Today was a pretty boring day for Lazlo so far. Twilight informed him, that Pinkie’s birthday is soon and she planned a surprise party for her, with the girls. Of course, keeping a surprise secret from the energetic pink earth pony is one of the most challenging tasks, any of them ever had. Since Pinkie apparently can just come randomly at any time of the day and night, and her lack of respect for privacy makes it really hard to keep anything from her for long. Luckily she has a job too and she rarely takes a break from it, so that gives the others time to plan and prepare.

This was such a moment and they used it to get gifts for the mare. Like many times before, Twilight came up with a great idea, which required some memory viewing.

Ever since Princess Celestia told Lazlo, that he might be stuck here, he grew more and more reluctant to share his memories. When Twilight asked for a reason, the man told her, that he agreed to it because he was grateful for her hospitality and also for helping the work of those, who searched for his homeworld, but he was never a big fan of sharing his own moments with others, like this and only agreed again and again, because it didn’t matter much, after all, why would it matter later to give such information to those, who you won’t meet again ever and can’t even get in contact with anyone you know either. It was safe back then, but now... Lazlo cursed himself a little, for not thinking, that even if they can send him home, they might try to keep the portal open and establish an interdimensional relationship.

Twilight’s great idea for a gift was a collection of recipes for some sweets from his world, preferable, those, that do not exist here, or at least a little different. Lazlo had to admit, that it was the perfect gift idea for a pony like Pinkie Pie. Technically baking didn’t count as a hobby for Pinkie because of her job, but she still loved it very much.

But there was a slight issue. A time-consuming one.

“This language is so strange,” Twilight commented, as she and Lacy watched the man’s memory of typing recipes from a notebook to a Word document on his computer. This wasn’t a memory which was important to Lacy, it only contained, him typing what’s on the papers before him, sometimes looking up it on the internet, if part of it isn’t readable, since some of the notebooks and papers were old, even around his age, also the handwriting was horrible of this person, who was actually Lazlo’s friend, Victor’s grandmother. This memory was actually about Lazlo helping his friend creating a recipe book for Victor’s grandma, for her seventy-fifth birthday, using her old, written recipes.

Lacy remembered this quite well since it happened a few months before his arrival in Equestria. Victor even created a cover image for it, and after they filled many virtual pages, he edited and send it to a printer and bookbinder company.

The issue itself was the language barrier. While the talking could be heard in English, if the person, whose mind was the spell used on, knew the language. Basically, the mind translated it on the spot, but it didn’t work with written things, or usually with songs or poems. And of course, the word jokes, or certain references were lost in translation as well, making it sometimes confusing to listen to it.

“Well it is a language that is really different from English, so it’s not a big surprise,” Lazlo said, who regretted a little this whole thing, since he had to translate everything first, before writing it down, making the whole process way too slow, partly because sometimes it wasn’t even the product that was written as an ingredient, but a brand, because that was what they usually used, or the most known, or just it was the best for that purpose. Another issue was, that despite Lazlo liked to think, that his English is pretty good, there were groups and topics, in which his dictionary just lacked, a good example of this was ingredients for sweets, desserts, and such. When this happened, he had to explain to Twilight what it was and she had to guess it and both of them hoping that it was the right thing.

They’ve been working on this recipe collection for hours, and both of them started to get tired, not to mention the hunger, which was the result of having lunch way too early, thanks to Twilight being inpatient. Finally, after finishing several pages, Twilight deemed the present finished and worthy for her friend. It contained several sweets, cakes, salty treats. Great snacks for parties and tasty cakes for birthdays.

“I think I’ll make a copy of it,” Twilight told him, as they were eating dinner, which both of them really needed based on their growling stomachs. “The first book from a different world is a cookbook. Who would’ve thought...” she chuckled. Lazlo only rolled his eye, but a grin was present on his face too.

“So does this mean, that the next few session will be only about Equestria?” Lacy asked. “After all, this whole thing took at least three sessions worth of time,” he added.

“No!” she immediately answered. “There are so much more topics, I want to discuss with you! We only covered part of the economic, technological, cultural, political, environmental, and biological differences and similarities! We barely touched other scientifical topics, such as physics, chemistry, or more advanced mathematics. Not to mention detailed history and literature! And there are so much more we can talk about!” she reasoned, but her voice had some panic in it.

