Moons have passed since the defeat of Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow. A purple alicorn mare, Princess Twilight Sparkle, woke up from her slumber in the morning. She stretched and got ready for the day. Ever since Twilight and her friends defeated the Legion of Doom, peace has been restored throughout Equestria. The Mane 6 has been able to relax again without having the pressure to protect Equestria.
Today, they were going to go to the spa in Ponyville together. But ever since her highness’s coronation, Twilight moved to Canterlot, so it isn’t very often that they get to get together. Even though the rest of her friends live in Ponyville together, they also have their own responsibilities there.
But today is going to be different. They’re going to spend the whole day together as friends once more. Twilight left her responsibilities to Spike so that she could relax today. Even though she refused at first, Spike managed to convince her to go. And she did.
She was currently on the train to Ponyville. It’s been about 2 weeks since the last time she saw her friends. And she couldn’t wait to see them again.
Rarity sighed as she got a hooficure, “It’s been forever since we’ve hung out like this, girls.”
“I know it’s been a while, but I’m glad that I can spend this whole day with you five.” Twilight replied as she got a massage. Her friends nodded in agreement.
“I agree,” Dash sighed, “We hadn’t had a hang out since forever...”
“It has been so long, but now, let’s change the topic to something more... Exciting.” Applejack said.
Rarity nodded, “Yes, we have so much catching up to do!” She squealed.
Pinkie had a wide smile on her face as she whisper-shouted a sentence. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at her.
“What’d you say, Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked as she got into a seated position.
She couldn’t hold in her excitement anymore as she shouted, “Cheese Sandwich is coming to Ponyville, tomorrow!” Everyone gasped in surprise and happiness.
“Really?” Fluttershy asked in her timid voice. Pinkie nodded, “Yep! He’s coming!”
“Darling, if I remembered correctly,” Rarity started, “Don’t you have a crush on the stallion?”
Pinkie turned slightly red as her friends teased her about her crush on the party planner.
“Aww, that’s adorable.”
“Mhm. She definitely has a crush on him.” Fluttershy giggled. Pinkie’s attention turned to her as she pointed out, “Don’t you have a crush on Discord, Fluttershy?”
“Discord?!” Rainbow cried out, “Him?! Really, Flutters?”
Rarity waved her hoof, “Come on, darling. Don’t tell me you didn’t know. It’s painfully obvious those two like each other more than friends.”
Fluttershy had a small blush on her cheeks as she nodded, “I won’t lie, Discord is really sweet even though he is the Lord of Chaos. But do you promise not to tell him?”
Twilight laughed, “It’s okay, Fluttershy. We won’t say a thing.” Twilight assured her shy friend, “Right, girls?” Everyone nodded.
“Absolutely!”
“Of course, we won’t say a word.”
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”
“Don’t worry, Flutters. But if he ever lays a claw or paw on you, let me know.” Rainbow Dash warned
Fluttershy smiled at her oldest friend, “Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash. He won’t.”
“I know he won’t. I’ll make sure of it.” Rainbow smirked and everyone started laughing, “But seriously, if anything happens, let me know.” Fluttershy smiled and nodded.
“Enough about Fluttershy and Pinkie,” Everyone looked at Rarity, “Hearts and Hooves Day is right around the corner. Who are you guys going to go with?”
Pinkie shrugged, “Eh, beats me. But I’m hoping Cheese will ask me.”
Fluttershy nodded, “If Discord asks then I won’t mind going.”
“Well, you two already have somepony in mind,” Rarity started, “But what about you three?” She pointed at Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.
“Oh! Ah probably won’t be going.” AJ replied, “I mean, Ah don’t know anyone who’d want to go with me. Plus, I have some chores to finish on Hearts and Hooves Day.”
“Yeah, me too.” RD said with a small smile, “I’d rather just hang out with AJ at the farm or something.”
“That just leaves Twilight.” Pinkie pointed out, “Are you going to come on Hearts and Hooves Day?”
“Probably not.” The Princess of Friendship responded.
