Equestria Girls: Friendship is Magic

by StarBlader

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Anthro, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Equestria Girls, Mystery, Comedy
Length: 57380

Friendship is Magic, EG Style

Twilight Sparkle is a 16-year-old girl who has just moved to Canterlot City with her family. She's first skeptical about meeting new people, but when she discovered the magic of friendship, her life becomes a little happier. With a new school, town, and friends, it's an adventure waiting to happen.

This is an alternate universe that doesn't involve Sunset Shimmer.

Published 2023-07-23 23:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-02-12 06:37:16 UTC

Weclome to Cantelot City Part 1

One sunny day, a dark blue SUV was driving along a road. In the car was a middle-aged man and woman, and in the back was a teenage girl.

"How much longer, Dad?" the girl asked.

"It won't be too much longer, Twilight." her father told her.

The girl was named Twilight Sparkle, she was 16 years old, and in front were her parents, Twilight Velvet and Night Light. They were moving to a new city when her mom got a job offer. This means the family had to pack up, leave their home, and start all over again. Of course, moving to a new place was never easy, but it was harder for young people. Twilight was going to have to start over in a whole new town, go to a new school, and have to make new friends. That last task would be a difficult one for Twilight, she's was kinda a loner.

"Hey, Twilight." called a voice.

Twilight adjusted her glasses, and looked down. It was coming from a pet carrier, and inside was her pet puppy, Spike.

"What's up, Spike?" Twilight asked.

"How much longer till we get there? It's getting cramped in here."

"We'll be there soon, boy," she replied.

Now it wasn't normal for animals to talk, but something had happened to Spike to cause him to talk. A couple of years ago, Spike and Twilight were playing in the park. Twilight threw a stick for him to fetch, and Spike ran after it. As he looked for the post, a found something interesting. It was a little patch of glowing light in a bush. Being a curious puppy, Spike decided to investigate. The thing that was glowing was a kind of sparkly purple dust. He sniffed it, and some of the dust went up his nose. He sneezed and shook his head.

"Spike, you okay?" Twilight called.

"I'm okay," Spike said back.

That completely surprised the two. Twilight hurried over to Spike, and Spike hurried up to her.

"Spike did you just talk, like a person?" she asked him.

"I...I think I just did." Spike replied.

Twilight quickly took Spike home and told her family. At first, they were completely shocked how a dog could suddenly speak like a person. But eventually, they got used to Spike being able to talk, and they decided that it was a magical thing that had happened. They decided to keep Spike's ability in the family because no telling who'd
want to get their hands on a talking dog. About an hour later, the family saw a city in the distance, and they saw a sign. It read, "Welcome to Canterlot City".

"We're here," informed Twilight Velvet.

Twilight looked out the window at the big city.

"Wow." she breathed.

Canterlot City seemed so much bigger than their old home. After a while, they drove into a subdivision and arrived at a purple house.

"Well, here we are girls, and Spike. Our new home." Night Light declared then all of them got out of the car, and Twilight let Spike out of his carrier.

"Finally!" Spike cheered, as he ran around happily.

"Any idea when the moving truck will get here?" wondered Twilight Velvet.

"I'll give them a call. In the meantime we should pick out our rooms," said Night Light.

While her parents went up to the front door, Twilight looked around. It seemed like a nice neighborhood, perhaps things wouldn't be so bad.

"Twilight, are you coming?" called Night Light.

"Coming, Dad. Let's go, Spike."

She went inside, and Spike followed her.

The house was spacious, and Twilight and Spike went upstairs to pick out their room.

"Hey, let's try this one," Spike suggested, referring to a door.

"Okay."

Twilight opened it, and they went inside. The room was pretty big, and had a closet, and a window.

"This room seems nice." Twilight observed while Spike sniffed around the room, and then spoke.

"Smells nice too."

Twilight looked out the window and saw she had a nice view of the neighborhood.

"Mom, Dad, I picked out my room," Twilight called to her parents. Her parents went to her and looked around.

"Nice pick Twilight. I just got off the phone with the movers they'll be here in a couple of hours." Night Light informed.

"So what'll we do until then?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Well your bike's on top of the car, why don't you and Spike do some exploring," suggested Twilight Velvet.

"Sounds good to me." Spike piped up."I guess a bike ride could be fun."

Outside Night Light got her bike down from the car, and after putting her new home address in her phone Twilight and Spike was off. Spike rode in the bike basket, while Twilight pedaled down the street.

They left the subdivision and rode into town. There were some stores and other businesses.

"Canterlot City seems pretty nice," observed Spike.

"Yeah, maybe I'll like it here," Twilight told him.

As they rode, they came across what looked like a diner, with the name Sugarcube Corner on it. Suddenly, she saw someone leaving out the door, and she quickly stopped her bike. A teenage girl with curly pink hair looked at her with wide eyes.

"Uh...hi?" Twilight told her.

The other girl didn't say anything but just ran off.

"Okay, that was weird," Spike said.

"You got that right." she agreed, and they went on.

Things were going well, as they rode down the street, but suddenly Twilight felt something weird. She stopped, got off, and checked her wheel.

"What's the problem?" asked Spike.

"I ran over a nail, and now the tire's flat."

"Well look where we stopped," Spike mentioned.

Twilight looked up and saw she was at a car garage.

"Well it's not exactly a bike place, but it'll do."

She took her bike in and saw many workers working on cars.

"Uh, excuse me, could someone help me?" Twilight called out.

One of the workers told her to wait for a little bit, but then another voice called out to her.

"I can help ya."

Twilight looked to her side, and saw a girl with blonde hair and a cowboy hat.

"Uh, thanks. Do you work here?" Twilight wondered.

"No, but I do know how to fix a tire."

"Thank you, my name's Twilight Sparkle by the way."

Suddenly the other girl grabbed her hand and began shaking it hard.

"Well, howdy do to you, Twilight. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Applejack."

Applejack then let go of Twilight's hand, and she struggled to settle it down.

"Nice to meet you too."

Then Spike barked.

"Oh, and this is Spike, my dog."

"He's a cute little fella," Applejack said, petting Spike's head. "Now come on, let's get this tire fixed."

She took them to the side and borrowed a couple of tools.

"So I haven't seen you around here before," Applejack observed. "Well my family just moved here," explained Twilight.

"You did, well then welcome to Canterlot City. While you're here you gotta meet my folks."

"Oh, that's not necessary..."

But Applejack had already called them over. An older woman, a teenage boy, and a young teen girl came.

"This here is my big brother, Big Mac, my little sister Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith."

Big Mac waved, and Apple Bloom and Granny Smith said, "Hello".

"Hi," Twilight said, nervously.

"Well, your bike's all fixed," Applejack informed.

"Thanks, well we better be going now."

"Hope to see you again," Applejack called, as Twilight pedaled away with Spike.

"Well, they seemed nice," Spike mentioned.

"Maybe a little too nice," Twilight replied, shaking her arm.

As they rode the sidewalk, they heard something behind them. Twilight turned her head and saw someone speeding towards them. She tried to
move out of the way, but too late, and she was knocked to the ground, as was her bike, and Spike.

"Spike you okay?" she asked. "I'm fine. What happened?"

"Hey, are you two okay?" wondered a voice.

Twilight looked up and saw a teenage girl with rainbow-colored hair on roller skates.

"Yeah, we're okay."

"I'm sorry. I was kinda in the zone and wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

She helped Twilight up and got her bike standing again.

"It's okay, it was just an accident," Twilight assured.

"You're not from around here are ya?"

"No, how'd you guess?"

"You were giving off that newbie vibe. I'm Rainbow Dash."

"My name's Twilight Sparkle and this is my dog, Spike."

"Great to meet you guys. Hope to see you around again." Rainbow Dash told them, and she skated off.

"Well, I guess we should keep on going."

Twilight put Spike back in the basket, got back on and rode off. After a while, they stopped for a little break. Twilight looked down at her clothes and noticed they were a little dirty from her fall. Suddenly something caught Spike's eye.

"What's up, Spike?"

"Look."

Twilight looked, and saw they were in front of a store called Carousel Boutique.

"Yeah, this store does look like it has some nice clothes," Twilight replied, looking through the window.

"Not the clothes I'm talking about her," Spike explained.

Inside the store, a teenage girl with purple hair was hanging up some clothes. Hearts formed in Spike's eyes, and he quickly jumped out of the
basket.

"Spike, where are you going?" Twilight asked, hurrying after him.

Spike ran up to the front door, waited for someone to come out, and then ran inside.

"Spike get back here!" Twilight hissed.

Spike ran up to the girl, and barked happily. The girl turned around and saw Spike sitting there.

"Oh, hello little one. How'd you get in here?" she asked him.

"Spike." Twilight quickly went over and picked him up.

"I'm so sorry, he just got away from me."

"That's quite all right, darling. Maybe he led you to the right place. I'm Rarity and welcome to Carousal Boutique. I can see you're here for a fashion change."

"Oh, I'm not here to shop," Twilight told her.

"But then what happened to your outfit?"

"Oh, well it was just a little accident. I just came to get Spike, and I'll be gone."

"But I insist I show you our latest shipments."

Rarity then led Twilight away, and Spike followed. There were great varieties of shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, and other accessories.

"You have great stuff, but I don't have any money to buy anything, sorry,"
Twilight explained.

"Oh, well do come back when you have some." Rarity told her.

Then she and Spike left the store.

Spike was still in a love-sick daze as they left.

"Wasn't she amazing?" he sighed.

"Slow down there, Romeo. You're a dog, she's a human." Twilight told him.

The next place they ended up at was a park.

"Now this looks like a peaceful place," she observed.

"Smells like a great place," added Spike, sniffing the air.

As they peddled across the park they heard some chirping. They looked, and saw a teenage girl with light pink hair, feeding a bunch of birds. She seemed to be talking and singing along with them.

"Wow." Twilight breathed.

She pedaled closer, but some of the birds saw her and flew away in fright.

"Wait, come back." the girl urged.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare off your birds." Twilight told her.

"It's okay, I'm sure you didn't do it on purpose.”

"I didn't. I'm Twilight, Twilight Sparkle."

"I'm Fluttershy." the girl whispered.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"My name's Fluttershy."

"One more time?"

"My name's Fluttershy," Fluttershy said loud enough.

"Nice to meet you."

Suddenly Fluttershy's eyes fell on Spike, and they widened.

"Oh my gosh, aren't you adorable?" she gushed at the puppy.

She petted his head and scratched him behind his ear. Spike looked like he was in heaven.

"You sure are good with animals," Twilight observed.

"Thanks. Uh, I have to go now bye."

And Fluttershy hurried off.

"Odd," said Twilight.

"Well, she certainly knows what spot to scratch," Spike mentioned.

Soon they went back home and saw the moving truck was there, and movers were unloading furniture from the truck and bringing it into the house.

"Well, at least our stuff's here," Twilight said, as she parked her bike, and got Spike out.

When they walked inside, Twilight saw a familiar guy talking to her parents. The guy turned around and smiled at her.

"Hey, Twily."

"Shining Armor!" Twilight squealed.

She rushed up to him and threw her arms around him. Shining Armor was Twilight's older brother and Twilight Velvet and Night Light's oldest child. He had come to Canterlot City after graduating college and had a job working at another school in the city.

"Your brother thought he'd come and welcome us." Twilight Velvet explained.

"It's great to see you," Twilight told him.

"Hey, what about me?" Spike piped up.

"(Chuckles), it's good to see you, Spike." Shining Armor said, as he knelt and petted him.

"So how was your bike ride?" wondered Night Light to Twilight.

"Was fine, ran into some interesting people."

"Speaking of which. We got an invitation today." Twilight Velvet mentioned.

"An invitation, from who?"

"A nice girl came by and invited us to a welcome to the neighborhood
party tomorrow."

"What'd she look like?"

"She was around your age, and had curly pink hair."

"Oh boy," Twilight whispered, as she looked at Spike.

To be continued...

Author's Note

AU Twilight Sparkle

AU Rainbow Dash

AU Applejack

AU Pinkie Pie

AU Rarity

AU Fluttershy

Weclome to Cantelot City Part 2

That night, Twilight and Spike settled down for bed in their new room.

"Well, this wasn't too bad for a first day here," Spike told her.

"No, but I'm wondering about this party though," Twilight replied.

"Hey, it's a party it'll be fun."

"Yeah, real fun. Goodnight, Spike."

Both of them got in bed, Spike got in his doggie bed, and Twilight turned off the light.

The next morning, Twilight Velvet and Night Light took Twilight to her new school to meet with her new principal. She would be attending Canterlot High School, and she hoped she could make a good first impression on her new principal.

They all waited outside the principal's office, and Twilight kept fidgeting in her seat.

"Twilight, please calm down." urged Twilight Velvet.

"Sorry, Mom. I'm a little nervous."

"Don't worry, sweetie. You'll you fine."

Then the secretary told them the principal would see them now. The three went inside the office and saw two women waiting for them.

"Hello, I'm Principal Celestia, and this is my sister." the taller woman introduced.

"Vice Principal Luna." the slightly shorter woman said.

"Hello, I'm Night Light, this is my wife, Twilight Velvet. And this is our daughter, Twilight Sparkle." Night Light introduced.

"Hi," Twilight replied.

"Hello, Twilight Sparkle, it's nice to meet you," Celestia said, holding out her hand.

Twilight shook hers, then Luna's. They all sat down, and Twilight Velvet gave Principal Celestia Twilight's transcripts and papers from her last school.

"Hmm, these transcripts look great, and so do Twilight's other papers. She seems like a good student."

"Thank you," Twilight replied.

"We look forward to having her as one of our students,” Luna told them.

"You'll be starting tomorrow, right?" Celestia wanted to know.

"Yes; Lams"

"We hope you'll enjoy your first day tomorrow," said Luna.

"Thank you."

Then they all left and went back home.

Later in the evening, the family and Spike got ready to go to their welcoming party.

"I'm very excited, aren't you Twilight?" said Night Light.

"I guess."

"Don't be nervous, honey. It'll be a great opportunity to meet our new neighbors." Twilight Velvet told her.

Twilight knew her mom was right. After a while of driving, they came to where the party was being held, which was at a community center that sort of looked like a barn.

"Here we are." Night Light declared as he parked the car.

They all got out and went inside. There were people already there, some even Twilight and Spike recognized. When the girl with the curly pink hair spotted them, she rushed up to them with a big smile on her face.

"Hi, so glad you made it. And it's great to see you again," she said, and took Twilight's hand and shook it.

"Yeah...and you are?" Twilight asked.

"I'm Pinkie Pie, and you must be Twilight Sparkle."

"Yes, how'd you..."

"Your mom told me."

Twilight looked and her mom, who just smiled.

"And what a cute little dog you have." Pinkie gushed as Spike barked happily.

"Thanks, his name's Spike."

"Come on, you gotta meet your new neighbors." Pinkie then dragged
Twilight away, with Spike following them.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet went to go meet the other adults. Pinkie took Twilight over to a table, and the other girls she had met the previous day were there.

"Oh, hey. It's you all again." Twilight observed as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy stood before her.

"Howdy Twilight. I was hoping to see you again." Applejack told her.

"Look like we're gonna be neighbors. Awesome." Rainbow Dash said.

"It's wonderful." Rarity added.

"Are you going to Canterlot High?" Fluttershy wondered.

"Yes, I am. I start tomorrow." Twilight answered.

"Great, that's where we all go." Pinkie squealed.

"Oh," said Twilight.

"Hey, Rarity." called a voice.

Three younger girls, one of them was Apple Bloom came over. One girl had short pink hair and the other had long purple and pink hair.

"Ah, Twilight, meet my little sister Sweetie Belle." Rarity introduced.

"And this is Scootaloo," added Rainbow Dash.

"Hi." greeted Sweetie Belle.

"Nice to meet you," Scootaloo added.

"Hi, nice to meet you," Twilight told them.

Spike barked to get their attention.

"Oh, and this is Spike."

"Aww, he's adorable." Sweetie Belle gushed, as the three girls got
down to pet him.

While Spike enjoyed being petted, the girls decided to get something to eat at the refreshment table. On their way there, they saw three other teenage girls sitting at a table.

"Oh, Twilight, these are my sisters. Limestone, Maud, and Marble. Girls this is Twilight." Pinkie introduced.

"Hi," said Twilight.

"Hey," replied Limestone.

"Hi," said Maud.

Marble just waved. Near the refreshment table, a teenage guy with blonde hair in a bun was on his phone. He looked up and smiled.

"Hello, ladies. And this must be the newbie," he said.

"Uh, Twilight, this is my younger brother, Zephyr Breeze." Fluttershy introduced.

"It must be a pleasure for you to make my acquaintance, Twilight," Zephyr told her.

"Uh, hi," Twilight replied.

"Don't worry, he's always like this." Rainbow Dash whispered to her.

"Rainbow, there's no need to whisper about me."

Rainbow Dash just groaned and rolled her eyes. Meanwhile with the adults, Night Light and Twilight Velvet met the parents of the other
girls. They met Applejack's Granny Smith, Rainbow Dash's parents, Windy Whistles and Bow Hotfoot. They got acquainted with Rarity's parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles, and Fluttershy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shy. And they met Pinkie's parents, Igneous Rock Pie and Cloudy Quartz.

When the party was over, everyone left.

"Well, they seemed very nice." Twilight Velvet mentioned.

"Yeah, great folks." agreed Night Light.

"I suppose," replied Twilight.

"I thought they were pretty nice." Spike piped up.

"I think you'll like the other girls, Twilight. You just have to give them a chance." her mom told her.

"Okay, Mom."

The next day, Twilight woke up and got ready for her first day of school. After having a good breakfast, she went back up to her room to get dressed.

"There, now I'm ready," she said, as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Spike uncovered his eyes and smiled at her.

"You look great, Twilight." he complimented.

"You think so?"

"I know so." "Twilight, it's time to go." Twilight Velvet called from
downstairs.

"Well here I go, Spike. Wish me luck."

She bent down kissed him and petted his head.

"Good luck, Twilight. And when you get back I wanna hear all about it."
Spike told her.

And Twilight left.

Twilight Velvet drove her daughter to school, and all the way, Twilight kept playing with her glasses, fidgeting, and clinging to her backpack.

"Relax, sweetheart. Things are going to be fine." "I hope so."

When they got there, Twilight said goodbye to her mom and got out. As she watched her mom drive off, Twilight realized she was on her own Now.

"Howdy, Twilight." called a voice.

Twilight looked to see, Applejack.

"Oh, hi."

"Nervous about your first day?"

"A little."

"Well, the day may be scary and it may not turn out the way you expect, but it'll be okay."

"How do you know that?"

"It's the truth."

Then the bell rang, and Twilight went with Applejack inside. After picking up her schedule from the office, Twilight went to her new locker. It was in a decent spot and had enough space from her neighboring locker.

Once she was done there, she closed the locker and tried to leave, but she couldn't.

"What the..."

She looked back and saw that her skirt was stuck in the door.

"Oh, come on," she complained.

She tried to open the locker again, but because of her position, she couldn't do it. Just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, the bell rang signaling that it was time for class to start.

"Twilight?"

She turned and saw Fluttershy.

"Here let me help you. What's your locker combination?"

"12 left, 1 right, then 3 left again." Fluttershy put in the combination and opened the locker.

"Whew, thanks," Twilight told her.

"It was no problem, come on we better get to class," Fluttershy replied. And they did.

Twilight's first classes went well. She had English and science, and now it was time for math. As she was on her way there, she accidentally bumped into a man, who she assumed was a teacher.

"Oh, I'm very sorry, sir," she told him.

"Hmm, I expect students to watch where they are going." he sneered and then walked away.

Twilight, just hurried to her next class. When she walked in she was met with a familiar face.

"Twilight, over here!"

It was Pinkie. Twilight smiled nervously and went over to her.

"I saved you a seat right here, by me."

"Thanks."

And she took her seat next to Pinkie and waited for the teacher to come in. But when he came in, Twilight froze. It was the man she bumped into in the hall.

"Oh no," she whispered.

"Good morning, students." he greeted.

Then he noticed Twilight.

"Oh, you again. I don't recall you being in this class."

"Uh..." Twilight replied quietly.

"She's new, sir," Pinkie explained.

"Ah, a new one huh? Well, that explains a lot."

Then he went to the chalkboard.

"Don't worry about Mr. Cranky Doodle. He can be a little grumpy sometimes." Pinkie whispered.

"Cranky Doodle?" Twilight whispered back.

"Okay, let's get started." Mr. Cranky Doodle announced.

After class, Twilight and Pinkie left together.

"Well, that was intense," Twilight replied.

"I know math can be, but you want my advice on how to deal with tense situations?" Pinkie offered.

"Sure."

"You just gotta laugh."

"Laugh?"

"Yeah, I mean our teacher's name is Mr. Cranky Doodle. (Giggles)."

Twilight then cracked a little smile, and began giggling along with her.

Later that day, Twilight took a break in the restrooms.

"Okay, Twilight so far so good," she told herself.

She took out some lip balm from her backpack and took off the cap. Suddenly it slipped out of her hand and fell to the floor.

"Oh, come on," she complained.

"Hi, Twilight. Is something wrong?" asked another voice.

It was Rarity.

"Oh, hi Rarity. I just dropped my chapstick."

Twilight bent down to pick it up, but Rarity stopped her.

"Oh, no no no. You can't use that now."

"But I need something for my lips, they're really dry."

"Here."

Rarity reached into her purse and pulled out a tube of lick balm.

"Gee, thanks."

She put some on and gave it back to her.

"You can keep it."

"But..."

"Now I insist. Besides I have plenty of others."

"Well thank you, Rarity."

At lunch Twilight was in line, getting her food.

"I wonder if this school has good food?" she asked herself.

The menu that day consisted of baked ziti, which looked good. As the lunch lady scooped some onto her plate, the lady also placed a small slice of apple pie on her tray.

"Huh?"

She looked up and saw Granny Smith.

"Granny Smith?"

"A little something to welcome to by." Granny Smith told her smiling.

"Thank you," replied Twilight, smiling back.

As she left the line, she looked around for a place to sit. Then Rainbow Dash came up next to her.

"Hey, Twilight. How's your first day going?" she asked.

"It's going fine. I just need to find a place to sit."

"Don't worry. I'll sit with you."

"Really?"

"Sure."

As they looked around for a seat, something caught Rainbow Dash's eye.

"Oh my gosh," she whispered.

"What is it?" asked Twilight.

"The Wondercolts have a spot open at their table."

"The Wondercolts?" Twilight wondered confused.

"They're the school's soccer team. I'm on it, but the upper-class men are great players."

"Well, if you want to sit with them I understand."

Rainbow Dash looked at the empty seat, and then back at Twilight.

"No, I said I'd sit with you, and I'm sticking to it."

Twilight smiled at hearing that. They managed to find an open table, and soon Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity came to sit with them. As they ate and talked, Twilight found herself enjoying their company.

After a couple more classes, school was over. While walking out,

Principal Celestia stopped to speak to them.

"Hello girls." she greeted.

"Hello, Principal Celestia." the girls replied.

"Twilight Sparkle, I just wanted to see how your first day was."

"I enjoyed my first day here. And I made some friends."

She turned to the others, who smiled.

"They've been honest, kind, made me laugh, generous, and loyal."

"I'm glad to hear that. Those are real elements of friendship and harmony." Principal Celestia told her.

Then they all left the building and talked some more until Night Light came to pick up Twilight. Spike who was in the car with him was so excited to see Twilight, he jumped out of the car.

"Spike come back." Night Light called.

But he ran up to Twilight and jumped into her arms.

"(Giggles), hi Spike."

"Hi, Twilight," he said.

"(Gasp)."

The two turned, and they saw the rest of the girls behind them.

"You dog just talked," whispered Applejack.

"Am I dreaming?" wondered Pinkie then pinched herself, and it hurt indicating she wasn't.

"Shh, I can explain, but keep it down," Twilight told them.

They huddled together and Twilight told them about Spike's ability to speak.

"Wow." awed Rainbow Dash.

"It's nice to meet you all again," Spike told the girls.

"It's incredible," said Rarity.

"And amazing," added Fluttershy.

"So Spike got to talk from magic huh? Seems like you have some
magic in you." Applejack told her.

Twilight smiled at that.

"Twilight, it's time to go." Night Light called.
"I'm coming, Dad," she called back.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Bye Twilight." the girls told her. And Twilight left with Spike.

On the ride home, she told her dad about her day.

"Sounds like you had a nice first day." Night Light told her.

"Yeah, the schools and the students seem nice."

"I saw you already made some friends."

Twilight thought about it, and smiled.

"Yeah, I did make some new friends."

Sleeping Out

Twilight had been in Canterlot City a whole month now, and she wasenjoying herself. She adjusted to her new house, school, and classes. Best of all, she was hanging out more with her new friends.

In the hallway, the girls were hanging out between classes.

"I got great news ya'll." Applejack informed.

"What is it?" asked Fluttershy.

"This weekend Big Mac's is gonna visit Granny Smith's cousin, Goldie Delicious and Apple Bloom's going on an overnight field trip with herclass. So I was thinking we could have a sleepover at my house."

"A sleepover? That's another name for slumber party!" squealed Pinkie.

"Sounds awesome." said Rainbow Dash.

"Sounds like a wonderful soiree." added Rarity.

"What do you say Twilight, you comin'?" Applejack wondered.

"A sleepover...uh I don't know." Twilight told her.

"Come on, Twilight. It'll be fun." encouraged Pinkie.

"Well, it does sound like fun. I guess I'll go."

"Great. Be sure and tell your parents and I'll have Granny Smith give them a call." Applejack told her.

"T will."

Then the bell rang, and the girls went to their classes. When school was over, and Twilight was picked up, she told her dad
about the sleepover.

"A sleepover at Applejack's?" asked Night Light.

"Yeah, can I go?" Twilight asked him.

"We'll see."

Once they were home, Twilight hurried inside and up to her room.

"Spike, I'm home." she announced.

Spike who was relaxing in his doggie bed, jumped up happily.

"Hi, Twilight. How was school?" he asked her, running over to her.

"It was good, and guess what?"

"What?"

"Applejack invited me to a sleepover at her house."

"Sounds like fun. Can I go too?" Spike wondered.

"(Chuckles), first I have to find out if I can go." Twilight told him.

"Right."

After Twilight Velvet came home, Twilight told her about the sleepover. Then Night Light and Twilight Velvet talked about it, as they were getting ready for bed.

"I think it would be good and fun for Twilight to go." Night Light mentioned.

"Yeah, plus I got a call from Applejack's Granny, and she said, that everything would be fine at her house." Twilight Velvet replied.

Then they got in bed, and went to sleep. The next day at school, Twilight hurried to find her friends. She found them sitting on the school steps.

"Hey girls. Good news, my parents said I could come to the sleepover." she informed.

"That's great." said Pinkie.

"Yeah, what fun is a sleepover, if our newest friend can't come?" Applejack mentioned.

Then the bell rang, and the girls went inside and agreed to discussplans at lunch. All through her classes, Twilight had a hard time payingattention. This would be her first sleepover, ever. What sort of things happened at them?

Would she have to do anything to prepare for it? When lunch came, she sat with her friends and they began discussing plans for the sleepover.

"So what the dealio with this party, Applejack?" asked Pinkie, ready to write the stuff down.

"I'll be supplying most of the food, but do you think you could bring some cupcakes?" Applejack told her.

"You got it."

"Rainbow Dash, could you bring your game station?"

"No prob." Rainbow Dash replied.

"Rarity you can bring some fashion magazines and makeup for us."

"I'd be happy to."

"Fluttershy can you pick out a movie?"

"Sure."

"Hey, Applejack I was wondering something." Twilight piped up.

"What?"

"Would it be all right if I bring Spike. He wants to come."

"Sure you bring him, I'm sure Winona would like to meet him." Twilight smiled at hearing that.

Once school was over on Friday, the girls agreed they would go home, pack their bags, and go to Applejack's house.

"I'll see you guys there." Twilight called to them, as she went to her dad's car.

At home, Twilight packed her pajamas, extra clothes, toothbrush, hair supplies, sleeping bag, and a couple of books.

"I can't believe it, Twilight. Our first sleepover." Spike told her.

"Me neither." Twilight replied.

"Something wrong?"

"I'm a little nervous, what if I can't fit in at this sleepover?"

"Don't worry, they're your friends. And you'll have a good time." Twilight smiled at her pet.

"Twilight, are you almost ready?" called Twilight Velvet from downstairs.

"Just about, Mom." she called back.

She put her bag over her shoulder, and grabbed her pillow.

"Let's go, Spike."

And the two went downstairs.

Twilight Velvet drove Twilight and Spike out to Applejack's house, and she noticed her daughter looking out the window.

"Excited?" she asked.

"Yeah, Mom. Though a little nervous."

"It'll be fun."

Soon they arrived at Applejack's house.

"You can always call me or your father and we'll come pick you up." Twilight Velvet mentioned.

"I'll try and hold on, Mom." Twilight replied.

"Come on, let's go." urged Spike.

Twilight collected her stuff, and got out of the car. They went up to the door, and Twilight rang the doorbell. A minute later the door opened to reveal Granny Smith.

"Ah, hello, Twilight." she greeted.

"Hi, Granny Smith. Spike and I are here for the sleepover." she told
her.

"Well come on in. The girls are up in Applejack's room." Granny Smith invited.

Twilight waved goodbye to her mom, and went inside as Twilight Velvet drove off. She and Spike went upstairs, and found Applejack's room.

"Hi, guys." she greeted, going in.

"Hey, Twilight. Glad you made it." Applejack told her.

"Now the fun can really start." Rainbow Dash added.

"I'm here too." Spike informed.

"Hi, Spikey Wikey." greeted Rarity, as she scratched his ear.

Spike sighed happily as she did so. Suddenly, they heard barking and in came a collie dog.

"Hey there girl. Spike meet my dog, Winona." Applejack introduced.

"Hi, Winona." Spike said.

Winona sniffed him, and barked happily.

"Now let's get this party started." declared Pinkie.

At first the girls watched TV, and then when the sun started to go down, they changed into their pajamas.

"Your pajamas are lovely, Twilight." complimented Rarity.

"Thanks. So what do we do now?" Twilight wondered.

"Anyone up for some video games?" Applejack suggested.

"I'm game." Rainbow Dash piped up.

"You guys go on, we'll watch and wait for the pizza to arrive." Fluttershy said.

"Right." Twilight agreed.

They watched the two play their game, and Rarity decided to pull of one of her fashion magazines.

"That's a nice dress." said Fluttershy, as she observed a picture.

"Yes, you'd look great in it." Rarity told her.

"Yeah, and you guys are doing great." Twilight piped up.

"Thanks." said Rainbow Dash.

"I'm getting hungry, when's the pizza getting here?" Pinkie wanted to
know.