“Relax!” he calmed her. “I was just joking.” he laughed.

“Really?” she asked a little unsure.

“It’s not like, it’d matter... If I was joking, then nothing changed and tomorrow it will be still mostly about my world. If I was serious, then you’d give me puppy dog eyes, which is cute and effective and I’m still not fully resistant but slowly getting there, so don’t overuse it... Or do, so then it won’t work.” he told her, and Twilight sighed in relief, blushed a little, then bombarded him with ‘Thank you!’s.

After their evening routine, soon they were in their beds, sleeping peacefully. It was a rare occasion, since both of them were usually awake at this time, after all, it was only ten in the evening, but the spell and the translation did drain them enough to go to bed early.

What a strange dream again... Wish I could remember it... Fucking hell, my head...

Lazlo rubbed his head as he sat up on his bed the next morning. This was the second time, he woke up, having a weird feeling inside his skull. It wasn’t pain but a really uncomfortable feeling. But there was nothing he could do about it, only hoping that it will go away and won’t happen again. Maybe asking Twilight if this becomes a recurring thing.

He went to make breakfast. Spike was so kind to teach him how to make their kind of pancakes, so this was on today’s morning menu. As he was making the food, Twilight was heard heading down to the library. As he finished and placed the pancakes on the plates, he was about to go down too to inform Twilight, but a knock was heard. Twilight opened it.

“Hi Pinkie Pie.” she greeted her friend.

”This is your singing telegram
I hope it finds you well
You’re invited to a party
‘Cause we think you’re really swell”

Lazlo stopped on the stairs as he heard Pinkie start singing.

“What the...?” he mounted as he listened her.

”Gummy’s turning one year old
So help us celebrate
The cake will be delicious
The festivities first-rate

There will be games and dancing
Bob for apples, cut a rug
And when the party’s over
We’ll gather ‘round for a group hug

No need to bring a gift
Being there will be enough
Birthdays mean having fun with friends
Not getting lots of stuff

It won’t be the same without you
So we hope that you say yes
So, please, oh please R.S.V.P.
And come, and be our guest!”

She finally finished her song. Lazlo just stood there, not even noticing, that he reached the bottom of the staircase, meanwhile Pinkie was giving this long, verbal invitation. It seemed, that it wasn’t her usual way to invite others to party, because Twilight was just as surprised and confused, as the man.

Pinkie then noticed Lacy standing there and went to him to start the song again, only to be stopped by the human.

“I heard the whole thing, no need to repeat it,” he told her.

“Okie!” she simply said. “We’ll be waiting for you! I gotta go invite the others! See ya!” she then ran off.

“Breakfast is ready.” Lazlo casually said, Twilight smiled and both went to eat. Spike was also there, already sitting at the table, getting ready to devour that stack of pancake on his plate, but was kind enough to wait for them to join him.

“How the hell, did Pinkie get an alligator by the way?” Lazlo asked Twilight, as they started to eat.

“I asked her once, and she told me, that she found him, as he was climbing out of his egg. The egg was probably taken from its nest by the creek, but that makes no sense because that water comes from Canterlot and goes through Whitetail Woods only, before reaching Ponyville, but there aren’t any alligators there. The only theory that is possible, though the chance is really low, is that the egg somehow ended up in that creek from the Canterlot Zoo, but there weren’t any reports about missing alligator eggs from them, maybe an error, but I don’t know for sure, I mean if that was the case, that’s still a big fall for a little egg, but still the only possible explanation I can come up with.” Twilight explained.

“Eh... Stange.” Lacy commented. “Anyway, when is the party?”

“Later this afternoon,” Twilight told him. “Usually, when she doesn’t say a specific date, that means, come this afternoon.” Lazlo nodded at her answer.

This day slowly went on, with a few ponies coming to the library to check out or bring back books. Twilight and Lazlo had time to finalize Pinkie’s birthday gift. Twilight got her a book about alligators, which will help her take better care of Gummy.

The sun was close to the horizon when they left the library to go to Sugarcube Corner to the party. Sugarcube Corner was still open, but not for long, at least for the customers.

