Chapters

Chapter 1-The Magic of Friendship Part 1
Chapter 2- The Magic of Friendship Part 2
Chapter 3-The Ticket Master
Chapter 4-Applebuck Season
Chapter 5-Griffon-Brush-off
Chapter 6-Boast Busters

Chapter 1-The Magic of Friendship Part 1
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 1-The Magic of Friendship Part 1

"Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together in harmony for all the land. To do this, the oldest one-using her powers to bring the sun at dawn; The younger one brought the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained the balance between their kingdom and their subjects, all different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger one became more resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her older sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One faithful day, the younger one refused to lower the moon to make way for the sun. The older tried to reason with her; but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed to bring cover the land in the everlasting dark. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the strongest magic known pony kind, the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the elements, she defeated her younger sister and trapped her permanently on the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for the sun and the moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since."

Our story begins with a young unicorn named Twilight Sparkle, who was the protege of Princess Celestia who reading a chapter of a book named "The Founding of Equestria-The Elements of Harmony.

"I know I've heard of them somewhere," She wondered to herself as walking into the tower that Celestia had for her. "Spike? Jaden? Where are you guys?"

"We're right here!" a teen named Jaden and a little dragon named Spike were sitting down on a couch. "What's got your hooves in a fit."

"I need to find that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies, uh Spike what's that?"

"It was a gift for Moondancer but..."

"Oh, Spike, you know we don't know have time for that sort of thing."

"But on was a break."

"Ugh, where the hell is it?"

"It's right here," Jaden tossed the book allowing Twilight to catch it with her magic. "You didn't answer my first question>"

"Sorry Jaden, it's about the return of Nightmare Moon."

"You mean, that old ponies tale about nightmarish alicorn the Bring the Eternal Night who was stopped by six stones the Elements of Harmony. Isn't she a legend?"

"I thought so too, but according to myths on the longest day of the 1,000th year the stars will aid in her escape, and will bring nighttime eternal, do have any idea what this means."

"No," Spike said as Twilight handed him a feather and a paper.

"Take a note, please to the Princess."

"Okay."

My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster.

"Uh, how do spell that?"

“P-R-E-C-I-P-I-C-E.” Jaden spelled for him.

“Thank you, continue,” Spike said.

“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 this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.

"Done," Spike finished and sent the letter on its way.

“Do you think she’ll respond right away?” Twilight asked.

“I dunno, Twilight, Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow.” Jaden said.

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

“What does imperative mean?” Spike asked.

"Important," Jaden explained as Spike literally burped out a letter. "Well speak of the devil."

"I knew she would want to take action," Twilight said.

My dearest pupil, I am aware of said prophecy and I can ensure you that I have accounted for everything. On a separate note, I have a task for you both. I will be sending you to Ponyville to oversee preparations for the summer sun celebration with an extra goal... make some friends" Spike said reading the letter making Twilight gasp.

Twilight, Spike, and Jaden were on a carriage in the air being pulled by two royal guard pegasi.

"Well look on the bright, Twi, the Lass arranged for you to stay in the library, doesn't that make you happy?" Jaden asked.

"It does, Jaden. ou 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.”

“And what about making friends?” Spike asked.

"She said to check on preparations. I am her student and I'll do my very royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does rest on me making friends."

"I'll bet 15 bits it will," Jaden exclaimed as they landed. "Thank you, sirs."

The two guards look up at him and nod with a satisfied whinny.

"And besides maybe the people and ponies in Ponyville have some interesting things to talk about," Spike as a pink pony came up to them. "At least try."

"Um... hello?” Twilight greeted. The pony lets out a prolonged gasp before zipping off. “Well, that was interesting all right.”

"Maybe, I should’ve gone to Moondancer’s get-together," Jaden said as they walked to a farm nearing Ponyville.

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres," Spike said looking at the checklist.

“Yeehaw!” An orange mare was heard yelling. The trio sees her run to a tree, buck it, and knock all of the apples into the buckets under the trees.

"Damn, that's what I call some strength!" Jaden exclaimed.

“Let’s get this over with.” Twilight sighed. "Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle.

"Well howdy-do, Ms. Twilight? A pleasure making your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!” The orange mare introduced.

“Friends? Oh no, I’m not here for” Twilight tried to say

“So, what can I do you for?” Applejack asked with a wink.

"We are here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?” Jaden asked.

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

“We got time. Sure.” Jaden said. Applejack zipped off and started ringing a triangle.

“Soup's on, everypony!” She said. Ponies started to file in. Pushing Twilight, Jaden, and Spike to a table.

“Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple family?” Applejack offered.

“Thanks, but we really need to hurry—” Twilight said in an attempt to get out of it. Quickly, ponies were stacking food onto the table.

“This here's Apple Fritter. Apple Bumpkin. Red Gala. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp…” She listed as the family members before taking a deep breath. “Big Macintosh [points to a large red stallion, holding a green cupcake with an apple slice on top of the icing]. Apple Bloom [points to a vanilla-colored filly with a red mane and pink bow]. Aaaand-” She shoves an apple in Twilight's mouth before pointing to a light green, elderly mare, sleeping in a rocking chair. “Granny Smith.”

“Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests.” Applejack said. She snorts as she wakes up.

“Wha..? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'...” Granny Smith said as she walked over to them.

“Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!” Applejack said. Twilight spat out the apple and laughed nervously.

“Okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way,” Twilight said. The ponies started to look sad.

“Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?” Apple Bloom asked with puppy eyes and a quivering lip.

"Come, on Twilight, we shouldn't turn down their hospitality. Besides this will give us a taste test and I'm starving," Jaden explained.

"Fine."

The apple family’s frowns flipped as they cheered.

“Food's all taken care of, next is the weather,” Spike said before looking back at Twilight who trotted up to catch up.

" Ugh... I think I ate too much pie," Twilight exclaimed.

"Man, those ponies know how to cook," Jaden explained.

"Hmm. There suppose a pegasus named Rainbow Dash to clear the clouds," Spike asked.

"Well she's not doing a good job is she?" Twilight groaned.

"Oh yeah, but I do see something headed this way," Jaden says as he ducked out the way.

"Huh?" She looked up at the sky and wasn't fast enough to duck, as they both crashed into her and fell into a mud puddle.

"Uh, sorry about that," The alien says he turned into a 10-year boy.

"Here, let me help you," She grabbed a cloud and it pop rain ruining Twilight's mane. "Oops, I guess I overdid, how about this? MY very own patented Rainblow Dry."

"Uh, Rainbow I think you're overdoing it.” The hedgehog said.

"Nonsense." As Rainbow was finishing and now Twilight's mane was puffed which made her, the boy, and Spike laugh.

"Let me guess--Your Rainbow Dash," Twilight said.

"The one and only, and these are my friends, Ben and Sonic."

"Nice to meet you I see you heard of her," Sonic said.

“I heard you two were supposed to be keeping the sky clear. I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather."

“Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. Just gotta get done practicing.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Practicing for what?”

“The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow. And I'm gonna show them my stuff."

"Oh yeah, They'd never accepted a pegasus who can't keep the sky clear on a measly day," Jaden said with a sly smirk.

"Hey, I can clear the sky in 10 seconds flat."

"Prove it." He pulled a stopwatch.

Rainbow Dash nodded and zipped off. Jaden started the timer. The speedy pony began clearing the clouds.

Twilight followed their movements. She was amazed at what they were seeing.

“Loop-de-loop around, and wham! What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging!” Rainbow said. Twilight’s mouth was agape.

"Not bad," Jaden to see exactly ten seconds on his stopwatch.

"You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle." Rainbow Dash said.

"I can't wait to hang out some more," Ben said as he got on Rainbow and left.

“Catch ya later," Sonic boosted out of there following them.

Once inside the town hall, Spike checked the next set of preparations to check up on. ''Next up...Decorations.'' He said before taking one look at the beautiful decorations. ''Beautiful...'' He then sighed dreamily.

''Yes, looks like the decor is coming along just nicely. This ought to be quick, I'll be at the library in no time. You're right about one thing, they're beautiful indeed.'' Twilight agreed about where they were placed and how beautiful they all looked.

''No...not the decor, her,'' Spike said as he shook his head and pointed to another unicorn pony along with a pink hedgehog.

This pony's coat was white, she had a purple mane and tail which were wavy, a pair of dark blue eyes, light blue eye-shadow, and a cutie mark consisting of three blue lozenge diamonds. But what caught Spike's attention the most, was that she was very gorgeous. The unicorn was currently going through the different ribbons to see which one would be best to have.

''No, no, no, oh! Goodness no. Come on Miss Rose," She to the Pink Hedgehog looking at the ribbons options.

"None of them impress you," The Pink Hedgehog said.

All the while, Spike had the looks of someone who just fell in love instantly. ''How are my spines? Are they straight?'' He asked Twilight with excitement, trying to make himself look good.

Twilight rolled her eyes while laughing in her mind before going over to greet the white unicorn. ''Good afternoon...'' Twilight began, the hedgehog then spoke before Twilight could even say anything else. ''Just a moment, please! Rarity in the zone.'' She said while Rarity looked through a couple more ribbons.

''Oh, yes. A touch of sparkle always does the trick does it not? Why, Rarity, you really are a talent.'' The mare called Rarity said after finding the perfect red ribbon. She then turned towards Twilight before speaking.

''Now, um, how can I help you...'' But before she could continue to speak, Rarity took notice of Twilight's messy mane and yelped in surprise. ''Oh, my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!'' She asked as if she was afraid of Twilight's messy mane.

''Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. Anyways, I'm just here to check up on the decorations and then I'll be out of your hair.'' Twilight said after taking notice of why Rarity was frightened.

''Out of my hair? What about your hair?'' Rarity said before trotting over to Twilight. She then started pushing Twilight somewhere.

''Wait! Where are we going?! Help!'' Twilight called out, but Rarity still insisted that she come with her to fix her mane and tail. The situation in Twilight was bad enough when Spike was following Rarity and was completely oblivious to the situation at hand.

At the place known as Carousel Boutique

Rarity was busy trying to find the best outfit which suited Twilight best, but unfortunately for the purple unicorn, the white mare was taking ages to find the best one. ''No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. To frilly. Too...shiny.'' She said as she got Twilight to try on several outfits, eventually, she found a perfect outfit for Twilight.

''Now go on, my dear. You were telling me about where you're from.'' Rarity asked Twilight as she was tightening the outfit that she had on her. ''I've...been sent...from Canterlot...to...'' Twilight managed to say, it was hard to speak because of Rarity tightening the outfit. After hearing the word Canterlot however, Rarity stopped tightening and let go, causing Twilight to crash on the other side of the boutique.

''Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living up there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are going to be the best of friends, you and I...'' Rarity said with absolute delight to know that Twilight was from Canterlot...until she noticed that there was something off about the outfit Twilight was wearing. ''Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!'' She said with glee as she ran off to find some rubies.

But to Twilight, she knew this was bad. ''Quick! Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!'' Twilight said before running off. Spike on the other hand was just too distracted to run.

"Wasn't she wonderful," Spike said in a dreamy state.

"Focus, Casanova," Twilight reminded him. "What next's on the list, Jaden?"

"Music. The last one," Jaden said Suddenly, the three hear chirping from birds. They look to see the source of the music; it was a flock of different birds all singing together.

However, they weren't doing this by themselves, they were actually taught how to sing like that by another female pegasus pony. Unlike the last pegasus, this one was different. Her coat was light yellow, her mane and tail were pink and her eyes were teal-colored. She also had a cutie mark consisting of three butterflies with cyan bodies and pink wings. With her was a blue-hair girl and a Pokemon name Popplio.

Both were currently working on the birds' singing and then noticed that one of the birds was singing out of key. ''Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, um.'' The yellow pegasus said politely, one thing that was noted about her, was as she was really shy. The pegasus then flew up to the bluebird who was singing off-key. ''Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off.'' She said in the nicest possible way.

After speaking nice, the yellow pegasus then prepared to hear her bird friends sing again. ''Alright now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three...'' She said, preparing to teach her birds to sing again until another voice spoke up.

“Hello?” Twilight’s voice spoke, startling the birds, the yellow pegasus, and the girl. She turned to see the unicorn behind her. “Oh, I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to scare your birds away. “I’m just here to check on the music and it sounded beautiful. What are your names?"

"My name is Lana, and this is Popplio."

“I’m Fluttershy.” She answered quietly.

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

“Um…..I’m Fluttershy.” She repeated, speaking very shyly.

"Didn't quite catch it," Twilight said as her birds came back. "Well, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything is in order. Keep up the good work."

Twilight back up and Spike and Jaden came out.

"Well, that was easy." She said to both of them.

"A baby dragon!" Fluttershy exclaimed as rush over and knocked Twilight. "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before."

"What's her deal?" Jaden asked.

"It's her first time seeing a baby dragon," Lana explained.

"He's so cute."

"Hehe, thank you,” Spike said bashfully.

“What’s your name?” Fluttershy asked.

"Spike."

"Well Spike, you are such a cutie pie."

“Yep. Well, it was nice meeting you Fluttershy.” Twilight said as he started walking off-putting Spike on her back.

"Wait, could you tell me about dragons? Yourself specifically?”

“Well, what do you want to know?”

“Absolutely everything!” Fluttershy said.

"Well, it all started..." Spike started to explain as the walked out to the library. ''...and that's the story of my whole entire life...well up until today that is," Spike said, finally finishing his story.

“That is all very fascinating,” Lana said with a smile. Jaden looked ahead and saw Twilight running to the library and sliding to a stop.

"Oh look at the time," Twilight said as they ran inside. "Spike needs to get his sleep for tonight."

"Anyway, it was nice meeting Lana and Flutter-” Twilight opened the door, grabbed Jaden, and pulled him inside. Jaden ducked his head so as not to hit his head on the top of the door. “-shy.”

Inside the dark library, the three walked to the middle of the room.

“That was a little rude. Both of them were pretty nice.” Jaden said.

“Sorry, Jaden, but we have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies or people trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?” Twilight said.

The lights came on, revealing the library to be full of ponies. Twilight, Spike, and Jaden jumped in surprise.

“Surprise!” The ponies exclaimed. A kazoo blows next to them. Twilight lets out an annoyed groan.

“Surprise!” The pink pony from earlier exclaimed. “Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, this is my friend Yuya Sakaki and Ben's cousin Gwen, now tell me where you are surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Were ya?"

"Very surprised," Twilight said. "And here I thought libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Yee, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all [deep gasp], remember? Yee, I've never seen you before, and if I've never seen you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!” Pinkie said in a jolly tone. Jaden gave an unamused look and walked to the table. Twilight walked beside him.

“And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went [deep gasp]! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!” Pinkie explained. As she was talking, Jaden poured hot sauce into one drink and coconut juice into the other. Twilight put a straw in the wrong drink and started drinking. Jaden picked up the other one and began drinking as well.

He quickly performed a spit take into a napkin.

“Twily, I think we mixed up our drinks.” He said. Right on cue, Twilight got red in the face and began tearing up.

“Are you all right, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“She doesn’t look too good,” Ben said. Twilight ran off upstairs.

“Aww, she's so happy she's crying!” Pinkie said. Sonic picked up the hot sauce.

“Hot sauce.” He read. Pinkie poured some onto a cupcake and ate it.

"What?" Pinkie asked her friends. This is good."

Jaden walked through the crowd to grab a couple of books and walked upstairs.

As the party was going on downstairs, Twilight was on her bed, looking out of the window, as well as at the clock.

Jaden was reading on a couch that was down the stairs, lined up with the bed.

Spike came back into the room.

“Hey Twilight, Jaden! Pinkie Pie's starting "pin the tail on the pony"! Wanna play?” Spike asked.

“It’s gonna be fun!” Spike added.

“Isn't that a dangerous game in a room full of ponies?” Jaden commented.

“No!” Twilight said, immediately after Jaden. “All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everyone has to stay up, or they'll miss the Princess raise the sun.” Jaden said from the couch. Flipping the pages as he read.

“You two should really lighten up,” Spike said as he walked away. Twilight mocked his words as they walked off. Jaden looked at Twilight.

“Spike is right you know,” Jaden said as he continued reading.

“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! "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about the everlasting night." I hope the Princess was right... I hope it really is just an old pony tale…” Twilight said.

"I wonder that myself," Jaden said to himself. "Oh would look at that time, Twilight, it's time to watch the sunrise!”

Jaden stood up and walked out of the room Twilight sighed and followed him.

Everyone from Ponyville had gathered to watch their beloved Princess raise the sun. It was the building where Twilight had met Rarity before. Pinkie hopped beside them.

“Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went-” Pinkie performed a deep gasp. “-but I mean really, who can top that?” As Pinkie spot it, Ben giggles at Pinkie.

At that moment, a fanfare done by Fluttershy and her birds was heard and a spotlight was pointed onto the stage where the town's mayor was. "Fillies and gentlecolts, boys and girls, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" Mayor Mare spoke as everyone cheered, even Pinkie.

“Tails, I got a bad feeling about this," Sonic spoke to his best friend.

“I do too, this suddenly feels like something is gonna go wrong here.” Tails replied.

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

"Ready?" Fluttershy asked her birds who were all prepared to sing. "...Princess Celestia!" The Mayor announced, allowing the spotlight to be pointed to the balcony for her appearance. When that happened the fanfare started up again and Rarity drew back the curtains to reveal...

Nopony…

"Huh?" Rarity said as she and many other ponies chatted quietly but nervously about this.

"Ohh, this can't be good," Twilight said.

"Remain calm everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation for this!" The Mayor said, feeling nervous herself.

"Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie asked with excitement.

"She's gone!" Rarity exclaimed. Speaking this had caused everypony to gasp in horror.

"Ooh, she's good!" Ben said but suddenly yelped when a dark blue mist appeared on the platform, making everyone very frightened.

"Oh no...it's..." Twilight started, but the sentence was finished by Jaden who stepped beside her. "Nightmare Moon!" He said as the mist formed a tall black mare with terrifying wings, a sharp horn, dragon-shaped pupils, a cutie mark of a luminous moon, and a flowing mane and tail made from the same mist.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." Nightmare Moon spoke as everyone cowered in fear...well, apart from one pony.

"What did you do with Celestia?!" Ben as he transforms to Heatblast but what stopped by Applejack.

"Woah there Nelly..." She said with a muffled voice as Nightmare Moon chuckled evilly.

"Why, am I not royal enough for any of you? Don't any of you know who I am?" The wicked mare asked with everypony too afraid to answer.

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about...Queen Meanie! No Black Snooty, Black Snooty..." Pinkie said before Gwen shoved a cupcake into her mouth.

"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for 1000 years?" Nightmare Moon asked angrily towards Fluttershy and Rarity.

"Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" She continued while taunting Lana and Amy.

"I did!" Twilight exclaimed. "And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon!"

"Well, well, well...Somepony remembers me, not that I knew. Then you also know why I'm here."

"You're here to...to..." Twilight said nervously before gulping then Nightmare Moon laughed evilly.

"Remember this day, little ponies and foolish mortals, for it was your last day ever. So from this moment forth, the night will last FOREVER!" Nightmare Moon said as she laughed wickedly with thunder appearing.

Every pony and person was frighted by the appearance of Nightmare Moon.

How will Twilight stop Nightmare to bring the Eternal Night forever?

TO BE CONTINUED...

Author's Note

Jaden here I hope you like the chapter. Be prepared for more.

Comment, Like, and Follow.

Chapter 2- The Magic of Friendship Part 2
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 2- The Magic of Friendship Part 2

Previously on MLP: Defenders of Friendship

Twilight: Elements of Harmony. See "Mare in the Moon?"

Jaden: Isn't she a legend?

Spike: My dear, Twilight, there is more to a young's pony life than studying. Make some friends.

Twilight: All the ponies in this town are crazy! I hope the Princess was right... I hope it really is just an old pony tale…

Jaden: I wonder that myself.

Rarity: She's gone!

Twilight: Oh, no, Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon: Remember this day, little ponies and foolish mortals, for it was your last day ever. So from this moment forth, the night will last FOREVER!

Nightmare Moon let out a maniacal laughter as she stood above the frightened ponies.

“Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!” Mayor Mare ordered. The three royal guards and a couple of officers flew towards Nightmare Moon.

“Stand back, you fools!” Nightmare Moon said. She laughs as she strikes them with lightning. The guards hit the ground and Jaden rushes to their aid.

“Are you alright?” He asked, helping one of them sit up.

“We’re fine.” The lead guard said. Jaden looked up to see Nightmare Moon had turned into a tantabus and flew out the door. Ben still as Heatblast follows her.

“Hey, wait!” Applejack said to Ben, only to release Rainbow dash. The two flew out of the building, but Nightmare Moon was all the way out of Ponyville.

“Get back here!!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“You coward!” Heatblast yelled. They looked down and saw Jaden and Twilight running out of the building.

“Where are they going?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Let’s find out,” Heatblast said.

Spike was placed in a bed, he was already sleeping slightly. He lightly woke up.

“We gotta stop Nightmare moon!” Spike said before going back to sleep. Twilight put a blanket over him.

“Get some sleep, Spike. We’ll take care of this.” Jaden as they looked through the library.

“Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?” Twilight asked as she looked through the books. Rainbow Dash zipped in and went nose to nose with her.

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy?” Rainbow Dash accused. She was grabbed by the tail and practically tossed by Jaden. She was able to recover before she could hit a wall.

"We're not spies!" Jaden exclaimed.

“And how do we know that?!” Heatblast said as he got nose to nose with him. Jaden growls, only for Sonic to stop them before they fought each other.

"Everyone take a breather," Sonic said while doing a timeout gesture.

"Sonic's right," Applejack agreed. "They ain’t no spies. But they sure know what’s going on. Don’t you?” Applejack asked them.

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

“Found it. ‘The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.’” Yuya held it.