Rarity’s expression changed into an upset one, “Well, why not, darling? Can you not come? Because I thought you were staying till’ after Hearts and Hooves Day.”
She sighed in sadness, “I thought so too, but turns out I can’t come. I have some royal duties in the Crystal Empire, so I’ll be gone for a week and by the time I get back, Hearts and Hooves Day would have already ended.” Twilight looked down, “Well, that and the fact that I don’t have a special somepony. I’m just so busy with my duties that I don’t have much time to think about other things.”
“Well, that’s a bummer.” Rainbow spoke up.
Fluttershy nodded, “Oh, I wish you didn’t have to go, Twilight.”
“Yes, I agree with Fluttershy. Even if you didn’t have a special somepony, you could’ve still spent time with us,” Rarity said, “I don’t have a special somepony either.”
Rainbow Dash cocked her eyebrow in confusion, “Really? I’d expect you to be the first one of us to even get a special somepony.”
“Honestly, I thought so, too. But I guess the world had other plans.” She sighed, “But it’s fine. I still have my friends with me. And I wouldn’t trade you guys for the world.”
Pinkie had a smile on her face with some tears, “Ah! It’s so emotional!” She ran up to Rarity and hugged her. She returned the hug and everyone else joined in.
After they finished at the spa, they went to a restaurant to have lunch. And afterward, they decided to go walk around town and they restored some memories while they’re at it.
“You guys remember when AJ had a lack of sleep and she sent me flying all the way to Twilight’s Library?” Rainbow asked
“I still remember that day like the back of my hoof,” Twilight laughed, “She was so stubborn back then.”
“She still is very stubborn ‘till today, Twilight.” Rarity pointed out and everyone, minus Applejack, started laughing.
AJ blushed and decided to change the topic, “Alright, alright. Ya’ll had your laugh, let’s change the topic, now.”
Pinkie raised her hoof in excitement, “Ooh! Remember when Cadence and Shining Armor were expecting?”
“Oh yeah,” Twilight said, “You already knew about it and had a hard time keeping it a secret.”
“Tell me about it.” Pinkie rolled her eyes in a joking manner. They kept remembering more and more memories that they hadn’t realized that hours have passed and that it was already sunset. And since Twilight isn’t at Canterlot to do it, she asked Celestia and Luna to cover for that day.
And once they realized it was late, they started retiring themselves to go home.
“Oh, I was having so much fun with you all that I hadn’t realized it’s getting late.” Twilight stated as the sun went down.
Dash looked at the sun and asked, “How is the sun going down if you’re not doing it?”
“I asked Celestia and Luna to cover for me today.” She explained, “So then I wouldn’t have to worry about it when hanging out with you guys.”
“Well, the moon’s comin’ out,” The farmer spoke up, “I’mma go home and retire for the day. See ya’ll later.”
“I gotta get home as well to tuck the critters in.” Fluttershy said. And everyone started separating ways until Pinkie shouted, “Wait!”
Everyone stopped and looked at her, “What is it, Pinkie?”
“Today’s the only day for a long time until Twilight’s gonna come back to Ponyville,” Pinkie started
“Your point, darling?” Rarity raised her eyebrow.
“My point is that we shouldn’t waste the night not being together,” She said, “We should have a sleepover at Twilight’s old castle!”
Twilight thought of it and said, “Pinkie Pie, you’re a genius!”
“Yeah, I have my moments.” The pink mare said
“But I still have to tuck the critters for the night.” Fluttershy spoke
“And you will,” Twilight assured, “But after, we’ll meet back at my castle.”
“Alright.”
“Great! Everyone meet me at my place at 7. See you guys!” Twilight shouted as she ran towards her castle.
“See ya’ll!”
“See you later!”
Rarity, Pinkie Pie, AJ, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all met up in front of Twilight’s Castle. They knocked on the door and Twilight answered, “Great, you’re all here!”
Everypony entered and got settled in. Even though it was their old castle, it kinda got turned into an attraction site ever since the Mane 6 moved out and went back to their respective households. Though they still visit the castle often to hang out or to renew the memories they made there.