Before anyone could say anything, they heard the doorbell rang.

"That'd be it now." Applejack replied, pausing the game.

The girls rushed downstairs, along with Winona and Spike.

Help yourself girls, and be sure to save a couple slices for me." Granny Smith told them.

"No problem, Granny." Applejack promised.

"Let's pig out." Pinkie declared, grabbing a plate.

Soon they began pigging out on pizza, cupcakes, and soda.

"Hey, can we get a couple slices?" Spike whispered.

Winona barked also.

"Here you go, guys." Twilight told them.

She gave Spike a small slice of cheese pizza, and was about to give one to Winona when she suddenly stopped.

"Hold on there, partner." Applejack warned.

Twilight froze in her tracks.

"You can't give Winona that."

"Oh, I'm sorry. It just looked like she wanted a slice." Twilight
apologized.

"She can eat pizza, but you gotta take the pepperoni slices off. It doesn't always agree with her."

"Oh, all right then."

Twilight took the pepperoni pieces off, and gave the slice to Winona.

After they were full they decided to give each other makeovers.

"This is always my favorite part of sleepovers." squealed Rarity, as they headed back upstairs.

"Of course it is, Rarity." said Rainbow Dash rolling her eyes.

"Makeovers, I can do that." Twilight thought.

Up in her bedroom, the girls soon had curlers in their hair, and green masks on their faces.

"Aww gee, we could pass as monsters in a scary movie." Applejack observed, looking in a mirror.

"You got that right." agreed Pinkie, and she playfully growled.

"Well girls time to take these masks off." Rarity told them.

They went to the bathroom, and washed it off, but Twilight accidentally got Fluttershy's pajama top wet.

"Sorry, Fluttershy."

"Oh, it's all right Twilight." Fluttershy assured.

Then they applied makeup to their faces, and did their hair.

"There we go, how do I look?" asked Rainbow Dash, as she finished brushing her hair.

"You look great, Rainbow." complimented Pinkie.

"I'm just about finished." Twilight piped up.

"If you want it to hold up, use this hair spray." Rarity offered, giving
her a can.

Twilight took it, shook it up, and sprayed her hair. But the fumes filled the room, and made the others cough. Twilight blushed.

"Sorry, so sorry."

And she quickly hurried out of the room, Spike got worried for his girl, and followed her.

"Twilight, what's wrong?" he asked her.

"This sleepover is turning into a disaster." she told him.

"No it isn't." Spike comforted.

Just then the other girls came out to her.

"Twilight are you okay?" asked Fluttershy.

"Why'd you leave?" wondered Pinkie.

"I'm just trying to make this slumber party perfect. But I almost poisoned Applejack's dog, got Fluttershy's shirt wet, and choked you all
with hairspray."

"So what?" Rainbow Dash wanted to know.

"Yeah, why you keep makin a fuss over nothing?" added Applejack.

"Well..."

"Go on darling, tell us." urged Rarity.

"This is actually...my first slumber party." Twilight confessed, rubbing her arm.

The girls gasped.

"You've never been to a slumber party before?" asked Pinkie.

"No, and I was trying to make it perfect, because I didn't want to mess it up. And lose you guys are friends." The girls looked at each other.

"Twilight, we don't care if you slip up a little." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Yeah, we besides we know you can't be perfect." added Fluttershy.

"Really?"

"Yeah, besides what matters at parties is having a good time." mentioned Pinkie.

Twilight looked at them, and she began to smile.

"Thanks, guys."

"So whaddya say we get back to havin' fun?" Applejack suggested.

"Yeah." everyone cheered.

Soon they were all back in Applejack's room, going through the magazines, eating little cupcakes, and talking happily.

"So you enjoying your first slumber party now, Twilight?" asked Pinkie.

"You bet." Twilight replied.

"I'm enjoying it too." Spiked piped up.

He was currently relaxing in Winona's doggie bed with her.

"You know what we should do right now?" Rainbow Dash suggested.

"What's that?" wondered Rarity.

"PILLOW FIGHT!"

Rainbow grabbed her blue pillow, and threw it at Rarity.

"Hey, you're going to pay for that."

She grabbed her pillow, and hit her with it. Soon all the girls were running around, laughing, and hitting each other with pillows.

Part of the Elite

One morning, Rarity was sound asleep in her room when she was awakened by the sound of her alarm clock. She slowly pulled off her sleep mask and turned off the clock. She sat up, yawned, stretched, and got out of bed.

"Morning, Opal," she said.

A white cat with a purple bow in her fur woke up and looked up at her owner. She grabbed her clothes, and hair supplies, and went to the bathroom. As she did she ran into her dad, who was just coming out of it, only wearing a towel.

"Morning, Rarity." he greeted.

"Morning, Father." Rarity replied quietly.

It grossed her out when she saw her father only in a towel. When she got to the bathroom, she showered, brushed her teeth, got dressed, and did her hair. When she went downstairs with Opal behind her, she was meant with an interesting smell.

Once she walked into the kitchen, she saw where the smell was coming from. Her mom and sister were cooking breakfast. Her mom's cooking was fine, but Sweetie Belle's wasn't so much.

"Morning, Rarity." Cookie Crumbles told her, as she got some waffles out of the waffle maker.

"Hey, Rarity want some eggs?" Sweetie Belle offered.

But the eggs were burnt and not very appealing.

"No thanks, Sweetie Belle."

Soon Cookie Crumbles put out a breakfast buffet on the table. While the rest of her family dug in, Rarity kept her meal light. She picked out some toast, berries, and a couple of pieces of sausage.

"Are you sure that's all you want Rarity?" Cookie Crumbles asked.

"Yeah, you need some meat on your bones," added Hondo Flanks.

"I'm fine, thank you. Besides I'm going to have to leave soon for work." Rarity replied.

"More for us then," said Sweetie Belle, as she bit down on a syrup-drenched waffle.

After finishing her plate, Rarity left the table, grabbed her purse, and went out to her car.

At Carousal Boutique, Rarity was folding some sweaters and blouses. Then she looked up and saw a couple looking around, so she went up to them.

"May I be of any assistance?"

"Yes, I'm Jet Set and this is my wife Upper Crust. We're looking for some nice evening clothes." the man told her.

"Of course, right this way." Rarity instructed.

She led them to two sections, evening wear for men and evening wear for women.

"Yes, these are perfect thank you," said Upper Crust.

"It'll be perfect for the grand opening," added Jet Set.

"Grand opening for what?" asked Rarity.

"A brand new restaurant that's opening, it's supposed to be very high class." Upper Crust explained.

After picking out a nice dress and suit, the couple paid and left.

"(Sigh), if only my parents could be high class like that." Rarity wished.

The following day at school, Rarity was hanging out with her friends, talking about their families.

"I wish my family could be a little more...classy." Rarity told them.

"But Rarity your family's a hoot," said Applejack.

"Yes, yes, they are nice. But you don't have to live with them 24/7."

"No one's families are perfect, Rarity," Twilight replied.

"But if they love you that's all that matters."

"I know, but still."

"Girls, girls, girls." called a voice.

Pinkie was hurrying towards them.

"What's up, Pinkie Pie?" questioned Rainbow Dash.

"There's a new restaurant opening in town, it's supposed to be fancy and high class."

"That sounds interesting." Fluttershy piped up.

"I remember two customers told me about that, but they didn't say what it was called." Rarity mentioned.

"We can check it out after school," suggested Twilight.

"Sounds like fun." Rainbow Dash said.

Once school was out, the girls went into the city. They soon found the new restaurant, and it certainly was classy. The building was tall and white, and in gold letters was the name of the place, which was called
"Fancy n Free".

They went inside and it was so elegant. The floors were marble, crystal chandeliers were hanging from the ceiling, the waiters and waitresses wore elegant uniforms, the tablecloths were white and cloth, and classical music played in the background.

"This is amazing." gasped Rarity.

"Thank you very much." replied a voice.

The girls looked over and saw a man wearing a suit, monocle, and neat blue hair.

"This place is pretty impressive. Who owns it?" Rainbow Dash wondered.

"That would be me, Mr. Fancy Pants."

Then he walked off to attend to some of his workers.

"Oh my gosh, that was the Fancy Pants." Rarity squealed quietly.

"You know him?" asked Fluttershy.

"He's a very famous businessman in Canterlot City, I've seen him in my
magazines."

Suddenly, there was a crash. It startled the girls, and they went over to the source of the sound. It turns out that a waiter was putting away some wine bottles, but one slipped and fell, and now Fancy Pants' suit was covered in red wine.

"Mr. Fancy Pants, I am so sorry," he told his boss.

"(Sighs), it's all right, but now I need to find a new suit."

"But sir, where are you going to find a new suit on such short notice?" asked a waitress.

"Hey, Rarity you work at Carousal Boutique, maybe you could help,"
Twilight suggested.

"Oh, I don't know." Rarity said.

"Come on, you're great with fashion." Applejack encouraged.

"Go." urged Pinkie, giving Rarity a little push.

"Beg your pardon, Mr. Fancy Pants?" she asked.

"Yes?"

"I happen to work at Carousal Boutique. And I'd be happy to help you find a new suit."

"Hmm, Carousal Boutique? Is it a good store?"

"Oh, yes, we have the best."

"It's true," added Fluttershy.

"Hmm, well what is your name?" Fancy Pants wanted to know.

"Rarity, sir."

"Well, Rarity. Which was to this Carousal Boutique?"

And so Rarity and the girls took Fancy Pants to the store. There she helped him find a suit to his liking.

"Well what do you think, Mr. Fancy Pants?" Rarity wondered as he looked at himself in the mirror.

"Hmm, this suit is very nice. Good materials, comfortable, and stylish. I'll take it." Fancy Pants declared.

"Wonderful."

She rang him up, and he paid for the suit.

"Thank you, Miss Rarity. You're a real miracle." Fancy Pants told her, as he got ready to leave.

"Oh, it was my pleasure, Mr. Fancy Pants."

"I'd like to thank you with a free dinner at my restaurant for you..."

Rarity couldn't believe her ears.

"...and your family."

Then she really couldn't believe her ears.

"Here's a special coupon. I look forward to seeing you there."

Then Fancy Pants left.

"Congratulations, Rarity," said Pinkie.

"Yeah, you and your family get to eat at that new restaurant for free," added Twilight.

"My family...at a fancy restaurant?" Rarity asked herself.

She could imagine it, her parents using the wrong manners, and her sister is a little sloppy.

"Oh no." she groaned, burying her head into her hands.

That night Rarity sat on her bed with Opal, looking at the coupon.

"Oh, what am I to do, Opal?"

Opal just meowed.

"I want to go to Fancy n Free, but with my family. I can only imagine the humiliation."

Just then there was a knock at her door.

"Yes?"

Sweetie Belle opened the door and poked her head in.

"Rarity, Mom says it's time for dinner."

"Oh, I'm coming."

She got out of bed and left the room with Opal following her. Before Sweetie Belle could follow, she saw something fall off Rarity's bed. She went to pick it up and put it back, but when she saw what it was she grew excited.

Downstairs in the kitchen, Rarity had just sat down at the table.

"Hey, Rarity, when were you going to tell us you got a coupon for a free dinner?" asked Sweetie Belle hurrying downstairs with the coupon in her hand.

When Rarity saw the coupon she gasped.

"Where did you get that?" she wanted to know.

"It fell off your bed."

"Give that to me, right now."

The two began to fight over it.

"Girls, stop that now," ordered Cookie Crumbles.

The two did so.

"Now, I'll take that."

And with that, she took the coupon from them.

"Why Rarity, when did you get this?"

"I got it today."

"Got what today?" wondered Hondo Flanks coming to the table.

"Rarity got a coupon for a free dinner at a new restaurant." Sweetie Belle informed.

"Sounds great, how'd you get it?" Rarity sighed and then explained
how it had happened.

"That's our girl, always helping others," said Hondo Flanks, happily.
"Thanks." Rarity replied.

"So when would you like to go?" Cookie Crumbles wanted to know.

"Uh, I'm not sure if you'd want to go, the food's different, and it
may not be a place you'd enjoy."

"Now Rarity, we're not one to back out of an invitation. Besides we'd
love to try a new place." Hondo Flanks said his daughter.

Soon the three were looking forward to going and began talking
excitedly about it. While Rarity just quietly groaned.

"So what do you say we go there this Saturday evening, Rarity?" suggested Cookie Crumbles.

"(Sighs), it's fine."

"It's going to be the worst night of my life." Rarity told her friends.

"Rarity, I think you may be making this bigger than it is," Twilight told her.

"Yeah, it's not like it the end of the world or anythin'." agreed Applejack.

"It's going to be the end of my world. My family's going to be like a fish out of the water at Fancy n Free."

"But what is the worst that could happen?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"They end up embarrassing me with their jokes, manners, and behavior."

"You know, Rarity if you're that worried about it, why not just tell them?" Rainbow Dash suggested.

"That could work." Fluttershy piped up.

"You know, that could work," said Rarity, getting an idea.

So that evening, she called her family for a meeting.

"I'm glad you all came," she told them.

"What is it, Rarity?" asked Cookie Crumbles.

"I think you all need a little help before we go to Fancy n Free."

"Help?" asked Hondo Flanks.

"It's just that...Fancy n Free is a real high-class place. You have to
dress and act a certain way."

"What's wrong with the way we are?" Sweetie Belle wanted to know.

"Nothing at all. It's just you want to make a good impression right?"

The three looked at each other.

"That's true, and so you start your teaching, Rarity," said Cookie
Crumbles.

Rarity smiled at hearing that. So for the next couple days, she helped her family prepare. She taught them which utensils to use for each course, taught them proper manners, and helped them find the right clothes to wear. Finally, after working hard, they were ready. So on Saturday evening, the family made their way to Fancy n Free.

Rarity was the first one out of the car, and she looked great in her cute purple dress with the rhinestones on the hem.

"We're finally here. Coming, everyone?"

The rest of the family slowly got out of the vehicle. They looked like
they felt uncomfortable in their new clothes. Hondo Flanks tugged at
his tie, and Cookie Crumbles gently tapped her hair which was in a bun.

Then a valet came up to them.

"Park your car?" he asked.

"Sure," replied Hondo Flanks, and he gave him the keys.

As the valet drove the car away, the family went inside. The rest of the
family beside Rarity was taken aback at how the place looked.

"Welcome to Fancy n Free, may I help you?" the hostess asked.

"Ah, yes. Table for four please." Rarity told her.

"Right, this way." With that, the hostess led them further inside and found the table in a nice spot.

"Your waiter will be with you shortly."

"This is a very nice place." Hondo Flanks observed.

"Yeah, it is high class," added Cookie Crumbles.

"I hope the food is good." hoped Sweetie Belle.

Then the waiter came, gave them their menus, and took their drink orders. They all ordered spring water and took a minute to look over the menus. After ordering their entrees, they waited patiently. However, Rarity noticed that things seemed a little frigid.

"So Rarity, Sweetie Belle...how have things been going at school?"
wondered Hondo Flanks.

"Things are fine." Sweetie Belle answered.

"How about things at work, honey?" Cookie Crumbles wanted to know.

"Things aren't too bad."

Rarity began to feel a little uncomfortable, so she excused herself to the powder room.

Inside, she looked at her reflection.

"This should be a great night. So why doesn't it feel like it?"

She left the restrooms and headed back to the table. As she did, she saw other patrons in the restaurant and they were having a nice time talking, laughing, and eating. And they weren't trying to be all proper and prim either.

That's when she realized it, even if her family was a little sloppy and loud, that's what made them, and she loved them.

"Everyone, I have to tell you something," she said, once she got back to the table.

"Something wrong, Rarity?" Cookie Crumbles wanted to know.

"Actually yes. The way you're acting, it's just not you." Rarity confessed.

The rest of her family looked at her surprised.

"I'm sorry I tried to change you all. But...you're just not the same, so from now on just act like yourselves."

They breathed a sigh of relief as Hondo Flanks loosed his tie a little, and Cookie Crumbles took her hair out of its’ bun. When their food arrived the family dug into it, while minding their manners.

"This is good," said Sweetie Belle, as she ate.

"You got that right, Sweetie Belle." agreed Hondo Flanks.

Then Mr. Fancy Pants came over.

"Good evening, Miss Rarity." he greeted.

"Hello. Mother, Father, Sweetie Belle this is Mr. Fancy Pants, the owner
of Fancy n Free."

They all greeted him.

"You have a lovely daughter." Fancy Pants complimented.

"Thank you," replied Cookie Crumbles.

"And you Rarity have a lovely family."

"Yes, I do, Mr. Fancy Pants. Yes, I do." Rarity said proudly.

Christmas in Canterlot

Snow covered Canterlot City, bright lights and decorations were all around, and the smells of baked goods could be smelled in the air, which only meant one thing: it was Christmas time.

It was December 1st, and everyone was looking forward to the holiday season.

At Twilight's house, her, her parents, brother, and Spike were decorating the house.

"You got that right, Mom." agreed Twilight, hanging up some holly.

"Christmas has to be most favorite time of year." Spike piped up.

"(Giggles), I know Spike. It's mine too."

Then the door opened and Shining Armor and Night Light came in.

"All the lights are up." Night Light informed.

"And Dad didn't fall this time." Shining Armor added.

"That's good to hear. We wouldn't want another trip to the emergency room like last year." Twilight Velvet replied.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"Oh, that must be my friends." Twilight said.

She went to the door, opened it, and saw her friends.

"Hey, Twilight. You ready to go to the mall?" asked Pinkie Pie.

"You bet, let me just get my purse."

"You be sure to be home by 6:00, Twilight." Twilight Velvet told her daughter.

"Don't worry, I will. See you later, Spike."

"Bye, Twilight." Spike said.

And Twilight left the house, got in Rarity's car, and rode off to the mall.

The mall was understandably busy. People were trying to buy presents, working, and making sure things didn't get too crazy.

"Wow, it's busier than ants in ant hill in here." observed Applejack.

"We better get started before things start to sell out." Rainbow Dash informed.

"Okay, do we each have our list of who to shop for?" Twilight asked, taking a piece of paper out from her purse.

"I've got mine." Pinkie informed.

"I do too." added Rarity.

"Same, It was a good idea to make a list of people we need to buy gifts for." Fluttershy said.

"Thanks, now let's split up. We'll meet at the food court in a hour." Twilight instructed.

Everyone understood and then went into different directions. Their lists were pretty long since not only did they have to buy gifts for their families, but each other as well.

"Oh, this is so exciting. My first time shopping for Christmas presents for my friends."

Twilight said herself, as she looked at some stores.

"Okay first family, gotta find a gift for Mom, Dad, Shining Armor, and Spike."

Finding presents for her family was easy. She purchased a sweater for her mom, a watch for her dad, a new pair of shoes for Shining Armor, and a new bone chew toy for Spike. Now it was time to start shopping for her friends.

"Now what to get for Pinkie Pie?"

She looked around the stores, and something caught her eye. In a party store were some funky looking balloons.

"Perfect."

She was about to go pay for them, when something hit her.

"Pinkie probably has tons of these already."

So she decided to move onto another friend. She saw many things her friends would've liked. A new pair of boots for Applejack, a soccer ball for Rainbow Dash, some make-up for Rarity, and an animal book for Fluttershy.

But these were all simple things they probably had several of or one already. Soon it came time to meet at the food court.

"Hey, Twilight. Did you get some shopping done?" asked Pinkie.

"Yeah, but I still got more to do later on." Twilight replied.

"We got some good stuff. Hope you like your gift." Applejack mentioned.

"Yeah, I'm hoping you guys will like yours."

Though she was unsure about that answer.

Back at her house, Twilight had just hidden the gifts.

"Hey, Twilight." greeted Spike, coming into her room.

"Hey, Spike."

"How'd the shopping go?"

"It went fine, I found gifts for the family. But finding gifts for my friends will be a little harder."

"Why?"

"While I know them pretty well now, I'm not sure the simple gift ideas are a good idea."

"But I thought going simple was always the way to go."

"In some cases yes. But I need to do more research before buying presents."

"Oh, boy." Spike whispered.

He hoped his girl wouldn't go too far.

At school the next day, Twilight was ready to do her research; first she started with Fluttershy. They were currently in the library using the printer.

"Thanks for helping me print out these flyers for the animal shelter, Twilight." Fluttershy said.

"It's no problem, Fluttershy. So are you hoping to get anything special this year for Christmas?" Twilight replied.

"Well I'm hoping to get this really nice book on exotic birds." Twilight smiled at hearing that.

"My parents will probably get it for me."

That dampened Twilight's mood. Next she went to Rarity.

"Oh, there are so many things I'm hoping for for Christmas." Rarity told Twilight.

"Anything in particular?"

"Maybe some new earrings, a bracelet, a belt, or some boots."

"Oh really?"

Later that day when Twilight was at her locker, she was approached by Sweetie Belle.

"Hey, Twilight could you help me?" she asked.

"Sure, Sweetie Belle. What's up?"

"I just got this gift for Rarity. Do you think she'll like this bracelet?"

She showed her a box and in it was a silver bracelet with rhinestones. When she saw that her sister was getting her a bracelet that made Twilight glum again. But she put on a smile for Sweetie Belle.

"I think she'll love it."

"Great, thanks."

And she left.

"Well there goes on of my ideas for Rarity."

And it was the same for all the rest of her friends. Rainbow Dash already got a soccer ball for her birthday. Applejack already had lots of boots, and Pinkie Pie had tons of balloons.

"This shopping is going to be harder than I thought." Twilight told herself, as she left school when it was over.

Upon getting home, she told her problem to her parents.

"You could just ask them what they want." suggested Night Light.

"But then that would ruin the surprise, Dad."

"Well why don't you just see if they need anything new? That's a good way." Twilight Velvet

told her.
"Hmm, you may be onto something, Mom."

So that's what Twilight decided to do.

The next couple of days went by, and Twilight often paid visits to her friends' houses. She discovered that there were different things that her friends needed. Pinkie needed a new supply of confetti, Applejack's old lasso was fraying, Rainbow Dash needed a new stopwatch, Rarity's sunglasses were out of style, and Fluttershy could use a new stuffed animal.

With her research finished, Twilight hurried to the mall. It was more crowded, but Twilight managed to find the things she needed.

"Oh, I hope the girls like these."

At home, she placed the gifts in boxes and wrapped them up nicely.

"Good wrapping, Twilight." complimented Spike.

"Thanks, I'm really hoping I got my friends the right things."

"Don't worry, Twilight. Your friends will love them." he encouraged.

"I hope you're right."

"By what do you think of my gift for Rarity?" Spike wanted to know.

Twilight looked down, and saw in front of him was green and purple bouncy ball.

"It's my favorite ball."

"Uh, it's a nice gesture, Spike. But I don't think Rarity's going to watch a ball covered in dog slobber."

"Dang," Spike groaned in disappointment.

When Christmas Eve came the girls met up at the park.

"So when should we exchange our presents?" asked Applejack.

"I say we do It tomorrow afternoon." suggested Rainbow Dash.

"Great idea. That way we can spend time with our families and still see each other." Pinkie agreed.

"Where should we do it?" wondered Fluttershy.

"Well...we could do it at my house." Twilight offered.

"Splendid idea, Twilight. We'll meet up after Christmas breakfast." said Rarity.

Finally the big day came. On Christmas morning, Spike woke Twilight up.

"Twilight wake up, it's Christmas!" he yipped, as he jumped onto her bed.

"(Yawns), okay Spike I'm up." she told him.

She got out of bed, and after freshening up in the bathroom, she saw her parents were already awake.

"Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad." she told them.

"Merry Christmas, Twilight." said Twilight Velvet.

"Your brother will be here soon so we can open up the gifts." Night Light informed.

"Great, my friends will be here after breakfast."

"That's fine with us."

After a little while, the doorbell rang, Twilight answered it, and greeted her brother.

"Merry Christmas, Twily."

"Merry Christmas, bro."

"Well now that we're all here, let's do what we've all been waiting for." Twilight Velvet
declared.

And with that being said, they all dove into the presents that were under the tree.
"Twilight, thank you, for this lovely sweater." Twilight Velvet told her daughter.
"And this watch looks great." added Night Light.

"And I can't wait to wear these shoes." Shining Armor piped up.

"And I love this new bone." Spike mentioned, as he put it in his mouth.

"I'm glad you all like them. And I really like this new blouse, eyeglasses case, and socks."

After all the presents were opened they all sat down and had a breakfast of waffles and hot

chocolate. After about an hour, Twilight's friends arrived for the gift exchange.
"Merry Christmas girls. Thanks for coming." Twilight welcomed, as she let them in.
"Merry Christmas, ya'll." Applejack said.

"This is exciting." squealed Pinkie.

"Where should we do it?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Let's do it in my room."

After saying "Merry Christmas" to Twilight's family, the girls went upstairs.
"I hope you girls like my gifts." Twilight hoped, as she gave them out.
"She worked really hard to find them." Spike added.

"I'm sure they're wonderful." Rarity replied.

And with that they all tore them open.

"OMG, pink, purple, and blue confetti! Thanks Twilight."

"A new lasso. Just what I needed."

"I'm loving this stopwatch."

"These sunglasses are just my style."

"And this little stuffed bear is so cute."

"So...you guys like them?"

"We love them!" Pinkie squealed.

"Yeah, thank you." added Fluttershy.

And all the others thanked her too. Twilight smiled warmly.

"I'm glad you all like them."

"Well what are you waiting for, darling. Open yours." urged Rarity.

Twilight did, and she was happy at what she saw. Applejack got her some books on the Old
West, Rainbow Dash gave her a video game, and Rarity got her a new rhinestone compact.

Fluttershy gifted her with a cute penguin plushy, and Pinkie Pie's present was a purple
sweater.

"Thanks, girls. I love them all. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas." they all said.

And they shared a group hug.

Adventures in Baby Caking

School had just ended, and Twilight and her friends were heading home.

“Well that was quite a day." said Applejack.

"I'm ready to head home, and chillax on my bed." Rainbow Dash piped up.

"I'm gonna jump right into studying for the science test." Twilight informed.

"What are you gonna do, Pinkie?" asked Fluttershy.

"I have a shift at the Sweet Shoppe." Pinkie explained.

"Another one, darling?" Rarity wondered.

"Yeah, Mr. and Mrs. Cake need my help now more than ever. See you tomorrow."

And she hurried to her job.

When she got there, she went to find Mr. and Mrs. Cake.
"I'm here." she informed, as she went back.

"Hello, Pinkie Pie. Thanks for coming in." Mr. Cake told her.
"It's my pleasure."

"We could use the extra help, especially now." added Mrs. Cake, as she put her hands on
her very swollen stomach.

"Any idea when the big day is?" Pinkie asked.

"The doctor says it'll be any day now." Mrs. Cake replied.

So for her shift, Pinkie took orders, brought out the food, and cleaned up. By the time she
finished, it was late.

"Anything else you guys need help with?" Pinkie offered.

"Oh, no thank you Pinkie." Mr. Cake told her.

"We've got everything under control."

"Besides, you're ride's here." informed Mrs. Cake.

It was true, Igneous Rock Pie was in his car to pick up his daughter.
"So he is. Well I better be on my way then. Bye, Mr. and Mrs. Cake."
"Goodbye, Pinkie." they both said.

And with that Pinkie left.

The next day at school Pinkie told her friends about Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

"They must be so excited." Twilight said.

"They are. I can't wait to meet their new little baby." Pinkie squealed.

"I wonder whether it'll be a boy or a girl?" thought Rainbow Dash.

"Who knows, it's 50/50." Applejack told her.

"All I know is they wanted to be surprised." informed Pinkie.

"Perhaps we should get them a gift." suggested Fluttershy.

"That's a great idea Fluttershy." agreed Rarity.

So after school, the girls stopped by the store and each bought a box of diapers.

“Are you sure we couldn't have gotten something more...exciting?" Rarity wanted to know.

"Diapers are a practical gift, Rarity." Fluttershy told her.

"Besides, every baby goes through a lot of diapers." added Rainbow Dash.

When they got to the Sweet Shoppe they saw that it was closed.

"That's weird." observed Twilight.

Just then the owner of the shop next door stepped out.

"You looking for the Cakes?" he asked.

"Yes, sir." answered Applejack.

"Well they're at the hospital. Mrs. Cake's time came sooner than she thought."

"Oh my gosh, the baby's coming! We better get to the hospital." Pinkie Pie squealed.
"Wait, we better tell our parents where we're going first. Don't want them to worry."
Fluttershy mentioned.

"She's right." agreed Twilight.

And they all went to their homes, and informed their parents.

After getting permission they took the bus to the hospital. Once they got there, they went
in, and up to the reception desk.

"May I help you girls?" asked the receptionist.

"We're here to visit Mr. and Mrs. Cake." Twilight told.

"They're in the maternity ward, 3rd floor, room 213."

"Thank you." replied Pinkie.

The girls went up in the elevator, and as they were walking down the hallway, they ran into
Mr. Cake.

"Girls, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"We heard that the baby was coming so we came. Did it come yet?" wondered Rainbow
Dash.

"Yes, Mrs. Cake is taking a nap right now, and I was just on my way to the nursery. Come
on, I'll show you."

The girls squealed, and followed him. Down the hallway, was the nursery. Through the large
glass window they saw all the babies in the plastic cribs wrapped in either pink or blue
blankets and wearing pink or blue hats.

"I wonder if it's a girl or a boy." thought Rarity.

"You guys must be so proud." Twilight told Mr. Cake.

"We are."

"So which one is it?" Pinkie wanted to know.

Mr. Cake went inside, and went by a crib.

"Here's our son, Pound Cake."

He uncovered a baby boy with dark brown hair.

"Aww." the girls gushed.

"And here's our daughter, Pumpkin Cake."

Then he uncovered a baby girl with orange hair. The girls were shocked.

“Twins, you had twins!?" Pinkie asked in disbelief.

"Shh, the babies are resting." a nurse told her sternly.

"Sorry." Pinkie replied, blushing.

“We found out months ago, but we decided to keep it a secret." Mr. Cake explained.
"Congratulations." Applejack said.

“Looks like you're going to be needing these." Rainbow Dash informed, holding up her box
of diapers.

"Just what we need."

“And we've got more." added Fluttershy, and she and the others held up their boxes.

A month later, the Cakes were back at the Sweet Shoppe and Pound and Pumpkin Cake
were just as cute as ever. Pinkie enjoyed playing with them, and they enjoyed playing with
her too. One day she stayed after her shift was over to give Mr. and Mrs, Cake a hand.

Pound and Pumpkin were sitting in their high chairs, and Pinkie was playing a game with
them.

"Where's Pinkie Pie? Here I am." she cooed as she covered her face with her hands, and
showed herself,

The twins giggled.

"Thanks for staying behind, Pinkie." Mr. Cake told her.

"It's no problem, Mr. Cake. I love playing with the babies."