“How the hell did you find that?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“ Simple. I just grabbed the most important-looking book….. And looked under E.” He said as he handed the book to Jaden.

"Thanks, now let's see," Jaden said looking through the pages. "There are twelve elements but only eleven knowns. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Motivation, Loyalty, Hope, Determination, Bravery, Justice, Confidence, and Reliability. The last one is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the eleven elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now--” Jade read. They transition to the entrance of-

“The Everfree Forest!” The 11 of them said. It was a very thick and dense forest and scary looking too, but to save their world, they had to go inside.

"Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Not so fast," Twilight stopped her. Look I appreciate the offer but I really rather do this on my own."

"No can sugarcube," Applejack refused. "We sure ain't letting any friend of ours go that creepy place alone We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple.” Applejack said as she and the others trotted into the forest.

“Especially if there are candy apples in there.” Pinkie said as she trotted into the forest causing Twilight to be confused

"What? Those are good," Ben said as Jaden looked at her.

"There's no way, you take on Nightmare Moon, all by herself, their strength in numbers," Jaden said.

As the six ponies, five humans, and three ani-humans trekked into the forest, they kept a watchful eye. Strange sounds filled the air in the forest, which seemed to get thicker as they went along the path. Everyone was on edge, except for Sonic who itching for action.

"So none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked breaking the ice.

“Ugh, heavens no! Just look at it - it's dreadful.” Rarity said.

“And it ain't natural. Folks say it doesn't work the same as Equestria.” Applejack said.

“What does that mean?” Ben asked with his back turned. The eleven managed to make their way to the side of the cliff.

"Look around, plants grow on their own, animals care for themselves, and clouds moved on their own!" Applejack answers making the ponies nervous.

"And how that's natural?!"

"Ben," Gwen groaned. "Different world, the laws of physics don't work here."

"She's right," Tails agreed. "Just scanning the area there are monsters and plants waiting to kill us and they come out..."

Before Tails say any more, the cliff they were standing on collapsed, causing all but the pegasi and Tails due to his ability to fly.

"Fluttershy, Tails, quick!" Rainbow Dash said, flying down.

“Right behind you.” Tails said.

“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness,” Fluttershy said as she and Tails flew after her.

Sonic spin dashed in the air and landed in the air. Ben transforms into Jetray and is carried to Amy, Gwen, and Yuya. Rainbow grabbed Pinkie and Jaden and landed on the ground.

Fluttershy grabs Rarity’s tail and pulled to slow her down. Tails fly in front of Rarity and slow her to a stop before helping Fluttershy get her back up the mountain.

Applejack slides to a branch and grabs onto a branch to stop her from sliding. This was until she saw Twilight slide to the edge. Twilight manages to stop herself from going over the edge and holding on.

“Hold on! I'm a-comin'!” Applejack said, realizing the branch and sliding down to Twilight and grabbing onto her hooves.

“Applejack! What do I do?” Twilight asked, holding on tight. Applejack held on for a moment before looking up. She then looked at Twilight.

“Let go.” She said. Twilight looked at her shocked.

“Are you crazy?” Twilight exclaimed.

“No, I ain't. I promise you'll be safe.” Applejack said.

“That's not true!” Twilight said in a panicked manner.

“Now listen here. What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe.” Applejack reassured. Twilight looked like she trusted her, took the chance, and let go.

She screams as she fell, this was before she landed on someone's back.

"All aboard the Jetray Express," He said gliding down to the ground none of them noticed the tantabus form that caused the cliff to collapse and travel to a manticore. "I got to say, for a pony your surprisedly heavy."

"Way to be rude," Rarity exclaimed. "Never talk about a mare's weight. "

"Now that everyone is safe let's keep," Twilight said until the manticore the tantabus irritated stepped in front of them with a growl.

“Manticore!” Rarity exclaimed.

"We got to get past him!" Twilight said.

"Gwen, please tell me, you got something to put the kitty asleep?" Jetray while firing his lasers at him.

"No," Gwen said as she fire a magic blast at the beast.

"Look we have to do it the old-fashioned way, hand-to-hand combat," Yuya said as Rarity and Amy were first to attack.

It swiped at them with its claws. They duck out of the way and gave a good buck with legs, and Amy used her Hammer, nailing the beast in the jaw.

“Take that, you ruffian!” She boasted. She was rewarded with a loud roar that frazzled her mane.

“My hair!” She looked at the manticore, gasped, and quickly ran away then Amy followed.

“Wait.” Fluttershy softly said. The manticore briefly runs out after them, only to feel Applejack jump onto his back. He quickly tries to buck her off.

“YEE-HAW! Git along, little dogie.” Applejack said as she held on.

“Wait,” Fluttershy said, a little louder. The manticore roars before officially bucking Applejack off of his back.

“Whoa!” She exclaimed as she was thrown through the air. “All yours, partners.” She said to Rainbow Dash and Sonic.

"On it!" Both head straight to the manticore and run circles around it.

“Wait,” Fluttershy said again.

"You can fight if you can't see!" Sonic taunted

The manticore used its tail to bat Rainbow dash away, and its left paw to do the same to Sonic.

"Rainbow! Sonic!" Twilight exclaimed as they head straight for Yuya but he activated his roller skates and dodged as they landed in front of the group leaving a few bruises. Jetray timed out and was back to Ben.

"Alright, buddy time to 'Swing into Action!" Yuya held his pedant and his beast was summoned Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon.

"Where the hell did he beast like that?!" Ben asked Odd-Eyes preparing to attack.

“WAIT!” Fluttershy exclaimed, stopping Odd-Eyes then Fluttershy approached the beast. “Oh, you poor, poor little baby.”

“Little?” Ben and Rainbow asked.

"Jinx! Stop doing that!" Both of them said as the Manticore growled at Fluttershy.

"Shh, it's okay," She calmed him down as the beast showed its pawed that a thorn was on it. "Tails do you mind?"

Tails nodded and then walked to it.

"It’s gonna hurt for a little bit,” Tails warned. He pulled it out and the manticore roared.

“Fluttershy! Tails!” All of them exclaimed.

To their surprise, the Manticore was licking Fluttershy as Tails petted its mane.

“Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes, you are, yes you are.” Fluttershy said as the others moved their way past them.

Fluttershy and Tails soon joined them.

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

"I didn't, sometimes we all just need to show a little kindness.”

Twilight soon followed behind him. The tantabus undisguised itself and flies after them again.

The 12 of them continued their trek through the forest, progressing into the more, murkier parts of the forest.

“No. My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck,” Rarity said, just before walking into a much darker part of the forest, impairing her vision. “Well, I didn't mean that literally.”

"That ancient ruins could be right in our faces," Twilight exclaimed. "And wouldn't even know it."

Everyone started bumping into each other in the dark apologizing to them when they did.

“Oh wait, I think I stepped in somethin',” Applejack said then Fluttershy then screamed. "It's just mud."

She looked at the tree and saw how scary it looked, and she could have sworn she heard it growl at her. She jumped back with a scream.

The ponies and humans watched in terror as they were seemingly surrounded by scary-looking trees only for Pinkie to be laughing and making faces.

"Pinkie! What are you doing?! Run!!” Twilight yelled.

“Oh girls, don't you see?” Pinkie said before bouncing in place.

[Pinkie]

When I was a little filly and the sun was going down…

“Tell me she's not…” Twilight tried to say.

[Pinkie]

The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown…

“She is.” Rarity said.

The hide under my pillow

From what I thought I saw

But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way

To deal with fear at all

"Then what is?" Ben asked.

You can face your fears

Granny said, ‘That they can’t hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear.

The group lied down on the ground and laughed, the scary faces disappeared and the forest’s moonlight shone through once again. Pinkie was hopping along the path, still laughing with the girls and the rest of the gang until they stopped short. A river was blocking their path, But it raging and wired in a violent manner.

"And just how we're going to cross that? Amy asked.

Tails looked at the water pulling out his personal computer pad the Miles Electric, The device beeped. "Everyone according to my wave reader, this river is supposed to be still. Something must be causing it."

"You seem to have a gadget for everything, Tails," Twilight was impressed.

"Thanks," Tails blushed a bit. "I have to be as reliable as possible for people in need."

"Distant crying interrupted and the group looked to where it came from.

“What a world, what a world.” The crying voice said. They walked over to it see a large, purple serpentine dragon with orange hair and half an orange mustache crying in despair.

“Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?” Gwen asked.

“Well, I don't know. 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 sea serpent said gesturing to the half stash he was missing.

"I thought you had a bad shave day, "Sonic exclaimed causing everyone to glare. "My bad. Sorry for my insensitive remark. But you still got it."

“Did you really think that was gonna work?” Applejack asked.

“No, but it was worth a shot," Sonic replied then Rarity step up.

“How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales.” Rarity said, brushing his muzzle. Steven sniffled a little.

“I know.” He said.

“And your expertly coiffed mane.” She said, pointing to his hair.

“Oh, I know, I know,” Magnet said as he ran his claws throw it.

“Your fabulous manicure.” Rarity said. Steven gasped.

“It's so true!” He said.

“All ruined without your beautiful mustache.” Rarity said. The purple serpentine became saddened.

“It's true, I'm hideous!” Steven said before wailing.

“I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected.” Rarity said with a determined look. She walked over and plucked a scale off of him.

“Ow! What did you do that for?” Steven asked.

Rarity readied the scale.

“Rarity, what are you about to” Sonic tried to ask, his jaw dropped as Rarity cut off her own tail. She then used her magic to attach the tail to Steven’s mustache.

“Oh-hohohoho! My mustache. How wonderful.” Steven said with a smile.

“You look smashing.” Rarity said.

“That mustache doesn’t look better,” Sonic commented. Applejack elbows him.

“Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail…” Twilight said. Rarity looked at her tail and turned to Twilight.

“Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back.” Rarity said.

“So would the mustache,” Ben said under his breath.

“The rapids are gone, we can cross now,” Sonic said. Steven made a bridge with his body.

“Allow me.” Steven offered. The group hopped along his body and got to the other side.

The group makes it to a cliff that leads to the castle. Twilight’s eyes brightened as she sees the entrance.

“There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!” Twilight said as she started running to the bridge.

"Twilight wait up!" Amy called out. Sonic runs ahead and grabs her tail before falling into a gorge between her and the castle. The Sonic pulled her back.

"What's with you and falling off cliffs today? He quipped.

The group at the bridge. The rope bridge once connected the castle and the end gorge. But the end was broken and hanging off.

"Now what?" Pinkie sighed.

"Hey cheer up," Yuya put his hand on her back. "Don't lose faith. There's always hope if you look for it. Hey Dash, fly over to the other side and reconnect the bridge. Think you can do that?"

"You sure as hell I can!" Rainbow smiled and flew to the other side and tied one end to the one post before looking at the other one.

“Rainbow….. Rainbow….” A voice called out.

“Huh? Who’s there?” She asked.

“We’ve been waiting for you.” The voice repeated.

“I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!” She said, punching her hooves.

“About time we gained the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.” The voice said.

“Who?” Rainbow Dash asked.

The remaining ten were standing on the other cliff. Jaden looked to the other side and saw Rainbow dash looking toward the clouds.

“Something’s up.” He said to the group.

“What’s taking Rainbow Dash so long?” Rarity asked. “She should’ve tied the bridge by now.”

“She’s talking to someone. It seems.” Jaden said before seeing three ponies, donning a purple and black uniform with yellow goggles, galloping in front of Rainbow Dash.

“Oh no.” He said. Twilight sees this too and gasps.

“Rainbow! Don't listen to them.” Twilight attempted to warn, but the clouds moved in front of them, blocking out her voice. “Oh, no. What are we gonna do?”

“Rainbow dash wouldn’t just abandon us, would she?” Rarity asked.

“I can’t believe it, if she decides to leave us here, we’re gonna-”

“Keep moving is what,” Sonic spoke up.

“What?” All of them asked.

“I said, we keep moving. I know all of you are skeptical about Rainbow Dash. None of you know her as I do. I know she won’t leave us behind, but, whether you know her or not, regardless of what happens, we don’t stop moving. The princess is relying on us.” Sonic said.

“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 of Equestria, but first, we need a captain. The most magnificent-” The Shadowbolt leader said.

“Yep.” Rainbow dash acknowledged

“Swiftest.”

“Yes.”

“Bravest flyer in all the land.” The leader finished.

“All true.” Rainbow dash boasted.

“We need…… you.” The shadowbolt leader said.

“WOOHOO! Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal.” She said as she attempted to tie the other rope to the podium. The three shadowbolts zipped over and stood between her and the rope.

“No! It's them or us.” The leader told her. Rainbow dash looked at the other end of the bridge to see Jaden looking at her.

“She seems to be talking to somepony.” Jaden was heard saying.

“Oh no.” He said. Twilight sees this too and gasps.

“Rainbow! Don't listen-.” Twilight attempted to warn, but one of the shadowbolts turned his head, lit up his eyes and the clouds moved in front of the bridge, muffling her voice. Rainbow Dash began to look conflicted.

“Well?” The shadowbolt leader asked.

“You.” Rainbow Dash admitted. The trio grins, thinking that she abandoned her friends. “Thank you! For the offer, I mean, but I'm afraid I have to say no.”

“What!? Don’t you want to be a part of a team of the best flyers in all of Equestria?” The leader tried to tempt again.

“I do, but I’m not gonna leave my friends hanging. Especially after making it this far.” Rainbow Dash said as she started to fly back. The shadowbolts turned back into tantabus and floated off.

The clouds moved away and Rainbow Dash flew back to the others.

The gang cheered as they walked across the bridge.

“Good job Rainbow,” Twilight said. Sonic over and hoofbumped her.

“See, I'd never leave my friends hangin'.” Rainbow dash said.

“Damn right she wouldn’t,” Sonic said as the group crossed the bridge.

The 12 walked into the castle and Jaden closed the door behind them. They see a podium with stone spheres on the ledges.

“Oooooh," Pinkie said as they looked at the orbs.

“The Elements of Harmony, we've found them," Twilight said as Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Tails flew up and grabbed them, and set them down.

Rarity counted them and realized they were short.

“Wait, there’s only ten.” She said.

"The book said, when the nine are present, a spark will cause the Tenth Element to appear," Twilight explains.

“What in tarnation is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked.

“Not too sure, but I got an idea. Everyone stand back, I’m not sure what will happen.” Twilight said. She lights up her horn. Applejack started to walk out the door.

“Come on now yall, She needs to concentrate,” Applejack said as she walked out.

The others follow her the tantabus from before floated over to the elements and began to make them spin as Twilight’s eyes were shut tight. Twilight cried out in shock which was heard by her friends.

"Twilight!" They all cried out and ran back to her.

Twilight looked into the swirling blue mas and cried, "The Elements!" She dove into the mist just as it disappeared. Her friends showed up just as this happens. They started to panic, calling her name until Tails saw a bright light coming from one of the broken towers.

"Look!" Tails cried out pointing to the tower were settled they had to rescue their friend.

"Let's go!" Jaden exclaimed as took charge.

Meanwhile, Twilight wound up transported into the other castle. He coughs a few times before looking up at Nightmare Moon, who was not only physical but had the elements surrounding her. She lets out an evil laugh. Twilight stood up and got ready to charge.

“You’re kidding. You’re kidding, right?” She asked him, unamused.

Twilight lit her horn and charged, and Nightmare did the same and came right at her but instead teleported herself away from her and to the stones.

“One spark, coming up.” She said. Twilight rears back and sends a beam of magic at the six elements. They started glowing in response.

“Yes!”

Nightmare Moon sent an electric shock at Twilight, sending her flying back. Ass he hits the ground, Nightmare Moon flies over and looks at the elements fearfully.

“No, no!” She exclaimed. Then, just like that, the glow went away. Bandit looked up, shocked.

“What? Where are the final element?” Twilight asked in a slight panic. Nightmare Moon laughed and stomped her hoof on the ground, breaking the elements. Twilight could only watch in horror.

“You enormous fool! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess or your sun! The night will last forever!” Nightmare Moon said with an evil laugh as charged her horn and fired only to be blocked by Amy's Hammer.

"That's what you think!" Sonic exclaimed as he did a Spin Attack at Nightmare to lose her balance then Tails fire a blast from his energy cannon shocking her.

"Are you okay?" Yuya picked her up.

"Alright Nightmare Moon!" Ben said as transformed into Four Arms. "Time for you to go to bed now the gang's here!"

After hearing what Ben said Jaden realized they weren't alone and that they had won against Nightmare Moon.

"You really, stubborn to think you have won but haven't you little boy," Nightmare said. "The elements are gone. The universe is doomed."

"That's what you think!" Jaden backed him as they stood by Twilight's side. “You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here!"

Then the Element shards began to swirl around them.

"What?" Nightmare Moon asked.

Jaden turned to each of them.

“Applejack, who reassured Twilight when she 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!"

"Me, who carried on the fighting while being afraid represents the spirit of... Bravery!"

"Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... Generosity!"

"Tails, whose tools he would only use for the benefit of others represents the spirit of... Reliability!"

"Sonic, who lifted up all of our spirits when we started to lose sight represents the element of… Motivation!"

"Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... Loyalty!"

"Ben, who always does the right thing represents the spirit of... Justice!"

"Yuya, who reminded us that is always another way represents the spirit of... Hope!"

"Gwen, who shows assurance in her stuff represents the spirit of... Confidence!"

"And Amy, who will persevere and find a solution no matter what represents the spirit of... Determination! And these of eleven got through every challenge you threw at us.”

"You still don’t have the final element! The spark didn’t work.” She said.

“But it did!" Twilight cut in. "A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, and how much I cared about you. The Spark iginted inside me when I realized that you were all my friends!" As the 12th element in front of Twilight.

"You see, Nightmare Moon when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the final Element. The Element of... Magic!” Twilight said as one of them lowered to her.

The Elements attached themselves to the heroes and then a rainbow beam flies from them and toward Nightmare Moon.

“Nooo! Nooo!” She exclaimed as she was consumed by the beam.

When it was all everyone was sprawled out on the ground, tired from what just happened. One by one, they stand up.

“Ugh. My head.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked as she stood up.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Rarity was heard saying. They look at Rarity and saw that her tail was back to normal.

“Why Rarity, it's so lovely,” Fluttershy said to her.

“I know! I'll never part with it again.” She said as she nuzzled her tail.

“No. Your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark.” Fluttershy pointed out. Rarity looked at the similarities before noticing that nearly everyone else does too.

“So does yours.” Rarity said. Fluttershy looked at hers and gasped with delight.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie exclaimed as she hopped over to the group.

“Aw yeah!” Ben, Sonic, and Rainbow Dash said with a fist-hoof bump.

"Check me out!" Jaden and Yuya looked at his necklace encased with a white gem in a shape of a fist and a blue upside-down heart.

"Pretty cool dude!" Tails said as he, Amy, and Gwen looked at theirs.

“Gee! I thought y’all were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Indeed you do.” A voice said. The eleven look to the window not only to see the sun rising but also at Princess Celestia's return to them. All of them bow except for Twilight.

"Princess Celestia!" Twilight called and embraced her and Celestia returned the favor.

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it."

“But you told me it was all an old pony tale,” Twilight said.

Celestia shook her head. "I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more.” She said to them. “I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you who had the magic and courage inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart."

"Who's the dude, to say the Fate of Equestria does require to make some friends, this guy!" Jaden exclaimed. "By the way, you owe me 15 bits."

"I should've never doubted from the start."

"Thank you, now what's about her?" Jaden asked

"Now there's another will to be done," Celestia answered as she walked over to a young alicorn with a blue coat, and blue stardust for hair, she was smaller but just beautiful. Her cutie mark was the mark of the moon.

“Princess Luna.” She called. The alicorn looked up at her and gasped.

“It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.” Celestia revealed. She walked over to Luna and sat down.

“Sister?!” The group said in shock.

“Will you accept my friendship?” She asked as she stood up. The group all looked in suspense as Pinkie fell on her front hooves.

“I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!” Luna said as she nuzzled Celestia.

"I missed you too, little sister." Celestia embraced her as tears fell through all of them with Pinkie showing the waterworks.

Pinkie wiped a tear from her eye before smiling.

“Hey, you know what this calls for?” Pinkie asked.

"What?" Ben asked.

“A Party!” Pinkie exclaimed happily. Ponies were running to the party held in Ponyville. A chariot pulled Celestia and Luna to a crowd. Celestia and Luna stood in front of a bowing crowd. Luna looked glum before two fillies came over and placed a flower necklace on her. Her grim turned to a grin.

“Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” She asked Twilight who looked glum.

“That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, we have to leave them.” Twilight admitted.

“Spike, take a note please,” Celestia said. Spike takes out a piece of paper and takes a quill out of Chad’s hoodie pocket. He writes what Celestia says. “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville.”

"Isn't that awesome," Jaden exclaimed as her friends came by their side. "Look we get like to stay."

"Thank you, Princess Celestia, I'll study harder than ever before," Twilight thanked her.

Ponies and People all around started cheering for them.

Author's Note

Pinkie Pie :
Isn't this exciting? 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

That does it for the Premier. See you guys next time.

In case you the Elements for Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Gwen are

Sonic

Tails

Amy

Gwen

Chapter 3-The Ticket Master
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 3-The Ticket Master

It was a warm Afternoon in Sweet Apple Acres. Jaden, Yuya, and Twilight were walking to Applejack with each of them carrying two satchels full of apples,

“No. Nope. Nope..” The dragon said going through all of them.

“Thank you kindly, you guys, for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles.” Applejack said, chuckling soon after.

"No problem at all, Applejack," Twilight said with a smile.

"I'm glad the goal is lunchtime," Jaden replied. "All this hard work is making me hungry."

Then Twilight, Spike and Yuya's stomachs growled.

"Okay, didn't expect that," Jaden said hearing all three of them.