They settled in the master bedroom of the castle and were currently sitting in the throne room.
“What kind of responsibilities do you have in the Crystal Empire tomorrow, Twilight?”
“I’m not sure, but I do know it has something related to getting information about something that’s been going on with the Crystal Heart.”
“Oh, dear,” Rarity said, “Is something wrong with it?”
“I don’t know, yet,” Twilight admitted, “But I will find out tomorrow.”
“But Twilight, who’ll be in charge of your castle while you’re gone?” The cream coated pegasus asked.
“My castle?” Twilight sipped her tea, “My castle?! Oh, I forgot about leaving someone in charge.”
Rarity and Applejack looked at each other in confusion. Rarity then asked, “Why so, Twilight? I thought Spike was already in charge of it.”
“Well, yeah. But he can’t manage the whole castle for a whole week without me,” She freaked, “He still hasn’t remembered every royal duty I have that needs to be done.”
“Oh, that is a problem.” Applejack said
“I know!” Twilight let her wings go limp as she fell to the floor, “Aughh!”
Rarity put her front hoof to her chin as she got an idea. She looked at Applejack with a large smile and AJ instantly knew what it meant as she said, “No. Absolutely not.”
“Oh, come on, Applejack. It’s for Twilight.” Rarity pushed further.
AJ groaned, “Fine.”
“Yes!” The fancy unicorn squealed, “Twilight?”
“Hmm?” She answered while still laying on the floor.
“Me and Applejack could handle things while you’re at the Crystal Empire,” She said, “Right, Applejack?”
“Mhm. Absolutely.” AJ smiled.
Twilight looked up and asked, “But don’t you have chores to do back at Sweet Apple Acres?”
“Well, no. I went back to the farm and finished all of ‘em.” She explained, “So I’m free to help you with yer responsibilities back at Canterlot. Plus, Rarity’s going to be there as well to help.”
“Thank you. I really am lucky to have friends like you guys.” Twilight thanked as Fluttershy helped her get up.
Everyone came in for a hug and when they separated they heard a knock. Pinkie jumped up and down while shouting, “Pizza’s here!”
Everyone instantly got up and left. Everyone, except for Twilight. She used her magic to grab a mirror and she looked at herself. She asked herself, “Why do I always have to rely on my friends for help? Can I not take care of myself anymore?”
Pinkie popped her head in the room with a slice of pizza in her mouth asking, “Don’t you want pizza?”
Twilight shyly nodded her head with a smile while Pinkie zoomed back to the dining room. Twilight left the room while looking down in shame. She wasn’t looking where she was going and she bumped into someone. She rubbed her head and cleared her vision. And as soon as her vision cleared, she saw Starlight rubbing her head.
“Starlight?” Twilight asked in disbelief as she hasn’t seen her pupil in ages because Starlight was always so busy working at the School of Friendship as Headmare every time she came to Ponyville to visit. And it looked like she just came back from work since she was still in her Principal Attire.
Starlight looked up from the ground and was in shock to see her former friendship teacher, “Twilight?” She rubbed her eyes to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming, and when she realized that Twilight was really here, “Twilight!” She jumped into a hug with her friend, “Oh, it’s so good to see you again.”
Twilight laughed, “It has been a while. So, how’s leading the School of Friendship going?”
They broke the hug and Starlight answered, “It’s been going well. Sunburst and Trixie are always there to help me with any trouble. Though Sunburst’s been acting a bit off these last few days and I keep catching him sneaking off with Trixie,” She said with worry in her eyes, “You think something’s going on between them?”
“Ooh, somepony sounds jealous...” Twilight teased.
“What?! No!” Starlight denied, “I am not jealous of my own best friends.” She crossed her hooves in denial before looking over at Twilight who had a raised eyebrow, “Okay. Maybe I am a little bit jealous.”
Twilight’s expression softened, “Don’t worry, Starlight. If I know Trixie and Sunburst, they’re just friends. Really good friends that is, but I know that nothings gonna become more of that.” She winked.