"We really do appreciate it." added Mrs. Cake,

Just then the phone rang.

"T'll get it."

And Mr. Cake went to go answer it. After being on the phone for a while, he came back out.
"Honey bun, we just got hired to cater a party at city hall."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, the party's on Saturday."

"Congratulations you guys." Pinkie told them.

Then Pinkie Pie had to go home.

From that day, Pinkie helped the Cakes with their baking, and playing with the twins. Then
on Saturday morning, the Cakes got all the food packaged and ready.

"Whew that was a lot of work." said Pinkie.

"Thanks for your help, Pinkie." Mrs. Cake told her.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of the babies cooing from the baby monitor.

"Sounds like the babies are awake." Pinkie observed.

"(Gasps), the babies I completely forget." Mr. Cake gasped.

"You didn't get a sitter for them?" Mrs. Cake asked.

"I'm sorry, I was so distracted."

"Don't feel bad, I did too. But we better see if anyone can be available on short notice."

"I could do it." Pinkie offered.

But the Cakes didn't hear her. They got on their phones and called almost everyone they
knew; but no one was able to do it. The Cakes even called Pinkie's friends, but Twilight had

to study, Applejack had chores, Rainbow Dash had soccer practice, Rarity was working, and
Fluttershy had to spend some quality time with her pet bunny, Angel.

After getting off the phone, they looked at Pinkie Pie, and she looked at them with hopeful
eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other nervously,

"Uh, Pinkie do you think you could babysit for us?" Mr. Cake wondered.

"I suppose I could...but I'll need to check my schedule first."

But of course, Pinkie gladly took the assignment.

"Now Pinkie are you sure you can handle taking care of two babies?" Mrs, Cake asked.
"I can handle it."

"But this time you're not just playing with them for a short while, you're going to be taking
care of them for a couple hours by yourself." Mr. Cake clarified.

"I can take care of them, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, honest."
She gave them the scout's honor.

"Okay, now the bottles and food are in the fridge, diapers are in the nursery, the emergency
numbers and the babies' schedule are on the fridge." informed Mrs. Cake.

"And if there's a real emergency you can call us at city hall." Mr. Cake added.
"Got it."

After closing up the Sweet Shoppe, and kissing their babies goodbye, they left.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine." Pinkie called.

"We'll be back in a few hours." Mr. Cake called back, and with that they drove off.
Pinkie went back in, grabbed the schedule off the fridge, and went to the nursery.
"Let's see, play, snack, bath, then bed. Seems simple enough." she read.

She went into the nursery, and saw the babies in their cribs.

"All right, babies, Pinkie Pie's in charge now."

When Pound and Pumpkin Cake saw that their parents weren't around anymore, they began
to cry.

"Oh come on don't cry."

But the babies kept crying. She tried to play peekaboo with them, since that always made
them laugh, but it didn't. Then she tried tickling them, and holding them.

"Come on guys, you never cry like this. What's wrong?"

She set them down, and tried to get a toy for them, but ended up tripping over her feet,
and falling to the floor. She groaned, but then heard giggling.

"(Sighs), well at least they stopped crying."

Then she took them to the kitchen to get them some food. She placed them in their high
chairs, and looked in the refrigerator.

"Okay babies, I hope you're in the mood for some yummy mashed peas."

She filled two baby bowls with the mashed peas, and set them on the high chairs.

"Now open up."

She tried to put the spoons in their mouths but they wouldn't open.

"Come on now, open the tunnel for the train."

Pumpkin Cake opened her mouth, and Pinkie put in the spoon, and Pound Cake did the
same.

"See? It's good."

But just as she was about to do it again, both babies hit the spoons and caused Pinkie's
face to be covered in peas. She wiped them off and tried to feed them again, but some
spoonfuls they ate others they flicked.

By the time they were done eating, Pinkie's face and shirt was covered in mashed peas.
"Okay, that went well. You two wait here while I get cleaned up."

Luckily she always brought a spare shirt to work just in case. After washing her face and
changing her shirt, she went back to taking care of the babies. She took them back up to
their nursery, and let them play.

As she let them play, she sniffed the air, which smelled awful, and it was coming from the
babies.

"Time for a diaper change."
She grabbed the supplies, then put the babies on the changeling table.
"Okay, let's get you two changed."

But it wasn't as easy as it looked, Pound and Pumpkin kept wiggling around, and the smell
wasn't pleasant.

"Come on now, just stay still for a minute."

She tried to take off the diapers, wipe them down, powder them, and put the new ones
one. It took a few minutes, but she managed to do it.

"(Sighs), there. Now that wasn't so bad was it?"

She lifted up Pound Cake, but his diaper slipped off, and Pumpkin Cake wiggled out of hers.
Pinkie just groaned.

After re-diapering them, she was getting a little tired, but the babies wanted to play. Pinkie
watched as they played around in their cribs.

"Hopefully it'll be your bedtime soon." Pinkie sighed.

Then her cell phone rang.

"Hello?" she asked answering it.

"Hey, Pinkie." Twilight was on the line.

"Oh, hey Twilight, what's up?"

Pinkie stepped out of the room for a while to take the call. After five minutes, Pinkie came
back into the nursery, to see the babies crying again.

“Aw what's wrong now?"
Then she smelt that smell again.
"Again? (Sighs), well it's time for your bath anyway."

After grabbing the supplies she needed she took the babies to the bathroom. Since they
were too small for the regular tub, Pinkie had to the sink.

"Okay, Pound Cake you first."

She then picked him up, placed him in the water and started to bathe him. But as she did,
Pumpkin began to feel left out, so she started fussing.

"Just a second, Pumpkin. I'll be with you in a minute."

As soon as she finished washing her brother, she tended to Pumpkin. Once they were both
clean, it was time to put them down to bed.

"Okay, guys go to sleep."

But the babies didn't just go to sleep.

"All right, Pinkie Pie. You can do this."

She sat in the rocking chair, and rocked them both, It seemed to take forever but after a
while she looked down and saw them both asleep. After carefully putting them in their
cribs, she went downstairs, and relaxed a bit.

A while later, Mr. and Mrs. Cake came home.

"Pinkie Pie, we're back." announced Mr. Cake.

"Shhh. The babies are sleeping." Pinkie informed.

"They are?" asked Mrs. Cake,

"Yep."

And she led them upstairs to the nursery. The twins were still sound asleep in their cribs.
"Pinkie you did a great job." Mr. Cake complimented.

"We had no idea you could be so responsible." Mrs, Cake added.

"Oh, thanks." The Cakes then looked at each other.

"Pinkie, how would you also like to be our go to babysitter from now on?" offered Mr. Cake.
That stunned Pinkie.

"Uh, I don't know..." she replied unsure.

Just then she heard the babies cooing. She went over to the cribs, and saw that the babies
were smiling in their sleep, they looked adorable. Pinkie smiled sweetly. "I'll take it." she
told the Cakes.

To Read and Rest

One Friday afternoon at Canterlot High, Rainbow Dash was at soccer practice, and her friends were in the bleachers for support.

"Rainbow Dash sure is fast." Twilight observed.

"Yeah, she's always been a great soccer player." said Pinkie.

"She'll be great in the upcoming games." added Applejack.

"I just hope she's careful." Fluttershy mentioned.

Rainbow Dash was dribbling the ball down the field as fast as she could. She then kicked it to one of her teammates. After the other members got some time with it, it got kicked back to her. "Time to score a goal." she told herself.

She quickly ran to the goal, but some of the opposing team member tried to block her. But Rainbow Dash pressed on. The other members tried to get the ball, but Rainbow Dash wasn't giving it up without a fight.

The three collided, and ended up crashing. The coach blew the whistle, and hurried to the teens.

"Are you guys okay?" he asked them.

The three mumbled "yeah", but it turns out Rainbow Dash wasn't.

She tried to get up, but her leg hurt so much she couldn't even stand.

"Coach...I'm not okay." she strained.

Rainbow Dash's friends hurried to the scene, looking concerned and worried.

"Quick! Somebody call an ambulance!" the coach ordered.

An ambulance was called, and Rainbow Dash was taken to the hospital. Her friends followed behind in Rarity's car. At the hospital, the girls waited in the waiting room while the doctors tended to Rainbow Dash and called her parents.

"I hope she's okay." hoped Fluttershy.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she will be." Twilight comforted.

Just then, Rainbow's parents, Bow Hootfoot and Windy Whistles came through the entrance.

"Girls, where's Rainbow Dash?" Windy wanted to know.

"The doctors took her back." answered Applejack.

The couple went up to the reception desk, and told them who they were and why they were there. The receptionist told them the doctor would be by in a minute to take them back.

They sat with the girls, and the wait seemed to be forever. But eventually a doctor came by to talk to Rainbow's parents.

"Is she okay?" Windy asked.

"Not to worry, Rainbow Dash did break her femur, but it's a simple hairline fracture.

And he led them back to see her. Rainbow Dash was lying on a bed, with her right leg uncovered by her pant leg.

"Rainbow Dash." breathed Windy.

"Hey, Mom, hey Dad." Rainbow Dash moaned.

"How you feeling, Dashie?" asked Bow.

"Well besides the fact the my leg feels like it was crushed by a boulder."

"Now to worry, Rainbow Dash." said the doctor.

"We're going to give you some pain killers and get your leg in a cast."

"How long will I be in it for?" Rainbow wanted to know.

"About a month or so."

"Seriously!?"

"Calm down, honey." said Windy.

After given the pain killers, Rainbow Dash sorta faded in and out, and the doctors and nurses bandaged her leg. About an hour later, Rainbow Dash was able to go home. A nurse pushed her out in a wheelchair, while her dad carried her crutches.

"Rainbow Dash you're okay." Fluttershy observed.

"Yeah, I am." Rainbow Dash replied dryly.

"We have to get her home to rest now girls. But you're welcome to visit tomorrow." Bow told the girls.

"We'll be by." Pinkie declared.

And the nurse wheeled Rainbow Dash outside to her parents' car.

At her house, Rainbow's parents helped up to her room, and got her comfortable.

"There you go, sport. That feel good?" asked Bow, as he placed her broken leg on a stack of pillows.

"It's fine, Dad." Rainbow Dash replied.

"Now I've put your TV remote, batteries, charger, and phone right on your nightstand. That way you can get to them easily." added Windy.

"Thanks, Mom."

"Now if you need anything, just give a call. And here's your little buddy to keep you company." Bow told.

He set Tank, her pet tortoise on her bed. And her parents left.

"(Sighs), this is going to be a long month." Rainbow Dash complained.

Tank rubbed his head against Rainbow's leg in an attempt to cheer her up. Rainbow smiled and petted Tank's head.

For dinner her parents surprised her with dinner in bed from her favorite fast food restaurant. That made her feel a little better, but a broken leg is a broken leg.

The next morning, her friends came to visit.

"So how are you feeling, Rainbow Dash?" asked Rarity.

"Fine, I guess."

"Can we sign your cast?" Pinkie wanted to know, holding a pen in her hand.

"Go ahead."

And the girls all took turns signing Rainbow's cast.

"Oh, I almost forgot I brought something to help cheer you up, Rainbow." Twilight piped up.

She reached into her backpack, pulled out a book, and handed it to her. Rainbow took it, and read the title.

"Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone."

"It's the first book in the series, I've read almost all of them."

"Oh, please. I'm a high class athlete. I don't read books. That's for eggheads." Rainbow Dash scoffed.

The girls burst out giggling and laughing.

"What?"

"Rainbow, reading is something everyone can enjoy." Fluttershy told.

"Yeah, I always enjoy reading my Shadow Spade novels." Rarity mentioned.

"I love reading, and my head's more the shape of a grapefruit than a egg." Pinkie added.

"You should at least give it a try." encouraged Applejack.

Then eventually the girls had to go, leaving Rainbow in her room, it was only 11:15. To pass the time, she threw a ball against the wall until it bounced away, then she watched TV. It helped for a while, but eventually she got bored with the shows.

Her mom served her lunch in bed, and she ate it, but it got a little messy. She tried to talk with Tank, but eventually he fell asleep. She looked over at her clock, and saw that it was only 11:45. Rainbow Dash groaned.

How was she going to last a whole month without going crazy? She then glanced over at the book, Twilight left her. She didn't want to, but what choice did she have. She sighed, picked the book up, and started reading it.

As she read the words, something caught her eye.

"She would've been out of the jungle days ago, but she'd injured her leg in the crash. It hurt like it'd been crushed by a boulder. (Sighs), I know how you feel, sister."

She read further, and found herself getting more interested and intrigued by the story.

"Okay, I hate to say this and I'd really hate to have my friends hear this but...I love this book."

She then closed the book and held it close to her chest.

"I love reading."

She fell back onto her bed. Suddenly it hit her.

"That means...I'm an...egghead."

She read more of her book Sunday, and then when Monday came she had to go to school. She put the book in her backpack, and got into her mom's car with her crutches.

"Now you take it easy, while on those crutches, honey." Windy told her daughter.

"I will." Rainbow Dash replied, as she got out of the car, and went into the school.

On her crutches she walked down the hall to her locker. She opened and began getting some books, she then looked around to make sure no one was looking, and took the Daring Do book out.

"Hey, Rainbow." called a voice.

Startled, Rainbow quickly pushed the book into her locker. She looked and saw Twilight and Fluttershy walking towards her.

"Oh, hey guys."

"How's your leg feeling?" Twilight wondered.

"It's all right, it doesn't hurt so much anymore."

"Glad to hear that. We better get to class." Fluttershy told.

"Yeah, I'm coming." Rainbow then closed her locker, and followed her friends.

Classes went on normally, and then it was time for gym class. Rainbow made a quick stop at her locker, got the book out, shoved in her backpack, and went to the gym. Naturally she had a doctor's note to sit out until her leg was healed.

"Rainbow you can either sit outside while we go out there or you can stay in the gym." the gym teacher told her.

"I'll hang here in the gym." she told him.

"All right then. Let's go people."

And he and the other students went outside. Rainbow took a seat on the bleachers. Just as she was about to take out her book, she heard someone approach her. Startled, she pushed the book down and looked up, but she saw it was only Zephyr Breeze.

"Hey, Rainbows. If you wanted someone to keep you company in here, I'm willing to volunteer." he told her.

Rainbow Dash quietly groaned and rolled her eyes.

"No thank you, Zephyr." she replied.

"Oh." he said, disappointing.

"Zephyr, get out here!" called the coach.

And he left the gymnasium.

"That was close." Rainbow whispered, and she took out the book.

"Oh my gosh this is so amazing." Rainbow whispered.

But before she could turn the page, she heard the gym door opening. She put her book away, and watched her friends walk towards her.

"Hey, Rainbow hope you weren't too bored sitting here all class." Applejack said to her.

"Nah, I was fine." Rainbow assured, as she used her crutches to get up from her seat.

School went on normally and in secret Rainbow Dash read Daring Do.

As the days turned into weeks, Rainbow's leg healed. Then the day came for her cast to come off.

"Looking forward to finally being able to walk again, sweetie?" Bow Hotfoot asked, as he, his wife and Rainbow Dash all drove to the hospital.

"Yeah, I'm ready to get out of this cast." Rainbow told him.

At the hospital, a doctor cut off Rainbow's cast.

"Now remember Rainbow Dash, your muscles have been immobile for a whole month, so don't expect to be 100% right away."

"Gotcha."

After the cast was completely off, Rainbow did some practice steps. Once she had her balance and walking back, they left the hospital. That evening, Rainbow Dash finally finished the Daring Do book.

"That was story awesome, Tank. And end of the book says, there's at least ten other books."

Tank smiled up at her from his little bed.

"I have to read the other books. But...what will my friends say?"

Before she went to bed, she decided the best way to do this was to sneak the books.

The following day at school, Rainbow walked into the building as normal. Her friends quickly went to her. They were all really happy for her.

"The last month wasn't so bad was it, Rainbow?" asked Pinkie.

"No, it wasn't so bad." Rainbow replied.

"By the way. Could I have my book back?" Twilight requested.

"Oh, sure. Here."

Rainbow took the book out of her backpack, and gave it back to Twilight.

"So did you read it?"

"Ah, not really. You know what I said, reading's for eggheads."

The others just rolled their eyes.

School went on normally, then before lunch Rainbow snuck to the library.

"Luckily, the others are at lunch."

She went in, and asked the librarian if they carried the Daring Do books.

"In the fiction section, second row." the librarian told her.

And Rainbow Dash hurried to the spot. She managed to find them, and grabbed the second book in the series.

"Rainbow Dash?" asked a voice.

Rainbow jumped, and saw Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, what are you doing here?"

"It's my turn to help out in the library. What are you doing here?"

"Uh, I uh, gotta go." And she rushed away.

"Rainbow, wait." Fluttershy called.

But Rainbow kept running, and bumped into Rarity.

"Rarity?"

"Rainbow Dash are you all right?"

But she ran off again. "What's going on with her?" Rarity asked Fluttershy. "I don't know."

And with that they both went after her. Rainbow Dash kept hurrying away from her friends, but then she saw Applejack and Twilight. She quickly ran down another aisle, but this time all her friends were on her tail.

She kept running then saw Pinkie right in front of her. She made another turn, but this time crashed into a book cart. The rest of the five came to the scene and saw Rainbow Dash on the ground and lots of books on the floor.

"What is going on here?" the librarian wanted to know.

"That's what we'd all like to know, Rainbow." Applejack added.

Knowing that she could get out of this situation, Rainbow had no choice but to confess.

"All right fine. I'm an egghead." she admitted.

Everyone looked confused.

"What are you talking about?" wondered Pinkie.

"I came to the library to check out the second Daring Do book."

"So you did read the book." said Twilight.

"Yes, I read it, and it was amazing. Daring Do is so awesome, and had to know what other adventures she goes on. So go ahead, make fun of me."

"Why ever would we do that?" asked Rarity.

"Yeah, it's nothing to be embarrassed about just because you like to read." mentioned Fluttershy.

All the others agreed. Rainbow smiled as she got up.

"Thanks guys."

"Well this is all very nice, but this mess needs to be cleaned up." the librarian informed.

"Don't worry, we got it." Rainbow assured.

And the six girls cleaned up the books. Afterwards Rainbow Dash checked out the book, and that night she read about Daring Do's newest adventure with Tank by her side.

Cranky Love

Mr. Cranky Doodle drove up to the school, and parked his car in the teacher's parking lot. After parking in a spot, he got out of his car.

"This old car." he grumbled.

He went into the school, and up to the office to collect his classroom key.

"Good morning, Mr. Cranky Doodle." greeted Principal Celestia.

"Good morning." he replied, getting his key.

"How are you this morning?" wondered Vice Principal Luna.

"The same as I am every morning." And then he left.

"Well he's in a fine mood today." Principal Celestia replied.

After getting some coffee from the teacher's lounge, he made his way to his classroom. As he was unlocking the door, a voice behind him startled him.

"Good morning, Mr. Cranky Doodle!" it cried.

He was so startled, he almost dropped his keys and coffee. Once he got a grip on his stuff, and turned around and saw Pinkie Pie smiling at him.

"Pinkie Pie, what are you doing here so early?"

"I had to come early to help with the planning for the teacher's appreciation brunch next month." Pinkie explained.

Mr. Cranky Doodle just rolled his eyes.

"Well see you in class." And she skipped away.

"(Sighs), why couldn't that girl be more like her sisters?" he asked himself.

Mr. Cranky Doodle didn't hate Pinkie, but he was just a little too energetic for him, and sometimes he found it annoying. He found her sisters were easier to deal with. He liked Limestone's personality, Maud was easy to work with, and Marble barely spoke at all.

School went on normally, and Mr. Cranky Doodle taught his classes in his usual grouchy manner.

"Man, I wonder if Mr. Cranky Doodle is ever happy?" wondered Rainbow Dash, as she and her friends walked down the hallway.

"Maybe he's just having a bad day. Is he always like this?" Twilight wondered.

"Ever since we started here." Applejack answered.

"I have to say that that grumpy expression does nothing for face. Could cause premature wrinkles." Rarity mentioned.

"It's a little unsettling hearing his voice sound so gruff all the time." Fluttershy piped up.

"Don't worry, guys. I've been trying to make Mr. Cranky Doodle smile since freshman year, and I think I'm getting close." Pinkie informed.

It was true Pinkie Pie had done many things to try and make Mr. Cranky Doodle smile. She'd given him apples, greeted him nicely, given him a card on his birthday, and other nice things. But none of them worked.

"That's nice, Pinkie. But some people are just grouchy by nature and want to be left alone." Twilight informed.

Pinkie was surprised at hearing that. She'd never thought of it like that.

About a week later, Mr. Cranky Doodle came to school like normal. As he made his way into the school, something caught his eye. A woman was walking towards the entrance of the school. She looked around his age, had short curly brown hair, blue eyes, and wore a yellow dress with a white scarf, black shoes and blue earrings.

He had never seen her before, and he was speechless. But he quickly snapped out of it, and went into the building. As he was on his usual schedule, Principal Celestia's voice came on the speakers.

"Will all teachers please report to the teacher's lounge."

"(Groans), what now?"

He went to the teacher's lounge, and to his surprise he saw the woman in he'd previously seen in the parking lot.

"Everyone I want you to meet the newest teacher here at Canterlot High, Miss Matilda Mule." Principal Celestia introduced.

"Hello." Matilda greeted.

All the other teachers welcomed her warmly, but Mr. Cranky Doodle's voice got stuck in his throat.

"Miss Cheerilee will show you to your classroom." Vice Principal Luna informed.

"Of course." Miss Cheerilee replied.

And the teachers left and went to their classrooms. But Mr. Cranky Doodle couldn't stop glancing at Matilda.

When class officially began, Twilight and her friends went to their new elective class.

"I'm glad we signed up for this class together." she told her friends.

"So am I." agreed Fluttershy.

"What's it called again?" Rarity wanted to know.

"Cooking and Nutrition." Applejack answered.

"Sounds like fun." Pinkie said.

"I just hope the teacher isn't too high strung." hoped Rainbow Dash.

They all went into the classroom, and it just happened to be Matilda's new classroom. Once everyone was in the classroom, and the final bell rang, Matilda started the class.

"Hello, class welcome to Cooking and Nutrition. I'm your teacher Matilda Mule, but you may all call me Miss Matilda."

And she wrote her name on the board. Matilda turned out to be a very nice person. She learned her new students names, explained what they would be doing in the class, and shared some things about herself.

When the bell rang again, the students left. But Pinkie stayed behind.

"Oh, Miss Matilda I just wanted to personally welcome you to Canterlot High. You're going to love it here, it's a great school." she told.

"Why thank you, Pinkie Pie." Matilda replied.

Then she left, and Miss Matilda got ready for her next class.

Later on, Mr. Cranky Doodle was walking down the to get lunch, when he saw Matilda coming out of her classroom. He really wanted to talk to her, but he couldn't find the words. Then Matilda noticed him.

"Oh, hello. Are you teacher here too?" she asked him.

"(Clears throat), yes I am. I'm Mr. Cranky Doodle."

"(Giggles), sorry. I'm Matilda."

"It's all right. It is kinda a funny name."

"Well Mr. Cranky Doodle, can you direct me to the cafeteria?"

"It's that way, and to the left" he pointed.

"Thank you."

And she walked on, while Mr. Cranky Doodle watched her. He was in such a daze, he didn't notice Pinkie Pie coming up to him.

"Hi, Mr. Cranky Doodle." she greeted.

But he didn't answer her.

"Uh, sir?"

Then he snapped out of it.

"Wha...uh hello, Pinkie Pie." he replied, and then he left.

"Hmm, what was that?" Pinkie wondered.

Everyone in the school seemed to notice a change in Mr. Cranky Doodle's behavior. Each of the girls noticed it. Twilight noticed he was distracted, Applejack saw that he kept making small mistakes like misplacing his pen which was right in his hand, Rainbow Dash had her hand raised for help but he didn't notice her for a whole minute, he stepped on Rarity's boot, but didn't even apologize.

And Fluttershy said goodbye to him when he class was over, but he didn't respond.

"What was going on with Mr. Cranky Doodle today?" Rainbow Dash wondered, as she and her friends were leaving for the day.

"He wasn't actin like himself." added Applejack.

"Hmm, I don't know but I'm going to find out." Pinkie declared.

"Try not to cause trouble Pinkie." Twilight warned gently.

Over the next two days, Pinkie kept an eye on Mr. Cranky Doodle. She noticed that he only acted like his un-cranky self whenever Miss Matilda was around. It suddenly hit Pinkie when she saw Miss Matilda say hello to him, and he went all goofy.

"OMG!" she whispered.

She had to tell her friends and quickly. At lunch she told them.

"Girls you won't believe this, but I think Mr. Cranky Doodle has...a crush."

The girls couldn't believe what they just heard. Rainbow Dash even chocked on her drink a little.

"Mr. Cranky Doodle likes someone?" asked Rarity.

"That grumpy old guy?" added Rainbow Dash.

"Do you have any idea who it could be?" wondered Applejack.

I think...it's Miss Matilda."

"Miss Matilda? Are you sure?" Fluttershy questioned.

"Well the only way to know is to ask." Pinkie declared.

"Try not to be too direct." advised Twilight.

So later that day, Pinkie put her plan into action. She found Mr. Cranky Doodle walking down the hallway, and she went up beside him.

"Hi, Mr. Cranky Doodle." she greeted.

"Hello pinkie, you trying to give free pies in lockers again? You know how well that turned out to be last time." he replied.

"(Giggles) no. Although it was fun to see people get pies in the face. But I'm here to offer you help."

"If you left chipmunks in my desk again it's blackboard cleaning for a week. I don't care what Fluttershy says, they're only cute in cartoons and not when they're scratching my face."

"No I didn't that either. But a little birdie told me you have a bit a secret."

"I don't care what those crusader girls say, I'm not buying anymore of their lousy cookies."

"No silly, everyone already knows that. I mean your other secret."

"Don't you have something better to do than bother me with your nonsense? Go cheer for the upcoming pep rally or something, or go bug the librarian for all I care. I have a test I need to prepare for which I know you and your friends will try to get out of, again."

"Well if you forgot your own secret I'll be happy to remind you. You like the new teacher, Miss Matilda."

"My personal life is none of your concern."

"But is it true?"

"I'll make this perfectly clear, keep interfering with my personal life and it's another after school detention for you." he threatened.

And with that he stormed off. But Pinkie wasn't the least bit discouraged.

"So it is true huh?"

At the end of the day, she told her friends that her suspicions were correct. Mr. Cranky Doodle did have a crush on Miss Matilda.

"I still can't believe that cranky guy has a crush." Rainbow Dash said.

"Neither can I." agreed Rarity.

"We should help him." Pinkie suggested.

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Pinkie." replied Applejack.

"Applejack's right. It isn't good to meddle in other people's business." Fluttershy added.

"Especially when that person is a teacher and controls our grades." Twilight mentioned.

"But think about it girls. We'd be helping Mr. Cranky Doodle, and if Miss Matilda likes him back he'll be happier and not be so grumpy all the time. Then that benefits us." Pinkie persuaded.

The girls looked at each other, that did make sense.

"So what do you say?"

"All right. We'll help them become friends." Twilight told.

Pinkie smiled excitedly.

So the girls put their plan into action. First they got Miss Matilda's information. They learned that she wasn't married nor had a boyfriend, but she said it would be nice to meet someone. After knowing that she was on the same page, they thought of a plan to get them together.

They met in the library and discussed it.

"Okay, here's the plan. I throw an extravaganza and invite Mr. Cranky Doodle and Miss Matilda to it, but the twist is they'll be the only ones at the party." Pinkie said.

"Uh, we may need to start a little smaller, Pinkie." Twilight told her.

"Definitely." replied Rarity.

"Why don't we try getting them in the same room together?" suggested Fluttershy.

"Good idea, Fluttershy." complimented Rainbow Dash.

And that's what they did. Applejack told Mr. Cranky Doodle that he was needed in the teacher's lounge, while Pinkie informed Miss Matilda that they were serving doughnuts in the teacher's lounge. Of course that made both of them go to the teacher's lounge.

Miss Matilda got there first, and was pleased to see the doughnuts. As she helped herself to one, Mr. Cranky Doodle came in. Miss Matilda turned and smiled at him.

"Hello, Mr. Cranky Doodle."

"Miss Matilda. Uh, this is a surprise." he said surprised.

"Did you come for the doughnuts too?"

"Uh, no. I was told I was needed in here."

"Well there was no one in here when I got here."

"Oh." He blushed.

Just then the bell rang for the lunch.

"Well looks like it's break time. Would you care to get lunch?"

"Sure, that would be...nice."

And the two went to the cafeteria.

"So do you think it worked?" asked Pinkie, as she and her friends ate lunch.

"I'd think so. Look." said Twilight.

They all looked into the direction Twilight was referring to, and saw them. They were getting lunch together and talking.

"I hope Miss Matilda likes him." hoped Fluttershy.

And it turns out, Matilda enjoyed Mr. Cranky Doodle's company. They talked about their jobs, things they liked to do, and Matilda's old life. When lunch was over, everyone left the cafeteria.

"Okay girls, let's split up. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight, you three go talk to Mr. Cranky Doodle." Pinkie instructed.

"The rest of us will go talk to Miss Matilda."

"Then let's do this." declared Rainbow Dash.

And the girls split up to talk to the teachers.

"Hi, Miss Matilda." greeted Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, hello girls. Did you enjoy your lunch?"

"We did. We saw you sitting eating lunch with Mr. Cranky Doodle." Rarity informed.

"Yes, I was."

"We couldn't help but notice you two seemed to be having a nice time." Fluttershy mentioned.

Miss Matilda chuckled.

"Yes, despite his name he's actually a nice guy. You girls are lucky to have him for a teacher."

As she walked off, the three looked at each other with smiles. It seemed like Miss Matilda liked Mr. Cranky Doodle. Meanwhile, the other three girls found Mr. Cranky Doodle.

"Hello, Mr. Cranky Doodle." Twilight told.

"Huh, oh hello girls." he replied.

"We were just wonderin', did you have a good lunch?" questioned Applejack.

"What if I did? What's it to you girls?"

"We just couldn't help but notice you were having lunch with Miss Matilda. You seemed like you were happy." Rainbow Dash mentioned.

Mr. Cranky Doodle blushed a little.

"(Ahem), we were simply having lunch together."

"We were just observing. It looked like you were really enjoying each other's company." Twilight pointed out.

"You three just get back to class." he told them.

And he walked off. Though he was still being stubborn about it, the girls knew he liked Miss Matilda.

As the days went by the two teachers hung out a little more. And the students could tell that Mr. Cranky Doodle was happy cause his mood was changing. While he was still a little cranky sometimes he smiled from time to time, and was a little easier going.

One Saturday the girls were hanging out at the mall.

"This is going better than I thought." Pinkie squealed.