"Guess we better get some food," Twilight said.

"Aha!" Spike exclaimed pulling out a bright juicy apple and then eating it.

"Spike!"

"What?" He asked then held his stomach and let out a burp. A scroll came out.

"Whoa," Yuya gasped.

“A letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight said.

“Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of-”

“Blah blah blah, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle puls one guess,” Spike said.

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” Twilight and Applejack said excitedly as Spike burped out two golden tickets.

"Here we go."

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

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

“It’s not all fancy, a lot of times, things are often fun,” Jaden said.

“You’ve been to the grand galloping gala?” Applejack asked.

"Twice. I usually hang out with Dalzzing Song, Black Ace, and Shadow Gaze, We’d hit the donut shop, hang out with some of the local celebrities, meet with the wonderbolts, and go dancing. It’s really nice.”

“Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes…” Applejack started. “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? 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.” Applejack said before looking back at the gang. “Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.”

“Oh, well in that case, would you like to—” Twilight tried to ask but Rainbow came crashing down on the two.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” She asked.

"Rainbow Dash! You said that you were too busy to help me harvest the apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?” Applejack asked in an accusing tone. Lightning Sprint turned her back to her.

“No. I was busy pranking Sonic while he was busy napping. I just happened to hear that you have a couple of extra tickets?” Rainbow asked.

“Just one, but-” Twilight tried to say.

“YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year.”

“I’m aware. Hell, I know some of them,” Jaden said with an eye roll.

“I can see it now…" as Rainbow begins to fantasize. "Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then it would fly Rainbow Dash! I’ll draw their attention with my super-speed stunt! Then I would mesmerize them with my Fantastic Filly Flash! And for my grand finale The Buccaneer Blaze. The ponies would go wild!” Rainbow finished.

“The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, this could be my chance to impress them with my stuff. You got to take me!"

Then Applejack tugged her tail.

“Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here.” She said before spitting out her tail. “I asked for that ticket first.”

“So? That doesn't mean you own it.”

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

"You're on!" As the two began then Jaden pushed back both of them. "What the hay, Jaden!?"

“I don’t mean to interrupt your little acts of boasting and dominance here Amazonians, but that the two tickets belong to Twilight, she chooses who goes with her. Not you.”

"Thank you, Jaden," Twilight agreed. "Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?"

“Drummin' up business for the farm.” Applejack started.

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

“Money t' fix Granny's hip.”

“Livin’ the dream!”

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?” Jaden asked then Twilight's stomach growled.

"Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make a decision on an empty stomach so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?” Twilight said to them before walking off with Spike on her back.

"Okay," Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash said then glared at each other and then hoof-wrestle.

"Hope this doesn't go sour," Jaden replied.

"Me too," Yuya agreed.

"So, who are you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"I have no freaking clue, Spike," Twilight said. "But I really can't think straight when I'm hungry so where should we eat?"

From out of nowhere, Pinkie tackled right into them.'

The dust settles and the two golden tickets landed on Pinkie’s nose, causing her to panic.

“Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” She said as she ran around.

Pinkie stopped in front of the tickets. “Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” She said as her pupils dilated.

"Oh crap," Gwen said.

“It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!” Pinkie said before singing.

[Pinkie]

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...

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

[Pinkie]

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 superly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy
Wheee!!

“Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever.” Pinkie said as she gave twilight a smile.

“Um, actually—” Twilight started to say. Spike picked up the tickets. A gasp from Rarity got his attention, as well as Bandit’s who was beginning to get annoyed.

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

“Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” Pinkie said with exciting hops.

“The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet HIM.” Rarity said with a sparkle in her eye.

“Before you begin your internal fantasy of high expectations, can you be just a little more specific on who this ‘him’ is?” Amy asked.

“Why, him of course.” She said before fantasizing.

“Ah crud, here we go again.” Tails said.

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

"Is Rarity referring to Prince Blueblood?" Sonic asked. "That colt is the worst."

"No kidding," Ben replied.

“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 said before turning her back. A small white rabbit hopped over and snatched the ticket away from Spike.

“Hey!” Spike said as the rabbit ran to Fluttershy and showed her the ticket.

She gasped. “Angel, these are perfect.”

Back with the group, Twilight spoke up once again.

“Uh, listen, guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to.” She confessed.

“You haven’t!?” Both Rarity and Pinkie asked. Rarity shocked, Pinkie stunned.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else…” Fluttershy said, getting their attention.

“You? You want to go to the gala?” Rarity asked rather stunned.

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy said before Angel started tapping her with his foot to change her mind. “I-I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…” Fluttershy started. “It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. Blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays, and pink flamingos!” Fluttershy finished, hugging Angel at the end.

“As nice as that fantasy sounds Fluttershy, I’m afraid that the animals at the gala aren’t the most-” Jaden tried to say.

“Wait just a minute.” Rainbow dash said from on top of a roof, not looking happy.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Were you following us?” Twilight asked as Rainbow Dash flew down.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody.” Rainbow Dash said.

"Wait just another minute," Applejack arrived. “And I was following you to make sure neither one of yah didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.” Applejack said.

“Let me ignore my need to correct that grammatically erroneous sentence you just spoke out of your mouth to tell you that the ticket isn’t yours.” Jaden got in Applejack's face.

“Uh-” Spike and Ben were about to ask.

“Erroneous means wrong,” Gwen told them.

“But Twilight's taking me.” Pinkie said. This sparked the others to start arguing. Bandit plugged his ears from the arguing.

“QUIET!” Twilight shouted, silencing all but Pinkie.

“And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you crazy—" oh.” Pinkie said, stopping and looking at Twilight.

“Girls, there's no use in arguing,

” Twilight said. Rarity tried to appeal to her nature.

“But Twilight-” She started before Jaden interrupted.

“No, Twilly will make her decision in due time. But pressuring her isn’t making this easier on anyone.” Bandit defended.

“And I certainly can't think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added as she stepped forward. Her stomach growled rather loudly. “Not to mention hunger.”

"She's has a point come on," Sonic agreed. "Let's give her time to think about it."

Everyone left Twilight and Jaden

"Okay, now let's get something," Jaden said.

Jaden and Twilight were sitting at a restaurant

"Jaden, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.” Twilight said as she picked the petals off of the flower in front of her. “Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?” She asked. Her stomach growled, resulting in her eating the petals.

“Have you made your decision?” A waiter asked. Twilight growled at this.

“I CAN'T DECIDE!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Twilly, he means on your food,” Jaden said.

“Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

"For me, Mozzzerla Sticks."

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked. The waiter gave an unamused look. “No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy.” Spike said before looking at Twilight.

“What do you think Spike?” Twilight asked.

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

“She means about the gala Spike and the ticket.”

“Oh, she’s still on that?” Spike asked. Twilight nearly jumped over the table.

“Spike, listen.” She sat back down. “How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I—”

"Your food." The waiter brought them the food.

“Sir, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?” The waiter asked.

“It's not raining…” Twilight said as she looked around, seeing that it was pouring down except were they sitting.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“This has Rainbow Dash written all over it,” Jaden said.

“Hi there. Enjoying the sunny weather?” Rainbow Dash asked from the opening.

"Call it."

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked her, in a scolding tone.

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

"I'm no element of honesty, but it’s obvious you are doing extra work for extra points to get the extra ticket.”

“Me? No no no, of course not.” Rainbow Dash said.

"Really?"

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight told her. Rainbow Dash groaned.

“Fine.” She said, zipping up the cloud.

“That’s better,” Twilight said as her sandwich got soggy.

“Twilight, it's raining.” Rarity said, seeing the group.

“I don’t think we noticed.” Bandit sarcastically said.

“Come with me before you catch a cold.” Rarity said as she grabbed Twilight and pulled off.

“I thought you couldn’t get a cold in the rain,” Spike said.

“You can’t,” Jaden said. "But I can."

At the boutique, Twilight shook the water off of her, her mane fluffed up and went back to normal.

She smiled before looking at a wet-maned Rarity.

“Heh heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said sheepishly. Rarity went from unamused to smiling.

“Oh no, it's quite all right. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not?” Rarity asked as she nuzzled Twilight’s side with the top of her head. “And you know what the best of friends do?”

“Uh….” Twilight said as Jaden and Spike came in.

“Makeovers!” Rarity said as she pulled over to a changing booth and started putting an outfit on Twilight.

“Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight.” Twilight said before Rarity moved the booth, revealing Twilight wearing a rather pretty saddle that sparkled like Twilight’s last name.

“Huh, that looks good on you,” Jaden said.

“You really think so?”

“Yeah, It almost distracts the fact that Rarity is doing this for the ticket,” Jaden muttered as Rarity tried doing measurements on him before he stopped her.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that Rarity, I have a Tailor back in Canterlot who’s familiar with my size, he’ll be sending me a suit soon,” Jaden said. Rarity nodded and stopped.

“And you!” Rarity said as she looked at Spike. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for one of the dashing gent.”

She brings over the changing booth and started dressing Spike behind it.

“D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike exclaimed as he was getting forcibly dressed. The booth was moved and Spike was revealed to be in an old-timey button-up dress coat with golden buttons.

“Now, the hat.” Rarity said, placing a hat on his head with a golden feather on it.

“Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library.” Spike said before zipping off. Leaving the clothes there.

"Don't worry Rares," Amy reassured him. "I guarantee by the end of the day he’s gonna want to go.”

“Oh, who needs him anyway. This is all about you,” Rarity said as she pulled a mirror over to Twilight and showed her how she looked. “and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

This is when Twilight realized what was going on and snapped out of checking herself out.

“Wait, the Grand—” Twilight started to say.

“What a coincidence Rarity. You just so happen to have a set right here that matches Twilight’s dress perfectly.” Jaden said looking at another pair of dresses.

“I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well, it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else.” Twilight said as she tossed off the saddle and trotted to the door. “Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said as she walked out.

“Did somepony say lunch?” Applejack said as she poked her head in and grabbed Twilight.

“Ugh. This is gonna be a long day.” Jaden said as he walked forward and saw the cart Applejack pulled her, full of Apple products. "Oh, fuck me."

“You gotta be kidding me,” Twilight said as she looked at that.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumbles, and Apple Brown Betty.” Applejack listed. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie.” Applejack clarified.

"Got it."

“No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!” Twilight said as she started to run off.

“So, is that a maybe?” Applejack asked.

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating,” Twilight said walking to the library

“The favors aren’t aggravating, the reasons behind the favors are what’s aggravating,” Jaden said. "But surely not even Flutters or Pinkie would go crazy for a ticket to the gala?"

He looked and saw Fluttershy cleaning and humming inside the library.

“You’re on your own for this one Twilly. I’ll kick my own ass to kingdom come if I snapped her. I don’t want to make her cry.” Jaden whispered to Twilight.

“Fluttershy, not you too,” Twilight said with a conflicted look.

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

“Flutters…. It’s summer.” Jaden reminded her.

“Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy asked with an embarrassed blush. “It was Angel's idea.”

“You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked her.

“Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Fluttershy asked as she turned to Angel, only to not see him. “Angel?”

Angel peeked out from behind her hind hoof.

“We weren’t doing this for the ticket right?” Fluttershy asked. Angel made an unamused face and nodded that they were. “Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.”

“No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” Twilight said, walking over to the door and opening it.

Confetti blasted into the library.

“Surprise!” A bunch of ponies exclaimed. Pinkie reaches in and pulled Twilight out of the library.

"You've got to be kidding me," Jaden facepalmed himself.

[Pinkie]

Twilight is my bestest friend
Whoopie, whoopie!

“Pinkie…” Twilight called as Ponies started throwing her into the air.

[Pinkie]

She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!

“Pinkie.” Jaden called as he ducked down and walked out.

[Pinkie]

I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

“Pinkie!” They both called.

[Pinkie]

She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!

“PIIINKIIIE!!” Twilight shouted. The ponies tossing her stopped and she started to fall. Bandit dives and catches her on his back.

“Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, fluttering her eyelids.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket,” Twilight said as she sat up.

“Wait. What ticket? What gala?” One pony asked.

“None of your-” Jaden tried to say.

“Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie said.

“PINKIE!” Bandit exclaimed as the ponies gasped.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The ponies exclaimed. They began to shower twilight with compliments and offers to get the ticket.

“Hold on Tight,” Sonic said as he came to them

“Say no more,” Twilight said prepared for what was coming.

"Now Torando Spin!" He exclaimed as he created a small localized Tornado and swept the ponies away. "You guys get going, while I handle them."

"Thank you," Twilight thanked as they teleported out of there.

"Hey, Sonic," Ben said as they looked at the ponies. "What's going on?"

"Pinkie being Pinkie, we got crowd control."

"Got it." Ben agreed to transform into Cannonbolt. "Let's roll!"

Twilight and the others appeared at the library, via teleportation. Spike’s scales were scorched from the spell.

“Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that.” Spike said while being dazed

“I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now quick, lock the doors!” Twilight said as they locked everything with the tree.

"Finally," Twilight said as the light came on seeing Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy smiling then having a meltdown then causing Gwen to twitch her eye a bit then glare at them.

“You should all be ashamed of yourselves!”

Upon saying that, their faces dropped.

“Twilight has been trying her hardest to think and decide on who she wants to be her plus one for the gala. But all those favors and reasons that you have been putting a lot of pressure on her. Is it really so hard for you to see that she doesn’t want to disappoint any of you, and every favor is just making it worse?” Gwen asked the five looks Twilight’s pressured face was enough to get the message across.

Applejack walked over first.

“Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on 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.” Applejack said.

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

“I think we also owe you an apology too Bandit.” Lightning Sprint said. “We’ve been so focused on getting that ticket from Twilight that we weren’t considering how rude we were being to you. I’m really sorry.”

“And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie said as she hopped down.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did. And Bandit, it was very rude for me to intervene with you and Twilight’s day.” Rarity said.

You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either.”

“We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you.” Applejack told them.

“We’re sorry.” They all said.

"Jaden send a to the Princess," Twilight said.

"Got it," He got a quill and paper.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there are not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight said.

“What?!” Everyone exclaimed.

“If all my friends can’t go, I don't want to go, either."

“Twilight, you don't have to do that.” Applejack said.

“Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now.” Twilight said. Jaden tossed the letter to him and walked to a window and transports it to Celestia.

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

“It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me…” Twilight said before looking at Jaden. “Or my BHFF who doesn’t want to go without me.”

"BHFF?" Applejack asked.

"Best Human Friend Forever. Twilight likes to use acronyms to describe me and her older brother.” Jaden explained.

“That’s kinda cute.” Applejack said with a smile.

Spike’s stomach growled and a letter came out.

“‘My faithful student Twilight. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?’” Spike read. He then pulled out six golden tickets. "Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“Sweet! Now all of us get to go!” Twilight cheered as her stomach growled.

“Allow us to treat you to dinner.” Rarity said as she led Twilight.

"What a great way to apolozied," Rainbow exclaimed.

“And to celebrate! Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!” Pinkie said.

The six of them left the library, taking all the tickets and leaving the non-pony friend saddened Spike in the library.

"What wrong buddy?" Ben asked.

“How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly.

"Not to worry I left her a P.S," Jaden said as if on cue, Spike burped up another letter. He opened it and read.

“And one more for Spike and the others.” He said before looking at the tickets.

"You guys didn't know, Celestia decided to invite other species to the Gala," Jaden said.

He giggled and ran to the door before looking at a couple of smug looks.

“I mean, gross, I have to go too?” Spike quickly tried to act.

"No worries, your secret is safe with us," Yuya said.

“But I will make fun of you,” Ben exclaimed.

“What!? No!” Spike said.

“Too late.”

Author's Note

Episode 3 is done! This is without a doubt, the hardest episode for me to do.

Until next time, be sure to fave, comment, and like.

See you next episode.

Chapter 4-Applebuck Season
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 4-Applebuck Season

Applejack was looking at all the apple trees at Sweet Apple Acres.

“Boy howdy! I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o' apples I ever laid eyes on.” Applejack said. Big Macintosh was standing next to her with bandages around his torso.

“Eeyup. Too big for you to handle on your own.” Big Macintosh said.

“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.” She said as she poked his side, making him flinch in pain. “Oops, sorry.” She said as she moved her hoof. Big Mac glared at her a little.

“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 Macintosh said. Applejack looked at him slight offended.

“Are you sayin' my mouth is makin' promises my legs can't keep?” Applejack asked him, in a way that basically said, take that back.

“Eeyup.”

“Why of all the... This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalest 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! I said I could handle this 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.” Applejack said. Big Macintosh sighed and started to walk away. As he did, he saw Sonic.

“Hey Big Mac!" Sonic greeted him.

“Hey . What brings you here?” Big Macintosh asked.

"I kinda owe Apple Bloom a favor she help me ans Tails with his latest pet project, where is she?" Sonic asked.

"She’s in the house. Just knock, she’ll open the door.” Big Macintosh said. Sonic nodded and boosted past him.

Sonic walked towards the house before looking in Applejack’s direction.

“Hey there Applejack.” Sonic said.

“Howdy there Sonic. You’re awfully early.” Applejack said.

“I know, I hope you don’t mind.” Sonic said.

“Not at all.” Applejack said. Sonic looked up at the trees.

“Damn. That’s a lot of trees.” Sonic commented.

“Eeyup. Applebuck season.” Applejack said.

“Applewhat now?” Sonic asked.

“It's what the Apple family calls harvestin' time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell 'em.”

“Sounds like an interesting time of year.”

“Yeah. I sure do got my work cut out for me. But if I want to get these Apples harvested I need to start now.”

“Mind if I give you a helping hand?"

“Nah, I can do this on my own. Besides, that means I’d have to teach ya the proper way for applebucking, and then I gotta watch over you to make sure that you put the right apples in the-”

Sonic did his spindash into a tree making some apples fall into some baskets with an unamused look on his face.

“Applejack, this isn’t neuroscience. I know, I’ve studied it. Let me give you a hand."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can do this one on my own.” Applejack said. The ground rumbled and an apple dropped, hitting Applejack on the head.

“You sure the trees can’t do them on their own?"

“Real funny big guy.”

“Stampede!” Rainbow Dash was heard saying. Sonic and Applejack looked towards town. They saw a bunch of the cows from the farm running into town.

“We gotta do something!” Applejack said.

“You got Apples to buck. I’ll handle this.” Sonic said as he ran off.

“Winona!” Applejack called. A brown border collie ran to her and barked.

“Go help Bandit.” She said. Winona barked and run to Sonic, running along side him.

In town, ponies and humans were panicking and running around town trying to get inside before the Stampede would hit. Except Pinkie, who was enjoying the rumbling and how her voice sounded.

“Hey! This makes my voice sound silly!” Pinkie said as her voice vibrated with the shaking ground.

“Pinkie, are you crazy?! Run!” Ben exclaimed as he ran off.

“Everyone calm down. There’s no need to panic.” Mayor Mare said, trying to calm down the panic. Rarity ran over to the Mayor.

“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked.

“Look!” Jaden pointed out.

“Look there!” Rainbow Dash said. The group watches as Sonic ran and started to pull ahead of the stampeding cattle. Winona riding on his back.

The others began cheering after seeing him. Pinkie had a bag of popcorn as she watched.

“This is the best rodeo show I’ve ever seen.” Pinkie said as she ate the popcorn. Twilight and Gwen rolled thier eyes at her randomness.

“Hey? Winona was it? Herd them from the other side!” Sonic said to Winona. Winona barked and jumped off, running to the left side of the stampeding herd, Sonic being on the right.

“Sorry, don’t mean to be rude, but I need to turn this way.” Sonic did a jump on the lead cow and grabbed its horn and steered the lead cow away from the bridge. The following cattle followed. Seeing this, his friends, along with other ponies, began to cheer.

Sonic slowed down and tugged gently, but firmly, to get the lead cow, as well as the others to slow to a halt.

“Don’t hurt the cow, don’t hurt the cow, don’t hurt the cow.” He said to himself as he carefully halted the stampede. Winona ran to Bandit and barked happily. Sonic pet her before walking to the lead cow. “Okay, mind telling me what the hell that was all about?”

The lead cow, DaisyJo, let out a moo before clearing her throat.

“Oh my! Begging your pardon there sir, but Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes.” DaisyJo explained as she gestured at the cow who wore the cowbell. The mention of the word snakes made the other cattle gasp and become startled. Luckily, they didn’t move. “And it just gave us all the willies, don'tcha know.”

“I understand fully. I’m sure Tails will take care of it if he finds it. If not, then I’ll make sure it’s taken care of. But, next time, could you stampede clear of Ponyville?” Sonic asked politely. The cattle started to walk back to the farm.

“We certainly will, Sir. What’s your name?” DaisyJo asked.

“Sonic.”

“Goodbye Sonic. So long, Winona!” DaisyJo said as she walked with the others. Winona barked as Sonic looked towards the crowd. They cheered as he walked to him.

Twilight was the first to run to him.

“Sonic. That was amazing! Where did you learn to do that?” She asked.

"This wasn't first time dealing with stampedes.” Sonic sheepishly confessed. Pinkie started bounce around.

“Yeehaw! Ride’em Cowpoke!” She said.

“That was just…… just…” Mayor Mare said, trying to find the right words.

“Hedgetasntic!” Pinkie said from above them before falling down.

“You turned me into an Adjective?” Sonic asked.

“MmHm!” Pinkie said before rolling to her feet.

“We must do something for you for single-handled saving the town.” Mayor Mare said.

“Oh no, it’s alright. I insist. I’m gonna take Winona back to the farm. See you guys later.” Sonic said as he walked back to the farm. Winona barked and followed him. Mayor Mare looked at the other ponies.

“If he insists on saving the town, then we insist on rewarding him. Any ideas?” Mayor Mare asked.

“I know!” Pinkie said.

Sonic walked back to the farm to drop off Winona.