“Hello, dears!” Mrs. Cake greeted them as they entered. The shop was empty, which was rare even at this time, but given, that Pinkie wasn’t there to help out this time, the Cakes were probably glad for some peace, it’s not like they’re lacking customers. “Some of your friends already arrived. Go up and have fun!” she told them, then went to the kitchen, probably to prepare for tomorrow. Her husband was nowhere to be seen, but it was usually he, who went out to do whatever they need to do somewhere else.

They went upstairs and walked on the second floor until they arrived at a pink door, with Pinkie’s Cutie Mark on it. This led to another staircase, which led to the dome. This was Pinkie’s living space. The dome had two levels. The first one is just one big space, where the party was. It functioned as a living room. This was where the party took place. From here another staircase lead to the second level, which consisted of an upper floor with three doors. One to Pinkie’s bedroom, one to a bathroom, and a third to a balcony.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were already there, enjoying the snacks. Music was playing in the background, not too loud so it won’t bother the Cakes, or those, who wished to talk to each other. There were two tables, one for the food, which was mostly snacks and a cake, the other had a few punch bowls and glasses. Other party stuff was placed basically everywhere.

”It looks like some kind of kid’s cliche birthday party from some American movie...” Lazlo thought as he looked around.

He noticed several photos hanging on the wall, all of them had Pinkie on them. There were some with the girls, and also one that included Lacy as well, it was made at his welcome party. There were also some with the Cakes. There were a few, that were probably from other parties. And then there was one picture, which Lacy guessed, was a family photo, because Pinkie was a filly on it.

“Welcome! I’m so glad, that you made it!” Pinkie greeted them. “Gummy too!” she grabbed him from the ground and lifted him close to the newcomers’ faces. The alligator slowly blinked. “Whoa! He’s so excited! It is his first birthday after all!” she exclaimed.

“I can see that,” Lazlo said, a little unsure. “Happy birthday!” he petted the little animal, which in exchange grabbed on his hand with its mouth. Lazlo yelled in panic and tried to shake the alligator off, but soon he noticed, that it didn’t hurt at all. He completely forgot that the alligator had no teeth so his hand will stay on his arm.

Soon the others arrived as well and the party was in full volume. Lazlo was talking with Rarity at the punch table.

“This stuff ain’t bad. I’ve never drunk punch on Earth,” he told the white mare.

“How come, darling?” Rarity asked, a little surprised.

“There are different drinks at the parties, I’ve been. Mostly alcoholic ones for the adults, but there are many non-alcoholic, sugary drinks for everyone, but no fruit punch though. There are many other places, where it’s custom, just not where I’m from.”

“I see,” she said and drank what was left in her glass, but Pinkie immediately came and refilled it for her. “This punch is simply divine. Is this the same recipe you used for your ‘Spring Has Sprung’ party?” she asked after praised the drink and took another gulp.

“Nope, something new,” she answered, then turned towards the punchbowl, the others following her gaze.

Gummy got into the bowl, having a ‘bath’. Rarity’s eyes widened, then spit her drink, right onto Pinkie’s face, who seemed to not care about it at all. Lazlo had a similar reaction, but he only spits it back into his glass, then puts it back onto the table among the others, while Pinkie was talking with Rarity.

“It’s Gummy’s favorite,” she told her. Lazlo thought it was the perfect time to evacuate himself from the table’s radius.

New music started, which seemed to be a favorite of Pinkie’s because she immediately run towards the dancing area, where correctly Twilight and Fluttershy were having the blast. It didn’t last long, since Pinkie’s moves were so wild, it pushed them away. Twilight even hit Lazlo, who was now wandering aimlessly in the place, not knowing what to do. This kind of party was still alien to him a little.

“Ow.” Twilight groaned, after the collision. Lacy felt lucky that it was the mare’s side that made contact with his leg, not her horn. That would’ve been more painful.

“Come on everypony!” she yelled and motioned the others to come closer. “Gummy wants to dance!” the little alligator was waving his tail in rhythm with the music, while the ponies and the human all stood around him, doing some dance moves.

The moon was already high in the sky, as the ponies and human left Sugarcube Corner while thanking Pinkie for this awesome party.