"Yeah, Miss Matilda's still nice and Mr. Cranky Doodle isn't so cranky anymore." added Applejack.

"I have to admit, getting them together was a pretty good idea." Twilight agreed.

"What?" asked a voice.

The girls turned around and was shocked to see...Mr. Cranky Doodle!

"Mr. Cranky Doodle." Rainbow Dash said surprised.

"Uh, you go to the mall too?"

"This was all your doing?" he wanted to know.

"Well..." Fluttershy replied nervously.

He then turned to Pinkie Pie.

"I specifically told you to stay out of my business." Pinkie trembled in fear.

"Now Mr. Cranky Doodle, she was just trying to help." Rarity tried to reason.

"You see here..."

"Cranky, is something wrong?" asked another voice.

Miss Matilda was coming over.

"Oh, hello girls."

"Matilda I think there's something you should know. Isn't there girls?"

The Mane 6 looked at each other nervously, and then Pinkie spoke up.

"It's my fault. You see it was my idea to get you guys together. I noticed that Mr. Cranky Doodle liked you, and I thought it would be nice if you got together. Don't blame the others, I was the mastermind."

Miss Matilda looked at them all and then gave a little smile.

"Well thank you, Pinkie Pie and girls."

The girls were surprised and so was Mr. Cranky Doodle.

"While it is wrong to meddle in other people's business, I'm glad you help get this nice guy to talk to me."

Mr. Cranky Doodle blushed a little, as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Uh, I guess you did help us."

And he smiled a little.

"Mr. Cranky Doodle you're happy now Yipee!" Pinkie cheered.

"Girls, we better get going or we'll be late for the movie." Twilight instructed.

"Oh yeah. Bye Mr. Cranky Doodle, bye Miss Matilda." Pinkie said, and the girls went off.

"Looks like we have Pinkie to thank for us getting together." Miss Matilda mentioned.

"Yes. I suppose Pinkie Pie isn't...that bad." Mr. Cranky Doodle admitted.

A Wedding in Canterlot City Part 2

The big day was to happen in three months, and there was lots to do. They had to find a place to have the actual wedding and the reception, dresses, suits, and decorations had to be bought, a menu needed to be thought up, and invitations had to be sent out.

Of course Night Light, Twilight Velvet, and Twilight all pitched in to help out the new couple. At school one day, Twilight was looking through a magazine to see what kind of bridesmaid dress she wanted.

"Hmm, they all look so nice."

Then Rarity came up to her.

"What are you looking at, Twilight?" she wondered.

"Hi, Rarity, I'm just trying to find a dress for Shining Armor and Cadance's wedding."

"Well that's the theme?"

"The theme?"

"Theme, the color scheme, the decorations?"

"I don't know all that's not figured out yet."

"Oh darling, I think you may need my help."

"You know about planning weddings?"

"Well not really. But I do know about decorating for high events."

"Did somebody say events?" Pinkie Pie wondered appearing.

"Hi Pinkie, we were just talking about my brother's wedding." Twilight informed.

"Ooh, can I help out. Weddings are kinda like parties and parties are my specialty."

"I suppose you could help out, why don't you guys come by my house after school?"

"Sounds good to me." Pinkie replied.

"Same with me." added Rarity.

Soon word that Twilight's family needed help with the planning spread to Twilight's other friends. And they all went to Twilight's house once the final bell rang.

At the house, Twilight's parents and Shining Armor and Cadance were looking over wedding ideas.

"There's so much. Maybe we should hire a wedding planner." thought Cadance.

"Sorry Cadance we tried to find one, but they're all booked up." Night Light informed.

"Will dogs be invited to this wedding?" Spike wanted to know.

Everyone chuckled. Just then, Twilight and her friends came in.

"Hi, everyone." she greeted.

"Hello, Twilight, and girls." Shining Armor greeted.

"Twilight, we don't mind you bringing your friends over, but we have work to do." Twilight Velvet told her daughter.

"That's why I brought them, Mom."

"We came to offer our assistance in helping out with the big day." Applejack explained, taking off her hat.

"If that's okay with you guys." Fluttershy replied.

"We'd really appreciate the help." Cadance told them.

"Then let's get started." declared Rarity.

The girls jumped right into helping. Applejack helped out with the menu, Rarity gave advice on the dresses and theme of the wedding, Rainbow Dash helped with the tough decisions, Fluttershy gave her thoughts on the decorations, Pinkie instructed on how the events should go.

And Twilight kept track of everything. Then after an hour, the girls had to get home.

"That went well." Spike said.

"Yes it did, your friends sure are helpful, Twilight." Shining Armor told.

"Thanks." Twilight replied.

"But I still didn't get my question answered." mentioned Spike.

"What question was that Spike?"

"Am I invited to the wedding?"

Twilight looked at Shining Armor and Cadance. The couple looked at each other, and smiled.

"Sure Spike. You can carry our rings." Cadance told him.

"You can be our ring dog." added Shining Armor.

"Awesome." Spike yipped.

With the help of Twilight's friends things went a little smoother. They decided to have the wedding at a local church, and the reception at the Hotel Canterlot. The menu would consist of hordurves of cheese cubes, and mini sausages.

An appetizer of lobster bisque, a main course of either roast beef or baked chicken sides sides of mashed potatoes and peas. And for dessert of course would be the wedding cake. Shining Armor and Cadance decided that the wedding's theme would be "a day in spring", and the colors would be pink and white.

To say thank you for their help, Cadance and Twilight Velvet allowed Twilight's friends to go dress shopping with them and Twilight.

"Thanks for letting us come, Twilight's mom." Pinkie said in the car.

"(Chuckles), it's no problem, girls." Twilight Velvet replied.

"This is going to be absolutely marvelous." squealed Rarity.

"This is for Cadance's big day Rarity." Rainbow Dash reminded, not yours."

"I know that."

"Cadance, do you know what kind of dress you want?" Fluttershy wondered.

"Not yet, but I'll know it when I see it." Cadance answered.

Soon they came the bridal dress shop. After checking in, they got started dress shopping.

"So many dresses." observed Applejack.

"Well let's get started." Twilight declared.

Twilight, Twilight Velvet, and Cadance tried on some dresses with Twilight's friends were the judges.

"What do you girls think of this dress?" Twilight Velvet asked.

She was wearing a knee length light pink dress with a short sleeved jacket, and it was made of charmeuse.

"You look really pretty, Ms. Twilight Velvet." Fluttershy complimented.

"You look absolutely marvelous." added Rarity.

"Thank you."

"Let's see you, Twilight." said Pinkie.

Twilight then stepped out of a dressing room. She was wearing a light pink strapless dress, with a bow tied in the back, and it was made of chaffon.

"That looks great on you, Twilight." Rainbow Dash told.

"Thanks." Twilight replied, as she turned around.

"Cadance, how are you doin'?" asked Applejack.

"I'm just getting my dress on."

Then a few moments later, Cadance stepped out, and everyone was in awe. Cadance was wearing a beautiful white gown with straps, the bell was long and flowing, and it was covered in gold dust.

"Well?" she asked.

"It looks amazing, Cadance." said Twilight.

"It's perfect." added Twilight Velvet.

"You really think so?" Everyone agreed.

With the dresses picked out the ladies left.

"Well that's one thing checked off the list." said Twilight.

"Oh, Cadance if you and Shining Armor are still looking for a wedding cake, I can recommend a place." Pinkie told.

"Oh really?" Cadance asked.

"Yeah, I know some really good bakers."

"It's true, she does." encouraged Applejack.

"Great."

And so the plans went on. Pinkie took Shining Armor and Cadance to the Sweet Shoppe to speak to the Cakes. Shining Armor and Night Light got their suits, and invitations were sent out. Invitations also went to Twilight's friends and their families.

"This is going to be a great shindig." Applejack told her friends as school.

"It certainly will be. I can't wait to go." agreed Rarity.

"Neither can I." said Pinkie.

"What's all the fuss, girls?" asked a voice.

The girls looked up, and saw Principal Celestia.

"Oh, hi Principal Celestia, we were just talking about my brother's wedding." Twilight explained.

"Ah yes, Cadance's wedding."

"You know about it?" wondered Fluttershy.

"Not only that, Vice Principal Luna and I are invited."

"You are?" Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief.

"I didn't know you guys knew Cadance." Twilight told her.

"Oh yes, we go way back."

It turns out Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all went to college together to study education.

"We'll we look forward to seeing you at the wedding." Pinkie said.

"You girls too." Principal Celestia replied, and she went on.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and soon it was time. Twilight's family woke up bright and early, and went to the church to make sure everything was setting up nicely.

"I can't believe the big day is finally here." said Twilight to Spike, as they rode in the car.

"Neither can I." Spike replied.

"Here we are." said Night Light, as they drove up to the church.

They went inside, and looked around, workers were putting up ribbons, setting down the white rug down the aisle, and putting up flowers.

"The place looks great." Twilight Velvet observed.

"Excuse me, Miss when will the wedding be starting again?" asked a worker.

"It's schedules for 1:00." Twilight Velvet informed.

"Got it."

"I hope Shining Armor's doing okay." hoped Twilight.

"I'm sure he's fine." Night Light told.

Little did he know, Shining Armor was going crazy.

"Where's my razor? I gotta shave before the wedding." he asked frantically.

"Check on the side of the sink." Cadance called.

Shining Armor looked in that spot, and sure enough there it was.

"Oh, thanks Cadance." he called back.

"You need any help in there?"

"No no, I don't want to see the my bride until the wedding. It's bad luck you know."

"(Laughs), okay. I'm going to head over to your parents' house, now."

"Okay, I'll see you at the alter."

And the next thing he knew he heard the door close.

When Cadance arrived at the house, and the make-up artists Twilight Velvet hired got to work. They did her hair, make up, and nails. Meanwhile Twilight was getting into her dress. Once she was dressed up, she looked in the mirror.

She had to admit she looked pretty good. Then she heard scratching at her door.

"That you Spike?" "Yeah, can I come in now?" he asked.

"Sure."

And Twilight opened the door and let him in. "Hey, you look great."

"So do you, now let's get your bow tie on."

Twilight had bought a special black bow tie collar for Spike at the pet store. After putting it on him, Spike looked at himself in the mirror.

"I look pretty good. Don't I?"

"Yes, Spike you're a very handsome puppy."

"Twilight, Cadance is ready." called Twilight Velvet.

Twilight and Spike quickly hurried out of the room. In her parents' bathroom, they saw her. The both gasped. Cadance looked gorgeous. Her hair was done up in a bun, her face shined from the makeup, and her dress looked stunning.

"Cadance you look beautiful." Twilight complimented.

"Yeah." agreed Spike.

"Thank you, you both look great too." Cadance told them.

"Everyone, the limo's here." called Night Light.

"We're riding in a limo?" Spike asked excitedly.

"No Spike, Cadance is riding in the limo. We're taking the car." Twilight explained.

"Aww."

They went downstairs, Cadance got into the limo, while Twilight's family got into their car. Then they were all off.

Back at the church some of the guests were already arriving. Twilight saw some of her friends were already there.

"Girls!" she squealed.

"Hey, Twilight." greeted Pinkie Pie.

"Ready for the big day?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"You bet."

"And you look marvelous." complimented Rarity.

"Thanks, so do you guys."

"Hey, what about me?" Spike piped up.

"You look great too, Spike." Applejack told him.

"Yes, a very handsome puppy." Rarity said, petting his head.

Spike blushed and smiled.

"Come on, girls we have to get inside." Twilight Velvet ushered.

"Come on." Twilight said.

And they all went inside the church.

Everyone found their seats, and Twilight went up front to Shining Armor. He was looking good in his black tuxedo.

"You ready, Shining Armor?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, though I'm a little nervous." Shining Armor replied, wiping some sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief.

"Don't worry, this is going to be great."

Once everyone was there, it was time to start. In the back in a dressing room, Cadance was just making sure she looked right.

"This is going to be the best day ever." she said to herself.

She then went to leave the room, but the doorknob was stuck!

"Uh oh."

The piano player began playing, "Here Comes the Bride", and everyone stood up and waited for Cadance to arrive. But to their surprise, Cadance didn't walk through the doors.

"Um, where's Cadance?" asked Fluttershy.

"I don't know." whispered Rainbow Dash.

"She's still coming isn't she?" Spike whispered to Twilight.

Shining Armor heard that and began to get nervous again.

"What if she's not coming?" he thought.

"Don't think like that, Shining Armor. She loves you."

Everyone began to get concerned.

"Mom, Dad, what should we do?" Twilight asked her parents.

"Well first thing we're going to do is find Cadance." Night Light instructed.

While the two announced to the crowd that this was just a small delay, and the wedding was happening. They tried calling her phone, but couldn't get through to her. Twilight gathered her friends.

"Girls, we need to find Cadance, pronto."

"We're ready to help, darling." Rarity told her.

The girls and Spike stepped out of the room, and looked around. They checked in the restrooms, closets, and outside.

"Any sign of her?" asked Twilight.

"Nope." said Pinkie.

"She's not in the restrooms." informed Rainbow Dash.

"Or outside." added Fluttershy.

"She's gotta be somewhere in here." Spike piped up.

"Hey, I have an idea." Applejack said.

"What is it?" wondered Rarity.

"Twilight, you got anything of Cadance's on ya?"

"Cadance did give me a pack of tissues."

She reached into her purse, and took them out.

"Now Spike give them a sniff and see if you can pick up her scent."

"Well I'm not a Bloodhound puppy, but I can try."

Spike smelled the pack, and then sniffed around.

"Anything, Spike?" asked Fluttershy.

"I think I've got something. This way."

He took off down the hall, and the girls followed.

Back with Cadance she was still trying to get the door open, and tried to call someone.

"Oh, why'd I choose to leave my phone in the limo?" she complained.

On the other side of the door, Spike led the girls to it.

"The scent leads to here." "Cadance, are you in there?" called Twilight.

Hearing Twilight's voice, perked Cadance up.

"Twilight I'm in here."

"Are you all right, what's going on?"

"The doorknob's stuck. Can you open it from the other side?"

Pinkie Pie tried to turn the knob, but it wouldn't turn.

"It's really stuck."

"Don't worry, Cadance we'll get you out of there." Twilight assured.

She got her phone, called her dad, and told him about the situation. Luckily Night Light managed to find some tools, and took the knob off the door.

"(Sighs), thank you." Cadance replied.

"Well now that we found Cadance, we should be getting back." Fluttershy mentioned.

"Yeah, you got a groom waiting for you." added Rainbow Dash.

"That's right." added Applejack.

"Come on, we better get going." Cadance replied.

"Try to not dirty up your dress." Rarity urged.

Everyone went back to their places, and the piano player started playing again. Then the doors opened, and Cadance walked down the aisle holding a bouquet of white roses. Shining Armor smiled brightly as he saw her walking towards him.

When she got to the alter, the music stopped, and she handed her bouquet to Twilight. The pastor said his usual words, the couple said their vows, and Spike handed them the rings on the satin pillow what was on his back.

After putting them on each other, it was time.

"Do you Shining Armor to take Cadance to be your wife?"

"I do." Shining Armor replied.

"And do you Cadance take Shining Armor to be your husband?"

"I do." Cadance told him.

"You are now husband and wife."

And with that the two shared a kiss, and everyone cheered and applauded.

At the hotel everyone was having a good time, talking and eating the meal.

"That wedding was beautiful." said Pinkie.

"You got that right." added Rainbow Dash.

"Hello girls." greeted Vice Principal Luna as she and Principal Celestia came over wearing their formal dresses.

"Hiya, did you two enjoy the wedding too?" Applejack questioned.

"We did, we're very happy for Cadance." Principal Celestia replied.

Soon the cake was cut, and the dancing began. After Shining Armor had their first dance a husband and wife, he grabbed the microphone.

"Hello, I'd like to thank you all for coming. And there's also another person I want to thank personally, my sister Twilight Sparkle."

Everyone looked at Twilight, who was shocked.

"Sis, I wanted to thank you for finding my bride for me. And would you care for a dance?"

Twilight smiled, and went up to her brother. Together they shared a dance, showing that they would always be brother and sister.

A Sister For Scootaloo

It was a normal morning, and Scootaloo was on her scooter, riding to school. She loved riding her scooter, the rush of going fast, and the wind in her face. She was just about there, when she came to an obstacle.

A trash can had fallen over, and she was heading right for it. There was no time to hit the brakes, so she thought quickly. She popped a wheelie, and jumped over the can.

"Woo-hoo!" she cheered as she did so.

And then she landed on the ground. Several students in the parking lot applauded her. She felt very proud, especially when Rainbow Dash ran by, and said,

"That was a nice move, kid."

"Rainbow Dash just said that was a nice move." Scootaloo replied.

Scootaloo admired Rainbow Dash because she was older, great at soccer, and was really cool.

In her homeroom class with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle she told them about it.

"And when I landed, everyone cheered and Rainbow Dash said, "That was a nice move, kid"."

"That's cool, Scootaloo." said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, she practically said she'd like to take me under her wing and be like my older sister."

"Uh it was a nice compliment, Scoots, but I don't think she meant all that." Sweetie Belle replied.

Scootaloo's mood dropped.

"You guys are lucky to have older sisters. I wish Rainbow Dash was mine."

"Well maybe she can be like your older sister." Apple Bloom suggested.

That made Scootaloo think, but before she could think anymore the teacher came in.

In the hallway, she continued to think about it.

"Maybe if Rainbow Dash sees that I'm just as cool as she is, she'll take me under her wing." she thought.

But how was she going to do that? So she went to talk to her friends. They discussed it at lunch.

"You know, Applejack and I have this thing we do together." Apple Bloom mentioned.

"What?"

"Every couple months, Applejack and I spend a weekend camping in the Everfree Forest. I can see if she'll invite Rainbow Dash, and I invite you."

"That's a great idea." Scootaloo replied.

"Hey, can I come too? I can get Rarity to come." Sweetie Belle said.

The two looked unsure. They knew Rarity didn't really like the outdoors that much.

"Camping? Oh, I don't know, Sweetie Belle." said Rarity.

"Apple Bloom is going with her big sister. But I can understand if you don't want to bon with me." Sweetie Belle replied.

She then gave Rarity her best puppy dog eyes. Rarity couldn't say no to them.

"Oh, okay, I'll go." Sweetie Belle smiled at hearing that.

"But of course, I'll have to be sensible with my packing."

And she quickly went to her room to pack. After getting permission from everyone's parents, the trip was set.

When Friday came, the girls went to Applejack's house right after school.

"This is gonna be fun." said Apple Bloom.

"It was a good idea to invite our friends." replied Applejack.

Just then, Rarity's car pulled up. Sweetie Belle stepped out of the car, with her backpack and sleeping bag. While Rarity had a giant suitcase.

"Hello, darlings."

"Gee, Rarity, did you pack for a weekend or a month?" Applejack joked.

"I believe in being prepared."

Then Scootaloo's parents dropped her off.

"Hey, everyone. Are we all ready to go?"

"In a minute, Rainbow Dash still needs to get here." Applejack told her.

And just like that, Rainbow Dash skated up.

"Hey, guys I'm ready to camp."

"Great, now we can go." declared Applejack.

So Granny Smith came out, and they all piled into her truck. Scootaloo made sure to get a seat next to Rainbow Dash.

"You gals ready?" Granny Smith asked.

"Ready." the girls replied.

And then, they rode off.

"I'm really looking forward to this trip. What about you, Rainbow?" she asked.

"You bet, there's nothing like a weekend of chillaxing with your friends." Rainbow Dash replied.

Scootaloo smiled at that.

When they reached the campgrounds, they unloaded their stuff.

"Thanks for the lift, Granny." said Applejack, as she got out.

"You gals have a good time now. I'll be back Sunday afternoon." Granny replied.

After they got their bags, Granny Smith drove off. After checking in with the ranger, they went to find a spot to set up camp. After a while, Rarity spoke up.

"Are we almost there?"

"We're not going to a specific area, Rarity. We're looking for a spot." Rainbow Dash told her.

Soon they found one. It was pretty spacious, was close to the restrooms, and had a good view of the lake.

"Well let's start setting up our tents." said Applejack.

Rainbow Dash then turned to Scootaloo.

"I guess since, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are bunking with their sisters, looks like you bunking with me, kid."

"That's cool, right?" Scootaloo questioned.

"As long as you don't snore."

"Nope, I don't snore at all."

Then they got to work, putting up their tents. The tents Applejack and Rainbow Dash bought were average sized, but Rarity's was very large and had rooms.

"Gee Rarity, you think you have enough room?" joked Rainbow Dash.

"Hey this way Sweetie Belle and I have plenty of place to put our things." Rarity replied.

Everyone else just smiled, and continued to set up camp. By the time evening came, their tents were pitched, gathered some firewood, and lit the fire.

"I must say, this is rather nice." Rarity said.

"Yeah, the air smells nice, the sky looks pretty, and even the sounds are nice." added Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, there's nothing like getting away from it all." Applejack mentioned.

"You said it." agreed Apple Bloom.

"What do you think, Scootaloo?" asked Rainbow Dash.

But Scootaloo didn't answer right away. She noticed it was getting dark, really really dark.

"Scootaloo?"

"Huh, oh yeah it's great out here."

Scootaloo had a small fear of the dark, and it really dark outside. The girls then roasted hotdogs for dinner, and then made s'mores for dessert. They sang a couple campfire songs, and even told stories.

"Well I'd say it's time to settle in for the night." said Applejack.

"(Yawns), I'd say you're right, Applejack." agreed Rarity.

Rainbow Dash put out the fire, and the girls went to the change rooms to change into their jammies.

"Goodnight, everyone." Apple Bloom said.

"Good night." replied Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, goodnight." added Scootaloo a little slowly.

And they all went into their tents. Scootaloo got into her sleeping bag, and lied down.

"Good night, Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Night Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash turned off their lantern, and went to sleep. Scootaloo tried to, but couldn't. It was really dark, and the noises of the forest kept waking her every time she closed her eyes.

"Come on Scootaloo you have to toughen up." she thought to herself.

She thought if Rainbow Dash thought if she was a wimpy scaredy-cat she'd never take her under her wing.

By the time Scootaloo manage to fall asleep, it was time to get up again.

"Up and at 'em everybody!" Applejack announced.

"(Yawns), well that was a good night's sleep. You awake, Scoots?" Rainbow Dash, asked.

"Yeah I'm up."

Everyone got out of their tents, and went to get cleaned up and ready. Even though Scootaloo was tired, luckily some water in her face woke her up. After a breakfast of sausage and scrambled eggs, it was time to start their day.

"So what is on our agenda today?" Rarity questioned.

"We're gonna go on a nature hike and do a little fishing." Apple Bloom said, reading off a list.

"Sounds fun." Sweetie Belle replied.

"Yeah real great." added Rainbow Dash.

"I'm game." said Scootaloo.

So they got started. The hike went well, it was a good workout and they got to see some wildlife.

"I have to say this is actually quite lovely." observed Rarity.

"See, Rarity the outdoors is fun." Sweetie Belle told.

"Hey, I think I can see a moose." informed Scootaloo.

Rainbow Dash looked where Scootaloo was, and saw a moose eating some grass.

"Nice find, Scoots." Scootaloo smiled at the praise.

Fishing went well too. It wasn't easy, but each girl managed to catch a trout.

"Great now we got dinner for tonight." Applejack mentioned, holding up her fish.

"Um, how exactly do you get a fish ready for eating?" Rarity wondered.

"Yeah?" added Rainbow Dash.

"Don't worry, Apple Bloom and I got it covered."

The day was going so well, Scootaloo forgot about being scared for the moment.

"You were pretty good at fishing back there." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Thanks, it was my first time."

"Impressive."

Scootaloo smiled at hearing that, her plan was working.

Back at the campsite, Applejack and Apple Bloom cleaned the fish.

"Glad Granny showed us how to do this." Apple Bloom said.

"Yep, she knows her stuff." agreed Applejack.

They had fun, but then the sun started to go down. And those scary feelings were coming back for Scootaloo. At dinner, she slowly ate her trout.

"Anyone up for a ghost story?" suggested Rainbow Dash.

That made Scootaloo's heart drop. "Sure tell us one, Rainbow." encouraged Sweetie Belle.

"Come on Scootaloo, it's just gonna be a story." Scootaloo thought.

Rainbow Dash then started her story. She told the story a ghost that lived in the forest and preyed upon unsuspecting campers. Sneaking into their tents at night, and stealing their souls.

While Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle were into it, Scootaloo was terrified. Then it was time to go to bed, as everyone else slept Scootaloo trembled in her sleeping bag. Just then, nature called her.

"Oh, why now?" she whispered.

She really had to go, but she was so scared to leave the tent. Finally she couldn't take it anymore. She grabbed a flashlight, put on her shoes, and slowly left the tent. She waved the light around the camp, luckily there wasn't anything scary there.

She quickly scurried to the restrooms, a little ways away.

After she was done, it was time to make her way back.

"Okay, Scoots you can do this." She walked back, but heard a rustling sound and froze.

"Hello, is someone there?"

But there was nothing. So she continued on. But the forest at night was very creepy. The shadows seem to lurk, and every little sound made her freeze. Just then she heard something coming towards her!

She shrieked dropping her flashlight, and hurried off into another direction. She hid behind a tree, trembling and whimpering. Then a light began shining around her.

"Oh my gosh, it's the ghost come to eat my soul."

"Scootaloo."

"Oh my gosh it knows my name." "Scootaloo."

Scootaloo closed her eyes and waited for her fate to be sealed. The light then shined on her.

"Scoots, there you are."

Scootaloo slowly opened her eyes, and saw that is was Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash."

"What are you doing out here?"

"Well, what are you doing out here?"

"I noticed you were gone, and then I heard you shrieking. Now it's your turn." Scootaloo worried.

If she told the truth, then Rainbow Dash would never be her older sister figure.

"Hey, you can tell me." Rainbow Dash told her in a gentle voice.

Scootaloo looked up at her and then, sighed.

"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash. I went out here to use the restrooms, but then I got scared, and I was embarrassed."

"Why didn't you just say something?"

"Because...I wanted to show you how cool I was so you'd be like my older sister."

Rainbow Dash looked surprised.

"But I guess you think I'm not cool enough to be your little sister."

Scootaloo looked down sadly.

"You know, Scootaloo it's okay to be scared. And you know...there are times when I get scared too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, just don't go telling anybody I said that." Scootaloo smiled a little.

"So you want me to be like your older sister, huh?"

"Yeah."

"Yeah, I'm up for that." Rainbow Dash told.

"Really?" Scootaloo asked, hopefully.

"As long as you don't go running off in the middle of the night into the woods again."

"I promise."

"Great, then let's get back to camp."

And together they went back to their area.

When Sunday afternoon came, the girls gathered their stuff, and went to the parking lot to wait for Granny Smith.

"Well that was fun, wasn't it gals?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah." agreed Apple Bloom.

"I have to admit, camping wasn't so bad." Rarity replied.

"Think you'd do it again?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"Perhaps."

"Well I had a good time. Especially I have a "big sister" now." Scootaloo mentioned.

Rainbow Dash smiled at hearing that. Then a familiar truck pulled into the lot.

"Hey there girls, you have a good weekend?" Granny Smith wondered.

The girls all said it was great, as they loaded their stuff into the truck.

"I get to sit next to Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash piped up, when they were all done.

Scootaloo smiled at hearing that. So the two "sisters" sat next to each other all the way home.

Sorarin Rainbows

One evening Rainbow Dash was at Fluttershy's house and they were doing their homework together.

"Thanks for helping me with this math assignment, Fluttershy."

"No problem, Rainbow."

Just then there was a knock at her door.

"Come in." Zephyr Breeze opened the door.

"Hey, sis Mom and Dad says dinner will be ready soon. And that you're welcome to join us, Rainbows."

He gave her a charming smile. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Okay, Zephyr." Fluttershy replied.

Then he left.

"You know my brother doesn't mean any harm."

"I know, but he can still be annoying. No offense."

"None taken."

Rainbow Dash decided to stay for dinner, mostly because Fluttershy was her friend, and Mr. and Mrs. Shy were good cooks.

"It's nice of you to stay for dinner, Rainbow Dash." Mrs. Shy told her taking a dish out of the oven.

"Thanks for having me."

"I hope you're in the mood for pasta pesto." Mr. Shy said.

Mrs. Shy then set the dish on the table. They all had a nice dinner, and when the time came it was time for Rainbow Dash to go home. She was walked to the door by Fluttershy and Zephyr Breeze.

"It's pretty dark outside, Rainbow. I could escort you home." Zephyr offered.

"Thanks, Zephyr. But my house is only a few blocks away."

Rainbow Dash then got on her bike, and rode off. Rainbow Dash didn't hate Zephyr, but she found him annoying the way he was always trying to flirt with her. She was into guys with different characteristics.

The next day, Rainbow Dash arrived at school early to do some soccer practice. She was kicking some balls into the goal, when suddenly one of the balls bounced off the side of the goal, and hit her right on the forehead.

She fell back to the ground.

"Ouch."

"Whoa, that was bad." called a voice.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, and the saw the figure of a guy standing over her. As her vision cleared, she realized it was Soarin'.

"You okay, Rainbow Dash?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine."

It could've been the lighting of the morning, or the bump she got on her head, but Rainbow Dash had to admit Soarin' looked kinda cute. He then held out his hand, to help her up. Rainbow Dash took it, and got herself up.

"Thanks, what are you doing here?"

"Came here to do some exercises."

"Same here. Like to keep up my skills."

The two were quiet for a minute, then Soarin' spoke up.

"Well I better get going. See you around, Rainbow Dash."

"Okay, bye." Rainbow watched as he headed off.

"Wow, he's kinda cool." she whispered to herself.

During school, Rainbow Dash continued to think about Soarin'. Even though they were in different grades, she did she him often. She had a couple classes with him, she saw him at lunch, and they had some soccer practices together.

And she found herself thinking that she wanted to get to know him better. So during one of their soccer practices, when the coach told them to take a break, she decided to talk to him.

"Hey, Soarin', what's up?"

"Oh, hey Rainbow. I'm all right, you?"

"I'm fine. You were good at soccer practice today."

"Thanks, you too. So...how has school been going?"

"It's fine, though some of Mr. Cranky Doodle's assignments are killing me."

"Tell me about it."

The two began to chat about math class.

When school ended, Rainbow Dash was leaving with her friends.

"Today went really well." said Twilight.

"What about for you guys?"

"My day was okay." Rainbow Dash replied.

"See you later, Rainbow Dash." called a voice.

The girls looked, and saw it was Soarin'. He was waving goodbye as he was leaving.

"Bye Soarin'."

"Been a while since we've seen Soarin'." mentioned Pinkie.

"Yeah, how's he doing Rainbow?" Applejack wondered.

"He's all right. Turns out we both hate math."