“I’m back.” Sonic said as he saw Applejack still bucking the apples out of the trees.

“What made the cattle get riled up?” Applejack asked.

“One of them saw a snake and it spooked the rest of them.” Sonic answered.

“That’s bad, hopefully we find that snake before it spooks them again.” Applejack said as she knocked a few apples out of the next tree. Sonic looked at all the empty trees. Which there was only ten of.

“Are you sure you don’t need my help? You did say I’m a straight up bonified work horse when we first met. How about we put your bits where your bake is?” Sonic asked. Applejack looked at him confused for a second. “Bake is another word for mouth.”

“Once again, I appreciate your offer to help, but I can do this by myself.” Applejack said.

“Suit yourself.” Sonic said.

"Well there you we got a lot of stuff to do!" Apple Bloom said.

"I can wait," Soinc with a deadpan.

One week passes by, and Sonic was sleeping on the Golden Oak Libary.

“A party!” Pinkie’s voice was heard saying, which woke him up.

“Did you seriously wait until the end of the week to say that?” Diamondhead was heard asking. Sonic sat up and started to stretch.

“Gah, what are they doing out there?” Sonic said as he peeked out the window and saw the ponies and people decorating town hall. “How long have they been up to this, and why haven’t I noticed beforehoof?”

Twilight walked over to Rarity who was fixing a bow on a tree.

“We all ready?” Twilight asked.

“Just one last thing.” Rarity said as she turned to a banner. She placed it onto the town hall, revealing the banner to be decorated with the words, 'Thank you Sonic!'. "Now we're ready."

"Is Applejack coming with the food?" Jaden asked.

"Actually, I haven't seen Applejack all week." Rainbow Dash said as she flew over.

"Did you drop off the invitation?"

"What do you think?"

"I think you forgot, since AJ isn't here."

"I dropped off the invitation." .

“I’m sure she’ll arrive soon.” Rarity said. “It’s not like Applejack would miss a fun little get together like this.”

This was when Twilight remembered something.

“Wait a minute, who’s distracting him?” Twilight asked. Everyone quickly looked panicked and Tails turns to see Bandit about to walk around the corner. He dashes off towards him. He turns to face him and dives, knocking him onto his back.

“Sonic! Hi, hey, good to see you. How are you today?” Tails asked as he looked down at him with a nervous smile.

“Other than wondering how you turned into a football player suddenly, I’m wondering what’s going on in town hall.” Sonic said as he looked up at him.

“NOTHING!”

“You are not a good liar.”

“I need you to get something for me!” T

“What do you need?” .

“A… A-A KITE! I need you to buy me a kite.”

A brief silence occurs between the two.

“Okay.” Sonic said as he picked up Tails and placed her down. “But only because I know you’re trying to distract me from something.” He began to walk away.

“Phew.” Tails said as he wiped sweat off of his head.

“How long will he be gone?” Yuya asked.

“At least 30 minutes, he can be pretty indecisive if I’m not specific.” Tails said as he began to walk back to the town hall. “I just hope Applejack can be there in time.”

30 minutes go by and Twilight walked to the stand on Town Hall with a stack of index cards that she organized before looking at the crowd before her. She reads off of the cards.

“Welcome, everypony! Today we are here to honor someone we can always count on to help in matters great and small.” Twilight said as she flipped to another card. “Someone whose contributions to--”

“Twilight.” Gwen whisper called from beside her. Twilight looked at him before trying to continue.

“Who contributes to acts of Kindness,-”

“Twilight, I need to tell you something.” Gwen whispered. Twilight put the cards down and turned to Gwen

“What?!” She whisper yelled.

“Sonic's not at the kite store.” Chad whispered.

“What!? Then where is he?”

Gwen only shrugged as a response.

“I made it!” Sonic said from the crowd. The crowd turned to look at him.

“Well, I wrote this entire speech for nothing.” Twilight said as she tossed the index cards in the air.

“To be fair, you did tell him to get here ASAP. One step for him is like fifty for the rest of us.” Ben commented. Mayor Mare walked to the stand and cleared her throat.

“And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize, the first ever,Hedegehog of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a changeling of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Sonic!” Mayor Mare said. As the eyes fell on the blue hedge ponies, Spike and Amy began to cheer.

“Cool! Way to go Sonic, that was awesome!” “You’re the most awesomely awesome hedgehog in the-” Spike and Amy both stopped as they realized everyone else had stopped cheering.

“This is a little awkward.” Spike said.

“You think?” Sonic asked.

Sonic ran quickly over to the stage.

“Excuse me, sorry.” He said as he on the stage.

“Ms. Mare. I would like to thank you kindly for this award. Though, I did say it wasn’t necessary, I appreciate the gratitude.” Sonic said as he looked at the trophy.

“Well from what Twilight has said about you, you really know when to be there for somepony who needs you.” Mayor Mare said. Sonic smiles as he looked at the crowd. Although, he managed to make out a face he didn’t see.

“Well, that’s me. Helping to those that need it. And as much as I would like to make up a 10 minute speech at the top of the head I wasn’t prepared for, there is someone else that needs my help. Once again, thank you for the award [He shakes Mayor Mare’s hoof] thank you all for the ceremony, but I’ll be off.” Sonic said as he grabbed the award and boosted out there. The kite fell off his back and landed in front of Twilight. Twilight picked it up and looked at it. It was shaped and styled like her cutie mark.

“Quite crafty.” Rarity commented as she looked over Twilight’s shoulder.

“Anyone else think Sonic was in a bit of a rush?” Ben asked.

“Very much so. Why was he in a hurry to leave?” Rainbow Dash asked. Jaden looked among them, and soon realized who wasn’t here.

“Wait a minute. Where’s Applejack?” Jaden asked.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was asleep in front of a tree that had previously been harvested of the apples. Sonic makes it to the orchard, sees Applejack and then puts his trophy down.

He walked over to some of the trees and began to kick the apples out of the trees and into the baskets.

Applejack snorted like she was about to wake up, causing Sonic to jump into one of the trees. Applejack opens her eyes, shakes her head and walked over to the same tree bandit kicked and tried to kick it. She missed because she wasn’t close enough. She backed up and tried again, only to kick the basket over.

“Whoops.” Applejack said.

“Applejack!” Twilight called to get her attention. The attempt didn’t work, so she and Jaden walked closer. “Applejack!”

Applejack fell asleep again. Sonic peeked out from the tree and climbed down from it. He bucked another apple tree. Taking advantage of the fact that she fell asleep.

“Applejack.” She called again. Sonic kicked 3 more trees before Twilight tried to wake up Applejack again.

“Applejack.” She sees that this doesn’t work and she teleports both of them in front of her, which took a moment. “APPLEJACK!” Twilight shouted. Applejack woke up, shaking her head.

Sonic quickly ran over to them.

“Oh, howdy, Twilight. Hey Sonic, Jaden.” Applejack said.

“What is all this?” Twilight asked.

“It's Applebuck season.” Applejack said as she started to walk to another tree. Twilight started using her magic and teleported in front of Applejack. Startling her. “Whoa!” Sonic and Jaden ran quuckly caught it.

“Applewhat season?” Jaden and Twilight asked.

“Think of it as a harvesting season.” Sonic told Twilight. Applejack walks past them and Twilight teleports in front of him again. Bandit simply walked around to get to her.

“But why are you doing it all alone?” Twilight asked. Applejack walked past again.

“'Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself.” Applejack answered. Bandit stood in her path, which stopped her.

“What about all those relatives I've met when we first came to Ponyville? If you won’t accept my help can't they?” Jaden asked. Applejack sighed and walked past him.

“They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards. So, uh, I'm on my own.” Applejack said, Twilight teleported in front of her. She stopped. “Which means, I should really get back to work.” They didn’t move. “Ahem... hint hint? Get back to work?”

Sonic rolled his eyes and he and Jaden stepped to the side. Twilight moved as well.

“Guys, could you three step aside?” She asked.

“We just did. Applejack, you don’t look so good.” Twilight said, taking note of her condition. Although to Applejack, her voice was echoing.

“Eh, don't any of you six worry none, I'm just fine and dandy.” Applejack said. Twilight teleported in front of her again. “Whoa.”

“You’re getting good at that.” Jaden complimented.

“Thanks.” Twilight said before looking at Applejack. “Do you... want some help?”

“Help?” Applejack scoffs before shaking her head. “No way, no how!”

“Applejack, I mean this in the most respectful way possible, but there's no way you can do it all on your own.” Sonic said. Applejack got nose to nose with him, standing on her hind legs to do so, thanks to his height.

“Is that a challenge?” Applejack questioned, very defensively.

“No, it’s a statement.” Sonic answered, backing up a little, making Applejack nearly fall over.

“Well, I'm gonna prove to you that I can do it! Now if you'll excuse me, I've got apples to buck.” Applejack said as she walked past them in a stomp.

"Well this ain't going to end well," Sonic asked.

Ben and Rainbow Dash were perched on a fence. Seemingly waiting for something.

“Ugh, where is she?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“There she is.” Ben said as she saw Applejack rush over.

“I'm a mite sorry,you two.” She looked at them in the wrong order. “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 y’all are trying to do?” She asked.

“See that contraption?” Ben pointed out first. Applejack looked at it.

“Uh…. Yeah.” Applejack confirmed.

"Well, I'm gonna stand on one end with Dash on my shoulders, then you're gonna jump down from that platform, launching us into the air faster than I can take off on my own. Once we're in the air, we're gonna do some amazing synchronized flips and spins that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts." Ben explained. Blue sports lines marking down the process as she did.

“Isn’t that a mite dangerous?” Applejack asked, quite concerned. The two pegasi confidently scoffed.

“Heh, not for a pony who can fly.” Rainbow dash said as Ben transform into Jetray.

“Especially two as good as us.” Jetray said, the two hoofbumped with a smile. They flew to the seesaw like contraption.

“Well, all right-y then.” Applejack said as she walked over with them and climbed up the tower. She looked down and had some very blurry vision. She had a hard time seeing where she was supposed to land. “Oh my.” She said.

“Ready!? Three! Two! One!” Jetray counted down. To her and Rainbow Dash’s surprise, she body slams onto the ground.

“Perhaps the instructions were unclear. You have to land on the other side.” Rainbow dash emphasized. Applejack pulls her face off the ground with her eyes rolling in different directions.

“Got it.” Applejack said. However, she missed the next three times she went. Aggravating the two.

“Applejack, what the hell is going on?” Jetray asked.

“Yeah, we should’ve been flying through the air by now.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I'm okay. Really. I-I have an idea. Watch this.” Applejack said. She walks over and pulls down the other end of the seesaw, lifting Lightning Sprint and Rainbow Dash into the air on the platform. “Tada!”

The two would look at her, as this wasn't what they had in mind.

"Oh... Maybe not. Okay, one more try. I'm sure to get it this time." Applejack said as she climbed back up the ladder.

"Ugh!" Jetray groaned as she began helping Rainbow Dash back onto her shoulders.

"Heh heh... Here I go!" Applejack said as she jumped off, RIGHT as Rainbow slipped off Lightning's shoulders.

Jetray managed to grab Rainbow Dash but couldn't stop Applejack "Wait wait wait! Applejaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!"

The two were launched into the sky, towards the library.

"You're welcome!" Applejack called after them.

Spike who was reading a book with Twilight and Jaden, had his shell shook before he dove away from the railing as the two of them landed there. Diving under Twilight as a result.

They both groaned in pain as they slammed into the railing.

"Huh, you two took your time dropping in." Spike said from under Twilight.

"I think I broke something!" Jetray wheezed.

"Twilight. We might need your help." Rainbow dash said.

"Applejack?" Jaden asked with a very unamused face.

"Yep." They both said. Later, back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack had bucked a few apples out of the tree, causing them to hit the ground. She bends over and picks one of them up only to hit the back of her head against the tree as soon as she stood.

"Ow!" She exclaimed. At this point, Jaden had arrived.

"Applejack, can we talk? Applejack, can we talk?" Twilight asked, walking over.

The first time she spoke, it merely got her attention. The second time however, she heard nothing but an inaudible voice, forcing her to try and read her lips.

"Can bees squawk?! I don't think so." Applejack completely misheard.

"No. Can we talk?" he asked again.

"Twenty stalks? Bean or celery?" Applejack misheard again.

"No! I need to talk to you." Jaden exclaimed.

"You need to walk to the zoo? Well, who's stoppin' you?" She completely misheard.

"I need to talk to you!"

"Oh! Well why didn't you say so? What you wanna talk about?" She said as she tried to continue working, and failing.

"Rainbow Dash and Ben dropped in today." Jaden told her, hoping she would catch the hint. She did not.

"That's quite neighborly of them." Applejack wrongly assumed.

"They crashed onto the balcony after you launched them into the air!" Jaden told her. Applejack went back to a soft spoken tone and hung her head.

"Oh, yeah. I wasn't feeling quite myself this morning." Applejack said softly, feeling bad.

"Probably, your overworking youself, you need help." Jaden told her, only to be misheard again.

"HELP! You need HELP!" Jaden yelled in her face.

"Nothin' doin', Jaden. I'm gonna prove to you, t'everypony, that I can do this on my own." She said as she started to walk away. Right into a branch. Thunking her head against it and making her go cross eyed. "Ow! Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go help Pinkie Pie." She said before running off to Sugar Cube corner.

"Damn it!" Jaden groaned in frustration.

Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, Mr and Mrs Cake were packing up to head out.

"Now Pinkie Pie, are you sure you're up for baking the muffins and running the store this afternoon?" Mrs. Cake asked.

"Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake. Plus, I have Ponyville's prized pony to help me out. Why, she's the best baker ever. Right, Applejack?" Pinkie answered. Applejack looked at Pinkie. Unable to hear her distorted voice, she began to shake her head.

"No? You're not the best baker ever?" Mr. Cake asked. This caught Applejack off guard.

"WHAT? Oh no! I mean, don't you fret. I can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye." Applejack said.

Mrs. Cake let out a sigh.

"All right. Well, see you later, girs!" She said before walking out with her husband. Applejack began shaking her head again.

"Stop with the shakin' Let's get bakin'." Pinkie said. Applejack nodded and walked to the kitchen with Pinkie.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the two earth ponies had the ingredients in front of them.

"All right-y! I'll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?" Pinkie asked in a low and distorded voice, well not to herself, but to a tired Applejack, it sounded like that, and as a result Applejack misheard her.

"Chips... got it. Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie." She said as she grabbed a bag of Chips and poured it into the bowl. "What next?"

"Baking soda." Pinkie answered in the same voice.

"Soda. Perfect. That'll get the tater chips nice and wet." She said as she grabbed some soda and poured it into the bowl, once again mishearing what she said. "Now what?"

"A cup of flour."

"A cup o' sour? Well, limes are sure sour. One cup o' sour, comin' up." Applejack said as she poured lime juice into the bowl. "Anything else, Pinkie?"

"One last thing. Wheat germ." Pinkie answered. Sounding Distorted at the words 'Wheat Germ'. And once again, Applejack misheard her.

"Wheat worms? Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms." She said before walking outside, digging some up and heading back to the bowl, placing them inside.

"Now that's gonna be delicious." Pinkie said as the bowl was placed in the oven.

"If you say so." Applejack said, not exactly believing her.

A short while later after the mix came out Pinkie turned to the group that had gathered. "Free muffin sample spectacular!"

Ponies began lining up in order to get a free muffin.

Later, Yuya, Amy, Jaden, and Tails ran to the location of the sick ponies, results of the ill causing muffins.

"We came as soon as we heard." Tails said to Nurse Redheart.

"We need all the help we can get." Nurse Redheart said, moving the curtains. Multiple ponies were green in the face, sickened and groaning.

They walked in and saw all the sick ponies.

"Oh no! What happened?" Amy asked as he looked around.

"It was a mishap with some of the baked goods." Redheart answered.

"Not baked goods. Baked bads." Pinkie said, groaning.

"Applejack." Jaden deduced.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was falling asleep again as she worked on the apples. At first, she knocked a bunch of apples out of a tree, falling a sleep as they fell. An apple bonked her on the head, making her wake up. She then began to back the applecart into a barrel, causing the barrel to tilt in too and dangle her upside down, causing her to fall asleep.

"Applejack, we need to talk." Jaden said as he arrived. This woke her up.

"Wha, huh? Oh, it's you, Jaden. I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still no."

"Applejack, your drowsiness caused you to poison some of the residents of Ponyville. Not to upset your applecart, but you need help." Jaden told her.

"Hardy har." Applejack said as she struggle to detach from the cart

"I got you." Jade said as he was about to move forward.

"No no! I got it." She said as she swatted him away. Well, at least tried to. He wasn't close enough to her for her to hit.

Jaden stood still as she started trying to get out. Bandit facehoofed, but she eventually detatched cart.

"There. I'll prove that this apple can handle these apples. Come on [she started kicking the tree] apples [she kept kicking] fall off [She kicked harder]. Bandit gave an unamused look.

"AJ.....That's a dead tree you're beating." He said. Applejack looked up as a leaf fell down.

"I knew that." She said before walking off.

Jaden groaned and followed behind her.

"Another thing Applejack. You know all that backing with Pinkie you did? Well you ended up-"

"I'm kinda busy to be lectured right now," Applejack interrupted.

"Applejack, You're putting everyone else's health at risk. Just let me help before-" Jaden tried to say again.

"Ugh. No, no, NO! How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from nopony!" She exclaimed as she stomped off.

Bandit groaned.

"Frick! She's more stubborn than a bull charging at at cape cape." Jaden said before looking at the black bull in the fence.

"Sorry if that was offenvise?" He asked.

"Not at all." The bull said.

Later, Fluttershy was leading Applejack to the bunnies.

"Oh Applejack! Thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit roundup." Fluttershy said gratefully.

"Ugh. Why are we doin' this?" Applejack asked

"Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born, so it's my job to get a count of all the new families." Fluttershy said answered as they walked.

"Fine. Can we just get on with it?" Applejack asked.

"Certainly, but remember, these are bunnies we're dealing with, not cows. They're a timid bunch and need to be treated gently." Fluttershy tried to warn. Applejack began to prove she wasn't the element of patience at the moment.

"I do NOT need any direction on corrallin' critters. Right, Winona?" Applejack said.

Winona barked affirmatively. The bunnies were on alert as a result. Fluttershy got to them and began to softly speak.

"Okay, little bunnies! I need you to all gather here in the middle." Fluttershy began to instruct. Then Applejack decided to take the aggressive approach.

"That's right! Let's go, bunnies. In the center. Hop to it." She said with a stomp of the hoof. This scared the bunnies into a scatter.
"Swell. Just swell." She began to run after them, like she would herd cattle. "Put 'em up, Winona!"

Winona barked at the bunnies and ran after them as well. Every bush the bunnies hid in, Winona jumped in it and scattered them again.

"Applejack! Winona! Stop! You're scaring them." Fluttershy warned.

"We know what we're doing! Get along little bunnies!"

That's when the bunnies and started to stampede away and head straight to Ponyville.

"Oh no." Fluttershy said.

In the sky, Rainbow Dahs looked towards the direction the bodies were coming from and saw how many were coming this way.

"Again?" Ben asked while on his tablet.

"STAMPEDE!" Lightning Sprint exclaimed as the bunnies rushed towards town.

As Ponyville began panicking to get to 'safety', The bunny stampede was running towards Daisy. As she saw them running towards her, she fainted in the middle of their path. The bunnies stampeded around her.

It didn't take long for Jadne to arrive at ponyville. There was no big mess that he could see, even when looking towards the 3 fainted ponies.

"The horror, the horror." Roseluck said.

" It was awful." Lily said.

"A disaster. A horrible, horrible disaster." Daisy added.

Jaden looked around again and didn't see any changes.

"I don't get it." He said.

"Our gardens, destroyed." Lily said

"Every last flower, devoured." Roseluck added.

"By... by... THEM!" Daisy said. Bandit looked and saw the bunnies eating the flowers.

"Okay. THAT'S it." Jaden said as he ran back to Sweet Apple Acres.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was practically talking in her sleep as she was kicking the 'last' tree.

"Must…. keep….. buckin'... just…... a few….. more. Must finish harvestin'." Applejack said.

Jaden landed in front of Applejack and hoisted her up with one hoof.

"All right, Applejack. Your applebucking hasn't just caused you problems, it's over-propelled Pegasus' and ailens, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say, you. Need. Help." Jaden told her. Applejack frowned and wriggled out of his one hoofed grip. And kicked the apples out of the tree.

She looked at them fall in her baskets with pride.

"No, I don't. Look, I did it." Jaden looked and saw all the trees she Harvest. "I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d'ya like them apples?"

Jaden turned her head to the other 3/4ths of the apple trees. The ones she didn't do.

"You forgot to do other side?" He asked.

"Yeh beat me by one second." Big Macintosh said from beside them.

Applejack looked at all the apples she DIDN'T kick down.

She mumbled indistinctly before finally fainting.

"Applejack?" Jaden was heard calling very faintly at first, but as she opened her eyes, his voice became clearer.

"Applejack!" He called again.

"Huh?" She answered as she looked up at him.

"Oh good, you're okay." Jaden said with a relieved smile. "Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You're usually 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." Jaden said to her. "There is no shame is asking others for help."

"Okay," Applejack said.

"And this time. Saying no isn't gonna wait what?" Bandit asked, caught off guard.

"Yes Jaden. Yes, please. I could really use your help." She said, placing her hooves together as she begged him. Jaden chuckled.

Few hours later.

"Dear, Celestia. My friend Applejack is the best friend a pony or creature, could ever have, and she's always there to help anypony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer. From Jaden." Jaden wrote before sending the letter. He was pulling a large cart of apples before Applejack trotted over.

"How about y'all take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya!" Applejack said to the group. The other seven walked over to the table with the apple juice.

"I can't thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bit stubborn."