“Hoo-wee! I am beat! I haven’t danced that much since... Well, since your last party. Thanks again for the invite!” Applejack said.

“See ya later, birthday alligator!” Rainbow Dash said goodbye.

“Bravo for hosting yet another delightful soiree.” Rarity shared her opinion.

“It’s been lovely,” Fluttershy told her.

“I enjoyed it mostly,” Lazlo commented.

“You sure you don’t wanna stay? There’s still some cake left.” Pinkie tried to lure them back for a little more, but only Twilight stopped and looked back.

“Uh, I think I’m gonna pass. Great party though. We should do this again soon.” she told her, then continued on towards her home, with Lazlo.

“Tomorrow will be a challenge,” Lazlo spoke up as they arrived back at the library. Twilight nodded, then went through with the plan once more.

The next morning started similarly, though a little sooner. Lazlo was woken up by a knock on his bedroom door.

“What?” he asked loud enough to be heard at the other side of the door, but the only answer was another set of knocks.

He got up and opened the door slightly, but a pink pony on the other side pushed it open immediately, hitting his whole body with the door.

“Hiya Lacy!” Pinkie Pie greeted the surprised man. She was wearing a basket on her head, with pink letters in it. “Wow! So this is how you look like under your clothes!” she looked at him excitedly. Lazlo usually only wears a boxer when sleeping, and only had that right now as well, nopony saw him without a shirt or pants, except Twilight and Spike, because they live in the same house, and Rarity when measuring him. “Anyway, you are invited to Gummy’s after-birthday party, this afternoon!”

“This afternoon? Like this afternoon this afternoon?”

“Twilight asked the same question, but the answer is yes to you as well! Though it would be funny to say different times to everypony. Or maybe not, because then they wouldn’t be there at the same time and cannot have fun together.”

“Well, sorry, but that’s not good for me,” Lazlo told her, meanwhile his brain started to wake up completely to create a good excuse why he cannot go to that party.

“Why?” Pinkie asked.

“Because... Um... I have to... Um... Go to... Amber. Yeah, Perfect Mane asked me to foalsit Amber this afternoon.” he answered her.

“Oh, okay. I understand! Well, have fun, and come by after that, we will be sure to save some snacks for you!” she then rushed off, probably to go to the others.

Lazlo put some clothes on, then joined Twilight in the library part of the building. Upon noticing the big pile of books.

“Study session, or book fort?” he asked jokingly. Twilight only rolled her eyes.

“Just go to the barn and start preparing for the-” she looked around like she was expecting Pinkie to be there somewhere, listening. “-party. We will join you as soon as we get the cake and a few other things.”

Lazlo was soon on his way towards Sweet Apple Acres. He wasn’t really afraid of running into Pinkie. He guessed, that she goes to the other girls to try inviting them to that party of hers. The road he took was nowhere close to any of their home. Well, except Applejack for obvious reason, but if she will be there, then he just takes a little detour.

When he arrived, only Applejack was there, which was to be expected.

“Howdy.” the farm mare greeted him in a neutral tone.

“Hello.” Lazlo’s was similar. “So... What shall I do?”

Applejack told him the things, they have to get done. Basically bringing a few tables and chairs here, then decorate the place with the party accessories, they brought here a few days ago. Later on, the others will join them, bringing the cake, the snacks, the drinks, and the presents.

“Was Pinkie already here?” he asked to make sure, they won’t meet the party pony during the heavy lifting. After all the tables and chairs, and some other things had to be brought from the house to the barn and if she’d catch them in the act, then the surprise is blown.

“Yeah, talking about some kind of after-birthday party.” Applejack answered.

Lazlo then moved to the house and started bringing the requested things. First a round table. It was a little problematic to take out of the house because its diameter was bigger than the door’s width, but he managed to solve that issue with some positioning.

Meanwhile, Applejack was watching him doing the physical work and telling him what to do. After everything, that was needed, had been brought to the barn, Lazlo sat down, sweating and panting.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you’d manage all these carryings,” she told him.

“Why? Because I’m not a hard worker?” Lacy asked.

“You don’t seem like one to me,” she answered bluntly.