The girls all giggled, as they all walked off campus.

The following day, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were in science class, which was happening outside.

"It's so nice when we can have class outside." Fluttershy mentioned.

"Yeah, better than just sitting in the classroom." Rainbow Dash agreed.

As the teacher spoke to the class, Rainbow's eyes wandered over to the soccer field, where she saw Soarin' and his friends playing. He looked good while he was playing. Fluttershy noticed, and grew curious.

"Uh, Rainbow?" she whispered.

Rainbow Dash quickly snapped out of it.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah."

"What were you looking at?"

"I'll tell you later."

Fluttershy understood that, and turned her attention back to the teacher.

Once science class was over, Fluttershy spoke to Rainbow Dash again.

"So what was going on with you in science class?"

"Well...I was looking at Soarin'."

"Soarin'?" "Yeah, I realized he's a pretty nice guy. And..."

"And what?" Rainbow Dash blushed.

"Well...I think I may...like him."

Fluttershy couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"Really?" Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Rainbow Dash, that's great." Fluttershy squealed.

"Shh, keep it down."

"Sorry."

"Aren't you going to tell the others?"

"I don't know. It's kinda embarrassing."

"No it's not. It's a good thing. And I bet the others will think so too."

"You think?"

"I know."

Fluttershy put her hand on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. Rainbow Dash looked at her and smiled.

When school was over, the girls gathered in Fluttershy's bedroom.

"So what's the deal ya'll?" Applejack asked.

"Yes, what's going on?" added Rarity.

"Girls, we've gathered you all here to tell you some big news." Fluttershy told.

"What news?" wondered Pinkie Pie.

"Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash looked a little sheepish.

"Well...lately I've been talking with Soarin'."

"Soarin' from the varsity soccer team? He's a pretty nice guy." Twilight piped up.

"Yeah, and well...I think I like him."

The girls couldn't believe what they just heard. They stood there quiet for a moment. And a couple seconds later, they all started squealing.

"Rainbow Dash that's great." said Pinkie.

"I'm so happy for you darling." Rarity mentioned.

"Me too." replied Applejack.

"Congratulations." said Twilight.

"Keep it down guys." Rainbow urged.

"When did this happen?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"About a week ago."

"Well what do you think he thinks about you?" wondered Rarity.

"Uh...I don't know."

"Well I'm sure he'd probably would like ya." Applejack encouraged.

"You think so?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't he?" asked Twilight.

The girls then decided to help Rainbow Dash.

At school the girls walked down the hallway, and saw Soarin at his locker.

"There he is." whispered Rainbow Dash.

"Go and talk to him." urged Pinkie.

She was given a little push, and Rainbow Dash went up to them.

"Hey, Soarin." she greeted.

"Oh hey, Rainbow. What's up?" asked Soarin'.

"Nothing much. How's soccer going?"

"It's going great, you know you have good skills on the field. We should practice together."

"Really? That'd be awesome."

"Hey, Soarin'." called a voice.

He turned back and saw Spitfire and Blaze.

"You coming or what?" Spitfire wondered.

"I'm coming. See you around, Rainbow."

And he went off. Rainbow Dash's friends quickly went to her.

"So what did he say to you?" asked Rarity.

"Don't leave us hanging." added Pinkie.

"He says we should practice soccer together."

The girls all quietly squealed.

"So what's up with you and Rainbow Dash?" asked Blaze.

He looked back at her and her friends.

"She's actually pretty cool. And to be honest...she's kinda cute." Soarin' admitted.

"(Giggles), looks like our boy's got crush." teased Spitfire.

And the friends went their separate ways with Rainbow Dash and Soarin' looking back at each other smiling.

Pet Sitting

It was Friday afternoon, and Twilight and her friends were just leaving the school.

"I can't believe it's next week." Twilight said.

"Don't worry, Twilight. It'll be okay." Fluttershy comforted.

"It's just some tests." Rainbow Dash told her.

Next week the 10th graders would be taking a standardized test. It wasn't anything too serious, just a test that tested students on what they knew. But they did have some practice tests to study with, and they planned to work on them right away.

Fluttershy arrived home with Zephyr Breeze behind her.

"Mom, Dad, we're home." she announced.

"Hey." Zephyr replied.

He went straight to the kitchen grabbed a box of cookies, and went upstairs. Fluttershy just sighed. Ever since Zephyr found out that Rainbow Dash liked Soarin', he was sorta in a funk. She then went up to her bedroom, and saw Angel, her pet rabbit lying in his bed.

"Angel, I'm home."

The bunny smiled at her, and hopped out of his bed and over to her. Fluttershy got down to his level, and stroked his fur.

"We can only play for a little while, I got some important homework to do."

When Rarity and Sweetie Belle got home, Sweetie Belle went to watch TV, while Rarity went up to her room. When she entered, she saw Opal sleeping on her bed.

"Opal, mama's home." she said quietly, petting her cat.

Opal opened her eyes, and looked at Rarity.

"Would Opal, like a good brushing?"

Opal meowed, and Rarity went to get Opal's fur brush.

Rainbow Dash got home, greeted her parents, and then went up to her bedroom. Then she went over to Tank's terrarium where he was sunbathing.

"What's up, Tank?" Tank looked up at her, and smiled.

"Before I jump right into homework, I better give your shell a good wash."

Tank liked that idea.

At Applejack's house, the whole Apple family arrived.

"Woowee, feels good to be home." Granny Smith replied, plopping down on the couch.

"You bet." Applejack agreed.

Suddenly they heard barking, and Winona ran up to Applejack.

"Hey there, Winona. Did you miss me?"

She bent down, and petted her. Winona barked, and licked Applejack's cheek.

"You wanna go for a quick walk?"

Winona barked, and grabbed her leash.

"Okay, girl. Let's go."

And Applejack put Winona on her leash, and they walked outside.

And Twilight got home, and was met by a happy Spike.

"Twilight you're home. I missed you."

He yipped as he got on his hind legs, and tried to climb up her leg.

"(Giggles), I missed you too, Spike."

"Can we play a little, please?"

Twilight really wanted to get started on her homework, but she couldn't resist those big eyes of his.

"Okay, but just for a little while."

And they went to play with his doggie toys.

Pinkie Pie got home, and quickly hurried to her bedroom.

"Gummy, I'm back." she greeted.

In a tank was a green lizard, and he looked up at Pinkie.

"Did you miss me?"

She petted his head, and Gummy opened his mouth, and bit down on her finger. Luckily Gummy had no teeth. Pinkie then took him out of his tank, and began playing with him.

After playing with their pets, the girls started their homework and practice tests. They weren't too bad, but they did take a lot. Then when the week of the tests came, and that really took up the girls' time.

Pinkie Pie didn't have the time to play with Gummy. Twilight didn't play with Spike as much, Applejack had to let one of her other family members walk Winona because she was too tired. Rainbow Dash couldn't give Tank the baths she usually did, Rarity was able to give Opal the attention she usually got, and Fluttershy couldn't give Angel the usual love and affection she usually did.

Finally, the testing ended.

"Boy am I glad that's over." said Applejack, as the girls left their last class.

"Yeah, that test was really something." added Pinkie.

"I don't know about you girls, but I could use a little pampering at the spa." Rarity informed.

"That sounds nice." said Fluttershy.

"Even though frou frou spa treatments aren't really my thing, it does sound relaxing." Rainbow Dash replied.

"But isn't the spa expensive?" Twilight wondered.

"Not if you have the right connections." Rarity told her.

It turns out Rarity used to work there, and when she left the owner allowed her to have half off any spa treatment she wanted, and for any guests of hers. So Rarity got on her phone, and called the spa.

After a couple minutes, Rarity got off her cell phone.

"Well girls, looks like we can get in tomorrow." The girls cheered.

When they got to their homes, Fluttershy plopped down on her bed. Angel hopped up onto the bed, and nuzzled her.

"Hi Angel." Angel tried to get her to get up.

"You wanna play don't you?" Angel nodded.

"I'd love to nothing more than to play with you all day tomorrow, but my friends and I need to relax."

Angel's face fell. Fluttershy felt a little guilty, she'd been so busy lately; and her beloved bunny needed some attention. Then she had an idea. She picked up Angel, left her room, and went to Zephyr Breeze's room.

Fluttershy knocked on the door, and waited.

"Come in." Zephyr called.

Fluttershy opened his door, and pushed away the hanging beads decorations. Zephyr Breeze was sitting in his beanbag chair, playing a video game.

"Hey, Zephyr. I was wondering if you could do something for me?"

"What is it, sis?"

"My friends and I are going to the spa tomorrow. And I wondering if you could watch Angel?"

That made Angel and Zephyr surprised.

"You want me to babysit your bunny?"

"Please Zephyr. Angel needs a little attention, and I'm willing to pay."

"Really?"

He quickly stood up, and Fluttershy noticed that Zephyr's mid-section was a little larger. At first he was confused as to why then he realized it.

"Uh, I've been filling the emptiness I've been filling lately."

"With what?"

"Potato chips, ice cream, frozen pizza, and soda."

"Okay, well will you do it?"

"How much money we talking about?"

"How's $20?"

"Done."

And she gave him the money. Angel couldn't believe this was happening.

Later on, Zephyr got an idea. If Fluttershy needed her pet watched while she'd be with her friends, maybe her friends needed their pets watched too. So he quickly got on his phone, and called her friends.

"You want to watch Spike for me?" Twilight asked over the phone.

"Yeah, I mean I'm already watching Angel for Fluttershy. All it takes is $20."

"Well...I guess it wouldn't hurt for Spike to have a sitter."

After calling Fluttershy's other friends, and they agreed to it.

The next morning, the girls arrived with their pets.

"Hello, ladies. I'm ready to take care of your furry friends." Zephyr told them.

"Are ya sure you can handle six animals?" asked Applejack.

"Don't worry. I got it covered."

"Well, be sure to fluff Angel's tail, he likes it extra poofy." Fluttershy told her brother.

"Gotcha."

"And make sure Spike gets only two scoops of this dog food." Twilight advised, giving him a bag of dog food.

"Right."

"And be sure Gummy gets plenty of sunlight." Pinkie added.

"And Winona likes to take a walks in the morning, and lasts at least thirty minutes." Applejack informed.

"All right."

"And Opal likes the temperature in the room to be 86 degrees exactly, she likes to be brushed 100 with her silk brush, be sure to fluff her sleeping pillow."

"Gotcha, Rarity."

"Be sure to give Tank's shell a good polishing. He likes that." Rainbow Dash said.

"Of course."

The girls then gave him their money.

"All right, girls. It's time to get going. But first we say goodbye." Rarity said.

And the girls gave their pets a nice goodbye.

"I'll see you later, Spike. Keep an eye on Zephyr." Twilight told her pet.

"Gotcha." Spike whispered.

"I love you, Gummy. No I love you more. I LOVE YOU MORE!" Pinkie said to Gummy.

"Come here you little puppy. I'm gonna miss you." gushed Applejack to Winona.

Rainbow Dash picked Tank up, nuzzled his nose, but quickly put him down.

"You behave yourself, Opal. And I'll be back soon." Rarity softly said to Opal.

"Be good for Zephyr, Angel." Fluttershy instructed.

Angel just looked at her blankly.

"All right ladies, go enjoy yourselves." urged Zephyr.

And with that the girls left the house.

"Now time to relax." Zephyr replied.

Spike looked at the other pets. This was going to be rough.

As Zephyr sat on the couch watching TV, Spike walked up to him with his dog bowl.

"What's up, Spike? You ready to eat?"

He got up, and got his food. He scooped some dog food into his bowl, but instead of two scoops, he scooped three.

"There you go, boy."

Spike's eyes grew wide, and he started eating. Before he could plop back down on the couch, Opal walked up to him and started meowing.

"What is it, Opal?" But she kept meowing.

"What?" Then Opal shivered.

"Oh, right. Rarity said you like the room to be warmer."

He then tapped the button on the thermostat, but instead of stopping at 86, he went to 88. Then Winona wanted to go on her walk.

"Gee, Winona. You wanna walk now?" Winona whined.

"(Sighs), okay."

He put the leash on her, and took her outside. They went down the sidewalk, and Winona while enjoying it, Zephyr wasn't enjoying it, because of the extra weight he'd put on.

"(Pants), has it been thirty minutes yet?" Winona just barked.

They walked for about fifteen minutes, then Zephyr got tired, and decided to go back. But when he opened the door, he was met with a terrible scene.

Spike was lying on the floor, and there was small pile of vomit on the floor, Gummy was chewing on the curtains, Opal was scratching up the carpet, Tank was flipped on his back, and Angel was bouncing around all over the place.

"What the?" asked Zephyr.

He quickly scrambled around, trying to get the pets under control.

"Come on, guys. Give a guy a break." he pleaded.

He managed to get all the pets under control, but didn't know what to do now.

"Now what do I do?"

Then the pets all surrounded him, and looked at him with their pet eyes. Looking at them, he realized that these guys actually needed care, and if he didn't do a good job, his sister and all her friends would be mad.

Then he stood up.

"All right, guys. Get ready for the new Zephyr."

Zephyr first cleaned up the mess, and turned the temperature to 86 degrees, which Opal found very comforting. Then he put Gummy by the window, so he could get some sun. He then took the curlers out of Angel's tail, and fluffed it up.

"There you go, Angel." he told him.

Angel looked at his tail, and had to admit it was puffed up the way he liked it. After he was done with Angel, Zephyr polished Tank's shell. Once he was done with him, he checked on Spike, who was resting on the couch.

"You feeling better, Spike?" he asked, petting his head.

Spike barked a little chipper, obviously his tummy ache was going away.

"All right, Winona, you ready for another walk?" Winona barked excitedly.

He hooked her up, and took her outside; this time they stayed out for a full 30 minutes.

"Whew, that was certainly a workout." Zephyr huffed, when they got back inside.

Winona barked happily, and went to rest.

"And now, Opal. I need to brush you."

He then took Opal's silk brush, and brushed her 100 times. Once he was done, he fluffed her sleeping pillow. Now all the pets were calm and quiet. Zephyr took this time to settle down, and watch TV.

A while later the door opened, and Fluttershty and her friends came back.

"Zephyr we're back." she announced.

All the pets were happy to see their owners.

"Hello, ladies. Enjoy your pamper day?" Zephyr asked.

"It was pretty good. How'd everything go here?" Applejack questioned, as she petted Winona.

"Uh, yeah. No problem at all."

"Well that's good to hear. Come on, Gummy time to go home." Pinkie said, picking up her pet.

The girls got their animals, and left the house.

"Bye girls." Fluttershy said.

Then she faced her brother.

"So...did things really go okay?"

"Er, more or less." Zephyr answered.

Fluttershy and Angel looked at each other knowingly.

Unwinding

Fluttershy and her friends had just left their pets with Zephyr Breeze.

"Do you think the pets will be okay with him?" asked Twilight.

"Don't worry, I'm sure Zephyr can handle things." Fluttershy assured.

"Come along, ladies. The spa awaits." Rarity told them.

And they all piled into Rarity's car, and she drove off to the city.

When they arrived at the spa, Rarity parked and went inside.

"Wow, this place is nice." observed Pinkie Pie.

The floor was wooden and shiny, the walls were white, and a woman was sitting behind a white desk.

"Excuse me?" Rarity asked.

"Hello, may I help you?" the receptionist offered.

"We have an appointment, the full spa treatment, it's under Rarity."

The receptionist typed on her computer, and found it.

"Ah yes, here it is. Just fill out these cards, and we can get started."

The receptionist gave them some cards to fill out, which was just about their age, if they had any medical conditions, and if they got out in the sun much. After getting those filled out, they were escorted back by one of the workers.

"I hope you ladies will enjoy your time here. Now you're all getting the full treatments right?"

"Yes, that includes the massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, and steam room." Rarity told.

"Great, we'll be taking three of you at a time. You can leave your purses in our locker rooms, and change into these robes and flip flops."

She gave them their clothes, and left. After changing out of their clothes, the girls stepped out of the locker rooms.

"This robe feels so soft." said Fluttershy.

"You got that right." agreed Applejack.

"So when do these treatments start?" Rainbow Dash wanted to know.

"We have to wait." Rarity informed.

The girls waited, and a few minutes later a couple workers came out.

"Hello, I'm Aloe and this is my sister Lotus Blossom. We'll be taking care of you." one of them said.

"You three can come with me." Lotus Blossom said, referring to Twilight, Pinkie, and Applejack.

"And you three can follow me." Aloe replied, talking to Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy.

The girls followed them, and they went separate ways.

Lotus Blossom took the girls to get massages.

"I hope you don't mind getting massages together." she informed.

"That's not a problem." Applejack assured.

Then a couple other workers came in. The girls recognized one of the workers as Bulk Biceps, a classmate of theirs.

"Bulk Biceps, what are you doing here?" asked Pinkie.

"I'm learning to be a masseuse, so I got a job here." he told them.

"Good for you." complimented Twilight.

Lotus Blossom then instructed the girls to lie down on the tables, and they did.

"All right, let's get to work."

And with that, they all started massaging the girls' backs.

"Woo, this feels great." Applejack sighed.

"You said it." agreed Pinkie.

"I think I may just doze off." said Twilight.

She took off her glasses, and then closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Aloe took Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy to the steam room. After changing from their robes to towels, and wrapping up their hair, they went in, and Aloe said she'd come back to get them in twenty minutes.

They all took a seat, and felt the room heat up.

"Whew, so far my muscles are loving this." Rainbow Dash said.

"Ah, a steam is always refreshing. As gross as it is, sweating is good for you." Rarity mentioned.

"I suppose it could be good." Fluttershy piped up.

The longer they sat, they felt their muscles relax, and the sweating did feel refreshing. Back with the others, they had just finished their massages.

"All right, ladies are you ready for a steam?" asked Lotus Blossom.

"(Yawns), we're ready." replied Twilight, as she got up.

"Let's go." declared Pinkie.

"Coming, ya'll." Applejack said, getting up.

On their way to the steam room, they saw their friends coming out.

"Hello, girls. Enjoy your massages?" asked Fluttershy.

"You bet." Applejack replied.

"How was the steam room?" wondered Twilight.

"It was great." said Rainbow Dash.

"Let's go girls, you can take a quick shower, and then you can get your massages." Aloe informed.

She led them away, and the other girls went into the steam room. The day went on, after some massages, steamed, and showers, the girls got their other treatments. They got facials, manicures, and pedicures.

"Do you think our pets are okay?" asked Twilight, as a worker smeared cream on her face.

"Oh, I'm sure they're fine." assured Applejack, as a worker massaged her face.

"Yeah, I'm sure Zephyr can handle them." agreed Pinkie, as the worker that was doing her facial mixed up the cream.

In another room, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy were getting their nails done.

"My my, when was the last time you had a pedicure?" Aloe asked Rainbow Dash.

"Pedicures aren't really my thing." Rainbow Dash explained.

"Plus my feet take a lot of pounding with soccer and all."

"I'd like this pale pink color for my fingernails, and forest green for my toes." Fluttershy requested.

"No problem." a worker replied.

"Rarity, you almost don't need a mani pedi."

"I always make sure to take care of my nails. I file and everything."

When the girls got finished, they took a little break to get lunch. The spa provided them with finger sandwiches, fruit, and juices.

"I could get used to this." Rainbow Dash said, as she popped a sandwich in her mouth.

"Yeah, this is fun." added Twilight, taking a sip of juice.

"And relaxing." replied Pinkie, as she ate some strawberries.

"We should do this more often." Applejack suggested.

"Great idea." complimented Fluttershy.

After finishing their food, they got their last treatments.

"Ah, nothing like a good facial." sighed Rarity, as she got cream put on her face.

Another worker then put two cucumbers on Rainbow Dash's eyes.

"Hey, what are these for?" she wanted to know.

"They're good for reducing the puffiness around your eyes." the worker explained.

"(Sighs), this is very nice." sighed Fluttershy, as she got her face massaged.

The other girls, got their nails done.

"Is this your first manicure, Applejack?" asked Lotus Blossom.

"Well my first professional one." Applejack replied.

"I usually do them myself."

"That violet color looks good on you, Twilight." complimented Pinkie.

"Thanks, the light pink color you picked is nice too." Twilight told her back.

Once they were all done, they met up again.

"Well ladies, are we ready to head home now?" suggested Rarity.

"Yep, let's go." said Applejack.

After paying for the day, the girls left.

"I can't wait to see Gummy." Pinkie piped up.

"Yeah, I miss Spike." added Twilight.

"I'll be happy to see Tank too. I love that little guy." Rainbow Dash mentioned.

"And I can't wait to see my little Angel." gushed Fluttershy.

"Opal will be happy to see me." Rarity said, as she drove.

"And I'm looking forward to seeing Winona." Applejack said.

And they drove down the street, and back to Fluttershy's house.

Pinkie Pie Meets Her Match

One sunny day, Pinkie Pie was walking down the street on her way to the Sweet Shoppe for her shift. As she did, she saw a happy sight. It were a bunch of people setting up a carnival.

"Oh goody the carnival is back in town." she gushed.

"Looking forward to the carnival?" asked a voice.

Pinkie looked up, and saw a man. He had orange skin, thinning brown hair, along with a mustache and beard, glasses, and he wore a green shirt, blue pants, and black shoes.

"Oh yes, sir. I love the carnival."

"Well here's a couple flyers. And be sure to tell your friends."

The man then gave her two flyers advertising the carnival.

"Thanks, bye."

And Pinkie went on her way.

When she got to work, she put a flyer on the glass wall.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I'm here." she announced.

"Hi, Pinkie, glad you're here." said Mrs. Cake, as she stood at the register.

"Can you get into the kitchen?" requested Mr. Cake.

He was busy on the phone, taking an order.

"I'm on it."

And with that, Pinkie hurried to kitchen. In the kitchen she began gathering ingredients to make the cakes. The day went on normally, and then some customers came in. It was a woman and a teenage boy. Pinkie who was on a break, saw the boy and realized he was her age, but didn't recognize him from school.

However she felt like she had seen him before. He was a little taller than her, had orange skin, curly brown hair, and green eyes. And he was wearing a yellow short sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes.

And his mom was was also orange, had long curly brown hair, green eyes, and wore a green dress and low green heels. Being the friendly person she was, Pinkie went up to talk to the guy.

"Hi there, welcome to the Sweet Shoppe." she welcomed.

Then the guy gave her a big smile, and replied.

"Thanks, this a nice place you work at here. Hey, have we met before?"

"Thanks. But I don't think so; I've never seen you before, do you go to Canterlot High?"

"No, I'm just passing through town. My family owns the carnival they're setting up."

"No way seriously? That's awesome."

"Name's Cheese Sandwich."

"Great name, my name's Pinkie Pie." Pinkie looked down, and saw his socks.

They were mismatched, one sock was red with green spots and the other was blue with yellow spots.

"I like your socks."

"Thanks."

"Pinkie, it's time to get back to work." called Mr. Cake.

"I'm coming. Bye Cheese." Pinkie told him, and hurried to the back.

That evening at the Pie home, they all sat together for dinner.

"So girls, anything to report today?" asked Igneous Rock.

Limestone, Maud, and Marble didn't have anything to say, but Pinkie quickly piped up.

"I saw the carnival coming into town, they're setting up now. And I met the owners of the carnival." she informed.

"That's nice Pinkamena." replied Cloudy Quartz.

"Can we go to the carnival when it's ready?"

"We'll see." Igneous Rock replied.

Pinkie squealed, and continued eating.

The next day at school, Pinkie was on her way to class when she saw Cheese Sandwich talking to Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna.

"Cheese." Pinkie greeted happily.

The three looked at her, and Cheese Sandwich smiled.

"Hi Pinkie."

"Oh, Pinkie Pie you know Cheese Sandwich?" asked Celestia.

"We met yesterday."

"Well Pinkie maybe you'd be interested in showing Cheese around. He's going to be going here while his family's in town." Luna explained.

"Sure. No problem."

"Great."

"So Cheese how long are you gonna be in town for?" Pinkie asked him, as they walked down the hallway.

"For a few weeks. As long as the carnival's here."

"Cool."

In her first class, she went over to her friends.

"Girls, meet my new friend, Cheese Sandwich." Pinkie introduced.

The girls looked at Cheese, and greeted him nicely.

"Hello ladies, nice to meet you all."

"Hi Cheese Sandwich." said Twilight.

"Nice to meet ya." Applejack told him.

"Hey, what's up?" Rainbow Dash wondered.

"Charmed." replied Rarity.

"Hi." Fluttershy said softly.

Classes went by normally, and Cheese adjusted well.

Then at lunch, Pinkie and her friends asked Cheese some more questions.

"So Cheese, your family owns the carnival?" Applejack asked.

"Yep. We travel from city to city, and bringing joy to the people." Cheese said.

"But what do you do for school?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Usually I'm home schooled, but sometimes my parents can get a school to take me for a while."

"Wow." replied Fluttershy.

"I trust I'll be seeing you girls at the carnival?"

"You bet." Pinkie told him.

And her friends agreed it'd be fun to go. As the rest of the day went on, Pinkie noticed that Cheese was quite good with people. He made people laugh, told jokes, and smiled a lot.

Once the carnival was all set up, the friends went. It was everything a carnival should be. There were many rides, games, food, and attractions.

"This sure looks like a good time." said Applejack.

"What should we do first?" asked Fluttershy.

Pinkie looked around.

"Why don't we start with the merry go round?" she suggested.

"But that's for babies." protested Rainbow Dash.

"Come on, Rainbow Dash. It's a classic ride." reasoned Twilight.

And so they all went on the ride. On the ride they all sat on the horses, and rode up and down as the ride went out in a circle.

"Well that wasn't so bad." said Rarity.

"I guess so." Rainbow agreed.

The friends then went on the roller coaster, ferris wheel, bumper cars, played some games, and got some snacks.

"Enjoying yourselves?" asked a voice.

The girls looked and saw Cheese Sandwich.

"Hiya, Cheese. We're having a great time." Pinkie told him.

"Hey, what's that?"

She noticed a yellow rubber chicken strapped to his waist.

"Oh, this Boneless. He's going to be part of my little act."

"You have an act?" asked Twilight.

"You bet, I'm on my way there now. Come on."

And he led the girls away.

At a little stage area, a small crowd gathered, including the girls. The woman who was now known to be Cheese's mother stepped out.

"Welcome everyone. I hope you're ready to laugh, because he's my son Cheese Sandwich, and his goof show."

Everyone clapped, as the curtains opened. Cheese Sandwich appeared, riding a unicycle, wearing a funny hat, and juggling bowling pins. Everyone laughed, as he rode around and juggled.

"Gee this guy's a riot." said Rainbow Dash.

"You got that right." Pinkie agreed.

"(Laughs), you know, he might be more of a goofball than you, Pinkie." Applejack mentioned.

That made Pinkie stop giggling. She was the goofball around here, and Cheese was better at her than that?

The next day at school, Pinkie and her sisters came onto campus, she saw a crowd was gathered around something. Curious the sisters went to the scene, and saw that everyone was looking at Cheese Sandwich.

He was standing on his hands, and on his feet he was balancing two egg cartons filled with eggs.

"He's gonna spill them." a student whispered.

"This guy's crazy." another said.

Then in a split second, Cheese jumped back to his feet, and caught the egg cartons in his hands.

"Ta da."

Everyone applauded.

"Hmm, I could've done something like that." Pinkie grumbled.

"I don't think so Pinkie." Maud replied.

Then the bell rang, and the students went inside. All day Pinkie watched as Cheese acted friendly, telling jokes, and acting goofy. Those were all the things she did. It seems that people didn't notice her anymore.

One day while Pinkie was looking for her friends. "Hmm, where could those guys be?" Suddenly she heard laughter, she recognized it as her friends'. Following the laughter, and found them. It turns out they were laughing at Cheese Sandwich.

He was juggling some erasers, all while on one foot.

"Gee Cheese, you're a hoot." said Applejack.

"Yeah, I'm sure Pinkie will love this." added Rainbow Dash.

"Love what?" Pinkie wanted to know, coming up to them.

Everyone looked surprised.

"Oh, hi Pinkie. We were just laughing at Cheese's tricks." Twilight told her.

"Well I can still do funny things."

Pinkie then tried to do a funny stunt, by standing on her tip toes, and making a goofy face, but it was actually kind of lame.

"Uh, good job?" Fluttershy replied quietly.

But Pinkie's face fell, and she left.

At home, Pinkie sat on her bed not in the best mood. Suddenly, her sisters burst through the door.

"All right, you've been too quiet since we got home." Limestone told her.

Marble nodded in agreement.

"What's wrong, Pinkie?" asked Maud.

"(Sighs), it's this Cheese Sandwich guy at school. He's more goofy than I am." Pinkie confessed.

"So?" asked Limestone.

"So it means everyone likes him more than me, even my friends."

"I'm sure that's not true, Pinkie." replied Maud.

"But it is."

She then plopped face down on her bed. Limestone then went up to her, and pulled her head up by her hair.

"Now listen here, Pinkamena Diane Pie, you shouldn't let that Cheese Sandwich come and take over your position at school."

"I shouldn't?"

"No. You show him that you're the school's goofball, and you're not gonna let anyone take that away."

Pinkie thought about it, and realized Limestone was right. She needed to stand her ground.

So the next day at school, Pinkie came prepared. She wore bright colored mismatched socks, on her head she wore a jester-like hat, and in a bag she was carrying, she had many fun objects. When her friends saw her, they looked a little confused.

"Pinkie Pie, you look..." Rarity started to say.

"Goofy, silly?"

"Yes." answered Fluttershy.

"Perfect, that's the look I was going for."

"But why?" wondered Rainbow Dash.

"To show how silly I am."

"Salutations, everyone." called a voice.

The girls turned around to see Cheese Sandwich. He was wearing, a tie-dye shirt, jeans, mismatched socks, and a big elf-like hat.

"Hello Cheese." Pinkie replied in a not so pleasant voice.

Then she walked off, leaving everyone confused.

All day, Pinkie upped her goofiness. She told funny jokes, juggled paper balls, and did some goofy stunts. It felt good to back in her spot again, but Cheese was also doing funny things, and getting even more praise.

This really discouraged Pinkie. Things really took a turning point, when she saw her friends talking to Cheese again.

"I gotta tell you girls, thanks for suggesting I do this. Today's gonna be the day, Pinkie's not gonna believe it." he said.

"I can't wait to see her face, when you tell her." Twilight replied.

"How do you think she'll react?" asked Applejack.

"I think she might be surprised. But she'll realize it's a good thing." Rainbow Dash replied.

Pinkie heard it all, but it didn't sound at all good to her. She then stormed up to them.

"Oh, hey Pinkie there's something I gotta tell you." Cheese told her.

"Oh, I know exactly what's going on here." she said.

But her voice sounded anything but happy.