“But how would you know that?” Starlight asked.
“I may or may not have gotten some help from my sister-in-law.” She winked for the second time which made Starlight go a little bit red.
After they ate, they all got settled in their beds, ready to go to sleep. They also decided to ask Starlight if she wanted to join, and of course, she said yes. After a few minutes of convincing her that she won’t be a burden to their reunion.
“I don’t know about ya’ll but,” The country mare yawned, “I’m ready to hit the hay.”
“Me, too.” Rainbow Dash added.
Pinkie jumped on top of Twilight’s bed as she shouted, “Are you kidding me?! This is so exciting I don’t know how I could ever-“ Her sentence got cut off as she fell asleep on the edge of Twilight’s bed.
Everyone just smiled at their friend, except for Starlight who asked, “Should we wake her up or do something about her?”
“Just let her be, darling,” Rarity chimed in, “She’s just very tired after a whole day of fun.” A yawn interrupted her as she added, “And so am I. Goodnight, everypony.” She slid on her eye mask and fell asleep.
Everyone else started yawing and they also said their goodnight’s.
“Well, goodnight everyone.”
“Night.”
“Sweet dreams, everypony.”
“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Fluttershy jolted up from her bed after Rainbow said that, “Bed bugs?!”
“Rainbow!” Twilight and Applejack shouted.
The rainbow maned pegasus laughed sheepishly and as she bashfully said, “Oops. Hehe, sorry, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy tucked herself back in bed as she said, “No worries, Rainbow Dash.”
“Well, anyways, goodnight again, everypony.”
“Goodnight.”
Pinkie even woke up for a brief second to say, “Nighty-night, everyone!” She then fell back asleep, drooling.
The rest of the ponies who were awake shrugged and laughed softly so that they wouldn’t wake the others up. And after a few minutes, the whole room was filled with gentle snores from the sleeping ponies.
And unbeknownst to them, a black mist watched the scene, and right after everyone fell asleep, it zoomed to Canterlot at light speed. It reached the Canterlot Gardens and engulfed the statue of Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow. A crack appeared in the statue as the black mist overtook one of the creatures before it started sinking into it. That being started to shift in place before accepting the mist in.
Author's Note
The first chapter posted! What do you guys think? I hope it wasn't bad and if I made a grammar mistake, just tell me in the comments!
And hopefully, the next chapter will be out next week! 
Chapter 2: Relationships Change
It was the next day and the train station at Ponyville was filled with creatures saying their goodbyes to Twilight, Rarity, and Applejack.
“Hope you’ll visit again soon, Headmare Twilight,” Silverstream said, “It was nice having you help with some of the problems at the School of Friendship.”
Twilight chuckled, “Of course I’ll visit, Silverstream. And about the problems back at the school, it wasn’t that big of a deal. And I’ll tell Gallus that you miss him when I get back.” She winked. Silver blushed and started sinking back into the crowd. Most of the Young 6, except Gallus who’s a guard in training in Canterlot, said their farewells and left to go back to their work.
“Oh, come back soon, girls.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Well, we’ll be back by the end of the week.” Applejack confirmed, “Right, Rare?”
“Absolutely. But now, we must get going.” Rarity responded.
Twilight nodded, “Mhm. I can’t miss the train to the Crystal Empire and Rarity and Applejack needs to get to Canterlot. By the way, I’ve informed the castle and Spike about your arrival.”
“Well, I’m sure we aren’t that important that the whole castle should know about it.” Rarity said while primming her mane.
Applejack groaned at her, but quickly let it go, “Anyways, we’ll see ya’ll later!”
“Ta-ta!”
“Bye, girls!”
“See you later!”
“Bye!”
Applejack and Rarity entered the train to Canterlot while Twilight entered the train to the Empire. Both trains set off and it was going to be a long trip, so they settled in their cars and waited ‘till they arrive. Meanwhile, back with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie.