“I usually do hard mental work,” Lazlo stated. “Someone has to...”

“I bet you do...” Applejack said, then murmured, “Especially when coming up with lies you tell to your family.”

“And here we are again...” Lazlo said, hearing what Applejack said under her nose. “It seems like the ‘staring again’ was a lie too, just as I expected.”

“That wasn’t a lie, but a favor for a friend.” she defended herself. “Besides if I remember correctly, then you shook my hoof and accepted it.”

“A favor?”

“Twilight told me, that she wants you to remember us as friends. She wants you to have pleasant memories of us, when you get home, or be there for you if you are stuck here.” Lazlo couldn’t be angry at Twilight, but he felt that it was really unnecessary to ask this kind of thing from anyone. “I agreed with her, and I really hope you get home to your family, even if they don’t deserve you.”

That last part did it. Lazlo’s calm and neutral expression turned into anger.

“Who the fuck did gave you the right to judge what my family deserves and what not?!” Applejack flinched a little. “You don’t know anything about them! And what about your parents, huh?” Lazlo never met Applejack’s parents, he guessed, that they weren’t in town, but after living here for over a month he figured, that they’re either dead or left. In his anger he wanted to say, that she doesn’t deserve them, that’s why they’re not here, but the mare started crying and yelled before he could say anything else.

“They’re dead! But they loved us with all their hearts!” that made Lacy’s eyes widen. Even though, he thought about the possibility, hearing it from her, put his anger on the sidelines. After all, it wasn’t just about Applejack. There was Big Mac, who was a kind and friendly stallion, and Applebloom, who was a troublemaker, but her heart was always in the right place. When he was invited there and talked to them, they seemed fine ponies. A kind family, who was respected and loved by the others just as much, as their apples. Even Lazlo admitted to himself, that despite their stubbornness and slight close-mindedness, they earned the respect, they have.

“I’m sorry about that. Truly,” he told her, honestly. “No one should be experiencing their parents’ death at such a young age. I mean, poor Applebloom must’ve barely known them. Such a strong little girl for keeping up her spirit.”

Applejack heard in his voice, that his words were genuine. He whispered a thank you, but couldn’t bring herself to say anything else.

“But-” Lazlo continued, his tone returning to a more strict one. “That still doesn’t give you the right to say things, like that. I told all of you, that my mom wanted to force me into a future, I didn’t want, and thus I had to do something. I told her multiple times, what I wanted, but it was pointless. And yes, I lied to her, deceived her, and all of my family, because I didn’t want them to even accidentally mention it to her. And guess what! She deserved to be lied to! I apologized to her and explained why I did, what I did. I apologized to everyone, whom I lied to. They forgave me in time, but my mother never did, because she believed, that I wanted to humiliate her and I played her trust. But in reality, it wasn’t her trust, that I lost, because she took it for granted, that I will do as she says.”

“It still wasn’t right to lie to and deceive your mother. Family is the most important thing ever. I admit, that I don’t agree with your mother, but that doesn’t mean, that you can disrespect her such as that. And I don’t have to know somepony just to tell you, that if you do something wrong with them, that’s a bad thing.”

Back at the barn Twilight arrived, who was soon followed by Fluttershy and Rarity too. The cake was here. That put a stop to their fight, but they made a silent agreement, that they will be back on that topic at another time. Now it was time to concentrate on Pinkie’s party.

It didn’t take long for Rainbow Dash to arrive, flying inside at such a high speed, she barely could stop before hitting the wall on the other end. Her arrival was followed by knocks on the barn door.

“It’s her,” Rainbow said panicking.

Applejack was about to answer the door, but Lacy stopped her and motioned her to let him handle it. Opening the door’s upper half slightly, he saw the pink mare, looking a little surprised.

“Lazlo! What are you doing here? I thought you were foalsitting Amber. Though I saw her with her parents not too long ago. So?” she narrowed her eyes.

“Yeah, about that... Turns out, their program was canceled, so when I went to them, they told me that they don’t need me to look after their daughter after all. So, umm... I was about to go to your party, but... Um... I ran into Applejack, who asked me to help, though I think she just wanted some free labor.” he heard Applejack growling but ignored it. “She doesn’t believe that I can do physical work, and wants me to prove myself.” he heard Applejack starting to say something, but was shut down, and someone doing magic, he guessed, that Twilight shut her up with magic.