"Pinkie Pie, what's wrong, darling?" wondered Rarity.

"I can take a hint. You all think Cheese Sandwich is funnier than me, and you like him better."

"Pinkie no, that's not it at all." Fluttershy tried to reason.

"Don't try and deny it. I can take a hint."

And she hurried off, leaving the others looking sad and concerned.

At her locker, Pinkie sadly took off her goofy hat, and put away her props.

"Pinkie stop." said Rainbow Dash. All her friends went up to her.

"We're sorry, we got wrapped up by Cheese Sandwich."

The others agreed.

"Yeah, we didn't mean to make you feel like you were being replaced." Twilight added.

The other girls then began apologizing.

"Thanks, guys. And I guess I should apologize too. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

The girls then shared a group hug.

"Can I put in an apology?"

The girls looked and saw Cheese Sandwich, he was holding his silly hat in his hand, and he looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry too, Pinkie. I didn't mean to make you feel like I was replacing you. I just wanted to show you how silly and fun I was." he explained.

"But why?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"Well...it all started when I was a little kid."

A flashback shows a six-year-old Cheese Sandwich. Instead of being the happy, silly, and goofy he was shy and quiet. When his parents set up the carnival in Canterlot City, he stayed close to his mother's side.

His mother stepped away from him for a quick minute, but Cheese felt a little scared and uncomfortable. Suddenly he heard laughter. He looked and saw a little girl his age. It was a young Pinkie Pie, she was smiling, laughing, and jumping around.

"Now, Pinkie calm down." Cloudy Quartz told her.

"Sorry, Mommy."

Seeing Pinkie smiling at everyone, and bringing out the joy in others eased Cheese's shyness. Cheese looked at her, and she looked back at him. Pinkie gave him a big smile, and waved at him. Cheese smiled a little and waved back.

As she walked away with her mom, Cheese got to thinking. If that girl could be happy and make people smile, then maybe he could too. From then on, Cheese smiled more and began making people laugh.

"So I helped you become the goofball you are?" Pinkie asked.

"Yep." Cheese said.

"Wow, I had no idea."

"See Pinkie, you're not being replaced, you're being an inspiration." Twilight told her.

"But then what were you guys talking about when I wasn't around?"

Cheese Sandwich then looked nervous, and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well...I was actually going to ask if you wanted to be in one of my shows with me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I asked your friends for their opinion first because I was nervous."

"That's why we stopped talking whenever you came around, we didn't want to spoil anything." Fluttershy explained.

"Well in that case, my answer is yes." Pinkie declared.

Cheese and the other girls smiled.

So another time at the carnival, Pinkie's friends and family were in the stands to watch her and Cheese Sandwich. The curtains opened, and Pinkie and Cheese appeared.

"Hey there folks, I'd like to welcome my special guest, Pinkie Pie." Cheese introduced.

"Hi everybody!" Pinkie greeted happily.

And the show began. The two juggled bowling pins, slipped on banana peels, Cheese rode his unicycle, and Pinkie played a song by stepping on rubber chickens. Everyone laughed at their antics, even Pinkie's rather stoic looking family cracked some smiles and some giggles.

When the show was over, the audience gave the two teens a standing ovation. As they took a bow, the two looked at each other and smiled.

Eventually it came to for the carnival, and Cheese Sandwich and his family to leave. Pinkie and her friends went to see them off.

"It was really nice meeting you all." Cheese told them.

"It was nice meeting you too, Cheese. Gonna miss you." Pinkie told him.

"I'm gonna miss you too, but you think I can get your number?"

"Sure."

As they each took out their phones, Pinkie's friends smiled and snickered knowingly.

"I'll be sure to call or text you sometime, Pinkie."

"And I'll do the same."

"Cheese, it's time to get going." called his dad.

"I'm coming. Oh and before I go, this is for you."

He held out a rubber chicken to her.

"You're giving me your rubber chicken?"

"He's not the only one I have."

He pulled out another one. Pinkie happily took it. And then Cheese got into his family's care, and Pinkie and her friends watched as he and the carnival left the city.

Young at Heart

One morning, at the Apple Family house, Granny Smith woke up to the sound of her alarm clock. She slowly opened her eyes, reached over to her clock, and turned off the alarm. After sighing, she slowly got up, and heard her back crack a little.

Then she got out of bed, and went to get ready for the day.

Later on, Big Mac, Applejack, and Apple Bloom woke up. After they got cleaned up and dressed, they went down to the kitchen.

"Mornin', Granny Smith." Applejack greeted.

"Morning Applejack." Granny Smith replied.

"You sleep well?"

"Ah, I slept alright."

"Hi, Granny Smith. What's for breakfast?" wondered Apple Bloom.

"Oh, just some flapjacks. Big Mac can you put the coffee on?"

"Yep." he answered.

At the table, while Applejack ate her flapjacks, she noticed that Granny Smith was eating some oatmeal instead.

"Didn't feel like flapjacks, Granny?"

"No, thought it would be better to go with oatmeal." Applejack was confused, but went back to her breakfast.

After they were finished, they all gathered in the truck, and drove off to school. The kids went to their classes, and Granny Smith went to the cafeteria.

"Hey, gals." Applejack greeted her friends.

"Hey, Applejack." they all replied.

"How's it going?" asked Pinkie.

"I'm fine. But I'm not sure Granny is."

"What's wrong? Is she sick?" wondered Twilight.

"No, she just seems a little deflated."

"I'm sure she'll feel better as the day goes on." assured Fluttershy.

"Yeah, that's probably it."

But at lunch, Granny Smith was still in a glum mood. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac grew more concerned. So when school was over, and they all went back home; Applejack decided to get to the bottom of it.

"Granny, are you okay?" she asked.

"Huh, oh sure I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"It's just that, you haven't been acting like yourself today."

"Yep." Big Mac agreed.

"Is everything okay?" Apple Bloom wanted to know.

"(Sighs), it's just that...I've been feeling my age lately." Granny Smith admitted.

"Your age? But Granny you're not that old." piped up Apple Bloom.

She managed to give a little smile.

"Thank you, dear. But I know I'm not a spry youngun' anymore."

When they got home, Granny went straight to the couch, and turned on the TV. Still concerned for her granny, she decided she and her siblings needed to do something about it.

So on Saturday, the siblings decided to have Granny take them out. They were at her favorite clothing store.

"Now isn't this fun, Granny?" asked Applejack.

"I suppose. I did need some new duds."

After they were done in there, they headed down the street to get some lunch. As they were walking, they saw lots of people walking towards a tent in the park.

"What's going on?" wondered Apple Bloom.

"I don't know, but why don't we find out." Granny Smith suggested.

And they all followed the crowd. The Apples went into the tent, and saw two men step onto a stage.

"Hello everybody." said one of the men with a mustache.

"And welcome to our little demonstration." said the one without a mustache.

"I'm Flim, and this is my brother Flam. And present a cure for all your ailments."

"Whether you get aches or chill."

"Or have pains in your back or joints."

"This little concoction can help you."

Flim then held up a bottle with a green liquid in it.

"What is it?" asked a woman.

"It's our Flim Flam tonic."

"Just one sip and you'll feel like a million bucks."

Some of the people looked uncertain.

"It doesn't look like they believe us, brother." said Flim.

"Well then looks like we'll need a second opinion." Flam replied.

Just then, a man appeared on the stage.

"This here is Silver Shill." introduced Flim.

"Go ahead and tell us your story." encouraged Flam.

"Well I was a complete mess before taking the tonic." Silver Shill started.

Flim and Flam then brought out two pictures. One was of Silver Shill looking sick, and the other was of him in pain.

"I always had an upset stomach, my head always ached, and I had awful pains in my knees and elbows."

"But how do you feel now?" asked Flim.

"Like a million bucks."

He even did a back flip, to prove his point. The audience was impressed, except Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac.

"Do you guys believe this?" wondered Apple Bloom.

"Nope." replied Big Mac.

"Me neither, now what kind of fool will believe that?" said Applejack.

To their surprise, Granny Smith piped up at them.

"Say, I'll take a bottle of that stuff. How much?"

"That'll be twenty bucks." Flam told her.

Granny Smith reached into her purse, and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. Flim took her money, and gave her a bottle of the tonic.

Later that day, the Apples returned home.

"Uh, Granny are you sure it was a good idea to buy that tonic?" Applejack asked.

"Why not? You saw what it did for that Silver Shill guy. It could probably do the same for me." Granny replied.

So that night before going to bed, she drank some of the tonic.

The next morning, when the kids woke up, they discovered Granny Smith wasn't in the house.

"Where's Granny?" wondered Applejack.

"She wasn't in her room, or the bathroom." Apple Bloom answered.

"Have you seen her Big Mac?"

"Nope." he replied.

Just then the front door opened, and in came Granny Smith wearing a black t-shirt, leopard print pants, sneakers, and a green headband. This surprised her grandkids.

"Morning ya'll." she greeted.

"Granny where were you?" asked Apple Bloom.

"I was out for a morning jog."

"Jog, since when do you jog?"

"Yeah, and what about your knees?"

"Well it was no problem thanks to that tonic."

The siblings looked at one another.

"Are you sure it was the tonic?" Applejack wanted to know.

"Of course, it's the tonic. Why check this out."

She pulled out the bottle from the fridge, and took a swig. Then she did a little jig. This surprised the three.

"It's great you're feeling good this morning. But are you sure it's the tonic that's causing it?"

"Of course, I'm sure. I feel about 30 years younger. Now I bet ya'll are hungry, I'll get breakfast whipped up in a jiffy."

And just like that, she whipped some bacon and eggs. All day, Granny acted really spirited. She cleaned the house like lightning, did some exercise, and even paid all the bills in one day. And for dinner, she whipped up a meatloaf dinner.

"Wow, I haven't seen Granny like this for a long time." Apple Bloom said.

"She's like superwoman." Applejack said.

"Yep." agreed Big Mac.

"I guess that tonic really does work."

But Applejack was still skeptical. Could a tonic really take away all a person's ailments.

On Monday, before going to work, Granny took another drink of the tonic, and she and the kids went to school. Applejack's friends were surprised to see Granny acting the way she was.

"Gee, AJ Granny Smith's looking better." observed Twilight.

"Yeah, she is." Applejack replied.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's just that Granny bought this tonic from the Flim Flam brothers. They say it cures all your ailments and injuries."

"Sounds too good to be true." mentioned Rainbow Dash.

"I know, but Granny really seems to think it works. And look how happy she looks."

"You know Applejack, perhaps you better get some more information about this tonic." Fluttershy suggested.

"I think Fluttershy is right." added Rarity.

"I think you guys are right. After school, I'm gonna go see those Flim Flam Brothers."

"We'll go with you if you want." offered Pinkie.

Applejack smiled at her friends.

"Thanks, ya'll."

So when school was over, the six went to the Flim Flam Brothers' tent. Inside, the men were doing another show to advertise their tonic.

"If you don't believe us, just ask Silver Shill here." said Flim.

The same guy, who Applejack saw came on stage.

"Tell us your story." encouraged Flam.

"Before taking your tonic, I was in a bad state. My back hurt, and neck was always so stiff." Silver Shill told.

"Hey, that guy said he had different issues." Applejack informed.

"That's odd." said Twilight.

When the show was over, the girls investigated. First they went to speak to the brothers.

"Uh, excuse me?" Applejack asked.

"Why hello there, ladies." greeted Flim.

"We wanted to ask you guys some questions."

"Fire away." Flam said.

"What's in that tonic?" wondered Pinkie.

"Sorry gals, but it's a secret." Flim told.

"Yeah, can't have people knowing what's in it, then they'll just make it themselves." Flam added.

"Okay, but could we buy some anyway?" Twilight asked.

"But of course."

They bought a couple bottles, and left the tent. As they were leaving, Applejack saw something. It was Silver Shill, and he was collecting something from Flim and Flam.

"You did good out there, Silver. Here's your payment." said Flim.

And he handed him a check.

"Hmm." said Applejack.

When Applejack got home, she gave Granny the second bottle of tonic.

"Thanks a bunch for picking me up another bottle, Applejack." Granny Smith said.

"No problem Granny." Applejack replied, and she went up to her room.

She had let Twilight take the other bottle with her, so she could study it. At school the next day, Twilight informed her friends about what she discovered.

"So what was in the tonic?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"You won't believe this, but that tonic is nothing more than fruit juice." Twilight informed.

"What?"

Twilight explained that the tonic was made out of apple juice and beets. "

So they're basically just selling fruit juice. And sayin' it's a cure all tonic?" Applejack asked.

"It looks like it." Twilight said.

"Then that proves it, the tonic's a fake. And that Silver Shill guy must be in on it."

Obviously, something had to be done.

Once school was over, Applejack went to have a word with Flim and Flam. As the brothers were finishing up their latest show, she waited up for them.

"Hey, I need to talk to you guys." she told them.

"Oh, it's you again." said Flim.

"We didn't get your name sweetheart." added Flam.

"My name is Applejack, and I know all about your little scam."

"Scam? What are you talking about?"

"I know your tonic is nothing but fruit juice, and Silver Shill doesn't have any problems at all."

Before she could say anymore, Flim put his hand over her mouth, before anyone else could hear her. Then they quickly took her aside.

"Look kid, you can't go around saying stuff like that." warned Flam.

"Oh you're one to talk. At least I have the truth, you're just spitting lies."

"Ah but is a lie really that bad?" asked Flim.

"Yeah, its not hurting anyone, and besides, isn't your grandmother feeling better?" Flam wanted to know.

That made Applejack freeze. Granny Smith was doing better, and she did like to see her grandma happy.

"So what's a little white lie, if it's not hurting anyone?" Flim replied.

Applejack had no words to respond to that, so she just got up and left.

As she walked home, she was in a big debate with herself. It was wrong to lie, but she wasn't sure if she could hurt her granny like that. When she got home, she found Granny Smith in the kitchen, happily cooking.

"Howdy Applejack, hope you're in the mood for some tasty chili con carne." she said.

"Uh, yeah that sounds great, Granny. But listen, I gotta tell ya something..."

"And I gotta tell ya something, dearie. I feel better than I have in years. That tonic really works miracles."

Applejack's heart sank, she couldn't tell Granny the truth after hearing that. So she decided to keep her mouth shut for now.

Back at school, Applejack confessed all to her friends.

"That really is a dilemma." said Fluttershy.

"Yeah, I have to tell Granny that tonic's a sham, but I've never seen her so happy." Applejack replied.

"I'm sure you'll think of something, AJ." comforted Twilight.

Then the bell rang, and the girls had to go to class. While walking down the hallway, Applejack overheard her sister and her friends.

"Granny Smith is gonna do what?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"She's gonna show off her old biking skills." Apple Bloom told.

"Awesome." squealed Scootaloo.

That made Applejack freeze. Back when Granny Smith was younger she used to be a whiz on a motorbike, but hadn't been on one in years. If she got on one now, she could seriously hurt herself.

When her final class was over, Applejack quickly went to the cafeteria. Her friends noticed she was kinda frantic, and hurried after her

"Granny?"

She looked around the cafeteria, but it was empty.

"Oh no."

"Applejack, what's wrong?" asked Rarity.

"Granny is about to do something crazy, and I gotta stop her."

Suddenly, they all heard the sounds of students heading outside in a hurry. The girls left the cafeteria confused.

"What's going on?" asked Rainbow Dash.

A boy named Snips spoke.

"Lunch lady Granny Smith is about to show off some motorcycle moves."

Applejack headed outside with her friends following.

Outside, they found the students gathered around Granny Smith who was on a motorcycle. Applejack pushed through the crowd, and hurried up to her granny.

"Granny what are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm gonna show off what I can still do. With the thanks to those guys there." Granny told.

She pointed to Flim and Flam who was standing in front of a crowd.

"Granny you can't do this." Applejack pleaded.

"Course I can. With this tonic I can do anything."

She took a swig of the tonic, and drove the motorcycle out.

"And now you all will the see the miracle of our tonic. Just check out Granny Smith here." Flim announced.

Granny Smith drove up to them, and flashed everyone a smile.

"She'll now demonstrate, a spectacular stunt." Flam announced.

Applejack watched in terror, as some students put up a couple of ramps and in between them was a kiddie pool full of water.

"Okay, this has got to stop."

Just as Granny revved up the engine, Applejack quickly found a rope, and tried one end the back of the motorcycle and the other end to a fire hydrant. So when Granny tried to drive off, she halted.

"What the?"

Everyone turned around, and saw that it was Applejack who had stopped the event.

"What in tarnation are you doin'?" Granny wanted to know.

"This is the craziest thing anyone has ever done."

She then marched up to Granny.

"Listen Granny, I need to tell you this right now."

She grabbed the tonic from her pocket.

"This tonic is a fake." Everyone gasped.

"Fake? What are ya talking about?"

"This tonic is nothing but fruit juice, Flim and Flam have just been telling lies."

Everyone looked at the brothers.

"Aw come on folks. Who are you gonna believe?" asked Flim.

"Yeah. Two legitimate businessmen, or a hormone raged teenager?" added Flam.

"Hey!" Applejack protested.

But her friends stood by her.

"She's telling the truth. I studied the tonic myself." Twilight piped up.

Then another voice spoke up.

"It's all true."

Everyone looked and saw Silver Shill.

"I don't have any issues at all and never did. I just did it because Flim and Flam paid me."

Everyone then glared at the brothers.

As the two tried to talk their way out of the situation, Granny got off the motorcycle.

"I'm sorry, Granny. I hope you're not too upset." Applejack told.

Granny Smith smiled and put her hand on her granddaughter's shoulder.

"I'm glad you told me the truth, honey. I guess I should've known there's no tonic to make a person young again."

Apple Bloom went up to the two.

"But Granny, if the tonic was a fake, how were you so happy and vibrant?" she wanted to know.

"I guess believe that stuff worked made me feel good again. So I felt young again. I guess it just shows you that age is all in your mind." Granny explained.

From that day on, Granny changed. She became a little more active, taking some exercise and Pilates classes, but made sure to take things easy. It just goes to show a person, honesty was always the best policy.

And that age is just a number and state of mind.

Rainbow's Big Test

Rainbow Dash was at early morning soccer practice, and doing pretty good. She kicked the soccer ball, and it flew into the goal. The team cheered.

"Nice job, Rainbow." said Spitfire.

"Yeah, you're a great player." added Misty Fly.

"Thanks guys. You were pretty good too." Rainbow Dash replied.

Then the bell rang, and the students went inside the school.

School went fine, but then after Rainbow finished her history class, the teacher gave her an envelope and told her it was for her parents.

"It says here your grades in this class have been slipping." said Windy Whistles.

"Oh, it's just a couple C's on some tests and quizzes. No big deal." Rainbow assured.

"Apparently this is a big deal, Rainbow. She says that if your grade gets any lower, then you won't be able to play soccer anymore." mentioned Bow Hootfoot.

That got Rainbow's attention.

"Not play soccer anymore? But the team needs me, not to mention I love the sport."

"Well Rainbow to play sports in school, you have to maintain a certain grade point average." Windy reminded.

"So what do I do?" Rainbow wanted to know.

Her parents instructed her to go to her teacher, and find out what she could do to get her grade up.

So the next day, that's what Rainbow Dash did. The history teacher told her that in order to stay on the soccer team she had to score at least a B or higher on the next test. Rainbow Dash quickly told her friends about her situation.

"The solution is simple, Rainbow. You just have to study and do well on the test." Twilight told her.

"Uh, if you hadn't noticed Twilight, I'm not a brainiac like you are. Studying isn't that easy for me."

"Don't worry, Rainbow Dash. We'll help you." Fluttershy told her.

"We'll all lend a hand." Applejack added.

"Yay! We could have a study party!" squealed Pinkie.

"Well technically it's called a study group, darling." Rarity corrected.

"Oh, well I'll still help anyway." Rainbow smiled.

During history class, the teacher explained how they would be having an exam in a couple weeks on the topics they'd been studying. Since the beginning of the month, the class had been learning about the early days of the country, and how the Industrial Revolution changes lives.

"This is perfect Rainbow. Now that you know what the exam will be on, you know what to study." Twilight said.

"Yeah, I just need to know how to get started."

"Don't worry, I know just what to do."

After school, Rainbow went to Twilight's house to study.

"Now I find the best way to study is to use flash cards, take notes, and highlight the important details."

"Okay."

"So here are the notes that I've been taking."

Twilight opened her notebook, and revealed neat, clear, easy to read notes.

"Wow."

"What do your notes look like?"

Rainbow dug through her backpack, and pulled out her notebook. But when she opened it, Twilight was shocked. Her notes were a little choppy, and the papers had a lot of doodles on them.

"Okay, we've got lots of work to do." Twilight sighed.

So together they read through the chapters, and Rainbow tried to take notes, highlight important details, and make flash cards, but it wasn't working that well. Her notes were still choppy, she highlighted everything, and she didn't even make any flash cards.

While Twilight was trying to help her friend, she was starting to get a little frustrated.

At school, Twilight tried to explain the importance of taking proper notes. But Rainbow didn't share her views.

"That may be fine for eggheads like you, Twilight. But we athletes don't have time for that." Rainbow Dash told.

"Note taking is a crucial way to study." Twilight defended.

Rainbow blew a raspberry.

"Yeah right." Fluttershy who was walking by, overheard the argument.

"Ladies." she said quietly.

"I'm trying to help you."

"Well maybe your help is wrong."

"Ladies." Fluttershy said a little louder.

"You're lucky I'm helping you at all."

Rainbow gasped, and the two growled at each other. Fluttershy then squeezed in between them.

"Ladies, please!"

Rainbow Dash and Twilight stopped fighting, and looked sheepish.

"Now is this any way for friends to act towards each other?" she asked.

The two looked at each other, and apologized.

"Sorry, Twilight."

"Me too, Rainbow Dash."

"Now what's all this about?" Fluttershy wanted to know.

"I'm trying to help Rainbow study for the exam, but my methods aren't working." explained Twilight.

"It's just isn't getting through to me." Rainbow replied.

"Well perhaps you need to try another method." Fluttershy suggested.

When school was over, the girls went to the computer lab.

"I find a good way to study for a test is by watching videos." Fluttershy said.

"That could work." Rainbow replied.

They went online, and Fluttershy found some videos about the Industrial Revolution. They watched a couple, but Rainbow found them boring, and her eyes began to droop. The next thing she knew she nodded off.

Twilight and Fluttershy noticed this, and shook her away.

"What, what's going on where am I?" she asked.

"You fell asleep watching the video." Fluttershy informed.

"Sorry, it was sorta boring. I guess videos won't work either."

The girls then left the school, and decided to stop by the Sweet Shoppe.

There, they ordered some shakes which were brought out by Pinkie.

"Hi girls. Why the long faces?"

"We're trying to help Rainbow study for the exam." Twilight explained.

"But our methods aren't working for her." Fluttershy added.

"It's hopeless." sighed Rainbow.

"I"m off the soccer team for sure."

"Don't worry your head off there Rainbow Dash." Pinkie told her.

"You can try my method of studying."

"And what's that?"

"I'll show you tomorrow morning before school."

The following day, the girls met up outside the school.

"So Pinkie what's your method?" Rainbow asked.

"Music." Pinkie said.

She pulled out her boombox, and turned it on. As the boombox started playing an upbeat tune, Pinkie began singing a song about the Industrial Revolution. While it was entertaining to watch, it didn't make much sense to Rainbow.

"So what'd you think, Rainbow Dash?"

"Uh, you're a good singer, Pinkie. But that didn't really make much sense."

"Oh well, I tried."

When school started, the girls kept thinking about what to do.

"Hello, ladies." greeted Rarity, coming up to them.

"Hey, Rarity." replied Rainbow Dash glumly.

"Oh dear, I take it the study methods aren't working."

"How'd you know?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Pinkie Pie texted me. And I came to offer help."

"Anything." Rainbow pleaded.

"During lunch I'll show you."

At lunch time, the girls sat together.

"So Rarity, what's your method?" Rainbow Dash wanted to know.

Rarity pulled out some papers from her backpack, and put them on the table. The girls were confused, they were just pictures of people from that time period.

"What are these, Rarity?" asked Fluttershy.

"These are pictures of people from the Industrial Revolution in authentic outfits. Fashion styles may have changed, but trends didn't. You see I memorize what happened in different times using what styles changed along with them." Rarity explained.

Rainbow just looked at her with a deadpan look.

"Rarity, fashion isn't gonna help me pass this exam."

Then she looked at Applejack.

"Applejack, please tell me you have a study method."

"Uh, sorry, Rainbow. But I find the best way to study is to just read." Applejack confessed.

Rainbow Dash was so frustrated, so just lost it.

"This is hopeless! None of these methods are going to work, and I'm gonna fail this exam. And I'm gonna have to give up what I love."

She then got up from the table, and left the cafeteria.

She wound up in the girls' bathroom, and locked herself in a stall. As she sat on a toilet feeling depressed, she heard footsteps coming in.

"Rainbow Dash, we know you're in here." said Twilight.

"We just want to make sure you're okay." Pinkie told.

Rainbow Dash then opened the stall, and stepped out of it.

"We're sorry, Rainbow." Fluttershy replied.

"Yeah, we didn't mean to get your brain all fried." Applejack added.

"We were only trying to help." Rarity admitted.

"It's okay, guys. I know you were only trying to help. It's my own fault for being to stupid."

She went over to the sink, put her hands on the sides, and held her head down.

"That's not true, Rainbow." Twilight comforted.

"There's still time before the exam. You still have a chance." encouraged Rarity.

"But how am I supposed to pass an exam I can't study for?"

Before anyone could say anything, the bell rang, meaning that lunch was over.

When school was over, Rarity decided to drive all the girls home. As the girls rode, Rainbow just looked out the window.

"You okay, Rainbow?" asked Fluttershy.

"Yeah, I'm fine." she replied.

Once they got to Rainbow Dash's house, she got out.

"Thanks for taking me home, Rarity."

"It's not a problem, darling."

"Oh, and by the way be careful when taking the others home."

"Why?"

"Because there's some road work that's gonna be going on."

Everyone looked confused. Then Rainbow started explaining.

"You see, as were driving here I noticed that there were some people with yellow vests and orange hard hats were in a cafe, and then I noticed how some guys were putting up some signs, and lastly I noticed down a road, a tree a had fallen over."

Everyone was surprised at hearing that. Back on the road, everyone kept thinking about what Rainbow Dash had said.

"That was pretty impressive Rainbow took in all those details." said Pinkie.

Just then, Twilight got an idea.

"Girls, I think I know how we can help Rainbow Dash study."

And she told the girls her plan.

On Saturday, Rainbow Dash was trying to read her books. But she just wasn't getting it. Just then, there was a knock at her door.

"Come in."

Her mom opened the door.

"Rainbow Dash, your friend Twilight is here." Windy Whistles said.

"(Sighs), Mom could you tell her I'm really not in the mood to see anybody?"

"She insists she sees you."

Rainbow sighed again, and went downstairs. By the front door, Twilight was waiting there.

"Hey, Rainbow how's it going?"

"I'd be better if I could actually get what I'm studying."

"Well I came by to see if you wanted to go for a ride?"

"I don't know..."

"Come on, it'll help clear your head."

"You should go, sweetheart." encouraged Bow Hotfoot.

Windy nodded in agreement.

"Okay, let's go."

And the two left the house. Night Light was waiting for the girls in his car, and they got into the back, and rode off.

As they rode down the street, Rainbow Dash just gazed out the window.

"So Rainbow, how's it going?" Twilight asked, trying to make conversation.

"Fine, except I'm gonna have to give up one of my most favorite things."

"Oh. So have you seen anything good on TV lately?"

"Not really."

"Did you hear that Pinkie caught Mr. Cranky Doodle and Miss Matilda flirting in the hallway?"

That made Rainbow snicker.

"And to think that guy always lectures us students about pdas."

After a while, they came back to Rainbow's house, and the girls got out of the car.

"Well I feel slightly better." Rainbow said.

"So, did you learn anything?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Well I learned that the Industrial Revolution started here in the late 19th century."

Rainbow then realized what she said.

"And?"

"And it brought advances in things like steam, electricity, and cars."

"And?"

"And that it brought many new inventions like the cotton gin, the steam engine, and modern lighting!"

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe it. She knew the stuff she'd been trying to learn and study.

"I know it all. But how?" she wanted to know.

"I noticed the other day on how when you were riding in Rarity's car, you took in all the surroundings. So we all decided it would be a great way for you to study." Twilight explained.

Rainbow Dash remembered that while she was looking at the road, she saw her friends holding signs with history notes written on them.

"So do you think you get it now?"

"You know, I think I do."

On the day of the exam, Rainbow sat at her desk ready to do it. The teacher handed out the papers, and when Rainbow saw it she started to get a little nervous. But she looked up at some of her friends who were in the class.

Pinkie Pie gave her a thumb's up, Twilight gave her the okay sign, and Rarity smiled. That gave Rainbow Dash some confidence, and she started working.

A few days later, it was time to get the exam back. The teacher handed the papers back to all the students except Rainbow. That made her nervous, had she failed it? When class was over, the teacher called her to her desk.

"Yes, ma'am?" Rainbow Dash asked.

The teacher smiled, and gave her her test. And to Rainbow Dash's surprise she'd gotten an A+, she scored even past the passing grade!

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, ma'am."

She then happily ran out of the classroom, and showed her friends the test. They were all so happy for her, and they shared a big group hug.

Like a Weed

One day at Canterlot High, Miss Cheerilee was teaching her freshmen students.

"Okay, listen up everyone." she announced.

Everyone quieted down, and listened to her.

"Tomorrow we're going to be learning about you, well more specifically, how your bodies are changing."

Everyone groaned in embarrassment.

"Now now, I didn't like learning about it at your age either. But it's part of the curriculum, and we'll be learning about it."

Then the bell rang, and the students left the classroom.

"I can't believe we have to learn about our bodies." said Scootaloo.

"I know, it's gonna be so weird." added Sweetie Belle.

Just then, Diamond Tiara and her best friend Silver Spoon walked by. Diamond Tiara was the daughter of a wealthy business man and store owner, therefore she was the school's rich girl.

"Something wrong, girls?" she sneered.

"It's nothing, Diamond." Apple Bloom told her.

"Well it sounded like you're a little nervous about the health lessons." Silver Spoon remarked.

"We're not. Besides why would we be?" Scootaloo defended.

"It can be a little freaky, when you see what's changing inside you." Diamond Tiara explained.

"And you guys aren't freaked out?" Sweetie Belle wanted to know.

"My mom explained everything to me last week. She even bought me a book." Diamond Tiara explained.

"My mom got me one too." said Silver Spoon.

The girls then walked off, leaving the three.

"What do those guys know?" remarked Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, they don't know everything." agreed Sweetie Belle.

And they walked off to leave.