“Twilight! Applejack! Rarity!” Pinkie shouted, “Don’t forget us!” She tripped over a rock running after the train and pouted before trotting back to the two pegasi. Pinkie sighed, “So, what do you two plan on doing?”
“Not sure since I was supposed to hang out with AJ and Rarity after Twilight left.” Rainbow replied.
“Well, today’s Tuesday, and Discord will be coming over for tea today, so I’ll excuse myself,” Fluttershy said as she started flying home, “Bye, girls.”
Dash looked at her and sighed, “Guess it’s just you and me, Pinkie.” She looked back to her pink friend, but found her staring at nothing, “Pinkie?” She waved her hoof in front of her and after a couple of times, she finally woke up from her trance.
“What?! Oh, oh! Sorry, Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie apologized, “I just remembered that me and Cheese had a previous arrangement and that we were supposed to meet up right about now... Welp, gotta go! Bye, Dashie!” Pinkie bounced off.
“So, it’s just me... Wish I had something planned for today like my friends.” Dash said to herself out loud. But unknown to her was that somepony, who was just passing by, heard all that. That pony thought to himself and decided to do something about it as he flew off.
After a few hours of being on the train, they finally arrived at Canterlot. Applejack and Rarity got up and off to the Canterlot Castle. As soon as they arrived at the front, the guards opened the gate and let them in.
They both unpacked in their personal guest rooms and after being done with that. They went into the throne room and were greeted by Spike, who was now a few feet taller, much to their surprise.
“Applejack! Rarity! You guys made it!” He exclaimed as he went up to them and hugged them. They both returned it.
“Of course we did, darling. Twilight said that she needed help so we volunteered.” Rarity clarified.
“Y-yes. What Rarity said.” AJ stuttered.
“Alright. I’ll go get the list from Twilight’s Room,” Spike said, “Be right back.”
The white unicorn noticed her friend’s stutter, unlike Spike, and decided to question it after he had left the room, “Applejack, darling. Are you okay?”
The country mare looked at her questioningly, “What dya mean?”
“Well, you stuttered with your words and I want to know why.” She explained.
“Oh,” AJ started, “It was nothing really.”
Rarity raised a brow, but decided not to push further, “Well, if you say so, darling.”
After finishing their little conversation, Spike came back in the room holding a very long scroll that was filled with lists of things they needed to do for the day as both Rarity and Applejack whispered, “Oh, boy.”
Laughter could be heard from outside of Fluttershy’s cottage. Inside was a draconequus and a pegasus mare talking with each other. They even snuck in some flirts in their little chat.
“So Fluttershy, what have you been doing these days?” Discord asked as he sipped his tea, “I mean, ever since Twilight left to Canterlot you and the girls have been a bit sad. And I’m curious because today you don’t seem as upset.”
Fluttershy giggled, “Oh, that’s because Twilight came over for a visit yesterday. And because of that, I feel really happy to see her again,” She sighed, “Last time we saw each other was for business, but this time it was for fun like usual.”
Discord slightly frowned but nonetheless was happy that Fluttershy was happy, “Well, as long as you’re happy, my dear. I just want to see that radiant smile of yours because that’s all I need to be happy as well.” He smiled and Fluttershy smiled at him in return.
“Enough about my life, what about yours? Have you been able to expand your circle of friends yet?” The pegasus mare asked.
His face started drooping, “It’s kind of hard to do so if you’re the all-time, powerful Lord of Chaos. Every time I approach someone, they always run away.” The draconequus sighed as he looked at the opposite direction.
Fluttershy frowned for her friend, “I’m sure not every pony is afraid of you,” She said as he looked back at her with a raised brow, “You’ve changed a lot over the past few years, you’re a whole new creature. And if a timid pony like me can be your friend, then other ponies can certainly be your friends too.”
Discord smiled at his friend’s compassion, “Thank you, Fluttershy. You always know just what to say.” They both leaned into a hug as Discord secretly thought, “Though I wish we could be something more than that.”
And little did he know, a small blush painted on Fluttershy’s cheeks as they were hugging.