Everyone sirmked at her.

"Okay. A mite stubborn, and I'm awful sorry. Now, I know I learned an important lesson about asking for help, but the true lesson here, is how lucky I am that I have all of you as my friends." Applejack said. Jaden smirked and started to pick them all up, hugging them.

"Anyone hungry? I got those delicious muffins from earlier." Spike said as he held up a bowl of them. Pinkie recoiled in slight disgust.

"Eww! I threw those all away. Where'd you get them?" Pinkie asked.

"I remade them. Potato chips, soda, a half cup of lime juice and earthworms." Spike listed as he ate one. "Anyone?" He asked with a full mouth.

The ponies began to walk away coufusing him.

"What was that all about?" Spike asked.

"No offense, unlike the others you have balls of steel," Ben joked as the others walked behind.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait, I had make I had to update my other stories that I had and enjoy myself.

Until next time. See you guys soon, and hope you enjoyed there's more were that came from.

Chapter 5-Griffon-Brush-off
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 5-Griffon-Brush-off

It had been four days since Applebuck Season was completed. On this particular day, the fourth day since the completion, Pinkie Pie was looking up at the sky while Twilight and Jaden were reading a book nearby. Spike was reading along with Twilight as he rested his chin on top of her head. “I can’t wait to hang out with Dashie,” the party mare exclaimed. “That’ll be the first time we’ve been together for longer than a few seconds since we beat Nightmare Moon all those weeks ago.”

“If she’s up to it, of course,” Twilight said. “She might have other plans.”

"And those plans are with, racing with Sonic or doing extreme stunts with Ben," Jaden added.

“And from what we know about her,” Spike quipped. “Most of her plans involve napping. I don’t get how such a fast pegasus can sleep so much.”

Pinkie then gasped happily as she saw Rainbow Dash soaring in the sky.

“There she is,” Pinkie squeaked happily. “I’ll see you two and Spike later, Twilight. Bye~” She then dashed off as Twilight sighed in relief. Spike noticed that.

“You know, Twilight,” Jaden said. “I think you’re kind of missing the point of why Princess Celestia had us move here in the first place.”

“I know, Jaden,” Twilight explained. “Given that we just met the others a while ago, we don’t fully know of their schedules and what they do. I do have responsibilities, but, I’ll still find the time to spend some time with my friends.”

"That's fair enough," said Jaden.

Pinkie Pie meanwhile was looking for Rainbow Dash, a difficult task since Rainbow had an advantage in speed and flight. "Hmm… where could she have flown off to this time?"

"She's up there!" Cried an orange pegasus filly. This was the same one that was close to Apple Bloom and the white unicorn filly during the return of Nightmare Moon. She was accompanied by two grown-up mares. One was a rather round earth pony with a pale, light grayish amber coat, a brilliant scarlet mane and tail with light tangelo highlights, moderate scarlet eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting a sailboat beneath the sun wearing a light blue scarf and blue flower earrings. The other mare was a lanky pegasus with a very pale yellow coat, a moderate arctic blue mane, and tail with light cyan highlights, moderate opal eyes, and a Cutie Mark depicting a spool of blue thread and a sewing needle who was dressed in a light purple sweater.

"Ah, thanks, kiddo," grinned Pinkie. She hopped off.

“I can’t understand it, Holiday,” said the lanky pegasus. “What does little Scootaloo see in that daredevil pegasus?”

“She is an impressive flier, Lofty,” the earth pony, whose name was Holiday, said in a distinctive accent. “Scoots probably has hopes to take off like her.”

“I feel she has too much of her parents in her,” Lofty commented. “Always looking for thrills. With your brother’s blood in her, she might never fly.”

“Don’t discourage her, Lofty,” Holiday reprimanded. “There’s plenty of pegasi with an earth pony parent that learns to fly.”

“Yes,” Lofty said. “That’s true.”

“Seeing as you’re one such pegasus,” Holiday commented. “Perhaps you can teach her the basics. It may take a while, but, she might at least manage to hover.”

“I’ll do what I can,” Lofty smiled.

Meanwhile, Pinkie had managed to catch up to Rainbow. The sky-blue pegasus noticed and was less than thrilled. “I don’t have time for this,” she muttered.

So, she zoomed off, leaving Pinkie to bounce happily behind her. “Rainbow Dash,” the pink pony called out.

Rainbow Dash didn’t answer her, though. She just continued to fly and made her way to the side of the Sweet Apple Acres barn. She stopped to catch her breath, peeking to see if Pinkie was in sight. To her relief, she only saw Caramel carrying a sack of seeds.

“Whew,” Rainbow sighed. “Close one.” However, the pegasus spoke too soon, as she turned around and found Pinkie right there.

“Hi,” she squeaked. Rainbow jumped in the air and took off. The shockwaves from her speed blew the sack of seeds off Caramel’s back.

“Oh, come on,” the stallion complained. “I needed those to… uh… to… oh, great, I forgot!”

“Don’t worry, Caramel,” Pinkie said. “I'm sure Applejack will get that sack of seeds for you onto your back in a jiffy.” She hopped off as Applejack walked up to him.

“Lose the seeds again, Caramel?” Applejack questioned flatly.

“Uh-huh,” Caramel said as he hung his head in shame. “I can’t even remember why I needed them in the first place.”

“They’re fer feedin’ the chickens,” Applejack soothed. “Come on, let’s get ya a new sack, sugarcube.”

“Okay…” Caramel said, dejectedly. Seeing her coltfriend’s depression, Applejack gave him a small peck on the cheek. This perked him right up. “Thanks. I needed that.”

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was still flying in the sky, trying to get out of Pinkie’s peripheral vision. She made her way to the foliage of the Golden Oak Library. “Pinkie will never find me here,” the cocky pegasus stated.

She spoke too soon, as Pinkie Pie was actually right underneath Rainbow. Rainbow had unknowingly sat on Pinkie’s head.

“Hi, again,” Pinkie said with a smile. Rainbow once again responded by flying away.

Pinkie gave chase once more, bouncing slowly yet merrily, trying to catch up to Rainbow Dash. The pegasus in question hid on a cloud and once Pinkie continued in the direction she was going, Rainbow snuck off in the opposite direction. She soon made her way to another cloud over a quaint little lake in Ponyville. She landed on its shore, making doubly sure that Pinkie didn’t follow her.

“Whew…” Rainbow panted.

Poor luck seemed to befall her as Pinkie Pie was not only close by, but, was actually IN the lake, complete with scuba mask and snorkel. She removed the mask and snorkel before making her presence known.

“I need a favor, Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie said.

Rainbow jumped and was about to fly off when suddenly, she just stopped. “Oh, what’s the point,” she groaned. “You’ll just find a way to catch up to me again, anyway.”

“I totally promise it’ll be totally fun~,” Pinkie said enthusiastically.

Rainbow sighed. “Let’s just get this over with. What’s the little something you need?”

The "little something" was a prank involving the use of a lone storm cloud. Pinkie was currently instructing her pegasus friend and pranking partner on where to position the cloud over the town hall. "A little to the left," She instructed and Rainbow obeyed. "Now, a little to the right. Oops, too much. A little more to the left again. Now just a smidge to the right. Good!"

Rainbow forced herself to grin. Just play along and it’ll be over soon, she thought to herself.

Pinkie continued barking out orders related to the positioning of the cloud. "Move it up just a smidge. Now maybe down a tiny bit."

Rainbow’s already small reservoir of patience was completely drained at that point. “PINKIE PIE!” she shouted.

The party mare realized what Rainbow’s shout meant and finished her instructions. “That’ll do. Just wait for my signal.”

Ben who was doing a favor for Twilight, had gathered some blank scrolls and was about to head out. He was unaware that he was being watched and had no idea what was waiting for him once he exited the building. Ben was simply whistling a merry little tune to himself without a care in the world as he gathered the scrolls into a bundle. He then walked out of the slightly ajar front door of Town Hall.

“Now!” Pinkie signaled Rainbow, who kicked the cloud. A bolt of lightning escaped from the cloud and a loud boom of thunder soon followed.

Suspecting nothing, the flash and boom startled Ben and caused him to drop every single scroll he'd just gathered seconds earlier. They fell out of his hands and tumbled onto the ground in front of him.

Both ponies laughed themselves silly at the display, especially once they saw that they'd managed to give Spike a bad case of the hiccups. “Oh no,” Ben groaned between hiccups and accidentally slam the Omnitrix became Heatblast and spat some fireballs.

“Watch your aim!” Rainbow said.

“I can’t–HIC–help it,” cried Heatblast as another fireball hit the ground ten feet away. “When–HIC–ever I–HIC–get the hiccups–HIC–I can’t–HIC–control my–HIC–fire breath! I’m–HIC–fireproof, but–HIC–you guys and P–HIC–onyville aren’t!” At that point, an inferno was beginning.

Thinking quickly, Rainbow used the water in the cloud to make rain to not only put out the flames but, to pour into Heatblast’s mouth. “You still can’t use your fire breath for a while after drinking water, right?” Rainbow asked, remembering how Heatblast’s fire was extinguished in pastimes.

Heatblast managed to calm down and catch his breath. The water also helped to stop his hiccups. “Yeah. Thanks, Rainbow.” He then picked up the scrolls. “Hopefully, these will dry by the time I reach the library.” He then walked off."

Little did Heatblast know that a couple of scrolls were hit with his fire breath and had flown over to the castle.

"Hmm?" Celestia blinked as some scrolls showed up. "This is an early friendship report. And a big one if it requires so many scrolls.” She used her magic to open the scrolls to find them all blank. "Did Twilight use invisible ink?" She asked in surprise. She held the scrolls near a light source, but, no writing appeared on them.

“That was close,” Pinkie said. “For future reference, I think we should make sure Spike drank water before pulling a prank like that on him again.”

“Never figured you for a prankster, Pinkie,” Rainbow said with a somewhat impressed smirk. “You're pretty good at this prankster stuff. Almost as good as me, almost.”

"Oh, of course," Pinkie replied with a wink. "Fluttershy's already told me about the kinds of crazy pranks you used to pull off as a filly."

“You mean...” Rainbow smirked wider, seeing the storm cloud still close by her. “Like THIS?” She kicked the cloud, causing thunder to sound. Pinkie was startled into hiccuping as well. However, she was a good sport and giggled between hiccups.

“That was grea–HIC–eat!” Pinkie laughed between hiccups.

“You’re not as annoying as I thought,” Rainbow said. This caused Pinkie to look a bit disheartened. "Hey, you know what? Why don't we team up and pull some pranks around town today? I want to see what you're really capable of."

“Rea–HIC–ally?” Pinkie gasped. “That’d be su–HIC–That’d be terrifi–HIC–That’d be great! HIC!”

“Hang on a sec,” Rainbow said as she kicked the cloud one more time, causing thunder to sound again, scaring Pinkie’s hiccups away. “Hiccups gone now?”

“Uh-huh,” Pinkie said with a nod. “Still a bit sore about that ‘annoying’ comment, though.”

Rainbow comforted Pinkie. Despite her rough-and-tumble attitude, the prismatic-maned pegasus still had a soft side to her. “How about we do that prank team-up as an apology from me?”

“That sounds great,” Pinkie smiled, feeling much better. “Lucky for you, I know just where to go to get the best prank supplies ever!"

Later that day, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash got their supplies from the Joke Shop, a novelty shop in Ponyville. Their first official target was Rarity at Carousel Boutique. Pinkie rang the doorbell before she and Rainbow hid in nearby bushes. Rarity opened the top half of the door and saw a bouquet of flowers. “Ooh,” she said. “I wonder who sent these? Surely, not Spike. He’s nowhere in sight.” Rarity took a sniff of the flowers, only to get pink dust on her nose. “Huh… hauh…” Rarity gasped. “Hah-choo! Hehu-ha-choo! Hawah, hawah, ha-choo!”

The sound of laughter revealed the culprits to the alabaster mare as she saw Pinkie and Rainbow laughing with Rainbow holding a shaker with an illustration of a sneezing pony on it. Rarity looked at the two in annoyance and Rainbow flew off. The shock sent the sneezing powder shaker off of Pinkie’s hoof and it landed on the ground, a small puff entering Pinkie’s nostrils.

“Ah~” Pinkie sneezed. “CHOooooo~!”

The sneeze propelled Pinke after Rainbow Dash. Rarity saw the display and couldn’t help but smile. Knowing she wasn’t hurt by the prank, she could smile and shrug it off. She made sure to wipe the sneezing powder off her nose.

At the Golden Oak Library, Ben arrived with the still-damp scrolls he managed to retrieve. “I got the scrolls you ask for, Twilight,” he announced.

Twilight saw Ben and the damaged scrolls and a look of concern appeared on her face. “Ben, are you alright?” she asked softly.

“Well, you know how I that if anything to me while transformed my aliens can't control their powers?”

"Yes?"

"Well, Rainbow and Pinkie didn't know about it and I hiccuped due to a prank of theirs."

"You what?!"

"Twilight!" Cried, Ben. "Whoa, it's okay. It was a harmless prank and they gave me water afterward."

“How many scrolls got burnt?”

“Uh, let me check,” Ben said sheepishly. As he counted the scrolls, Rainbow and Pinkie quietly snuck in and switched Twilight’s regular ink with invisible ink. Just as Ben finished counting, the duo snuck out. “Shit. I must’ve burned six of the scrolls.” He then hung his head dejectedly. “Sorry about that?”

"It's okay, some scrolls are better than no scrolls," Twilight replied.

“Even though they’re wet?”

“The circumstances were beyond your control,” Twilight said. “Help me dry them off and everything’ll be okay.”

"Sure, and also I was wondering if you have to know any good chili recipes?"

"Yeah, I think I remember seeing a recipe that gives off a high Scoville rating. Would you like me to make that?”

“Of course, Twilight,”

Twilight set up a dry sheet of parchment on a nearby lectern and scribbled a few words on it.

“Let’s see,” Twilight said to herself. “In order to make this fire-breathing potion, I’ll need these ingredients.” When Twilight turned her back to consult the book with the recipe, the words she wrote vanished. Ben noticed.

“Uh, Twilight, I think we have a problem.”

“What is it, Ben?” Twilight asked.

“Take a look at your notes.”

Twilight turned to face her notes and she was left shocked and confused when she saw that the paper was blank. “How in the hell did that happen?!” she asked in alarm. She wrote more letters on it experimentally and saw them vanish after a few seconds.

“Invisible ink,” Ben commented when laughter was heard outside.

Twilight and Ben looked out the window to see Pinkie and Rainbow laughing to themselves. Rainbow was holding an ink well with an image of a liquid drop missing parts of its line. Twilight was visibly annoyed as she opened her window. “You two have some nerve,” she scolded. This made the two mares subside.

“We were just pulling some harmless pranks,” Pinkie said, nervously. She and Rainbow began to sweat from Twilight’s glare.

“Thankfully, I hadn’t started putting the ingredients together yet,” Twilight said sternly. “Now, if it’s not too much trouble, could you two kindly go and annoy somepony else?”

“On it, Twilight,” Rainbow said, handing Twilight a bottle of actual ink. “Here, you’ll need this for… whatever you were doing.”

Twilight eyed them suspiciously. “Is this actual ink?”

Rainbow didn’t appreciate the insinuation. “Of course it is,” she declared. “Don’t you trust us?”

Twilight’s answer was blunt. “I’d be more inclined to trust you if it weren’t for the fact that you both pulled a prank on me and Ben today.”

“She’s got us there,” Pinkie admitted. “But, I Pinkie Promise, that's regular ink.”

Twilight used her magic to levitate the ink bottle inside. She dips her quill in it and scribbles on a nearby piece of paper. Sure enough, the ink didn’t disappear. “Okay, you’re clean,” she said. “But, I stand by my request for you to go annoyed somepony else.”

The two quietly hustled away. After they left, however, Twilight and Ben did see the funny side of the situation. Though, Ben quickly noticed something. “Wait, something just occurred to me.”

“What’s that, Ben?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Rainbow and Pinkie managed to sneak in here, replace your regular ink with invisible ink, and sneak back out, all without either of us knowing. Normally, you’d be broken out of your focus if one of your ink wells is even touched, never mind emptied and refilled.”

Twilight considered this. “Huh,” she said. “That is strangely impressive.”

Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, Caramel and Applejack were each pulling a wagon out of the barn. “Ah just can’t understand it,” the farm mare said. “There were bushels o’ apples an hour ago. How’d they–” Applejack was interrupted from her thoughts as she looked ahead.

“What is it, Applejack?” Caramel asked, concerned. He then looked ahead to see apple trees that were harvested four days ago sporting apples in several unusual colors that were hanging from the branches by clothespins. “What in the world?!” The two earth ponies hear familiar laughter.

They turned to see Pinkie and Rainbow close by a nearby rain barrel. They wore artists’ berets on their heads, held paint palettes, and had paintbrushes in their mouths. The two ran off as Applejack started throwing the technicolor fruits in their general direction. “Y’all have any idea how hard it is cleanin’ these here apples?!” the farm mare scolded.

“Yeah,” Pinkie said from a distance. “That’s why we used washable paint!”

One apple that Applejack threw landed in the rain barrel and as Pinkie said, the paint instantly came off as the fruit resurfaced. Caramel walked up to the barrel as well.

“Hey,” he said. “It was all colorful when you threw it, but, now it’s red.”

“Sure is, sugarcube,” a soothed Applejack confirmed. At that moment, Caramel rubbed his chin with his front hoof, a little tic he had for when he tried to figure out whether or not he forgot something. “Somethin’ up, Caramel?”

“I’m not sure if I’m remembering right,” Caramel admitted. “But, did Pinkie and Rainbow always have enough skill to paint hundreds of apples and put them in trees in under an hour?”

Applejack considered this. “Well,” she said. “Rainbow Dash is known ta be purty fast n’ so’s Pinkie. Though, come ta think o’ it, ah never saw neither o’ ‘em paint before.”

Caramel sighed in relief. “Oh, good, I was worried I forgot something else for a second.”

“Yer’ alright, hon.” Applejack smiled. “Come on. We better get these apples washed.” She then added, under her breath. “Again.”

Later, Fluttershy was at a river feeding the fish. She was having a lovely time, greeting her fish friends with a sweet smile. Suddenly, a strange turtle reached the riverbank. On the other side of the river, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were waiting. Pinkie had a squirter in her mouth, while Rainbow Dash observed with a telescope.

“Do you see somepony?” Said Pinkie in a light whisper.

“Fluttershy.”

Hearing this, however, Pinkie Pie spits out the squirter.

“We can’t prank Fluttershy,” Pinkie said. “She’s so sensitive that even our most harmless pranks could upset her.”

“Hey,” Rainbow said. “I pulled plenty of pranks on her when we were fillies. Why should this be any different?”

“How did she react to them?” Pinkie asked.

“The same way she reacts to everything,” Rainbow said. “Crying, panicking, and hiding.”

“That wouldn’t be very fun, would it?” Pinkie asked.

“Hey, I was trying to toughen her up,” Rainbow defended herself.

“Sounds more like knocking her down,” Pinkie commented.

“If you think that’s knocking her down,” Rainbow continued. “You haven’t seen those bullies at our school. They kept calling her insulting names.”

“And how exactly is pranking her and making her cry any better?”

Rainbow Dash was about to answer Pinkie, but, then she considered what she said.

“You know,” Rainbow said. “When you say it like that, that sounds really bad. Okay, let’s not prank her. I’m sure we can find somepony better to prank.” Little did Rainbow know she had a black ink ring around her eye.

“Oh, I think we can find somepony easily,” Pinkie giggled. “In fact, I think I found somepony already.”

“Really,” said Rainbow. “Who?”

Pinkie pointed to the river which showed their reflections. She led Rainbow to it and showed the ink mark around her eye. Rainbow was a good sport and laughed about it. “I didn’t even see you put ink on the lens.”

“I can be speedy when I want to be,” Pinkie winked.

“I can tell,” Rainbow said. Pinkie attempted to hoof bump Rainbow, only for the pegasus to move her hoof each time. The two shared a laugh, forgetting about the squirting turtle and leaving an unsuspecting Fluttershy to poke and prod at it.

“Hmm?” Fluttershy said to herself. “That’s peculiar.”

The next day was the start of a typical day for Pinkie as she went to visit Rainbow. Pinkie decided to gussy herself up, wearing a pair of funny glasses, a red clown nose, and a fake mustache, and she was blowing a party blower.

But, instead of being greeted by Rainbow, Pinkie was surprised and even a little bit shocked to see an unfamiliar-looking bird-like creature staring down at her from above. The creature had light, brilliant amber eyes that could barely be made out with how much her pupils seemed to be gazing at Pinkie right now. She had gold talons and white feathers on her face, though around her eyes the feathers took on a gray hue.

“Whoa~!” Exclaimed Pinkie. “You’re not Rainbow Dash.”

“No kidding,” the creature responded sarcastically while her voice shifted from high and shriek-like to low and roaring and back again. “You never seen a griffon before?”

“Honestly, no,” Pinkie said honestly.

“That checks out,” the creature said. “Now, why don’t you make like a fly and buzz off?”

“Gilda?” Rainbow Dash’s voice called from her house. “Who’s out there?”

“Just some pink lameo, Dash,” the griffon responded.

“Oh hey, that’s Pinkie,” Rainbow said excitedly, flying into view. “I was going to introduce her to you, but, sounds like she came to visit early.”

“You know this griffon, Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“You got a problem with that, bozo?” Gilda asked aggressively.

“Whoa, easy there, G,” Rainbow said. “Pinkie, this is Gilda. She’s a friend of mine from the Junior Speedsters Flight Camp.”

“Why does her voice keep changing pitch like that?” Pinkie asked.

“It’s called speaking Griffonese, pony,” Gilda said. “Not that I’d expect you to know it.”