The next day, Miss Cheerilee split up the boys and girls. She'd stay with the girls, while the boys went to Mr. Cranky Doodle's classroom.

"All right, girls. You're now growing from girls into young ladies." Cheerilee told.

For the first half of the class, Cheerilee talked to the girls about the basic things about puberty, such as getting taller, hair appearing in new places, and breakouts. Then she started talking about changes that specifically happen to girls.

"Around your age, you'll notice that your bodies are starting to change physically. Breasts start to appear, you'll notice your hips will be getting a little wider, and your waistline may be changing too."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked down at themselves. They didn't know about that.

"There are also internal changes that happen as well."

Miss Cheerilee then began to talk about periods, and PMS.

When the class was over, some students looked freaked out, others looked stunned, and some looked indifferent.

"Well it's all over now." said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, can you believe all that stuff is gonna happen to us?" asked Apple Bloom.

"It is kinda overwhelming to think about." Scootaloo admitted.

"Feeling nervous, Scootaloo?" asked Diamond Tiara, as she walked by.

"No, I'm not." she defended.

Then Diamond Tiara walked off.

"We shouldn't let her bother us guys. Besides all that stuff we learned about is still probably a ways away." Apple Bloom told them.

The girls agreed, and went to their other classes.

At home, while Apple Bloom was getting a snack from the kitchen, Granny Smith squealed. Apple Bloom quickly turned to her grandma.

"Granny Smith, what's wrong?"

"Applejack get in here."

Applejack came rushing into the kitchen.

"What's going on, Granny?" Applejack asked.

"Look at Apple Bloom."

Applejack looked at her sister, and then her eyes grew wide.

"What, what's wrong?" Apple Bloom wanted to know.

"Apple Bloom...you're beginning to bloom." Applejack gushed.

"What?"

"You're growing a bosom." Granny Smith told.

"A what?"

"Your chest." Applejack explained.

Apple Bloom blushed, as she looked down. She hadn't noticed it before, but her body did look a little different.

"Looks like we're gonna have to do some shopping." Granny Smith told Applejack.

"You got that right." Applejack agreed.

Sweetie Belle was in the bathroom, drying off from her shower, and when she putting on her pajamas, she noticed something. Her legs were looking a little...hairy.

"Oh my gosh." she whispered.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

"Sweetie Belle, are you done in there? I need to do my hair." called Rarity.

"You can come in." Sweetie Belle told.

Rarity came in, and was confused to see her sister looking freaked out.

"What's wrong?"

"My legs."

Rarity looked at them, and was surprised.

"Well looks like it's finally happened. Don't worry, Sweetie Belle your big sister will help you."

"With what?"

"Getting that hair off your legs."

"Oh boy." Sweetie Belle thought, as she looked at her legs.

At Scootaloo's house, she was working out a little.

"Doing Rainbow Dash's workout, I'll be just as sporty as she is."

As she looked at herself in her mirror, she saw something on her face. There was a small bump on her chin.

"Huh?"

Looking more closely, it looked like just an ordinary bump. It didn't bother her that much, so she ignored it. But the next morning, when Scootaloo was brushing her teeth in the bathroom, she saw the bump was now a red zit!

"Oh my gosh!" she gasped.

At school, the girls met up.

"You should've seen Applejack and Granny Smith last night. It was like they were going to start crying." Apple Bloom told.

"At least your family members were happy. Rarity looked kinda grossed out." Sweetie Belle said.

"You guys don't even want to see what happened to me." Scootaloo replied.

"What did happen? Did you scratch yourself or something?" wondered Apple Bloom, as she looked at the band-aid on Scootaloo's chin.

She took off the band-aid, and showed them the zit. The two looked shocked.

"I guess we're getting these changes faster than we thought." Sweetie Belle said.

"It's no big deal. So we're a little hairier, our bodies are different, and we have acne? It doesn't mean anything." Apple Bloom said.

The girls agreed, and tried to go on with their day.

However it was harder than it looked. Some other students made snide comments about Scootaloo's zit.

"Hey Scootaloo, what's that balloon on your chin?" a student called out.

Other students snickered and giggled. Scootaloo blushed, covered her zit, and quickly hurried away. When Sweetie Belle was changing into her gym shorts in the locker room, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon noticed her hairy legs.

"Gee Sweetie Belle, is your grandpa Bigfoot?" Diamond Tiara teased.

Silver Spoon laughed.

"No. Having hairy legs is a trend." Sweetie Belle tried to defend.

But they didn't buy it, and continued laughing. In Apple Bloom's gym class, one of the stations was jumping rope. As she jumped up and down, she noticed her more "adult" body.

"Whoa." she thought.

When she stopped, she looked up and saw some guys staring at her.

"What ya'll staring at?" she snapped.

Startled, the guys quickly hurried away.

After such a rough day, the girls were happy to go home. However Granny Smith and Applejack didn't take Apple Bloom straight home, they went to the store. They went to the women's section, and found some training bras for her.

It was a little embarrassing for Apple Bloom, because her grandma and older sister wouldn't stop gushing over her. Then when she put it on in the dressing room, it felt kinda weird. She tried to tell her family how she felt, they didn't listen to her because they were too caught up in the moment.

That evening at Sweetie Belle's house, Rarity along with Cookie Crumbles were helping Sweetie Belle with her legs.

"All right, Sweetie Belle it's time for you to do this rite of passage." Cookie Crumbles told her daughter.

"So...what do we do first?" she asked slowly.

"Step one, we dampen our legs." Rarity said.

They did that, and then Cookie Crumbles took out some shaving cream and some razors. After putting the cream on their legs, it was time for the shaving part.

"Now Sweetie Belle, you have to be careful with this part." instructed Cookie Crumbles.

"You slowly pull the razor towards you."

Rarity and Cookie Crumbles demonstrated, and Sweetie Belle tried it too. At first it was fine, but then, she nicked herself.

"Ah!"

"Don't worry, Sweetie. This happens." Rarity comforted, and handed her a piece of tissue paper.

Sweetie Belle took the tissue and groaned.

Scootaloo's mom, Mane Allgood was showing her how to take care of her zit.

"Can't I just pop it, Mom?" she wondered.

"No no. It's best to try and get it to go down on its own." Mane said.

"It's best to put some of this special cream on until it goes away."

Luckily Mane had the exact cream in her medicine cabinet, and Scootaloo put some on her chin.

"How long does it take to work?"

"Oh probably a few days."

"Few days!?"

"Hey, it's part of growing up, Scoots."

Mane left the bathroom, leaving Scootaloo feeling deflated.

At school the next day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were really discouraged.

"So this is what we're stuck with for the rest of high school." said Apple Bloom.

"Yep." replied Sweetie Belle.

"Which means everything stinks." complained Scootaloo.

And the two agreed.

"Hello, girls." called a voice.

The three looked up, and saw Vice Principal Luna.

"Hello, Vice Principal Luna." the girls replied glumly.

"Something wrong?"

"Just being a teenager." Apple Bloom told her.

Luna looked confused. The girls explained how they had their health class lesson, and how they realized they were changing faster than they thought. Luna immediately understood.

"You know girls, it's natural to be overwhelmed about your bodies. I know Celestia and I were."

The girls were surprised at hearing that.

"Everyone's body changes when they get older. It's only natural, but you know, just because your bodies are changing doesn't mean you're any different. You're still three smart, kind young ladies."

The girls smiled at that, and Luna smiled back at them.

"Now you girls better get to class." And then she walked off.

So the girls decided that even though their bodies were changing, they were still the same Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Whatever happened to their bodies as they get older, they would stick it out together and be there for each other.

A Cranky Date Night

One morning in Canterlot City, Mr. Cranky Doodle woke up to the sound of his alarm clock. He opened his eyes, and grumbled as he turned off his clock. He then got out of bed, and went to his bathroom.

After showering, shaving, brushing his teeth, he stepped out of the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist. As he was walking to get his clothes, he accidentally stubbed his toe on his bed.

"Oww! (Groans), dumb bed." he complained.

As he rubbed his sore toe, his phone rang. Angrily, he grabbed his phone and answered.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Good morning." greeted a friendly voice.

Mr. Cranky Doodle's mood immediately changed.

"Oh, Matilda. Good morning."

Mr. Cranky Doodle and Miss Matilda had been going on out for a while now, and they were both very happy.

"You're still picking me up this morning right?"

"Of course I am. I'll see you in an hour or so."

Then he hung up. After getting dressed, and eating his breakfast, he went to his car to pick up Matilda.

When he got to her little house, she was waiting for him in her driveway. Mr. Cranky Doodle couldn't believe his eyes. It may have just been the morning sun, but he thought Matilda looked particularly beautiful.

He parked his car in front of the driveway, and Matilda got in.

"Good morning, Doodle." Matilda greeted.

Then she pecked him on the cheek. Mr. Cranky Doodle felt his cheeks heat up, and he smiled.

"Good morning to you too."

They drove to work together, and parked in the teacher's parking lot.

"So, I'm looking forward to tomorrow night." she said.

"Me too." Mr. Cranky Doodle replied.

Tomorrow night Mr. Cranky Doodle planned to take Matilda out for a night on the town.

"Well I better get to my classroom."

Matilda un-clicked her seatbelt, and got out. Mr. Cranky Doodle sighed happily, and then after a while he got out of his car. But he also grabbed a clothes bag. It was the suit he was going to be wearing for his date, and he was going to drop it off at the cleaners after school.

In his classroom, Mr. Cranky Doodle put his suit in the closet, and then the first bell rang.

"Time to teach some kids some math."

His first class came into the classroom talking and chattering. After everyone was in their seats, he began teaching them. Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle who were in the class noticed their teacher's demeanor.

"What do you think's going on with Mr. Cranky Doodle?" Twilight whispered.

"I don't know. But he seems happy." Pinkie replied.

"I haven't seen him like this since he and Miss Matilda started dating."

Class went on as normal, and then the bell rang.

"Bye Mr. Cranky Doodle." said Pinkie, as she walked out.

"Goodbye, Pinkie Pie." he replied.

That surprised Pinkie, but it was a nice surprise.

After his next class, Mr. Cranky Doodle checked on his suit. As he looked at it, he was suddenly startled by the sound of a rock being thrown at the window. He jumped a little, and pushed his suit against the wall, and it snagged on a hook.

Mr. Cranky Doodle gasped, and saw that his suit got torn. "Oh no!" he cried.

At first his mood was shock, then it changed to anger. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were on their way to Mr. Cranky Doodle's class.

"Pinkie and Twilight said Mr. Cranky Doodle's in a pretty good mood today." Rainbow Dash informed.

"That's good to hear." replied Fluttershy.

But when they came into the classroom, Mr. Cranky Doodle looked grouchy. This surprised the two.

"Uh, good morning Mr. Cranky Doodle." Fluttershy greeted quietly.

"What's so good about it?" he grumbled.

The girls were a little frightened by his demeanor, and quickly went to their desks. For the rest of class, Mr. Cranky Doodle was grumpy. And it wasn't his usual grumpy, it was like he was more grumpy than usual.

He grumbled a lot, he snapped at students who slipped up, and was aggressive with his lesson.

The second the bell rang, the students dashed out of the room.

"Gee, I wonder what happened to Mr. Cranky Doodle?" wondered Fluttershy.

"I don't know. What could make a man suddenly go from happy to grouchy?" Rainbow Dash though.

As the day went by, Mr. Cranky Doodle got even grumpier. And it was for good reason, along with his suit getting ruined, the reservations he made for the restaurant got cancelled, and the show they were going to got rescheduled.

It was like Mr. Cranky Doodle had turned into an angry bull. Whenever students saw him in the hall, they quickly walked the other way, and avoided eye contact at all times.

In the teacher's lounge, Mr. Cranky Doodle was pouring himself a mug of coffee, muttering angrily.

"Mr. Cranky Doodle?" asked a voice.

"WHAT!" he snapped.

He turned around sharply, causing his coffee to spill onto the other person. But Mr. Cranky Doodle's face fell and all his anger drained away. The person who had called him was Matilda, and now his hot coffee was all over her dress.

Matilda looked shocked, and couldn't believe what her boyfriend had done.

"Matilda...I..."

"No, it's okay. I better go."

And with that she quickly left.

"Matilda wait." he called.

But it was too late, she was gone and Mr. Cranky Doodle felt defeated.

At lunch, the girls were getting their trays, Pinkie noticed that Mr. Cranky Doodle was getting his food but looked different.

"Girls, look at Mr. Cranky Doodle." she said.

The girls did, and didn't see anything wrong.

"So?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Look at him, he looks...sad."

"He does look like something's wrong." agreed Fluttershy.

"It's probably best if we mind our own business." Rarity piped up.

But Pinkie didn't listen, and walked over to him.

"Uh, Mr. Cranky Doodle?" she asked.

"What is it Pinkie?" he replied.

"I couldn't help but wonder, are you okay?"

Mr. Cranky Doodle didn't know what came over him but he found himself confessing to the girls about how things were going wrong and how he'd hurt Matilda. The girls listened to him, and then stepped away to talk.

"I ain't never seen him like this before." said Applejack.

"He seems really sad." Fluttershy mentioned.

"Maybe we should help him?" thought Twilight.

"I don't know. It's not good to meddle." Rarity.

"But then again, I've never seen him like this." Rainbow Dash piped up.

"Girls, Mr. Cranky Doodle may be grumpy but ever since he met Miss Matilda he's been happier. And I'm not going to let anything get in the way in that. Besides this is love we're talking about." Pinkie persuaded.

The girls agreed on it. Then they went back over to him.

"Mr. Cranky Doodle, you're in luck. Because we're going to help you." Pinkie told him.

Mr. Cranky Doodle looked at them curiously.

After lunch, Pinkie and Twilight went to go talk to Miss Matilda. At first, she was a little hesitant to talk about her love life with her students, but eventually poured out.

"I know he's a good man. But I just wish he wasn't so grumpy all the time."

"Give him another chance, Miss Matilda. I know he's really sorry." said Pinkie.

"Yeah, everyone makes mistakes." agreed Twilight.

Matilda thought for a moment, and agreed to speak to Mr. Cranky Doodle. The girls smiled at each other.

So during a break, the two teachers met up in the teacher's lounge.

"I'm really sorry, Matilda. I was just in a bad state of mind." Mr. Cranky Doodle apologized.

"It's okay, Cranky. But please tell me you'll try and keep your temper under control."

"I will I promise."

Miss Matilda smiled, and hugged him really quick.

"I'll be looking forward to tomorrow night."

"Uh, yeah, me too." Mr. Cranky Doodle replied a little nervously, as he pulled on his shirt collar.

When he left the lounge, the girls met him.

"So how'd it go?" asked Applejack.

"Well she forgave me."

The girls squealed happily.

"But I still have to fix these other problems."

"Don't worry. Just leave it to us." Pinkie assured.

And so the girls did just that. Mr. Cranky Doodle gave Rarity his suit, and she fixed it up in her home ec class. Applejack knew about a play that was going to happen in the park, and got them tickets.

Fluttershy knew a nice restaurant, and gave Mr. Cranky Doodle the number. Luckily he got a reservation. At the end of the day, Rarity gave Mr. Cranky Doodle his suit.

"Wow, Rarity." he gasped.

"It looks better than before."

"Oh it was nothing. Just a stitch there, some hemming there, and a little cleaning." Rarity said.

Then Applejack came up to them.

"I got your tickets, Mr. Cranky Doodle."

"Now what's this show about?"

"It's a show about some country folk going west. You'll like it."

And then the rest of the girls came up.

"Fluttershy got your new reservations." informed Rainbow Dash.

"Are you sure this is a nice restaurant?" Mr. Cranky Doodle wanted to know.

"Oh, yes Mr. Cranky Doodle. It has four stars." Fluttershy assured.

Mr. Cranky Doodle looked at the girls with a skeptic look, but then his expression grew grateful.

"Thank you girls, for all your help." The girls smiled at him.

"You're welcome, Mr. Cranky Doodle." Pinkie replied.

And they all left the school.

The next evening, Matilda was at her house, finishing getting ready for her date. She had just finished her make-up, and her hair.

"(Giggles), Matilda you're gonna knock Doodle's socks off with this look." she said to herself in the mirror.

She had on a beautiful yellow evening dress with black heels. Then the doorbell rang, he was here. When Matilda opened the door, there he stood. He was dressed smartly in his suit, and he held a bouquet of red roses in his hand.

"Good evening, Matilda." he greeted suavely.

"Good evening, Mr. Cranky Doodle."

She took the flowers, sniffed them, and then put them in a vase before leaving.

First they went to the restaurant Fluttershy recommended. It was a nice Italian place, and they got a nice seat by the window. The wine was good, the entrees were delicious, there was even music that played.

When they were finished, they went to the park for the play. They managed to get good seats, and the acting was very well done. The play made the laugh, shocked, and even shed a tear or two. After it was over, they applauded.

Then Mr. Cranky Doodle drove her home.

"I had a wonderful time, Doodle."

"So did I." The two then kissed.

This truly was the perfect date and the perfect night.

Sweet Surprise

One day at the Sweet Shoppe, Pinkie Pie was organizing some cupcakes.

"And last we have the cupcakes with purple frosting." she said.

Then she stepped back. She had successfully organized the cupcakes in rainbow according to their frosting. She then went to find Mr. and Mrs. Cake, to get further instructions. Then she heard voices coming the back.

She went to the kitchen, and saw Mrs. Cake on the phone.

"Yes, we can do that. When do you need it again? Okay, and what kind of cake do you want?"

Pinkie walked up to her, and Mrs. Cake held up her finger signaling her to wait.

"Yes, a chocolate cake, with yellow frosting, and some accessories. We'll get right on it."

After writing it all down, Mrs. Cake hung up.

"What's going on, Mrs. Cake?"

"We've just got a big order."

Suddenly, the bell rang from the front.

"Oh, I gotta get that. Can you get more supplies from the back?"

"Okey dokey loki."

"Thanks, Pinkie."

Mrs. Cake quickly dashed to the front, leaving the notepad she was writing on. Pinkie went to get the supplies, and on her way back she glanced over at the notepad. But what she saw made her stop.

On the paper was the order, the name said Shining Armor and Cadance and on the part where it said occasion it read, "new baby".

"Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have a baby!?" she squealed.

She couldn't believe it, that meant her friend Twilight was going to be an aunt.

"I can't wait to tell her!"

Later on, when she was getting ready to go home, Mrs. Cake stopped her.

"Pinkie, I take it you saw our special order?"

"You bet."

"But you see, it's a surprise. You can't tell anyone."

That made Pinkie freeze.

"You mean I have to keep this really exciting and happy news all to myself!?"

Her pupils went small.

That evening Pinkie paced around her room.

"I can't believe this. How am I supposed to keep a secret like this from Twilight? If I tell her I'd be just a...spoiler. Any ideas, Gummy?"

Gummy who was sitting in his cage, just blinked his eyes. Suddenly, her cell phone rang. When Pinkie picked it up she saw that it was Twilight. She nervously answered the phone.

"Oh, hi Twilight."

"Hey, Pinkie. Guess what, Shining Armor and Cadance are coming for a visit in a couple days."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, and I was wondering if you and the other girls could come over tomorrow after school to help me with something?"

"Sure thing. I'll be there."

"Great, see you tomorrow."

When Pinkie hung up, she flopped down on her bed.

At school, Pinkie was struggling a little to keep the secret.

"You must be excited to see your brother and Shining Armor again." Rarity said to Twilight.

"You bet I am. I haven't seen them in a while. They've been on vacation."

"I bet they were pretty busy." whispered Pinkie.

"What was that?" asked Fluttershy.

"Nothing." Pinkie quickly replied.

School went on normally, and when it was over, the girls went over to Twilight's house.

In her room, the girls made welcome baskets for the couple. Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy were making Shining Armor's basket, while Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack worked on Cadance's. Spike was lying on the bed, watching.

"Can't forget this." said Twilight.

She grabbed a small stuffed horse.

"What's that?" asked Fluttershy.

"It's Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry it around like a baby." Twilight explained.

The word "baby" made Pinkie freeze.

"Remind me, why are you putting those kinds of things in Shining Armor's basket?" asked Spike.

In Shining Armor's basket, along with Brutus Force, was an ant farm, and a poster of Smash Fortune.

"I thought it would be nice to fill his basket with things he liked when he was younger." Twilight explained.

"How's Cadance's basket going?"

"It's almost done, darling." said Rarity.

In Cadance's basket was shower gel, lotion, a bag of her favorite candy, and a new hairbrush.

"I can't wait to see their faces when they see them."

"It'll be nice to see them again." Rainbow Dash mentioned.

"Yeah, haven't seen 'em since they got hitched." Applejack replied.

"I wonder if they'll bring any surprises?" Spike wondered.

"Maybe." replied Twilight.

Pinkie twitched, it was hard to keep this secret.

"Pinkie? Are you okay?" asked Twilight.

"What, oh I'm fine. I just..."

Suddenly her phone rang.

"Gotta answer my phone."

She answered it, and it was her mom. After she hung up, she told her friends that she had to go, because her mom needed her help. Normally she would've been sad to leave her friends, but this time she was relieved.

At her house, Pinkie ended up helping her sisters and mom with some cleaning.

"Thank you girls for helping me." Cloudy Quartz said.

"No problem, Mom." Pinkie replied.

As Marble was putting some things away she came across something. She pulled out a book, and showed it.

"Look." she whispered.

Limestone took the book, and saw that it was their family album.

"Hey, I haven't seen this in years." she said.

She opened it, and found the page that held their baby pictures.

"Aw, we were so adorable." replied Maud in her monotone voice.

When Pinkie saw the photos she froze, it made her think of the secret, and she couldn't spill it.

"Pinkamena, are you okay?" Cloudy Quartz wondered.

"I'm fine. I'll just take this book and we can go back to cleaning."

Pinkie quickly took the book from her sister, put the book to the side, and continued cleaning. This surprised her family, but they went back to work anyway.

That night, Pinkie paced around her room.

"Okay, Pinkie. Shining Armor and Cadance will be coming tomorrow. Which means I'll only have to keep this secret a little while longer." she told herself.

She then turned off the lights, and went to bed. In her dreams, she saw babies everywhere. Baby animals, baby plants, even her friends as babies.

The next morning, Pinkie was hoping school would go by quickly. She manage to get through her classes, and keep the secret when she was around Twilight. When school ended, they all walked out of the building.

"So, Twilight ready to see Shining Armor and Cadance today?" Pinkie asked.

"Actually, they called last night and told us that they may not be here for another two days." Twilight told.

Pinkie couldn't believe her ears, she'd have to keep this secret even longer?

"What!? Are you serious!?" she cried.

This surprised the others.

"Uh, I mean okay."

"Pinkie is something wrong?" wondered Fluttershy.

"Uh..."

"You seem to be holding something back, darling." Rarity told her.

"Well..."

"If you're keeping something secret, you don't have to you can tell us." Rainbow Dash offered.

Pinkie began to sweat, and looked nervous.

"Go on, tell us." urged Applejack.

"You'll feel better." Twilight replied sincerely.

As Pinkie looked at her friends with understanding looks, her nerves began to unravel.

"All right, the truth is..."

Before she could say anything more a familiar voice called out to them.

"Hello, ladies."

The girls turned their heads, and saw Shining Armor and Cadance.

"Hi, girls."

Pinkie was so relieved when she saw them, she collapsed on the ground.

"You okay, Pinkie?" asked Fluttershy.

"Oh, I'm fine." she said.

"Shining Armor, Cadance you made it on time." Twilight said happily.

"Yeah, turns out our plans changed, and we got here as scheduled. So we decided to surprise you and pick you and your friends up." Shining Armor explained.

The girls squealed happily, and hurried to their vehicle.

As they drove down the street, they happily chattered while Pinkie stayed quiet.

"By the way Cadance, why are you wearing that sweatshirt?" Twilight wondered.

Cadance was wearing a black sweatshirt, which was odd since it was warm outside.

"Oh, I just feel a little chilly." Cadance replied.

"Well as soon as we get home, I've got a surprise for you two."

"Oh really?" replied Shining Armor knowingly.

When they got to Pinkie's house, Shining Armor stepped out of the car along with her.

"Just gotta check the tires, I think I might've run over something. Can you help me real quick, Pinkie?"

"Sure."

The two crouched down, and Shining Armor whispered,

"Judging by how quiet you've been I'm guessing you found out about our call to the Cakes?"

Pinkie just smiled sheepishly, and blushed.

"I'm impressed you've been able to keep this secret so long, since you're one of Twily's best friends."

"Does this mean you're gonna tell her now?" Shining Armor quickly shushed her.

They listened, and realized that the others had not heard her.

"You're going to have to wait a little longer. But don't worry, it won't be much longer."

"It better not." Pinkie whispered.

The next day, the girls met up after school.

"So did Shining Armor and Cadance like their surprises?" asked Applejack.

"You bet, you should've seen their faces." Twilight said.

Last night Cadance was happy with her basket, and when Shining Armor saw his, it was like he turned into a little kid again.

"So Twilight...how are Cadance and Shining Armor doing?" Pinkie wanted to know.

"They're fine, but they said they wanted to tell me something at the Sweet Shoppe today."

"Oh really?" wondered Rarity.

"Yeah, but they want us to pick up a couple things first."

She then took out her phone, and looked at the notes.

"Come on, we gotta get to the store."

And off they went.

They went to a grocery store, and started shopping.

"Okay, we need to get some mini water bottles, some mini hot dogs, and mini popsicles." told Twilight.

"Well let's get on going." urged Pinkie.

"What's the rush, Pinkie?" Applejack asked.

"Just...really want to see what the surprise is."

The girls left it at that, and grabbed the items. Once they had everything, they went to the Sweet Shoppe.

At the Sweet Shoppe, the girls saw that not only Shining Armor, Cadance, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake were there, but Night Light, Twilight Velvet, and Spike too.

"Hey, Twily did you get the stuff?" asked Shining Armor.

"Yep, though I'm curious, are we having a party?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Yes, but we're celebrating is the surprise." Cadance told her. Pinkie began to tremble and sweat.

"What is it?"

"Well the things we asked you to pick up are all small and sorta cute things." Shining Armor explained.

"I guess so."

"So what else is small and cute?" Cadance wanted to know.

Twilight thought for a little while, and Pinkie kept twitching.

Then it hit Twilight. "

(Gasps), wait a minute. Are you guys...?"

The young couple looked at each other. And the Cadance took off her sweatshirt to reveal that she had a little baby bump.

"We're having a baby!" the two announced.

That's when Pinkie exploded.

"A baby! They're having a baby Twilight! Hooray!" she cheered.

"So I'm gonna be an aunt?"

Her family nodded. And then she hurried up to the couple and hugged.

"This is so exciting, I can't wait to see the baby."

"Neither can we." replied Shining Armor.

Everyone then began celebrating and congratulating the couple. Then Shining Armor and Cadance went up to Pinkie.

"Thanks for keeping the secret, Pinkie Pie." Cadance told her.

"Oh, it was no problem, honest." Pinkie replied.

But behind her back she had her fingers crossed.

On All Hallows Eve

It was fall in Canterlot City. There was a nip in the air, the leaves on trees had changed color, and the days got shorter. People were also getting ready for Halloween. Stores were selling costumes and candy, scary movies were showing up in theaters and on TV, and pumpkin patches were opening.

While most people were looking forward to the scary holiday coming, but Fluttershy wasn't. The shy teen wasn't a fan of Halloween. Ever since she was a little girl Halloween had terrified her. She didn't like the scary decorations, spooky noises, and people scaring her.

One day, while Fluttershy was in her room doing her homework when there was knock at the door.

"Come in." she called.

But the door didn't open. Confused, she got up and went to open her door. When she opened it, to her surprise there was no one there.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, someone in a zombie mask jumped out and screamed. Fluttershy shrieked in terror. The "zombie" then pulled off their mask to reveal Zephyr Breeze.

"(Laughs), got you good, sis."

Fluttershy scowled.

"Zephyr Breeze!" she snapped.

"What's going on here?" asked Mrs. Shy, as she came into the hallway.

"Nothing, Mom. Just a little Halloween fun." Zephyr replied.

"It wasn't funny Zephyr. You know I hate that."

"All right, you two, calm down."

After soothing her kids, Mrs. Shy went back to her laundry.

"Come on, sis. You've gotta get over this fear of Halloween."

"I can't help it. Halloween is scary."

"It may be scary. But can be fun."

And he walked off.

"(Sighs), brothers." Fluttershy sighed.

At school the next day, the Mane 6 minus Fluttershy were talking about their Halloween plans.

"I say we start with a scary stories at my house." Twilight suggested.

"Then we can work on our costumes at mine." piped up Rarity.

"Sounds like fun, ya'll." replied Applejack.

"Too bad Fluttershy won't be joining us." said Pinkie Pie.

"You got that right." agreed Rainbow Dash.

"Remind me why doesn't like Halloween again?" asked Twilight.

"She doesn't like all the scary stuff." explained Applejack.

Just then, Fluttershy walked up to them.

"Hi girls." she greeted.

The others greeted Fluttershy.

"I guess, you were talking about Halloween? It's okay, I don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, just because I don't like Halloween doesn't mean you have to stop your plans."

The friends told Fluttershy what they had planned.

"That sounds nice." Fluttershy replied.

"What are you gonna do?" Twilight wanted to know.

"I'll just be at home in my room."

"Well...if you change your mind you're welcome to join us." replied Rarity told her.

"Thanks."

When Halloween came, people dressed in their costumes, got their last minute candy, and got ready to go to their evening events. Fluttershy stared out her window, and saw everyone looking like they were having fun.

"Why do people like Halloween anyway?" she asked herself.

Angel hopped over to her, and nuzzled her. She smiled, and pet him. Then there was a knock at her door.

"Who is it? And if this is another prank Zephyr go away."

"It's me, sweetie." called her dad's voice.

"Oh, come in, Dad."

Mr. Shy opened the door, and revealed he was holding their house's candy bowl.

"Listen, Fluttershy, I hate to ask you this but can you run out to the store and pick up another bag of candy."

"Me? Why can't you do it, or mom, or Zephyr?"

"Your mom's in the shower, Zephyr's at a party, and I have to take an important phone call for work. Please Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy sighed and then agreed. So she left her house, got on her bike, and biked to the store.

There it was slim pickings, but she managed to find a couple good sized bags. After paying for them, Fluttershy started biking back home. As she biked, she looked around. Lots of people were smiling, laughing, and having fun.

It didn't look very scary.

"Huh, maybe Halloween isn't so bad." she thought.

When she got home, she gave the bags of candy to her dad.

"Thanks for getting these, Fluttershy." Mr. Shy told her.

"No problem, Dad."

A few minutes later, Mr. and Mrs. Shy handed out candy to the trick or treaters. Then Fluttershy brought something up they weren't expecting.

"You know, guys. Maybe Halloween isn't as bad as I thought."

