. Then after a little practice, doing it over and over again, eventually I was having fun with it. We did a lot together; we even went ice skating at the park when we’d visit our uncle in Baltimare… we used to go every summer.”

“And… the rolling?”

“That’s a longer story…”

Twilight nodded in understanding, before a silent sigh escaped her lips.

“Storm… I want to apologize for being such a pain yesterday,” Twilight apologized regretfully.

“You don’t have to say it…” Storm assured quietly.

“No… I’m really, really sorry! I was trying too hard to get involved and I got a little jealous that you seemed better at something than me. I embarrassed myself and I took it out on one of my best friends.”

Storm Shield eventually turned toward Twilight Sparkle, seeing the regret in her eyes as her face softened.

“Could you… teach me how to build a nest? Like your sister did?” Twilight asked hopefully. “Maybe… teach me how to ice skate?”

A small smile slowly formed on Storm’s face, as he nodded his head.

“Ask what you will of me, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

The two unicorns smiled toward each other, their eyes meeting, losing themselves in the moment…

*SPLASH*

“WAAAAAA!!!”

A familiar scream caused Twilight and Storm to look back, as Spike fell into the cold lake with a splash.

“SPIKE!!!”

“LITTLE BUDDY!!!”

<>

Later that day, Twilight and Storm were back at the library. Just as Applejack predicted, Spike realized his mistake, but ended up getting a cold from sleeping on the ice flow and falling into the cold water. Now he sat by Twilight’s fireplace, bundled up in a robe, as he wrote their letter to the Princess. He was also doing his best to make sure his sneezing didn’t actually burn up or send the note before he could finish.

Dear Princess Celestia,
Winter Wrap Up was one of the most special things Storm and I have ever been a part of here in Ponyville. It helped us learn that we all have hidden talents, and if we’re patient and diligent, we’re sure to find them, and as always, with good friendship and teamwork, ponies can accomplish anything.

“How’s that sound, Spike?” Twilight asked. “Spike?”

Twilight turned and found Spike had fallen asleep again, the little dragon snoring with the letter still in his hand.

“Oh Spike,” Twilight and Storm said together.

The two unicorns shared a good laugh, the letter itself could wait awhile. The important thing was that spring was finally here. All thanks to two very special ponies and their friends.