“Can I come in?” she asked, still not believing him completely.

“No. The fewer people in here, the safer.”

“But Rainbow Dash just went in, and I heard somepony doing magic, so one more pony is in there.” Pinkie pointed out.

“Umm... Dash is here because... Umm... I’m working on the inside of the roof, and it’s easier to have someone fly than going down and then back up the ladder every few minutes. And Twilight is here too, to help out if something goes bad.” he finished his explanation. He thought about what to say to Pinkie if she would come, before his argument with AJ, but had to improvise some.

“Hmm...” Pinkie looked at him for a few seconds. “Okie Dokie Loki.” she still didn’t look like she completely believed him, but she left, which was good right now.

Pinkie Pie was sure, that her friends were hiding something from her. They’re all made up excuses to avoid attending her party, which never happened before. While on her way back to Sugarcube Corner, she noticed three ponies. A married couple and their daughter. She was close enough to them to hear their conversation.

“We should invite Lazlo soon.” the mare said. “Amber just loves him and he won’t be here forever. I heard, that Princess Celestia is working on finding a way for him to go home, so that means, that eventually, he will leave and probably won’t come back. She’s always happier and laughing a lot when he’s there with her. And he’s just so good with her. He told me that he has two younger sisters so I guess he has some experience.”

“Well, he doesn’t have to come only when we need somepony to foalsit Amber. And he has so many hilarious stories. He tells us some at the chess club. Like the one, when he was at a local, junior chess competition and his opponent made a mistake, which resulted in Lacy taking his queen, but the guy couldn’t accept it, so he started to accuse him of cheating, moving twice in a row. The judge came asking what happened. The guy started crying, pointing at Lacy, saying he cheated. Lazlo of course defended himself. Lucky for him, another kid, who already finished his match in that round watched them playing and confirmed that Lazlo was right and his opponent made a mistake. But the guy didn’t stop and continued to cry. In the end, he was disqualified and automatically lost the game. And it’s really funny because it was just a small local tournament made for the local elementary school’s chess club. Lazlo also mentioned, that since there weren’t many people in that club, there weren’t any age groups, and his opponent was a few years older than him.”

Both of them laughed and the little filly joined too. She probably had no idea, but she heard Lacy’s so that was enough to make her giggle.

Looking and listening to them made Pinkie realize something. What if her friends didn’t come to her party because they want to replace her with Lazlo? She had to find an answer. Then she noticed a little dragon walking by and an idea came to her.

She tried to interrogate Spike, but he wasn’t talking about what she wanted to know. After a few failed attempts, she finally broke.

“Tell me that my friends are all lying to me and avoiding me because they don't like my parties and they want to replace me with Lazlo because he’s funnier than me!” she yelled.

“Your friends are all lying to you and avoiding you because they don't like your parties and they want to replace you with Lazlo because he’s funnier than you!” Spike repeated after her.

“I knew it!” she exclaimed. Victory. But then she realized, that it wasn’t a victory.

They soon finished up with the preparation. It was finally time to bring the birthday pony. Rainbow Dash volunteered, saying she’d do this the fastest. While she was away to fetch Pinkie, the others decided to have some chat.

“I can’t wait to see Pinkie’s face,” Twilight said, excitedly.

“Me too,” Fluttershy said.

“Pinkie is such a darling for throwing all those parties for us, she simply deserves to experience the same happiness, we get every time she invites us.” Rarity joined in.

“I am grateful for her too, the welcome party she threw for me was a great way to help me getting to know this place,” Lazlo mentioned.

“I’m sure it will be the best birthday party she ever had.” Applejack spoke.

After twenty minutes they started to become confused about what was taking so long. Rainbow flew off, and with her speed, it would take only a minute or two to reach Sugarcube Corner and the walk back should be only a few minutes as well. Just as they were about to send someone else as well to check on them, they heard Rainbow’s voice.

“We’re here.” was heard from the other side of the barn door. It slowly opened, revealing a kinda different-looking Pinkie and an exhausted-looking Dash.