“Ease up, G,” Rainbow said. “Sorry about that, Pinkie. Gilda’s kind of a tough nut to crack if you catch my drift.”

“I noticed,” Pinkie chuckled sheepishly. “But, as long as she’s in town, maybe I can join you and show her around.”

“There’s a bit of a catch there,” Gilda said. “Dash here said she’d give me a flying session when I showed up in town.”

“Oh, okay,” Pinkie said, a twinge of sadness in her voice. “Maybe we can catch up later, Dashie?”

Rainbow could see the sadness. “You go on ahead, G. I’ll catch up in a bit.”

“Whatever you say, Dash,” Gilda smirked. “But, don’t take too long, ‘kay?”

“You should know me better than that,” Rainbow playfully jabbed. Once Gilda was out of earshot, the pegasus addressed Pinkie. "Listen, Pinkie, Gilda came all the way to Ponyville to see me. I promise I'll try to find time later on for us to get in some pranks. But, for now, I want to catch up with Gilda. You don't mind, do you? After all, she just got here."

Pinkie listened to her friend and she gave an understanding smile.

“Okay, Dashie,” Pinkie said. “Hope you and Gilda have fun together.”

Satisfied with the answer, Rainbow Dash took off. "Great! See you later, then!"

The pink party pony watched her pegasus friend disappear into the skies, forcing back some tears as she called out (despite knowing Rainbow couldn't hear her). "I'll catch up with you," An unhappy sigh left her lips as she then finished. "Later." And her posture slouched ever so slightly as her party favor made a rather slow and sad-sounding noise.

A short time later, Rainbow Dash and Gilda were flying through the skies. They were laughing like good friends hanging out together. They soon came to rest on a big cumulus cloud close by. “Good to know living in a town full of earth ponies didn’t drag you down, Dash.”

“Heh,” smirked Rainbow Dash. “You remember that it takes a lot to keep me down. Besides, there’s plenty of pegasi, unicorns, mobians, and humans.”

“Hm,” Gilda smirked. “You still have some tough stuff in you, Dash. Not as much as me, but, you’re getting there.”

“You better believe it,” Rainbow said. “So, what’s new in Griffonstone?”

“Oh, same old, same old,” Gilda said. “It’s been a total snoozefest over there.”

“You know, I don’t really think you told me much about Griffonstone,” Rainbow commented. “What’s up with that?”

Before either flyer had a chance to say anything, however, they were surprised to be greeted by the familiar face of Pinkie Pie. "Hey there, you two."

“Huh,” the two asked in startled confusion. Both were surprised by what they were seeing. Pinkie Pie had somehow managed to not only catch up to them unnoticed but, was now bouncing up to their position via a trampoline.

Pinkie, for her part, was just explaining herself while bouncing and repeatedly poking her head up through the clouds for a moment at best each time. "It's later. And I caught up. Hope you don't mind."

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but see the humor in the situation.

“Pinkie Pie,” she said. “You are so random.”

But, Gilda was nowhere near as pleased to see Pinkie as Rainbow was. If either had been watching or paying attention they might have seen the griffon cast a harsh and judging glare at the earth pony. Yet instead of saying anything about it she just cleared her throat, drawing attention to herself. "So Dash, think you got enough gas left to beat me to that cloud over there?" She gestured a claw to her aforementioned target.

Rainbow looked at the cloud Gilda was pointing at and got a look of determination.

“You know it,” Rainbow smiled.

The griffon smiled. "Good," And she quickly barked out. "One, two, three, go." And both flyers took off as fast as they could, leaving Pinkie far behind.

“Um…” Pinkie said, calling out. “Oh-okay, I guess I’ll have to catch you later again!”

The race ended almost as quickly as it had begun, both seeming to touch the cloud at the same time. But, that didn't stop Rainbow Dash from claiming victory. "Ha, I win!"

“No way,” Gilda said. “I win!”

“No way,” Rainbow protested.

“Rainbow Dash won,” called out a familiar squeaky voice.

The two fliers turned to see Pinkie Pie supported by a bunch of balloons. Rainbow, taking advantage of the confirmation of her victory, couldn't resist a gloat. "Ha! I told you so, Gilda! Good thing Pinkie Pie's here to keep you honest, G."

Gilda had a moment where she was visibly flustered, but, she snapped out of it quickly and she said, “Oh yeah? Well, how about a real challenge? The last one to that cloud is a rotten dragon egg! Go!”

Pinkie watched as Rainbow took off as fast as possible, but, Gilda didn't do the same. The griffon instead flew over to Pinkie and glared at the pink party pony. "Stick to the ground where you belong." And using the sharp claws on her talons she popped every single one of Pinkie's balloons, causing the party pony to rapidly lose altitude.

“Whoa~!” Pinkie shouted as she fell, landing in a lake. She was sopping wet, but, nonetheless unharmed. “Looks like I’ll have to use my pedal copter.”

Gilda then flew off and caught up with Rainbow Dash. Suspecting nothing, Rainbow playfully taunted, "What took you so long, slowpoke?"

“Oh, just had something to take care of,” Gilda said. “You know how it is, getting caught up in something.”

Just then, however, Pinkie happened to show up in a strange-looking, pedal-powered contraption. It was pink and white in color and spun blades around in a circular motion to achieve flight. "You girls almost got away from me back there," She greeted. "I never expected to have to use this, but, it's better than a trampoline or balloons. I call it the pedal-copter."

“You again?” Gilda asked under her breath, clearly vexed. Thinking quickly, she thought up a way to get Rainbow out of earshot. “Say, Dash? Any new moves in your ‘trick-tionary’ or did you become a literal one-trick pony?”

“One trick pony,” Rainbow Dash asked in a mock-appalled tone. “Hah! Just watch me!”

Once the pegasus was out of sight, Gilda turned her attention to Pinkie.

“Listen here, you pink nightmare,” Gilda snapped. “Rainbow Dash is my friend and as long as I’m around, I get to hang out with her. So, again, ‘Stinkie Pie,’ make like a bee and buzz off!” She then grabbed the pedal-copter’s top rotors, causing the rest of the vehicle to spin out of control.

“Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa~!” Pinkie exclaimed as she spun out of control before crashing into the ground.

Rainbow soon returned, unaware of what happened.

“Heh,” she huffed. “Did that prove you wrong?”

Gilda, pretending she saw the stunt, lied. “You sure showed me.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow sniffed. She then looked around. “Hey, where’s Pinkie and her crazy pedal-copter thingy?”

“Oh, you know how it is with ground-bound creatures,” Gilda lied. “They don’t have the lungs to get up here without getting loopy.”

“Oh, right,” Rainbow said, believing Gilda’s lies.

Back on the ground, Pinkie took a deep breath before looking at the remains of her creation.

“Aww~” she said sadly. “Poor pedal-copter. And poor Rainbow Dash for hanging out with a meanie like Gilda.” What is that griffon’s problem, anyway?! She thought to herself. But, that would have to wait for a while. Right now, the pink party pony needed to gather up the broken parts of her flying machine so that she could hopefully rebuild it someday.

She soon returned to Sugarcube Corner in a foul mood. Mr. and Mrs. Cake and with Gwen, and Amy saw this and came to comfort the young pink mare.

“Goodness, Pinkie,” Mr. Cake said. “Are you alright?”

“If you call having a machine you worked on for weeks trashed in seconds, being called ‘Stinkie Pie,’ and basically being told to take a hike just for trying to hang out with Rainbow Dash okay, then, yes,” said the uncharacteristically bitter Pinkie. “I’m just peachy!”

"I'm going to guess no," Amy suggested.

“Ohh~” Mrs. Cake said sadly. “Don’t worry, Pinkie. We’re here for you.”

“Why don’t you tell us the full story, Pinkie,” Mr. Cake suggested.

“I’ll make my comfort cocoa, too,” Mrs. Cake smiled.

Pinkie began venting to the Cakes while storing away the remains of her invention, relieved that she had an audience. "And then she had the nerve to tell me to 'Get Lost' even though I've been trying to find her and Rainbow Dash," she grumbled while pacing back and forth. "She even told me to stay away and called me 'Stinkie Pie'."

Mr. Cake was more than a little concerned by the remarks, but, did his best not to let it show. "Oh, now I'm sure she didn't really mean it, Pinkie," he attempted to soothe the pink party pony's hurt feelings while placing a hoof on her back. "She probably came across as more forceful than she intended."

Pinkie Pie would hear nothing of such a suggestion. "I know what I heard and I know when I've been insulted! If she doesn't like me, she can just say it to my face! She doesn't have to break my stuff! I've never met a griffon as mean as Gilda! In fact, I've never even met a griffon, period. But, I'm sure if I did it would be nowhere near as nasty as Gilda is. If you still think she didn’t mean it, I’m pretty sure I have a big bruise on my rump that says otherwise!" She was about to point her rear end at Mr. Cake, only for the lanky baker to gently push it down.

"Well griffons do have a violent nature," Gwen reasoned.

“That’s okay, Pinkie,” he said. “I don’t need the visual.” At that moment, Mrs. Cake entered with a mug of cocoa. “Pinkie, don't take this the wrong way, but, have you considered that maybe you're... well... jealous of Gilda?"

“Jealous?!” Pinkie asked in shock.

Mr. Cake forced back a gulp. "Well, you said it yourself, you wanted to spend time with Rainbow Dash today. And you were kind of unhappy when she went to hang out with Gilda instead." Mrs. Cake put down the mug before face-hoofing in a way that basically could be translated to, “My husband is an idiot.”

“Yeah, but-” Pinkie stammered. “I wanted to hang out with Gilda, too, and I wanted to give her a chance, but, she wouldn’t let me!”

Mr. Cake only suggested in response. "Perhaps because she wanted to spend time with Rainbow Dash without you also being there," And then he added. "Maybe you should apologize to Gilda, much as I'm sure she'll apologize for breaking your flying machine."

“Me, apologize,” Pinkie gasped. “But, Gilda was- she was just- are you seri- AHHH!”

She stormed out of Sugarcube Corner, leaving Mrs. Cake looking upset. She smacked her husband on the back of the head.

“Ow!” Mr. Cake exclaimed. “What was that for?!”

“Pinkie came to us asking for help and you brushed off her feelings, Carrot,” Mrs. Cake chastised before sarcastically quipping. “Mentor of the year material, right there!”

Mr. Cake said nothing, he just rubbed the back of his head. Later, Pinkie was walking through Ponyville trying to cool her head. The clear weather brightened her mood a bit.

“Maybe I have been jealous,” Pinkie said to herself. “Maybe I was just too jealous to take Gilda’s attitude with good grace. Maybe she just slept funny and it put her in a bad mood today.” Pinkie looked around and saw no other ponies. “I’ve been talking to myself a lot today. Maybe a milkshake will fix that.”

So, Pinkie treated herself to a milkshake. She then looked and saw Rainbow and Gilda flying into the quaint village.

Rainbow shared a laugh with Gilda while stretching her wings. "It's been fun, Gilda. Glad you're liking Ponyville."

“Yeah,” Gilda smirked. “It’s okay if you’re into that kind of thing.”

Rainbow Dash then let out a sigh. "Yeah? Well, guess you'll be seeing more of it. I've got some weather jobs I need to take care of around here. Shouldn't take me too long though," And she was quick to suggest. "Just hang out and I'll come to find you as soon as I'm done, okay?"

Gilda nodded eagerly. “Works for me. I’m fixing to chow down because I’m starving.”

“No problem,” Rainbow said. “Full disclosure, though, don’t expect a lot of meat products here. Later!” And she took off towards the clouds.

Pinkie watched as she saw Gilda making her way past several fruit stands, her tail sticking out, and just so happened to get near some apples on one of the stands. An unsuspecting Granny Smith was sniffing the apples when she saw Gilda’s tail and freaked out.

“Ahh!” Granny Smith shouted. “A rattler! A rattler! Run for your lives!” She slowly ran off.

Pinkie had seen the whole thing unfold and was anything but pleased, especially since Gilda hadn't bothered to pop out and explain herself. Granny Smith didn't know that wasn't a snake. That was uncalled for! She thought to herself, before realizing what she was thinking and trying to correct herself. Now, now, Pinkie. It was just an accident. Nopony got hurt. I'm sure Gilda didn't mean to cause any harm.

Gilda made her way along, using her tail to snag at an apple in the cart when no pony was looking and hid it beneath her wing where it couldn’t be seen.

Pinkie Pie pounded the table in disbelief! So Gilda's a thief?! I knew there was something off about her! She likes to pick on innocent ponies for fun and she likes to steal apples! However, she again corrected herself upon realizing she was making a rash assumption (despite the rather troubling displays she was seeing). There you go again, Pinkie. Just wait, Gilda might pay for it eventually. Besides, it's only one apple. Gilda maybe doesn't know you're supposed to pay for your food before you eat it.

Just then, Fluttershy came into town. She was walking backward and she was leading a flock of ducks through. Because she was walking backward to keep an eye on the ducks, she didn't see Gilda until she bumped right into the griffon.

The impact wasn’t severe, but, it was enough to make Gilda drop the apple on the ground. And rather than apologizing, the griffon immediately snapped. “Hey, I was walking here! Watch where you’re going, stupid!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy said in a haste. “I didn’t mean to bump into you, I was just-”

"Quit your stuttering!" Gilda snapped as she narrowed her eyes at Fluttershy. "You cost me my free lunch! You want to make something of it?!”

“Um, no,” Fluttershy whimpered, becoming more and more frightened. “I’m sorry, I was just-”

Gilda didn't bother to wait for a full reply. She instead let out a fierce roar directly in Fluttershy's face, scaring the poor pegasus mare half to death and reducing her to tears. And the young griffon didn't even bother to say she was sorry. "A waste of my time." She scoffed and flew off.

Unbeknownst to Gilda, though, Pinkie Pie had seen everything. And the pink party pony knew there was no longer a defense for Gilda's actions. "So, you're meanie pants and a thief and now a bully, too, Gilda?" She snorted, steam escaping her nostrils. "Well, no one, and I mean no one treats Fluttershy like that and gets away with it! Not on my watch and I don't even have a watch!" And with that, the gears in her mind started to turn. "This calls for extreme measures: Pinkie Pie Style!"

The next day, Sugarcube Corner was decorated to host a party. Pinkie decided to throw a party for Gilda and invited her friends and others to join in the festivities. Fluttershy was uncertain about the idea, however.

“About this party, Pinkie,” the demure pegasus said. “Are you sure it’s a good idea?”

“Relax, Fluttershy.” Pinkie smiled. “I know what I’m doing. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Pinkie Pie’s got it all taken care of.”

Fluttershy snorted as she watched Pinkie trot away. Although not intentional, the remark had felt patronizing. "I'm a year older than you, you know," she complained with narrowed eyes, but, alas Pinkie was too far away to be heard.

Just then, Gilda finally arrived and she suspected nothing.

“Gilda~” Pinkie said warmly. “Glad you could make it! I know we got off on the wrong hoof… claw or paw… yesterday, but, I hope it’s not too late for us to start over. I figured I could throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie Parties since you’re new in town.”

Gilda seemed to nod in reply. "A party for me? You shouldn't have. Guess maybe you're not a total loser after all."

Pinkie held out one of her front hooves for Gilda to shake. She went to grab it, but, she was suddenly shocked both literally and figuratively. Pinkie had a joy buzzer on her front hoof. There were a couple of muffled laughs before the moment passed.

Rainbow Dash even remarked while slapping a hoof across one of her legs. "Ha! Good one, Pinkie! The old joy buzzer greeting! That's a classic."

Gilda muttered under her breath. “Yeah, good one, Pinkie… you’re hilarious…” That last word was spoken through gritted teeth.

Rainbow, suspecting nothing, just remarked. "Come on, G, it's just a prank. No need to get all bent out of shape. Don't tell me you've lost your sense of humor."

Gilda shook her head. “Oh, not at all. I just wasn't expecting to get pranked at my own party is all.”

Rainbow only replied to her friend. "Lighten up. Pinkie's just trying to make you laugh. That's what she does best," And she was quick to offer. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the rest of my friends."

At that last comment, Gilda reeled back. “Right, you were kidding when friends with two hedgehogs, a twin-tail fox, and four humans and a dragon."

“I’m not kidding,” Rainbow said.

Gilda looked around and saw nothing ablaze. “If there’s a dragon here, why isn’t everything burning?”

“Because Spike has better control than that,” Rainbow said. “He may be the youngest of us, but, he knows how to keep a cool head.”

Gilda raised an eyebrow. “When you say ‘youngest…’”

“He’s still a baby dragon,” Rainbow explained. “Though, he’s about 10 in pony years.”

“I see,” Gilda replied. “How about you go ahead? I’ll catch up in a bit.”

Rainbow went on ahead. When she was out of earshot, Gilda glared at Pinkie. It was clear she wasn’t over the whole buzzer trick. “I know what you’re up to.”

“Great,” Pinkie said sweetly. “I should hope so, anyway. This wasn’t meant to be a surprise party.”

Gilda had to resist the urge to groan. "No no no. What I mean is, I've got my eye on you."

Pinkie responded by getting uncomfortably close to Gilda’s face. “And I’VE got my eye on YOU!” She then stepped back. “Have to make sure the guest of honor has the most fun, after all.” She then addressed the other partygoers. "Everyone, I'd like you all to meet Gilda, a long-time and very dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let's all honor her and welcome her to Ponyville."

Everyone applauds Gilda, who smiles a little bit. She momentarily forgot about her suspicions of Pinkie and noticed Jaden. Whoa. Dash wasn’t kidding when she said about the dragon, she thought. The little guy’s a pipsqueak. I won’t have any problems getting him out of the way.

Pinkie was then quick to offer a treat to the honored guest. "Help yourself, Gilda. Snacks and refreshments are on the house. Or, I guess they're in the bakery, although, this is kind of my house, too."

“You live here?” Gilda asked.

The pink party pony nodded. "Yup. For yours truly, there is no better place to be," Then, she led Gilda over to a nearby table. "Go right ahead, take whatever you want. Just watch out for some hidden 'surprises.'"

Gilda then looked at the treats on the counter. “Hmm,” Gilda smirked. “Vanilla-lemon drops. Don’t mind if I do.” She scarfed the drops as quickly as a flash. But, then a few seconds later, she began to spew fire out of her mouth as Pinkie held up a marshmallow on a stick to toast.

“G,” called out Rainbow. “The punch!”

Gilda rushed over to the punch bowl as fast as she could and grabbed the first glass she could see. But, when she tried to fill up the glass with punch, she found that most of it were spilling out through some holes at the bottom. So, she had to resort to dunking her entire face into the punch bowl just to get a drink and finally cool off her burning tongue. When she pulled her head out, steam was escaping her beak.

Everyone laughed at the display as Pinkie Pie commented. "Well, what do you know? Pepper in the vanilla lemon drops and the punch served in a dribble glass! What are the odds?"

Gilda groaned in annoyance. "So funny, I forgot to laugh," she muttered. It was fast becoming difficult for her to keep her temper under control. And it didn't help that she was so sure it was Pinkie Pie who was pulling off all these pranks as an act of revenge.

Unfortunately for Gilda, it seemed like everywhere she turned she was the victim of another prank that she was sure was meant for her. Whether it was canned fake snakes in the presents or trick candles on a cake. Yet, whenever she tried to interrogate Pinkie, the party pony continued to perform her routine of ignorance and innocence. It seemed like nothing would make her admit to what Gilda thought for sure was obvious. And all the while Gilda's temper continued to simmer despite her best efforts to keep it in check.

At last, it was time for a game of “Pin the Tail on the Pony.” It was Gilda’s turn and she was given a blindfold while holding a purple prop tail in her mouth. "What do you think you're doing?!" she complained as she felt herself being spun around by Pinkie Pie.

“You never played 'Pin the Tail on the Pony’ before?” Pinkie asked. “We’re spinning you around and around and you can pin the tail on the pony. It’s gameplay that makes you a little dizzy. Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.”

Gilda had other ideas. “How stupid do you think I am?” she said. “This is another prank!”

So, she began to walk blindly in the opposite direction from the poster. "No, Gilda!" Pinkie protested as she saw the blindfolded griffon walking the wrong way. "Come back! The poster is this-"

But, the warning had come a little too late. Gilda stumbled into the kitchen, crashed into various pots and pans, and generally caused a ruckus. She soon stumbled out, removed the blindfold, and saw Jaden's back. “Uh, you kind of pinned it on the wrong end,” Jaden commented innocently.

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Unable to hold her frustration anymore, Gilda used the back of her claw to slap Jaden across the face with everypony watching as Jaden was sent back a few feet. Twilight and her friends all gasped in shock at what they saw.

“Jaden!” Twilight and her friends gasped in horror. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack went to comfort Jaden while Gilda went on her tirade.

"Oh, that's it! I have had it with this party and these pranks!" Gilda complained while flapping her wings. "This is how you ponies get your kicks, isn't it?! Messing around with me at a party. I'm starting to wish I never came here if all I had in store for me was humiliation!"

"Gilda, calm down!" Rainbow pleaded to her friend. "You're making a scene!"

Gilda was in such a state of mind that she refused to listen. “Shut up, Dash! You have no idea what this party involved, but, how could you?!” She soon locked eyes with the target of her scorn, Pinkie Pie. "This was all a setup. Admit it, Pinkie Pie! You did all of this on purpose! You were just trying to make me angry, weren't you? Well, guess what, dweeb?! You succeeded!"

Pinkie professed her innocence. “Why would I do that? I was just trying to give you a warm welcome to Ponyville, hoping to improve your attitude. I never meant for this to happen. I just wanted us to be friends.”

Gilda snorted. "Well too bad, I don't recall asking for your friendship! And you know what else?! Rainbow Dash doesn't need friends like you! I told you before, Pinkie! I'm the only friend Dash needs!" She proceeded to fly over to the brash speedster. "Come on, Dash. Let's bail on these pathetic losers. We're too good for them."