It took a few hours longer to get to the Crystal Empire than to get to Canterlot. Twilight just made it as she got her luggage and left the train with a polite, “Thank you.”
She started walking and she eventually made it to the front of the palace. She was greeted by her sister-in-law and her brother, though the Princess of Love got to her first, “Twilight!”
“Cadence!” Twilight shouted as she ran up to her. They hugged each other and did their little greetings with each other.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake,” They both chanted, “Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
“Oh, it’s so good to see you again, Twilight.” Her sister said.
Shining Armor walked up to his wife and said, “We’re really excited to catch up and we have some exciting news for you.” He said the last part as he winked at Cadence.
Twilight’s eyes lit up and she asked, “Ooh! What kind of news?”
“For that, you’ll have to wait.”
“Oh, well.”
The couple led her to the Crystal Heart and she gasped when she saw it.
No.
It wasn’t shattered or anything like the last time. The heart had just turned into a black shade of its natural aqua. And it also had some tiny cracks.
“What could have caused this?” She asked in shock.
Shining shook his head, “We still don’t know yet, Twily. But hopefully, we’ll figure it out in this meeting.”
Twilight sighed, “I hope so too. The last thing we need is for another evil villain to be on the loose.”
Cadence nodded her head in agreement as they entered the castle. Though as soon as they entered, Twilight got tackled by a little filly and the filly giggled as her aunt lifted her up with her magic.
“Hey there, Flurry.” Twilight cuddled the yearling and she earned back a hug.
Flurry hugged her B.A.E / Best Aunt Ever as she replied, “Hi, Aunty Twily! I miss you...” The baby alicorn cooed.
“Awe, I miss you, too, Flurry,” Twilight said back as she placed her niece back on the floor, “But I can’t talk right now, I wish I could, Flurry, but I have a meeting with your parents... Surely, you understand.”
The baby nodded, “Of course, Auntie. I can talk to you later! Bye-bye!” And with that, the alicorn flew and teleported away as Twilight waved goodbye.
She looked back at the family and said, “Now, let’s get back to work.”
Twilight was in front of them while they were walking. She closed her eyes for a mere second and the next thing she knew was that she had bumped into something, or rather someone. She rubbed her head and saw Flash Sentry.
She hadn’t seen him in so long. Almost a year or probably longer. She used to have a crush on him but got over him back at Ponyville. But now that she’s seen him again, she’s taken a liking to him for the second time now.
She was so lost in trance that she hadn’t noticed that he was lending a hoof and was talking to her, “Your majesty, are you alright?”
Twilight shook her head out of the trance and nodded her head, “Yes. Thank you, Sir Sentry.”
He looked a bit surprised since they hadn’t talked in more than a year, “You remember my name?”
“Well, of course. I may have not seen you in over a year, and I may not be Pinkie Pie. But I certainly still remember meeting you on my first Princess Summit.” She blushed.
Flash might have been blushing as well, but the armor headpiece would’ve blocked it. He snapped out of it and said, “My apologies for wasting your time,” He bowed to the royals, “But I must get back to my station. I’ll see you later, Princess.”
He walked away and Twilight walked back to her brother and sister-in-law, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen or even talked to him.”
“I can see you’ve taken a liking to him once again, Twilight.” Cadence said with a sly face which made Twilight blush.
Though his brother doesn’t really like the idea of Twilight dating. But after a moment of thinking, Sentry was one of the best guards here and he is very nice. So if they started dating, he would approve. After all, he prefers Flash to any other pony or creature to date his own sister.
“Well now, let’s go back to our meeting.” Twilight said to change the subject.
Once they got to the meeting room with no interruptions, they started talking about the elephant in the castle.
The ‘Black’ Crystal Heart.
“So you’re saying that this happened out of nowhere?” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Cadence answered, “We were just about to leave the castle when we saw the state the Crystal Heart was in.”