“SURPRISE!” they all yelled, except those two. Pinkie looked surprised for a moment but didn’t move. Her mane and tail were straight and down, not like the usually puffy type. Also, it seemed as if it was darker. She didn’t look happy as Rainbow Dash began pushing her towards the others. When she was close enough Rainbow stopped. Pinkie was still wearing an angry expression, making her friends starting to worry.

“I really thought she’d be more excited,” Fluttershy said.

“Excited? Excited?!” Pinkie asked, looking at all of them. “Why would I be excited to attend my own farewell party?!”

“Heh?” Lazlo wondered where did that thought come from.

“Farewell party?” Twilight asked, just as confused as everyone else.

“Yes!” Pinkie answered. “You don’t like me anymore you all want Lacy to take my place and throw a farewell party for me!”

“Why in the world would you think we didn't like you anymore, sugarcube?” Applejack asked as she approached her.

“Why? Why? Why?!” she said that multiple times, looking at a different pony every time. “Because you've been lying to me and avoiding me all day, that's why!”

“Uh, yeah! Because we wanted your party to be a surprise.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“We'd been planning this party for such a long time, we had to make excuses for why we couldn't attend Gummy's party so that we could get everything ready for yours.” Rarity explained.

“And why would they replace me with you?” Lazlo asked. “I’m don’t make parties often, and cannot come up with that many hilarious things, like this one.” He said, and that earned a jab from Twilight, meaning, she wanted him to stop talking.

“If this is a farewell party, why does the cake I picked up from Sugarcube Corner say ‘Happy Birthday, Pinkie Pie’?” Twilight pointed at the cake.

Pinkie then looked around, noticing everything that made this place look like a birthday party place. The gifts, the ballons, the other decorations, and of course the cake, which really had those words and Pinkie’s head on it.

Upon realizing it, Pinkie’s mane and tail immediately returned to their normal selves, which scared Lazlo, resulting in him jumping back a little and saying ‘What the fuck?’ quietly.

“Because it’s my birthday! Ooh, how could I have forgotten my own birthday?” she then pulled all of them into a group hug. “And you like me so much you decided to throw me a surprise party!”

“That's what we've been trying to tell you, darling,” Rarity mentioned while Pinkie was jumping around excitedly.

“You girls and Lacy are the best friends ever! How could I have ever doubted you?” she looked ashamed of herself.

“It's okay, Pinkie Pie. It could have happened to any of us.” Twilight calmed her.

“I'm just glad I haven't been replaced by a bucket of turnips,” Rainbow said, earning some questioning looks from the others and a nervous one from Pinkie. “You don't wanna know.”

And the party started. Dancing, playing, eating, and drinking, Pinkie’s opening her presents. Everyone was having fun. Twilight even wrote her new friendship letter to Princess Celestia. And in the end, it became a double party, after making it also Gummy’s after-birthday party.

Author's Note

And now only the Gala episode left from the season one episodes. I would joke about how fast did we get here, but even this took me this long...

Anyways, I hope I can finish with season one within this year (the gala episode plus a few extra chapters before moving on to season two, though I don’t think it will happen, I’ll try my best)

I hope you’re waiting for what will happen at the Gala, and you've probably noticed one detail already which will make things go differently. (Don’t take it too seriously, I’m just bullshitting a little while imagining myself as some kind of marketing person, who tries to generate hype...)

Oh, and I hope that you enjoyed that little part from Pinkie’s perspective. I know it’s short and maybe I mentioned it earlier either in the comment section, or one of the Author’s Notes, that later on there will be more chapters containing parts or even having full chapters from other’s perspectives but right now it’s mostly Lazlo because he’s the center of this story after all.

Oh, and a question to the fellow writers, who are writing in a browser. How many times did it happen to you that when you get into the ‘Writing Zone’ and after putting hundreds of words into the textbox, you’re about to press ctrl+s to save your progress but you accidentally press the ‘w’ button and it closes the tab without saving? I already turned myself into an autosave mode, pressing ctrl+s after every sentence, but sometimes this feature of mine just doesn’t work, and then only one little mistake and ‘poof’, RIP inspiration, Welcome mental instability...

Well, that’s it until the next chapter!