At that point, Rainbow had had enough of Gilda disrespecting her friends. “I’m not going anywhere,” Rainbow protested. “For three reasons.” She began using the feathers on her wings as hands to finger count the reasons. “One, you made a scene. Two, you blamed Pinkie for every prank after the joy buzzer. I could’ve let the first two slide if it weren’t for the fact that a 17-year-old like you hit someone like Jaden!”

“It's fine, Rainbow, this ain't the first time where someone slapped me across the room,” Jaden said, hoping to de-escalate the situation.

Unfortunately, Rainbow ignored his comment and continued her rant. “The only prank Pinkie had anything to do with was the joy buzzer. I set up the other pranks. They weren’t meant for you specifically. It was just dumb luck that you set them off.”

“W-what?!” Gilda exclaimed in shock. “N-no, it can’t be! It was Pinkie Pie! She set all this up to make me look bad!”

Pinkie Pie shook her head in reply. "You've got it all wrong, Gilda. I set this party up because I wanted to help you. I thought if you made some friends it would help turn that big old frown of yours upside down." She briefly flipped her head upside down to demonstrate.

Rainbow Dash, now more serious, confronted Gilda. “And you certainly didn’t need any help looking bad!” She trotted forward, frowning at the griffon. "I don't know what's gotten into you, Gilda. You weren't always like this. You used to be a lot less mean. This isn't how I thought my old friend would treat my new friends. But, it seems like being cool is all you ever care about these days."

For a moment, Gilda couldn’t speak. She thought she knew what to say, but, Rainbow Dash’s response made her silent. Finally, she snapped and said, “Well, Dash! If that’s how you’re going to play, then, fine! It’s me or them!”

"Hey now!" The brash speedster protested. "I don't want to have to choose, Gilda. I want to be your friend, but. not if you're going to use my friendship as an excuse to be cruel to others. If you still want to be friends, then you need to fix that attitude problem of yours."

Gilda shook her head and growled. “Forget it, Dash! You can keep your pony friends and your wimpy dragon friend for all I care! Don’t ever talk to me again! I’m out of here for good!” She turned around, unfolding her wings, and letting out a screech of frustration. She then flew out of Sugarcube Corner in the direction of Griffonstone.

All Rainbow could say in response was. "Not cool," But, as soon as Gilda had left she apologized. "I'm really sorry about that, everypony. Especially you, Spike. I swear Gilda wasn't like this all the time when we were in flight school. I don't know what could've caused her to change."

“Hey, you couldn’t help that,” Pinkie said. “Even I didn’t think Gilda was going to be that way. It’s really too bad. She could have had so many wonderful friends. I don’t mind when my friends have other friends, so long as they’re willing to share those friendships with me. After all, isn’t that what friendship is about?”

Rainbow Dash nodded. "I guess it does, Pinkie." Then, she looked across to Twilight. "What do you think, Twilight? Think that'll make a good friendship lesson for Princess Celestia?"

Twilight nodded back. “It most definitely should.”

Mr. Cake cleared his throat. “Pinkie,” he said. “I wanted to apologize. I’m the one who misjudged you.”

“It’s okay, Mr. Cake,” Pinkie said comfortingly. “You didn’t see in action what Gilda was really like before. But, now you have. Thank you for apologizing, too.”

“Some mentor I turned out to be,” Mr. Cake lamented.

“Hey,” Pinkie said. “We all have our tough days. The only way to learn from a mistake is to make a mistake.” And she gave the orange-maned earth pony a comforting hug. Suddenly, Spike tapped Pinkie’s shoulder.

“Pinkie,” the little dragon asked. “Is it okay if I write the report during the party?”

“If you want to, Spike,” Pinkie said. “Don’t take too long, though. We still have a whole lot of party to finish!”

Twilight made a thoughtful expression. “Hey, Rainbow,” she asked. “Do you have any spare invisible ink?”

“Huh?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “Well, yeah, I do. Why do you ask?”

“Well, remember when Spike mentioned Princess Celestia having a sense of humor?”

“I… think so.” Rainbow suddenly pieced together what Twilight was planning. “Please tell me you’re not planning what I think you’re planning!”

“I would,” Twilight began. “But, if I did say that, I would be lying.” She then gave a rather devious smirk. “Besides, I remember a certain party pony telling me that you would play pranks on a sensitive pony like Fluttershy and we can see how that turned out.”

“Yeah…” Rainbow said with an embarrassed blush. “You got me there.”

“Can I please start writing now?” Spike asked, his patience wearing thin.

“Yes, Spike,” Twilight said. “I have the idea for the draft ready.”

“Ready and waiting!” Spike said. Twilight spoke and Spike wrote.

“Dearest Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that it can be hard to accept whenever somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony else, especially when it's somepony who's not so nice.

Although it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with all the time, it is possible to control your own behavior. And that's what's most important.

So, as long as you continue to be a good friend, the difference between a false friend and one who's true will surely come to light.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle.”

“Twi…light,” Spike enunciated. “Spar…kle. Got it.”

“Thank you, Spike,” Twilight smiled. “Though, I have something to send along with the letter.” Rainbow brought in the spare bottle and Twilight placed a false label on it. She then wrapped the paper around the bottle. “Alright, now it’s ready to be sent.”

Chapter 6-Boast Busters
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My Little Pony Defenders of Friendship

Chapter 6-Boast Busters

It had been a week since Gilda came to Ponyville. Things settled down in the interim. On this particular day, Jaden and Spike was helping Twilight practice with her spells.

"Okay, Twilight, one more time," Jaden said as Twilight's horn began to glow, casting its usual light purple glow. Twilight carefully aimed her horn at Spike and fired a beam of magic at it. And then poof, a mustache appeared on Spike's face. “Yes, you did it!” He happily marked off a list on a nearby board. “Twenty five. Twenty five different kinds of tricks and counting. That’s also the fifteenth spell you mastered just this week.” As Spike spoke, Twilight modestly blushed.

"Oh Spike, it's nothing really, I'm sure any unicorn could've pulled off that spell." Twilight said. She really didn't like boasting about how good she was at magic, it made her feel uncomfortable.

"Well maybe, but, how many unicorns could pull off not only that spell, but, several other spells and not break a sweat?" Jaden said "I only know one and I'm sure everyone else does, too."

“I don’t know, Jaden,” Twilight said. “I don’t really go out of my way to show everyone what I can do.”

"Did you forget that you are the Element of Magic," Jaden reminded her. How many ponies can honestly say that?”

“Considering the fact that the princesses, you, me, and our friends in Ponyville are the only ones who have any intimate knowledge on the Elements of Harmony,” Twilight said, deadpan. “Doing so wouldn’t really mean much.”

“Good point,” Spike said with a sweat drop. “Hey, is this mustache spell temporary? It’s starting to itch.”

"Trying to impress, Rairty," Jaden gave a sly grin.

“I’m sure,” Spike said. “I’m still just getting to know her. It wouldn’t feel right if I talked to her while looking different from how I usually do.” Suddenly, his eyes widened. “Wait, you know about my crush on Rarity?”

"Every time Rarity comes over I notice that you can't help but stare at her. Besides, you offer your help to her more than anypony else."

“Am I that obvious?” the little dragon asked.

“To quote Applejack’s wordsmith of a brother, ‘Eeyup,’” Jaden answered.

“Despite my crush, Rarity kind of intimidates me.”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, I admit she’s quite a looker,” Spike explained. “But, her upper-class accent reminds me of the elitist unicorns back in Canterlot. Though, she’s still nicer to me by comparison.”

Jaden could see where Spike was coming from.

“I understand, Spike. That’s why you're getting to know her first, just as I am.”

“Plus,” Spike admitted. “I’m not even sure me and Rarity would work. We’re different ages and different species.”

“Never say never, Spike,” Jaden assured him. “I’ll admit the age gap is a bit of a concern, but, love comes in all forms. But tried to rake it one step at a time.”

"I will," Spike and Jaden fist-bumped.

The trio headed back to Ponyville only to find that the whole village appeared to be deserted.

"Where is everypony?" Twilight asked.

“That’s weird,” Jaden said. “Usually on a day like today, ponies and people would be going about their lives.”

“It can’t be one of Pinkie’s parties,” Twilight reasoned. “Were that the case, we would’ve heard about it.”

“Coming through!” A male voice was heard shouting as two dudes ran where one of them trip over a rock and force both of them to fall to the ground. They were Duke and Clyde a pair of twins.

“Take it easy, you two,” Twilight said. “Where’s the fire?”

"Oh, uh, haven’t you heard, there's a new unicorn in town," Clyde said. "That felt weird saying that."

“And that’s why there’s nobody in sight?” Spike asked. “I mean, I know this is a mostly earth pony town, but, you’d think they’d seen enough unicorns here that the novelty would’ve worn off by now.”

“Oh, but, we haven’t seen anypony like her,” Duke said. “Follow us and find out! Maybe on the way, you can tell us where you got that sweet ‘stache.”

Spike wore a deadpan expression. “The mustache is from helping Twilight practice magic. Anyway, last time we followed you two, I got my head stuck in a paint bucket.”

“We should at least try to make the effort, Spike,” Twilight said. “We should at least follow Duke and Clyde, then we’ll see who this new unicorn is and what she’s like.”

“She’s the most magical unicorn in Equestria,” Duke explained.

"You're pulling our legs," Spike implied. “That honor goes to Twilight. She’s a student of Princess Celestia herself. They don’t give such an honor to just anyone.”

“Oh, yeah~?” Duke said in an obnoxious tone. “Well, you’ll be eating your words once you see this unicorn!”

Spike sighed. “Okay, let’s get this over with.”

So, the five met up with the other ponies standing in a crowd. They were looking at an intricately colored cart that was parked in front of Town Hall. Twilight felt something very familiar about it. Hmm, she thought to herself. I feel as though I’ve seen that cart somewhere before. Spike, however, wasn’t impressed.

"You brought us all the way out here to see this?" he asked. Suddenly, the ponies and Spike heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Welcome, citizens of Ponyville! Consider yourselves lucky, for today you shall witness some of the most spectacular acts of magic ever performed!" the voice called out.

That voice, Twilight thought. It sounds like a voice I heard back at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.

The ponies and Spike looked around, looking for the source of the unknown voice. To Twilight, however, it was one she knew. "You must all be wondering, who has decided to grace your humble town?" the voice said, "It is none other than The Grrrrrrrrrreat and Powerful Trrrrrrrrixie!" A cloud of smoke appeared onstage. When it had vanished, there standing before the crowd was a light blue unicorn, decked out in a light purple hat and cloak, with stars and moons stitched all over it. Her mane was an even lighter blue than her coat, but, her cutie mark was obscured by her cloak, although that didn't mean she didn't have one. Most of the ponies gasped in amazement.

Twilight looked at the new unicorn and could hardly believe her eyes. Trixie Lulamoon! She gasped to herself. I haven’t seen her in years!

A few ponies, namely younger ones like Snips and Snails, were impressed by what little they had seen. Most of the other ponies didn't think much of her. Trixie quickly set to work trying to win them over. However, she noticed Twilight. “What’s this?” she asked. “A familiar figure in this town to Trixie?”

Twilight gave an awkward nod. "Uh… yes. I saw you around in classes at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns… Until you got expelled for showboating."

"Wait you three know her?" Sonic asked Jaden.

"Yeah, she always had a knack for drama," Jaden replied.

Spike, having heard this, started to giggle to himself. Trixie was less than amused. “Trixie’s talents were simply too great for that school’s curriculum to keep track of,” she said.

Twilight wasn’t convinced. “Your report cards said that Performing Magic was the only magic subject you had any proficiency in.”

“Performance magic,” Tails asked curiously after calming down from his giggling fit. Snips and Snails shared this curiosity.

“There’s several different branches of magic taught at the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Twilight explained. “Performance Magic is considered the least practical of the magic disciplines. It’s mostly smoke and mirrors.”

“That would explain Trixie’s showiness,” Amy said.

Trixie was used to neigh sayers during her shows, but, she had great respect for performing magic. She wouldn’t tolerate it being spoken about that way. “Trixie may not have continued her tenure at the School for Gifted Unicorns, but, she was still able to conquer an Ursa Major!”

Snips and Snails gasped in amazement when they heard this.

“How did you do that, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snails asked, amazed.

“Yeah,” Snips said. “Tell us all about it.”

Trixie gave a satisfied grin as she began telling the tale, using fireworks to illustrate.

"It all began when the city of Hoofington came under attack. But, not from any ordinary creature, no. The city was attacked by an Ursa Major. Most ponies would be terrified, but, the Great and Powerful Trixie knew no such fear as she boldly took on the Ursa Major alone, and with one powerful blast of magic from her horn channeled through a wand, the Ursa Major was vanquished."

Several ponies could be heard calling the story a “load of manure.” Another few went on to say, “That was the biggest load of horse apples I've ever heard!"

Trixie, however, maintained her temper. "The Great and Powerful Trixie shall let you draw your own conclusions, but, she hopes that at the least she has captured your attention." she said, "The real show starts now!"

Twilight and Spike made their way over to join their friends, who, not surprisingly, were already talking about Trixie.

“I say she’s nothing but a stuck-up filly who loves to hear herself talk,” Rainbow Dash said. “She thinks she’s better than anypony else.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Yer one ta talk. Just yesterday, ya said, n’ ah quote,” Applejack began doing an uncanny imitation of Rainbow’s voice. “‘An earthly-bound pony like you could never keep up with a speedy pegasus like me.’”

"Side burn!" Ben exclaimed.

Rainbow heard this and sweat dropped. “Okay, so, I do tend to boast myself… but, the point is, I am better than everypony else.”

"Rainbow Dash! Although there is nothing wrong with a little healthy pride, bragging and boasting all the time is not polite and, to be perfectly honest, it's something that I've grown tired of," Rarity said. "You might be better at certain things like racing and flying. But, I know for a fact that you couldn't sew to save your life and yet you never hear me bragging about how good I am at making dresses."

"Rarity's got a point there," Applejack said in her regular southern drawl. "Ta me, ah don't think Trixie's half bad, although ah do wish she'd stop talkin’ all the time. She's like the thing that won't shut up."

"You're not the only one," Sonic agreed. "That mare had no mute button."

“Looks like Trixie’s rubbing you girls the wrong way, too,” Spike said. Then everyone noticed Spike’s mustache.

“Spike, are you growing up?” Fluttershy asked.

It took one second for Spike to realize what she meant. “Oh, this,” Spike explained. “I was helping Twilight with spell practice and this mustache is the result of the most recent spell she cast.”

“I like that,” Pinkie said. “It makes me think of one of the fake mustaches in my stash.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Should I even bother asking why you have such a thing?”

“No,” the five mares answered at once.

“Didn’t think so,” Spike said.

“I must admit,” Rarity chimed in. “I didn’t think it was possible for dragons to grow any kind of hair. But, then again, we don’t know a lot about dragons in general, so, there’s that.”

Spike couldn’t help but blush. “I was kind of hoping the spell wouldn’t last long,” he admitted. “This thing’s itchy and the hairs keep getting in my mouth.”

As if on cue, the mustache poofed away. Spike looked at Twilight. “I suggest that next time we try a new spell, we see how long its time limit is if it has one,” the unicorn said.

“Noted,” Spike said plainly.

“We heard Trixie say that you were familiar to her,” Fluttershy said. “Is that true?”

“It is true,” Twilight said. “While I didn’t really get to know her in Magic School, I do remember seeing her around.”

“You mentioned she was expelled for showboating,” Pinkie said.

“Well,” Twilight confessed. “I wasn’t actually there, but, I heard that during transfigurations class, she was supposed to practice turning a beetle into a button, but, ended up getting another student’s head stuck in one of the potions class’ beakers.”

Twilight’s friends couldn’t help but chuckle at the sound of the incident. Rarity found her voice first. “Where exactly were you when you heard?”

“I heard at the end of the school day,” Twilight explained. “Trixie and I didn’t always go to the same classes.”

"Hey, you, all seven of you!" Trixie said, "Do you have something you wish to say to Trixie?"

Rainbow Dash was about to speak up, but, Applejack stopped her "Not at all," the farm mare said.

“Trixie thought so,” she said. “So, please, be quiet. If you don’t like the show, you’re welcome to leave.”

No one did however and the show resumed. Twilight whispered to her friends, “If you don’t like her bragging so much, why are you staying?”

“Because there’s nothing else to do today,” Sonic whispered. "The moment that wagon arrived, everypony raced right over here, everywhere else was deserted."

"Now for her next act, the Great and Powerful Trixie will need a volunteer from the audience," Trixie said. She scanned the crowd pretending to consider a few ponies. She already knew who she wanted to pick. "You," Trixie said, pointing to Applejack. "Please step forward."

Applejack rolled her eyes and got onto the stage. “Ya know,” she said. “If yer tryin’ ta out-magic an earth pony, ya ain’t too bright.”

“Oh, you’re in for something special~” Trixie said. “Tell the Great and Powerful Trixie your name.”

“Applejack,” the farm mare said before muttering under her breath. “Ya great big windbag.”

“So, Applejack~” Trixie said. “What is it that you can do?”

“Well, ah’m purty good at applebuckin’,” she answered.

“Trixie assumes you mean ‘applebumping,’” Trixie said. “Where ponies make apples fall from trees by hitting them with their heads.”

Applejack felt insulted. “That ain’t what ah can do. Just wait n’ see!”

“Why don’t you show everypony right now,” Trixie goaded. “Or are you scared?”

“Ah ain’t scared!” Applejack said. “Just watch!” Applejack started off performing moves, but, before long she started doing moves that were so complicated even Trixie was having a hard time observing.

“Anypony else feel that Applejack’s kind of stooping to Trixie’s level?” Spike whispered to Twilight and the rest of her friends.

“I feel it, too,” Twilight whispered. “It honestly kind of defeats the point she’s trying to make.”

"You know the old saying if you can't beat'em, join'em," Ben said.

After Applejack finished her “dancing,” she went over to a nearby wild tree that had apples growing on it and bucked them down with her hind legs. She ate one in a single bite for good measure. “How do ya like them apples?”

The crowd of ponies, minus Twilight, Spike, and their group of friends applauded.

"You are good, Trixie will give you that," Trixie said. "But, now, Trixie thinks it's time she showed you a trick that you've never heard of." Her hat began to glow light blue and was lifted off her head to reveal her horn. She focused magic on the rope, which began to slither like a snake. Applejack seemed almost hypnotized by the movements of the rope.

Suddenly, the rope began to coil around Applejack until her legs were completely hogtied. Trixie then stuck an apple into Applejack's mouth. The audience burst into laughter as Applejack began to hop offstage, although, her friends certainly weren't laughing.

“Hmm, that’s what Trixie calls a Worm-filled Apple,” Trixie said with a snooty chuckle.

“Are you okay?” Jaden said as he removed the apple. Applejack’s expression was less than pleased.

“That was lower n’ a snake’s belly button!” Applejack declared.

“Um, snakes don’t have belly buttons,” Fluttershy timidly corrected.

“Exactly!” Applejack ranted. “She used magic ta publicly humiliate me at somethin’ ah’m good at! That ain’t fair!”

Jaden wore a deadpan expression before untying the rope. “Well, you weren’t exactly the pinnacle of modesty up there, yourself,” he commented. “You were pretty much stooping to her level, which ultimately defeated the point you were trying to make.”

Hearing this, Applejack wore a look of shame. She took off her hat sullenly. “Ah hope y’all can forgive me. Ah didn’t mean ta get carried away as ah did, but… ah’m powerful sorry.”

“Of course we–” Pinkie began before suddenly changing the topic. “Rainbow’s been awfully quiet these past few seconds.” The five mares and Spike saw that Rainbow was absent.

“You don’t think she’s going to-” Twilight began until Rainbow’s voice caught their attention.

“You want a REAL challenge?!” the brash pegasus shouted.

“She is,” Sonic said flatly.

“And you are?” Trixie asked.

"I'm the one and only Rainbow Dash and the instant you decided to make fun of my friend, Applejack, you crossed the line!" Rainbow said.

“Oh, really?” Trixie asked. She hadn’t planned on facing off against Rainbow Dash or anypony else for that matter. But, she knew she could find a way to make it work in her favor.

“Yeah!” Rainbow said. “You think you’re so awesome?!”

“Maybe Trixie does, maybe she doesn’t,” Trixie said with a smirk. “Trixie assumes you’re willing to show what you’re best at.”

“You got that right!” Rainbow declared. "I'd like to see how good your magic is against my awesome flying skills!" With that, Rainbow Dash took off into the skies. She pulled off a series of impressive aerial stunts and ended with a miniature rainbow appearing over her wings when she landed. "See Trixie?!" Rainbow Dash said "They don't call me Rainbow and Dash for nothing! Good luck trying to top that!"

“3… 2… 1…” Sonic knew what exactly would happen.

“Trixie does not need luck,” Trixie said before zapping the miniature rainbow, materializing into a magical smear that wraps itself around Rainbow. Before long, it had created a mini rainbow tornado that lifted her off the ground, sent her flying through the air a little, and then brought her back down to the stage, the audience erupted with laughter, minus her friends. Rainbow Dash was dazed, but, unharmed.

“I think,” Rainbow said dizzily. “I’m going to be sick.”

"Trixie would like to call that 'Rainbow Crash,' but, Trixie feels like she'd be touching a nerve," Trixie said as she helped Rainbow Dash to her hooves. "You'll be okay. Trixie does not believe in violence."

“Says the pony who literally just turned a rainbow into a tornado that could’ve torn me to pieces!” Rainbow complained as she exited the stage. “I can’t believe she beat me!” she said to her friends.

“I can,” Sonic said bluntly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Rainbow demanded.