“But how come the Empire hasn’t turned into a winter wasteland yet?” The Princess of Friendship asked, “If the Crystal Heart wasn’t working anymore, then it shouldn’t be able to protect the Empire...”
“We aren’t exactly sure why the Crystal Heart is like this, nor why it can still protect the Empire,” Shining started, “But one thing we do know is that the Crystal Heart has not been able to spread Light and Love like it used too.”
Cadence nodded, “We got the ‘spreading love’ under control, but it turns out my magic doesn’t spread light anymore.”
Twilight gasped in horror at this new information, “If you can’t spread light anymore, there isn’t any balance in Equestria! And if there’s no balance, there’s no harmony!” She started hyperventilating until her brother came behind her and stroked her back to calm her down.
Once she calmed down, they got back to the subject.
Pinkie bounced over to a hill that Cheese asked her to come to. And once she made it, there was no pony there, “Hmm, I swore this is where Cheese asked me to meet him... Where could he be?”
She thought until she heard laughter from a tree above her, “Cheese?”
He jumped down and smiled brightly, “Pinkie!”
“Cheese!” Pinkie yelled as she embraced her fellow party pony. They separated and she asked, “How long will you be staying?”
“Until after Hearts and Hooves Day, I have another invitation from Appleloosa.” Cheese responded with a tip of his hat, “Sadly.” He whispered the last word so that Pinkie wouldn’t hear.
“Oh, that’s a bummer.” She sighed, “We could’ve had so much fun together!”
“I know, and that’s why I wanna spend the whole week with you! Not a moment to waste!” Cheese declared with a dramatic pose.
Pinkie placed one of her hooves on her chest in awe, dramatically, “Awe, that’s so sweet, Cheese! So let’s get started on the activities!” She shouted as she pulled him with her while thinking, “I hope you’ll ask me out on Hearts and Hooves Day, Cheese...”
As they were running through town, they were blushing the whole way.
Applejack, Rarity, and Spike finally finished Twilight’s Royal Duties such as the Grand Opening of a new restaurant, judging the Royal Art Contest, and etc.
And since they finished their duties for the day, they decided to have a break. Rarity went off to the Canterlot City to explore while Applejack and Spike were left in the throne room in awkward silence.
And Spike was the one to break that, “Hey, AJ...”
“Howdy, Spike,” She tipped her hat, “We haven’t really properly talked to each other since I’ve got to the castle. Anyways, how have you been doing?”
“I’ve been great, being the Royal Advisor to Twilight has been pretty great.” He replied, the nervousness hinted in his voice.
“That’s good. My, you’ve grown quite tall in a few moons,” She looked at him up and down.
He laughed, “Yeah, ever since my molt, I’ve been growing faster. You’re still pretty even though you’ve aged.”
She blushed furiously and her head shot up as soon as she heard him say that, “What’d you say?”
Realizing that he called her ‘pretty’, he instantly blushed and said, “I mean, you still look great though you’ve aged! Hehe, not that I’m calling you old, you’re still very young and-“
She cut him off by placing her hoof on his mouth to stop him, “Stop. I know you’re not calling me old, Spike. I was just surprised you called me- never mind...”
“Phew! For a second I thought you were mad at me.” He sighed in relief, not realizing her tomato-red face, “Uh, wanna go to the balcony?”
“S-sure.” AJ stammered, “The sky tonight’s beautiful.”
“Yeah, it is.” Spike agreed, “Though it isn’t as pretty as a certain pony I know...” He thought.
They just kept talking to each other happily until Applejack brought up an old subject.
“Do ya still like Rarity, Spike?” She asked
He looked at her with a raised brow, “You kidding? No way, I got over her moons ago! Long before Twilight’s Coronation. But I do have a new pony in mind...” He whispered the last sentence, but AJ heard it.
“Who’s the new pony ya like?” She asked with uncertainty.
“I can’t say, but she’s very beautiful, hard-working, strong physically and emotionally, kind...” He sighed, “But I doubt she’d ever like me back...”
AJ placed an affectionate hoof on his shoulder, “Oh, come on, Spike. I’m pretty sure she likes ya back.”