“You made the same mistake Applejack did,” Sonic explained. “You went up to Trixie and stooped to her level, resulting in both a public humiliation and the defeat of any point you were trying to make.”

Rainbow was stunned. “Wow,” she said. “When you put it like that, I sound like kind of a hypocrite.”

"It's because you are."

“Does anypony else wish to volunteer?” Trixie called out.

Rarity was about to step up, but, Spike stopped her. “Uh, maybe not,” he said. “I’m sensing a pattern here and it’s not a good one.”

Rarity heeded Spike’s words, so, she decided to step back. “Thank you, Spike,” she said softly. “Had I gone up there, she might’ve turned my mane green.” She saw Spike pointing to a few ponies with green manes near her, prompting her to correct herself. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that…”

Pinkie and Fluttershy resisted Trixie’s challenge. So, Trixie turned her attention to Twilight. “Trixie heard that Twilight Sparkle managed to get reasonably good grades in all subjects at the School for Gifted Unicorns with the only ones she struggled with being Care For Magical Creatures and Herbology,” the showmare challenged. “Let’s see just how skilled you are.”

“Uh, no, thank you,” Twilight said. “I think the audience would already know who would win and that wouldn't be very exciting.”

“That’s the first half-way sensible thing Trixie heard since the show started,” Trixie said. “How smart of you to refuse my challenge, especially since you know you can’t win. Now, are there any other takers to my offer?” This time, nopony said anything or stepped forward. "Well then, seeing as there are no more volunteers, Trixie will now move on to the grand finale. Hope you all like fireworks." And with that, Trixie's cart started to shoot fireworks into the sky from the various tubes on the sides. After a while, the fireworks stopped and the show ended. Everything went back to normal for the time being.

“As much as I hate to admit it,” Rainbow said. “Trixie has style.”

“She’s basically what would happen if Twilight was smugger,” Jaden said.

“Yeah, but, she wouldn’t be Twilight, then,” Applejack said. “She smart enough ta not let Trixie get her goat like me n’ Rainbow did. And that’s all on her own. Besides, that excuse she came up with was technically true."

“Yeah, Twilight’s the literal ELEMENT of Magic,” Pinkie said. “Not many ponies can honestly say that.”

“Considering the Elements of Harmony aren’t public knowledge,” Twilight said. “It wouldn’t really mean anything if I DID go around telling others that.”

“Believe me,” Jaden said. “She said the same thing to me earlier today.”

"I tried to get some attention but it didn't work so well," Ben admitted.

“Besides, I wouldn’t want the fame to get around,” admitted Fluttershy quietly.

Twilight then remembered why she and Spike went outside in the first place. “Say, girls, how about we go discuss this over lunch?”

“Ooh, that sounds great,” Pinkie said excitedly. “I like having lunch. Though, I won’t say no to any other meals, either.”

“I think it was my turn to pick the place this time,” Rainbow said.

“We never established such a system, Rainbow,” Twilight said.

“Sure,” Rainbow said, “But, we have to start somewhere, right?”

Twilight considered. “Fair enough,” she conceded. “How about we work on it after lunch?”

The others agreed to this. Rainbow led them to the restaurant she had in mind. Little did the friends suspect that in a few hours' time, the peace they were enjoying would be disrupted.

In a different part of Ponyville, Trixie had put her stage cart into sleeper mode and she was resting after her show. She was pleasantly surprised at how many ponies wished to meet her once her show was over. She had never had many fans before. I usually just get one or two and usually, all they ever do is ask me how I performed a certain spell. I'm not doing this for a living, but, surely a little appreciation isn't too much to ask for, right? she thought to herself. Just then, Snips and Clyde arrived to visit Trixie. They were also joined by a 7-year old girl. She had one a black jacket

“This had better be important, you two,” the third colt said. “I have chores to do.”

“It sure is important,” Snips said with an eager smile.

“We wanted you to meet,” began Snails, before the two said colts said together

“The Great and Powerful Trixie~!” Snips and Snails said in unison.

The third colt looked less than impressed. “You pulled me away from my chores just to see a cut-rate showmare?”

“Cut-rate showmare?!” Snips snapped indignantly. “She’s the most powerful unicorn in all of Ponyville! Maybe in all of Equestria!”

“Yeah,” Snails said. “She vanquished an Ursa Major. That’s not cut-rate, is it, Puppy Dog Tails?”

The red colt wore a flat expression and face-hoofed. “I can’t believe this,” he groaned. “You two need to stop taking everything you hear at face value.”

“And you need to stop being so serious, Tails,” Snips said.

“Uh, Trixie would hate to interrupt your…” the mare paused. “What are you? Brothers?”

“Unfortunately, yes,” answered Tails.

“Yes, well,” Trixie continued. “Trixie would hate to interrupt your brotherly bickering, but, Trixie has had a long day and she would like to get some rest.”

“Can you at least teach us magic?” Snails asked. Tails wore a shocked expression.

“Wait, what?” Tails gasped. “You want to learn magic… from her?!”

Trixie was equally surprised. “Surely, there must be other unicorns here to teach you,” she said. “Why not try that Twilight Sparkle?”

“Because if we do,” Snails said. “Twilight will talk to our parents and then they will insist that they and they alone should teach us.”

“And we should respect their wishes,” Tails scolded. “You two are on thin ice as it is!”

“So,” Trixie said. “You two are asking Trixie to teach you magic against the wishes of your parents?”

“They do NOT speak for me,” Tails insisted.

“Come on, Tails,” Snips said. “Doesn’t it bug you that we’re in first grade and we still can’t use basic magic?”

“I’ll admit it’s an irritating hoofticap,” Tails admitted. “But, our parents will teach us in due course. We have to be patient.”

“Indeed, you must,” Trixie said. “Now, why don’t you three get on home while Trixie gets her rest.”

“Okay, that third-pony thing is grating on my nerves,” Tails said. “Come on, you two. We’re going home.”

“You’re not dad,” Snips protested.

“The way I have to put up with you two, I might as well be,” Tails snapped.

“But,” Trixie said. “You can come visit Trixie tomorrow. She can teach you magic somewhere nopony else will see.”

“Can you?!” Snips and Snails said excitedly. “Okay!”

Tails could see that his brothers weren’t going to listen to him and decided to just remove himself from the situation. “Fine, but, when you two get in trouble for the sixth or seventh time this week, don’t blame me. I’ll just say, ‘I told you so.’”

Some time later, Snips and Snails were making their way home. Unfortunately, they didn’t fully know their way home from where Trixie was and they both got themselves hopelessly lost.

“Think we should’ve stuck to Tails?” Snails asked.

“Pfft!” Snips scoffed. “He’s just a know-it-all. We’ll find our way home in no time.”

“I’m pretty sure we passed that tree four times already,” Snails looked at a tree with spindly branches.

“Well, this is just great,” Snips said in annoyance.

“Maybe we should just wait out the night in that cave,” Snails suggested.

“That’s…” Snips began. “That’s actually a great idea. It’ll be dark, but, we’ll at least be safe from the elements outside.”

The two colts entered the cave, which turned out darker than outside.

“Oof!” Snips said. “I can hardly see my hoof in front of my face.”

“Why would you want to look at your own hoof,” Snails asked curiously.

“Very funny,” Snips said, rolling his eyes. “I saw you reading from Tails’ spell books. Did you read the illumination spell?”

“Oh, yeah,” Snails said. “Let me see if I can try it.” He tried channeling his magic into his horn, struggling to the point of sounding like a car engine struggling to turn over. With one last effort, he was able to make a decent sized light with his magic aura, glowing with a bright yellow-orange glow. “I… did it…” he gasped in relief.

“That was great, Snails,” Snips said excitedly. The two started cheering.

However, the celebration was short-lived. What the two failed to realize was that the cave was occupied. A loud growl echoed in the cave. The two colts turned to see where the growl came from. There before their eyes was a large slightly transparent blue bear with a star motif. Snips and Snails, seeing what they think is an Ursa Major, scream in terror before running out.

"How did we manage to wake up an Ursa Major?!" Snips asked.

“I don’t know,” Snails said. “But, we have to get out of here!”

On the edge of the forest, Tails is making a disgruntled trek to find his brothers. “I swear,” he complained. “I can’t leave those two alone for five minutes.”

His search didn’t take too long, as his brothers literally zoomed past him. “What in Tartarus is going on?!” the red colt asked.

“Can’t talk now,” Snips called back while running.

“Got a major problem,” Snails called back while running.

Tails looked back and saw the creature following them. “Normally, I would be terrified that such a creature was following them,” Tails said to himself. “But, since my brothers are involved, I’m more annoyed than scared.” The creature landed a paw near Tails with a claw extended. That claw scratched Tails’ leg. “Okay, terror’s back.” He then ran after his brothers. “WHAT DID YOU DO THIS TIME?!”

“We don’t know!” Snips shouted as he ran. “We were making our way home, then, we got lost and we found this cave!”

“Then, I remembered one of the spells in your spellbook,” Snails said. “And I tried to light up my horn.”

“WHY DID YOU THINK IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO GO INTO A CAVE IN THE EVERFREE FOREST AT NIGHT?!”

“We thought it was a safe place to spend the night,” Snails said.

“We got lost, okay?!” Snips snapped.

“Just wait until mom and dad hear about this!” Tails said.

“They’re not going to if we don’t make it out alive!” Snails wailed.

Snips realized something. “Wait, Trixie vanquished an Ursa Major, right?”

“We’re running for our lives and the first thing that comes to mind is a tall tale?!” Tails snapped. “And you wonder why our parents are so hard on you!”

“What I mean is,” Snips explained. “If Trixie vanquished one before, she has the skills to do it again!”

“If we make it out of this alive,” Tails declared. “I’m going to smack you up the back of the head.”

“Only mom and dad can do that and they’re not home right now,” Snips countered.

“WELL, SOMEPONY HAS TO!!!” Tails shouted.

Soon, they arrived at Trixie’s wagon. Snips and Snails pounded on Trixie’s door frantically, while Tails hid to the side of it where he could catch his breath. “You idiots!” Tails said while catching his breath. “You seriously think a showmare will help with this?!”

Trixie answered her door and Snips and Snails gave her some space as they pant. “What do you two want?” the mare demanded.

“We know we said to wait until tomorrow,” Snips panted. “But, we need your help!”

“What you two need is a clue!” Tails said. “I’m getting Twilight!” He galloped off.

“What could be so important that it couldn’t wait until morning,” Trixie asked, clearly vexed about being woken up. A monstrous roar answered her question. “Is that what Trixie thinks it is?” She meekly asked.

“Majorly,” the colts answered.

Meanwhile, Tails reached the Golden Oak Library and pounded the door. “Twilight!”

Twilight answered the door to see the distressed unicorn colt.

“Puppy Dog Tails, are you alright?” Twilight asked. “What’s wrong?”

“My brothers have gotten in WAY over their heads this time!”

“It’s okay to be nervous,” Twilight said. “But, what exactly is the trouble?”

“See for yourself,” the colt said, pointing towards the distance.

Twilight looked and saw the Ursa approaching Ponyville. “Sweet Celestia!” she shouted. “How did they manage this?!”

“Never mind that! Ponyville needs your help!”

Twilight looked on, and she gave an understanding nod to Tails. “Spike,” she called inside. “Come here, please. I’m going out and I don’t want you to be home alone.”

The baby dragon approached her, clearly grumpy about being woken up. “Can’t it wait until morning?”

“I’m sorry, Spike,” Twilight said. “But, I felt you shouldn’t be alone right now.” She levitated him onto her back.

“Besides, if Twilight waits now,” Tails added. “Ponyville won’t be here in the morning!”

That foreboding warning from Tails changed Spike’s perspective. “Well,” he hastily said. “What are we waiting for?!”

The two unicorns galloped off with Spike in tow.

By now, all of Ponyville was awake. They were shocked and horrified by the Ursa that was in town. Trixie was hiding in a corner. Snips and Snails saw this and walked up to her.

“What are you doing there, Trixie?” Snails asked, confused.

“Why aren’t you vanquishing that Ursa Major?” Snips questioned.

Trixie was beginning to regret telling that story to such gullible colts.

“Trixie, uh,” she stammered. “Trixie was catching her breath from the running. But, now, I’m ready.” She faced the creature and put on a brave face despite her own fears. So, she used a similar rope trick to the one she did on Applejack earlier that day. Sadly, it only tied two of the creature’s paw digits. The Ursa effortlessly broke the rope by spreading the paw digits. Trixie then conjured a stormcloud. A bolt of lightning zaps the Ursa in the rump, but, instead of driving it away, it only served to anger the creature.

“Quit fooling around and vanquish it, eh?!” Snails said.

At that moment, Twilight, Spike, and Tails met up with Snips and Snails.

“You still believe her story?” Tails scolded.

“Well, if they do believe,” Trixie finally said. “They shouldn’t…” She swallowed her pride. “I made it up.”

“Made it up?!” Snips and Snails shouted in shock. Tails responded by using his forehooves to hit the tops of their heads.

“OF COURSE SHE MADE IT UP!” he shouted. “SHE’S A TRAVELING PERFORMER! IT’S WHAT SHE DOES! SHE TELLS FANTASTICAL STORIES TO LURE AUDIENCES IN!”

“Tails, I understand the frustrations,” Twilight said. “But, is yelling and hitting your brothers going to solve this problem?”

“No, but, if you lived in the same house as them,” Tails said. “You’d understand why I need some catharsis! I’m supposed to be the responsible brother, but, every time these two get in trouble, I look bad for not keeping a better watch on them!”

Twilight gave Tails a comforting hug. “It’s okay,” Twilight said calmly. She then faced the Ursa and focused her magic. With her magic, she conjured a powerful gust of wind. Some cattails by a nearby lake snapped, creating a whistling sound with the wind. The sound reached the Ursa’s ears and the creature was immediately calmed down.

“Ooh, #16, the windy spell,” Spike commented.

Twilight focused with her magic and the wind died down. She then levitated a nearby water tower, opened its top, and dumped its contents into a nearby lake. She then levitated it through a barn full of cows. When the tower came out, it was full of milk. The white liquid was instantly pasteurized and warmed up thanks to the heat from the sheer amount of magical energy being put into lifting its container.

“That’s new,” Spike noted.

The large creature grew steadily more lethargic. He started to lose his balance, nearly landing on a bystanding Trixie. She braced for impact, but, saw that the bear was engulfed in Twilight’s magical aura. The lavender unicorn in question was straining from the effort as her horn glowed as brightly as the sun. She levitated the bear and floated the milk filled water tower towards him. The bear sleepily took it and started to suckle on the water tower as if it was a baby bottle. With all of Twilight’s effort, she gently levitated the bear back into his cave home in the Everfree Forest. Once she was certain that the bear was outside of Ponyville, she stopped using her magic and caught her breath. Her horn was red and smoking, a sign of the effort she put into the spells. Spike and the citizens of Ponyville applauded Twilight’s efforts and cheered for her.

Trixie was amazed. "How did you manage to tame that Ursa Major?!" she asked.

“Well, as you can tell from my overheated horn,” Twilight said. “It wasn’t easy. Also, that wasn’t an Ursa Major. It was a baby. An Ursa Minor.”

“That was a baby?!” Trixie asked as if she couldn’t believe what she heard.

“That’s right, a baby,” Twilight said. “I did some reading on Ursa Majors and Ursa Minors after we got home from lunch, so, I figured out what to do from there.” She then turned her attention to Spike. “Spike, could you show them the book I’ve been reading since this afternoon? I’d do it myself, but, with my horn overheated, that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Yeah, no problem, Twilight,” Spike said. He quickly ran back to the Golden Oaks Library and grabbed the book that Twilight was reading before. He soon returned and showed them the book, which was entitled, “Mystical Creatures of Equestria.” It was open on a page detailing the visual differences between Ursa Majors and Ursa Minors. This surprised not only Snips and Snails, but, even Trixie as well. The Ursa Major completely dwarfed the depiction of the Ursa Minor.

“Whoa!” Trixie gasped. “An actual Ursa Major rampage would have been worse!”

“The Ursa Minor wasn’t rampaging,” Twilight said. “He was just cranky for being woken up.”

Snips and Snails looked ashamed and embarrassed at themselves. Tails chose that moment to direct some of the shame to Trixie. “Maybe if somepony hadn’t gone around shooting her mouth off about doing something she didn’t, they wouldn’t have had the ‘brilliant’ idea of luring that thing into town in the first place.”

“Trixie…” Trixie began, before clearing her throat. “I mean, I have come to understand my mistakes. It was wrong of me to put all of you in danger with my wild exaggerations. So, I know this won’t fix the damage I’ve done, but, I want to apologize to all of you for all of the trouble I’ve caused. I’ll personally take care of the collateral damage. I’ll work all night if I have to.”

The other ponies and Spike were glad to hear a genuine heartfelt apology from Trixie. Other ponies volunteered to help Trixie so that she wouldn’t have to work alone and possibly exhaust herself. “Say, Trixie,” Twilight said. “Do you have a place to stay while you’re here?”

“I did,” Trixie said as she gestured to the smashed remains of her cart.

“Well,” Twilight said. “The Golden Oak Library does have a spare bedroom to it. You’re welcome to use that so that you have some place to rest should you need it.”

“Thanks anyway,” Trixie said. “But, I couldn’t possibly afford the rent. I barely make any bits as it is.”

“I couldn’t ask you to pay rent,” Twilight said insistently. “You would be our guest.”

“It’s a very generous offer,” Trixie said. “But, I’m rarely in one town for longer than a day or two.”

“Alright,” Twilight conceded. “If you insist.”

The next morning, Trixie had finished fixing the last damaged building in Ponyville. She was visibly exhausted and her hooves had cracks in them, clear signs that she hadn’t used her magic to help in the work. Twilight, Spike, and their friends walked up to her.

“You okay, Trixie?” Rainbow asked. “You look like you’ve been working all night.”

“I have,” Trixie admitted.

“Ya really put in a lot of effort to fix things up ‘round here,” Applejack said. “But, since yer done, why don’t ya get somethin’ in yer belly?”

“Do you have any peanut butter crackers?” Trixie asked. “I had a large supply in my cart, but…”

“Ya mean,” Applejack said with a smile. She then went back and grabbed the newly repaired caravan. “This cart?”

Trixie’s jaw dropped. “You fixed my cart?!”

“Since you learned your lesson,” Twilight explained. “We felt you shouldn’t leave town without having a roof over your head. Besides, you put in the effort to fix the damage to our town, so, why not return the favor?”

“Nopony’s ever done that for me before,” Trixie said as tears welled up in her eyes.

“It’s what we do,” Pinkie says with a good-natured smile. “It’s also stocked with snacks from Sugarcube Corner. Or, at least, my personal stash.”

Trixie looked into the cart and found various baked goods. “This is more than I usually get in a week!”

“We couldn’t let you venture on with an empty stomach,” Rarity said. “We figured you’d been through enough hardship.”

“One thing bugs me, though,” Rainbow said. “Yesterday, you kept doing that whole third-pony thing. What’s that about?”

“That’s my stage persona,” Trixie admitted after helping herself to some bread. “I come from a long line of performers. My father is a parlor magician in Las Pegasus and my mother is a stage actress. One thing they taught me about show business is that if you want to get anywhere, you need something that reels ponies in. A gimmick, if you will.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Rainbow said.

“My father taught me everything I know about Performance Magic,” Trixie continued. “He even took me to magic shows when I was a filly.” She sighed nostalgically. “I knew at once that was what I wanted to be.”

“That’s wonderful,” Fluttersy said.

“You must make a good living with your shows,” Pinkie said.

Trixie winced. “Well, actually… I don’t.”

“Wait,” Rarity said suddenly. “You mean to say that you don’t charge admission for your performances?”

Trixie shook her head. “Any bits I make are courtesy donations,” she admitted. “I just perform because I love doing it.” She then muttered under her breath, “Though, a little appreciation now and then would be nice.”

“What was that?” Applejack asked.

Trixie quickly corrected herself. “Nothing. I better get going now.”

The ponies and Spike wished Trixie well on her journey. Trixie and Twilight even agreed that the next time Trixie came to town, they’d test how much their magic improved by then. Though, Twilight had some concerns.

“Does anypony else feel that Trixie’s hiding something?” the lavender unicorn asked her friends.

“Ah sure felt that,” Applejack replied. “Ah wonder what.”

“Eh, that’s a chapter for another day,” Pinkie said.

This remark left the others confused, but, they decided to shrug it off. Spike then turned to Twilight.

“Hey, Twilight,” Spike said. “Do you think you have a lesson for Princess Celestia ready?”

Twilight nodded. “Let’s head back to the library.”

It wasn’t long before the two returned to Golden Oaks Library. Once there, Spike got out a quill and a piece of paper to roll into a scroll. Twilight spoke the words for him to write.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned that it’s important to have confidence in yourself. Without confidence, even the most talented ponies is nothing. Of course, it's important that you recognize the difference between confidence and boasting. No one likes a bragger and actions speak louder than words. Perhaps the most important thing a pony should do is remember what you say and do describes how others view you. But, it’s never too late to change who you are on the inside as long as you’re willing to take the first step.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike breathed his emerald flames on the scroll and sent it on its way. “Off it goes,” he said. “You know, I heard Snips and Snails are doing community service.”

“I see,” Twilight said. “I wonder how Puppy Dog Tails is doing.”

“Didn’t you hear?” Spike asked. “He’s supervising them to make sure they don’t do anything stupid.” He chuckled. “He’s got his work cut out for him.”

“For a colt with a puppy for his Cutie Mark,” Twilight remarked. “He is acting like a real tough dog.”

Meanwhile, Snips and Snails were picking up litter with Tails watching them. “I’m not taking my eyes off you for a second.”

“He’s taking this way too seriously,” Snips said as he picked up a piece of trash.

“Yeah,” Snails said. “He really is our brother.”