“You think so?” He asked.
“It’s possible,” She answered, but deep down, she had wished that pony was her as she thought, “Oh, Spike. I wish I could be your special somepony...”
Rarity had left the Castle to explore more in Canterlot. There had been a lot of changes since she was here last time because now more creatures live here. Though in her sight-seeing, she wasn’t looking where she was going and she bumped into someone.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” She apologized to whoever she bumped into, “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
The pony she bumped into replied, “Well, I say that’s one way to reunite with my favorite pony from Ponyville.”
The white unicorn’s eyes perked up as she’d recognize that voice from anywhere. She looked up to see the one and only, “Fancy Pants.”
He could only chuckle at her reaction, “Jolly good to see you again, Rarity.”
She shook her head and said, “Oh, Fancy. I’m so sorry for bumping into you.”
“No problem,” He brushed the dust off of him, “I say, have you had dinner yet, M’lady?”
She faintly blushed when he called her ‘M’lady’, “N-no. I haven’t, I was just about to go get some.”
“Well, would you like to come and have dinner with me? My treat.” He offered.
Her eyes widened in excitement as an opportunity opened up for her, “W-why, of course. So, where are we going?”
“We’re going to go have lunch at the new restaurant that just opened up.” He replied as they started walking towards the building that was just a few yards from where they were.
“Oh, dear.” Rarity gasped.
Fancy stopped and turned around, “Is there something wrong, Rarity?”
“O-oh, it’s not that big of a problem, but it’s just that...” She started, “I don’t have the money to afford the food there. I was just there for the grand opening and I saw that the food there was really expensive, so I don’t think I can dine there...”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind paying for the dinner.” He said.
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to trouble you.” Rarity asked.
“It’s no trouble at all, Rarity,” He assured her, “Come now, we must get going.”
Rarity smiled at the generosity of her old Canterlot friend, but she was surprised that Fleur wasn’t anywhere in sight. Fancy and Fleur barely separated, so this made her curious. But she waited until they were already inside before she asked.
“I’d like to get a Bruschetta and two glasses of wine, sir,” Fancy ordered, “ And what would you like, Ms. Rarity?”
“I’ll just have a French Tartiflette and a glass of cold water, please?” Rarity ordered.
“It’ll all be ready in 5 minutes.” The waiter checked as he left.
“I hope that won’t cost you, Fancy...” Rarity said.
“No worries, Rarity. It isn’t a big deal.” He replied.
“I hope so, but now I want to ask a question.” Rarity informed.
“Of course, darling.”
“Why isn’t Fleur here? Every time I see you, you’re always with her...” She asked.
Fancy’s expression saddened, but he still kept a professional look, “Well, just two weeks ago, I found her cheating on me with another stallion. So, I ended things with her.” He simply explained.
“Oh, dear. I’m very sorry for bringing up the subject, but if I may ask...” He looked at her, “Who did she cheat on you with?”
“I don’t actually know. She never revealed who it was, but I did catch her doing it with someone else. But she covered him up before I could see.” He slammed the table lightly in anger.
“Oh, I hope you find a new pony that won’t do things behind your back.” Rarity said sympathetically.
“I hope so, too. Say, are you free tomorrow morning?” He asked, “I want to invite you to a party back at my place.”
“Oh, I’d have to check my schedule, but I’m pretty sure I’m free for the morning.” Rarity replied, holding back a squeal.
“Well, then I’d love to see you again tomorrow at 9 a.m.” Fancy said.
“I’ll be there.” She declared.
After finishing their conversation, the food came and they ate peacefully. And after they finished, they parted ways.
And once Rarity reached her room in the castle, she took a pillow from her bed, covered her face with it, and screamed in happiness. Applejack heard the scream and came into the room, “Rarity? What’s got you so happy? Something amazing happened?”
Rarity smirked, “You can say that.”
Author's Note
As promised, 1 day or 2 days after! Here it is, chapter 2!
Hope ya'll will enjoy it! 