That surprised the couple.

"Why Fluttershy this is very unexpected of you." Mrs. Shy told her.

"And I was wondering...would it be okay if I went out with my friends tonight?"

That surprised the two even more.

"Well...that's fine with us. Just as long as you're home by your curfew." Mr. Shy replied.

"Thanks, bye."

After giving them both quick kisses, she dashed out of her house, and to her bike.

She rode to Twilight's house, and rang the doorbell. Twilight Velvet answered it, and allowed her to come in and go up to Twilight's room. As she made her way up the stairs, she ran into Spike.

"Hey Fluttershy. What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Hi, Spike. I came to be with my friends." she informed.

"But Twilight said you'd be staying home tonight. You hate Halloween."

"I know, but...maybe it isn't so bad."

"Well with your friends I can bet your views will change."

In Twilight's room, the girls were sitting on Twilight's bed with the lights out, and telling their scary stories. Applejack was holding a flashlight in her face, and finishing her story.

"...and they say if you go into the cemetery on the anniversary of her death, you'll see her wandering around."

"Good story, Applejack." complimented Twilight.

"Very creepy." Rarity added.

Just then the door opened, and the girls shrieked.

"Hi, girls." Fluttershy greeted.

The other girls turned and saw Fluttershy standing in the doorway with Spike.

"Fluttershy, what are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, we thought you said you were going to stay home." Pinkie added.

"I was...but then I decided to join you guys in your Halloween activities. That is...if you'll still have me."

Her friends smiled at her.

"Of course you can join us, darling." Rarity told her.

"We're glad to have you." added Twilight.

Fluttershy smiled, and felt happy.

After sitting through one more scary story, which wasn't too bad to Fluttershy, the girls and Spike went to Rarity's house to get their costumes.

"But I don't have a costume to change into." Fluttershy mentioned.

"Don't worry, darling." Rarity assured her.

"I have many different outfits you can wear."

When they got to her house, the girls got their costumes. Twilight was going to be a wizard, Pinkie was going to be a cheerleader, Applejack's costume was a scarecrow, Rainbow Dash choose to be Daring Do, Rarity was going to be a princess, and Spike dressed up as dragon.

"Now I have many different types of outfits and other pieces of clothing. So you just pick somethings out."

As the other girls got dressed, Fluttershy put together a last minute costume.

A few minutes later, the girls were already dressed and waiting for Fluttershy.

"I wonder what she'll be." thought Rainbow Dash.

Just then, the door to the bathroom opened, and Fluttershy stepped out. She was wearing a dress with frills, knee socks, black shoes, and had her hair in braids.

"Well...what do you think?" she asked them.

"Your costume's cute, Fluttershy." said Applejack.

"But what are you supposed to be?" wondered Spike.

"I'm a doll. What do you think?"

The others smiled at her.

"It's a great costume, Fluttershy." said Twilight.

"You look great." added Pinkie.

"Absolutely adorable." Rarity complimented.

"Ya look great." told Applejack.

"Awesome." Rainbow Dash replied.

Fluttershy smiled at the compliments, and then they all left.

They went to the a local Halloween party at the park.

"See Fluttershy? Looks like fun, huh?" asked Spike.

She looked around, and saw many people of all ages having fun.

"Yes, it does."

"So what should we do first?" asked Twilight.

"Ooh, let's start with a hayride." Pinkie suggested.

"Good idea, that way Fluttershy can see everything." said Rainbow Dash.

And off they went, luckily they were able to catch it before it left. They rode around, and took in the sights. There was a bouncy house, games, food, and a corn maze.

"You have any ideas what you wanna do next, Fluttershy?" wondered Applejack.

"Hmm, why don't we try the corn maze?"

The girls looked at each other nervously.

"Uh, are you sure, Fluttershy?" Rarity questioned.

"There may be some jump scares and other creepy things." Twilight mentioned.

Fluttershy looked thoughtful for a moment. Was she ready for such a step? But she'd come this far, and she did have her friends with her.

"I can do it." she told them with a small smile.

And the others smiled back.

After the hayride, the girls and Spike went to the maze. Mr. Cake was in charge of letting people in.

"Hello girls, happy Halloween." he greeted.

"Happy Halloween, Mr. Cake." replied Pinkie.

"Step on it, and enjoy."

And they all entered the maze. As they walked, smoke began to fill the air, giving the atmosphere a more spooky feeling.

"Remember Fluttershy, if you start to feel scared just tell us." Twilight informed.

"Okay."

They continued on, and creepy music started playing, and just then some skeletons popped out of nowhere. The girls shrieked, but then snapped out of it.

"It's just some decorations. No biggie." told Rainbow Dash.

"Oh right, just decorations." Fluttershy replied.

They walked further into maze, until they came to a fork in the maze.

"Which way should we go?" wondered Applejack.

"Left." Rarity, Pinkie, and Twilight said.

"Right." Rainbow Dash piped up.

"Well I also pick right, so Fluttershy either you be a tie breaker or we split up."

They all looked at her, and Fluttershy made her decision.

"Well...I choose right."

"Then I guess we're splitting up."

And they split up.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy went down the right path, the creepiness continued. When they turned a corner, they saw a black coffin.

"W-what's in there?" Fluttershy asked.

"I don't know." replied Applejack.

Just then, there was a tapping sound coming from inside the coffin.

"I think we should go now." Rainbow Dash said.

The girls turned around, and hurried off. They went down another way, and saw some jack-o-lantern bowls. All of them said free candy.

"Don't mind if I do." Rainbow Dash thought.

"I wouldn't mind a treat." Fluttershy added.

"Me neither." said Applejack.

They each reached into one of the bowls, but was meant with a not so good surprise. They felt something gooey, cold, and slimy. The girls pulled out their hands in disgust.

"Gross." replied Fluttershy.

"Yuck, that definitely ain't candy." Applejack remarked.

"Come on, let's get out of here." Rainbow Dash told.

After a while, the girls managed to get out of the maze.

"How'd it go with you guys?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well we ran into spider webs, a ghost, and a talking skull." said Twilight.

"It was really creepy and scary." Pinkie added.

"Not to mention a little messy." Rarity replied.

The girls then looked at Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, how're you feelin'?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, we understand if you want to go home." added Twilight.

But to their surprise, she smiled, and replied.

"Actually, I'm okay."

The girls were surprised.

"Really?" asked Pinkie.

"Sure the maze was a little creepy, but to be honest it was sorta fun."

Fluttershy then explained that rush of adrenaline felt pretty good, and besides she was having a good time with her friends.

"Well I say let's enjoy the rest of the festival." declared Rainbow Dash.

And they all hurried off to enjoy their Halloween.

Parents Night

One day at school, the girls were hanging out in the hallway, before class.

"So any ideas what movie we're gonna see?" asked Twilight.

"What about a romantic comedy?" Rarity piped up.

"Forget that, let's see an action movie." Rainbow Dash suggested.

Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash. Sometimes it was hard to believe that the two were friends. They didn't have much in common, Rarity liked fancy, delicate, and classy things while Rainbow Dash liked sports, getting down and dirty, and being rough.

"Well I say we see a good western." Applejack intervened.

"Or maybe a comedy." Pinkie said.

Just then, the bell rang and they all went to their classes.

Classes went on normally, and then an announcement came on over the speakers.

"Attention students." said Principal Celestia.

"This is a reminder that the school will be having it's bi-annual parents' night."

Hearing that made the students start chattered. Some were annoyed, others were terrified, and some didn't look phased at all.

"Oh great." grumbled Rainbow Dash.

In Rarity's classroom, she had just heard the news.

"Oh dear." she groaned.

"I can't wait to show my parents the library." said Twilight.

"I'm sure the teachers will tell my parents what a great student I am." Pinkie hoped.

"This is gonna be a nightmare." groaned Rainbow Dash.

"Why?" asked Fluttershy.

"When my parents come they'll know that I sometimes fall asleep in class. Not to mention they'll probably embarrass me by acting like them."

"I'm facing the same dilemma." Rarity confessed.

The other girls looked at her confused. What would Rarity have to worry about?

"While most of my grades are fine, my parents are just so...country-like. No offense, Applejack."

"Non taken. And ya'll are making a big deal out of nothing." Applejack replied.

"That's easy for you to say, Applejack." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Your grandma works here."

"That's true." replied Fluttershy.

"I guess so. But still, we're good girls and it's just one night."

"Applejack's right. It's just one night." Twilight agreed.

The others also agreed, and went on with their day.

When the day of the parent teacher night came, most of the students were a little on edge. Others tried to kiss up to their teachers, or try to be on the absolute best behavior. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Rarity were still worried about that night.

"Maybe I'll get lucky and my one of my parents will come down with something and they'll have to miss the night." Rarity hoped.

"Well if that happens be sure to have one of them sneeze on my parents." Rainbow Dash told.

Rarity giggled, and they walked on.

That night, all the parents arrived. Twilight happily took her parents to Mr. Cranky Doodle's class, and let them meet him.

"Twilight's a good student. Behaves well in class, and does well with her schoolwork." Mr. Cranky Doodle told them.

"That's wonderful to hear." said Night Light.

"We're very proud of her." Twilight Velvet added.

In Miss Matilda's class, Pinkie brought her parents to meet her.

"Mom and Dad, meet Miss Matilda." Pinkie introduced.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Pie. It's a pleasure to have Pinkie in my class." Miss Matilda told.

"That is very good to hear." said Igneous Rock Pie.

"Her cooking skills are very good. Glad to know she's putting them to good use." Cloudy Quartz added.

Things were going fine with Applejack and Granny Smith, since Granny worked there, she pretty much knew everything about Applejack's classes, teachers, and school performance.

"Good job, Applajack. I knew your teachers would have nothing but good things to say about you." Granny Smith said.

"Aw shucks, thanks, Granny." Applejack replied.

"Now, I have to meet with Apple Bloom and Big Mac's teachers. I'll catch up with you later."

"Okay, Granny."

And she left. Applejack turned around, and saw Fluttershy coming out of a classroom with her parents.

"We're very proud of you, Fluttershy." said Mr. Shy.

"We knew that your teachers would have nothing but good things to say about you." Mrs. Shy added.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad." Fluttershy replied.

"Now we have to go meet with Zephyr's teachers. Hopefully his report will be better this time." hoped Mr. Shy.

And they walked off.

"Hey, Fluttershy. How's your night goin'?"

"Hi, Applejack. So far it's fine. My parents are impressed."

"So was Granny Smith. I wonder how the others are doin?"

With Rainbow Dash, she was standing in a classroom, while her parents talked to her teachers.

"Ah that's our girl." said Bow Hotfoot proudly, putting his arm around her.

"She's always been so bright, probably the brightest ever." Windy Whistles added, ruffling her daughter's hair.

Rainbow blushed in embarrassment. She didn't like it when her parents overly doted her like that.

"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom." Rainbow said, and she quickly hurried out of the classroom.

In the girls' room, Rainbow let out a long sigh.

"I hope this night will be over soon."

Just then, the door opened and another girl came in. She was wearing sunglasses and a big hat.

"Oh, hello Rainbow."

"Uh, do I know you?"

The girl took off her hat and sunglasses to reveal Rarity.

"It's me."

"Oh, hey, Rarity. Why are wearing that stuff at night or indoors?"

"I'm using a disguise so no one will connect me to my parents."

"That bad, huh?"

"You would not believe."

After a minute the two left the restroom, and went to find their parents.

Later on, Rarity was with her parents who were meeting Principals Celestia and Luna.

"Hello, I take it you're Rarity and Sweetie Belle's parents." Principal Celestia told him.

"You bet we are. Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles at your service." Hondo Flanks introduced, taking her hand and shaking it.

"Oh no." Rarity whispered to herself.

"Your girls are a pleasure to have." Luna informed.

"Why thank you, they get their charms from my side of the family." Cookie Crumbles bragged.

As her parents acted like themselves, Rarity decided to slip away. After taking a few steps, she heard a commotion. She looked, and saw Rainbow Dash looked humiliated, Bow Hotfoot clutching his back, and Windy Whistles was comforting him.

Rainbow also stepped away.

"What happened to your father, Rainbow?" Rarity asked.

"We were meeting with my soccer coach, and Dad tried to demonstrate one of his old signature moves and ended up hurting himself." Rainbow Dash explained.

"Wow."

"Yeah, embarrassing."

"That's nothing, my parents are giving the whole history of our family tree to the principals."

The two then looked at each other, then burst out laughing. While the two were different, they could agree on one thing that they had in common. Both got embarrassed by their families.

A Flurry Come Calling Part 1

It was a cold winter day in Canterlot City, and Twilight was out with her brother Shining Armor and her sister-in-law Cadance. The couple was expecting a baby that would be coming soon, and they had let Twilight come baby shopping with them.

Twilight had just picked out a small onesie, and held it up to Cadance large round belly.

"Thanks again for letting me come shopping with you guys." she told her.

"It's no problem, Twilight. We appreciate the help." Cadance replied, putting her hands on her belly.

Shining Armor then came over with armload of boxes.

"Okay, I got bottles, diapers, a car seat, and a high chair." he informed.

"Shining Armor, are you sure you can carry all that?" Twilight asked.

"Don't worry. I got it. Anything else we need?"

"(Giggles), I think that's enough for today." Cadance told him.

They paid for all the items, got in the car and left.

At school, Twilight and her friends were talking in one of their classes.

"So Twilight, any idea when Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have their baby?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"It's gonna be soon. My mom's hosting a baby shower for them at our house on Saturday. You girls are welcome to come." Twilight invited.

"That sounds nice." said Fluttershy.

"A party? I'm there!" Pinkie squealed.

"I'll come on 'round." Applejack piped up.

"And so will I." Rarity agreed.

Twilight smiled, the shower was already going to be fun, and having her friends there would make it better. When the teacher came in, they stopped talking and went back to work.

On Saturday, Twilight's house was ready for the shower. The living room was filled with pink and blue balloons, streamers, a banner that read "congratulations", and pictures of storks. Twilight was helping her mom, put out food for the guests.

"Okay, we got pigs in a blanket, fruit cups, and we've got a cake." Twilight Velvet said.

"Hey, can I have one of those pigs in a blanket?" asked Spike, as he jumped around.

"Spike..." Twilight told him.

"Come on, Twilight. I'm hungry." he begged.

Twilight sighed, rolled her eyes, and threw him a pig in a blanket.

"Thanks."

And Spike happily ate it. Night Light, who was coming in from the front yard smiled.

"Well I've got the sign put up, and look who's here."

Behind him were, Shining Armor and Cadance.

"Hey, Mom, Dad, Twily, Spike."

"The place looks great. Thanks for throwing this for us." Cadance added.

A while later, the rest of the guests arrived which included Twilight's friends, Principals Celestia and Luna, and some of Cadance and Shining Armor's co-workers.

The baby shower turned out to be a success. Everyone was having a good time, talking, eating the food, and congratulating the couple. Then it was time for presents. The couple received practical gifts like baby toys and diapers.

Other gifts included, baby shoes, clothes, gift cards, and Twilight Velvet and Night Light gave them a crib.

"Thank you everyone. The gifts are wonderful." Cadance told everyone.

"We know the baby will love them." Shining Armor added.

"Hey, look it's snowing." Pinkie informed.

They all looked outside, and saw snow was falling from the sky.

"It's so pretty." observed Cadance.

"I wonder how much snow we'll get this winter." thought Principal Celestia.

"I'm sure it'll be fine." Vice Principal Luna assured.

After the shower was over, the family waved off their guests.

That night, Night Light and Twilight Velvet were watching the news.

"And the forecast call for more snow, and we're looking at a possible blizzard forming." the weather man announced.

"A blizzard?" asked Night Light.

"A blizzard?" came another voice.

The couple looked over, and saw Twilight in her pajamas.

"Twilight, what are you still doing up?" wondered Twilight Velvet.

"I was just getting a drink of water. I wonder if it'll affect school?"

After they all went to sleep, the snow continued to fall. And the next morning, they woke up to a blanket of snow on the ground.

As the days went by, snow kept coming and coming down. Twilight and her friends were having fun playing in it. They had snowball fights, made snowmen, and made snow forts. School even had to be closed a couple of times.

Then eventually the blizzard came. The temperature dropped really low, the wind blew hard, and snow, hail, and rain fell from the sky. The power got knocked out for a couple days, but luckily the citizens were prepared.

They bought food, candles, batteries, logs, and extra blankets. They stayed warm, played games, and waited out the storm. Eventually the power came back, and everyone was overjoyed.

One day, Shining Armor received a call from one of his friends, Spearhead, who lived outside the city. A tree had fallen down in his driveway, and he needed help getting it out of the way. So Shining Armor offered to help out, and Cadance, Twilight, and Spike decided to tag along.

After driving out of town, they arrived at Spearhead's house. Spearhead offered them hot chocolate, and while Twilight and Cadance had some, Shining Armor helped him with the tree while Spike watched.

"Thanks again for helping me out with this, Shining Armor." said Spearhead, as they removed the tree.

"No problem, Spearhead. Always happy to help." Shining Armor replied.

After safety moving the tree out of the driveway, they had a little more hot chocolate and conversation, and then got ready to leave.

"Thanks again." Spearhead called.

"No problem Spearhead. I'll call you later." Shining Armor called back, as he helped Cadance into the car.

Once everyone was buckled up, they were off.

"It was fun running around in the fresh snow." Spike said.

"Yeah, thanks for bringing us along." told Twilight.

"It's fine Twilight." Shining Armor replied.

Things were going smoothly, until the car started to sputter, and then came to a stop.

"What happened?" wondered Cadance.

"Don't worry, this won't take long." Shining Armor assured.

He got out of the car, and popped the hood.

"Hmm, it looks like the engine blew a gasket. We're gonna have to call a tow truck." he informed.

They all pulled out their phones, but there was no signal.

"Oh no, we must be too far out to pick anything up." Twilight.

"This isn't good." replied Spike.

"Don't worry, guys we're gonna be okay." Shining Armor told them.

Suddenly, Cadance felt something in her belly, and clutched it.

"Uh, guys, I think we have another problem." she piped up

A Flurry Coming Calling Part 2

"Cadance, what's wrong?" Shining Armor asked.

"I...I think the baby's coming." Cadance told.

Hearing that made Shining Armor, Twilight, and Spike freeze.

"Now? Are you serious?" Twilight piped up.

"What are we gonna do?" Spike wanted to know.

"All right, all right calm down everyone." Shining Armor urged.

Then he turned his attention towards his wife.

"Honey, are you having any contractions?"

"Not yet, but don't worry we have some time." Cadance replied.

"Okay, now we need to find a ride."

"Maybe we should go back to Spearhead's house, and ask if we can borrow his car." suggested Twilight.

"Good idea, Twilight."

Shining Armor helped Cadance out of the car, and they walked back to Spearhead's house.

Luckily, Spearhead was able to lend them their his car.

"Thanks again Spearhead." Shining Armor said.

"It's no problem. "I'll call someone about your car and give the information to you." Spearhead told him.

They all piled into the car, and drove off.

"How're you doing Cadance?" asked Twilight.

"I'm fine." Cadance replied.

Just then a contraction hit her, and she started breathing. Twilight, Shining Armor, and Spike all looked at her concerned.

"Don't worry...(breaths), I'm still fine."

They continued on, but then they came to another obstacle. They ran into some traffic, and according to a sign it was due to an accident.

"Oh no, this isn't good." Cadance observed.

"Any idea how long it'll take to get through this?" Spike wondered.

Shining Armor looked at the sign, and saw that it read 15-20 minutes. This wasn't going to work, Cadance needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

Just then, Twilight saw a familiar face out the window. It was Pinkie Pie with her family in their car, and it looked like they were getting ready to pull of the road. She quickly rolled down the window, and shouted her name.

Pinkie heard the voice, and saw Twilight.

"Hey, Dad stop the car for a minute." Pinkie told.

The car did, and she got out, as did Twilight.

"Hey, Twilight. This is a surprise." "Pinkie, is your family getting off this road?"

"Yeah, my dad knows another way."

"Listen we need your help. Cadance is in labor, and we need to get her to the hospital."

Pinkie looked back at the car Twilight came out of, and saw Shining Armor, Cadance, and Spike.

"Say no more Twilight."

Pinkie told her parents about the situation, and they allowed Shining Armor to follow them.

They drove down another road, and things were once again going smoothly. When they got close to different roads, they stopped for a minute.

"Thanks again, Mr. Pie." Shining Armor told him.

"It is no problem." replied Igneous Rock Pie.

"Be sure to call me when the baby's born, Twilight!" Pinkie shouted.

"Don't worry, I will." Twilight called back.

And they went down the separate roads.

"Whew, glad we ran into your friend, Twilight." said Cadance.

"So am I."

"Are you okay, Cadance?" Spike questioned.

"Don't worry, the contractions are still pretty far apart." Cadance assured.

Things were going fine, but then they hit another snag. The gas tank signal, began flashing.

"Uh oh. We're almost out of gas." Shining Armor informed.

"(Sighs), well this baby sure picked a good day to come." Twilight complained.

"You said it, Twilight." Cadance agreed, rubbing her belly.

Just then, another contraction hit her. She cringed, and began breathing.

"Hold on, Cadance. We just have to get more gas." Shining Armor assured.

They drove around, and then found a gas station.

"Oh, what luck." Shining Armor sighed.

He pulled into it, but to his shock and horror, all the stations were out of gas, and the store was closed.

"Oh no." whispered Spike.

"This can't be happening." groaned Shining Armor.

Luckily, phone service was back, and Twilight was able to get on the Internet.

"It looks like the nearest hospital is about forty-five minutes away."

"That's great, Twilight. But without enough gas we may get stuck on the side of the road." Shining Armor told her, as he tried to comfort Cadance.

Just then, Twilight heard a familiar sound coming towards them. They all saw Granny Smith's truck. Thinking quickly, Twilight and Spike dashed out of the car, and began waving them down. When Granny saw them, she quickly stopped the truck.

Applejack poked her head out of the window.

"Twilight, Spike what are ya'll doing here?"

"Applejack, Cadance is in labor, we're almost out of gas, the station's closed, and the hospital is still a ways away." Twilight explained breathlessly.

"Can you help?" Spike asked.

"Well luckily, we always keep a spare gallon of gas in the back." Granny told them.

They drove into the station, and Applejack filled their tank.

"Thanks for this, Granny Smith and Applejack." Shining Armor said.

"Not a problem, ya'll. Now you get to the hospital." she replied.

And with that they were off again.

Twilight got on the phone with her parents and informed them of the situation and where they were.

"We'll get there as soon as we can, Twilight." Night Light on the other line.

As she hung up, they pulled into the hospital parking lot. After parking, Shining Armor helped Cadance out of the car, and they all went inside, except for Spike who had to stay outside.

After getting checked in a nurse brought a wheelchair for Cadance and escorted the couple up to another floor.

In the waiting room, Twilight was texting her friends about the baby coming. A couple minutes later, Twilight Velvet and Night Light arrived.

"Twilight, do you know what's happening?" Twilight Velvet wanted to know.

"They went up a while ago, so far nothing." she informed.

They all continued waiting, and about an hour later, a doctor came into the room.

"Anyone here with Shining Armor and Cadance?" she asked.

The three quickly stood up.

"We are." said Night Light.

"Cadance is doing very well, and has just given birth to a healthy girl."

The three were filled with joy, when they heard that.

"You can go up and see them."

"I'll be right there." Twilight told her parents.

She hurried outside to tell Spike.

"Twilight, what's going on? Did Cadance have the baby?" he wanted to know.

"Yes, Spike. I'm an aunt now, she had a girl."

"Oh boy." said Spike wagging his tail.

Up in her hospital room, Cadance was lying in bed, wearing a green hospital gown, and holding her new baby.

"You were great, Cadance." Shining Armor told her softly.

"Thanks, it was hard but worth it." Cadance replied, as she rocked the baby.

The door slowly opened, and the rest of the family came in.

"Hey." Night Light greeted quietly.

Shining Armor invited them over to see the baby. Twilight looked and saw that the baby was pink, had tufts of purple and blue hair, and had blue eyes.

"She's beautiful." she observed.

"Come to your grandma." Twilight Velvet urged.

Cadance carefully handed her her new granddaughter.

"So what's her name?" Night Light wanted to know.

"Well we decided to name her, Flurry Heart." Cadance informed.

"Because of the weather." Shining Armor mentioned.

"Speaking of which looks like it's starting to snow again." Twilight informed.

And sure enough out the window, a flurry was coming down.

Pinkie's Present Hunt

At had been a couple weeks since Flurry Heart was born, and things were going pretty well. Twilight and her friends were at the park, she was showing them pictures of her on her phone.

"Aw, she's cute." gushed Fluttershy.

"She really is precious." Rarity added.

"Thanks guys, she really is a good baby." Twilight said.

"Well I girls, I hate to cut our time together short, but I have to run." Pinkie told.

"Gee whiz, Pinkie, what's the rush?" asked Applejack.

"Maud's birthday is coming."

Maud was Pinkie's favorite sister, so this was a big deal for Pinkie.

"I have help plan out her party."

"That sounds like fun." Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"Yeah, I wish you girls could come but Maud likes to keep these things small." Pinkie told them.

"We understand." Twilight replied.

And with that, Pinkie said goodbye and hurried home.

That evening at the Pie home, Maud was in her room doing her homework.

"Don't worry, Boulder. I'm almost finished." Maud told her pet rock.

Boulder just sat there like rocks do. Just as she finished her work, Pinkie burst into her room.

"Hey, Maud are you ready to tell us what you want for your birthday? Mom and Dad and I need to know now."

"Yeah, I'm ready."

And she got up from her desk, and followed her sister. In the kitchen, the family gathered around the table to discuss the party.

"Well Maud, since your birthday has fallen on a Saturday this year you'll be able to have things you can't normally have on a weekday." Igneous Rock told her.

"Do you know what you want?" Cloudy Quartz questioned.

"Well..." Maud started.

"Go on Maud, we're all ears." Pinkie encouraged, holding a pen and notepad.

"Hey, Pinkie let her talk." Limestone urged.

"Oops sorry."

"It's okay Pinkie. First I want to eat Mom's famous pancakes for breakfast, then I want to go to the new gem and rock museum, then see a comedy show, and lastly I want to have dinner at a nice restaurant." Maud informed.

"If that's what you want to do, Maud then it's done." promised Pinkie.

The following day, Pinkie took the money she had in her savings, and went to the mall.

"Okay, Agent Pinkie this is your mission that you've chosen to accept, is to find the perfect birthday present for your sister." she told herself.

She walked up and down, scanning the different stores.

"Now let's see, which store is right?" Pinkie popped into a store that sold clothes. She looked through the racks, but none of them seemed to scream "Maud".

In another store that sold trinkets, Pinkie saw some nice things. But unfortunately, Maud already had some of the items. She tried another store, but nothing in there was good enough either.

"(Groans), there must be something that's good enough for Maud." she complained.

And then a store caught her eye, it was a store that was selling pouches.

"Hmm."

She went into it, and saw the different sized pouches and all the different colors and patterns they came in.

"Oh my gosh! These are perfect."

One of these pouches would be the perfect present for Maud. Maud liked to carry Boulder around with her, usually in her pocket. But sometimes carrying him in her pocket was a little inconvenient, so a pouch would be perfect.

Now it was just a matter of choosing one. Pinkie looked each pouch over, they were all pretty. But she hadn't found one that screamed Maud. And just then, she spotted one. It was indigo, had yellow stars on it, and had red tie-strings.

"That's perfect."

She looked at the price, and then her heart dropped. The pouch cost $45.98, and she only had $32.68.

"Oh drat. Where have the rest of my money gone?"

She then thought back to times where she spent money so frivolously. Glitter bombs, an air pump for making balloon animals, and a whoopie cushion she just couldn't resist.

"Aw man."

At school, Pinkie told her friends about her dilemma.

"It's simple, Pinkie." Applejack told her.

"You just gotta earn some extra dough."

"But Maud's birthday is on Saturday, will I have enough time?" Pinkie worried.

"I'm sure if you explain everything to Mr. and Mrs. Cake they'll give you a raise." Twilight advised.

"Maybe."

After school, at the Sweet Shoppe Pinkie went to speak to her bosses.

"Okay, Pinkie Pie, you're going to go up to them tell them your situation and ask for a raise." Pinkie told herself.

But when she went back, she saw the Mr. and Mrs. Cake were running around frantically.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cake?" she asked confused.

"Oh Pinkie, you're here." said Mr. Cake.

"Is something wrong?"

"Things have been going crazy we got a big order for a sweet 16 birthday party, the twins are starting to teethe, and we're running behind on today's order." explained Mrs. Cake.

Pinkie then felt uncertain. She didn't feel right about asking for more money when the two were already so frazzled. So she just went to work.

Back at her house, Pinkie debated on what to do.

"There must be a way to get the rest of the money." she thought to herself.

She decided to ask her family for advice. First she went to Limestone.

"Hey Limestone, what are you getting Maud for her birthday?"

"If you must know, Pinkie I'm giving her a polishing set for her rock collection."

"That's nice, where'd you get the money for it?"

"I got it on sale."

Pinkie had to admit that was smart, but that wouldn't help her situation. Then she went to Marble, and found out she got her a book about rocks. It was simple and didn't cost that much. And then she went to her parents for advice.

"Mom, Dad how did you guys afford Maud's birthday present?" she wondered.

"We're not getting her anything too expensive, and nothing that won't cause a big dent in our finances." Igneous Rock told her.

"Oh."

"Pinkamena, do you need money?" Cloudy Quartz wanted to know.

"Oh, no it's okay. I can figure this out." Pinkie assured, and she hurried back to her room.

The couple looked at each other concerned.

Pinkie realized that she needed to find another way to get the rest of the money and quickly. But how? After some pondering, she looked to Gummy for advice.

"Do you have any ideas Gummy?"

Gummy blinked his eyes, and stuck out his tongue.

"That's it! I can just take up some other jobs to get the money."

And so she had to get started right away.

The following day, Pinkie found some small jobs to do. She shoveled a driveway for a neighbor and got $10, then she helped out Miss Matilda by carrying her groceries, and she gave her $5, and then she offered to babysit Pound and Pumpkin Cake while Mr. and Mrs. Cakes caught up on things.

They were so grateful, they paid her $25 for now, and even promised to give her some time off.

After counting all the money, she had more than enough to buy the rock pouch. She hurried back to the mall, and to that specific store. But to her horror, the pouch had already been bought. She felt crushed, disappointed, and somber.

She quickly left the store, and ducked into the nearest ladies' room. Pinkie went into a stall, and cried for a while.

Once she got herself together, she decided to just get a random pouch from the store. It was dark purple and had black drawstrings, she even got it boxed up and wrapped.

"(Sighs), I hope this is just as good as the last one."

And then she went home.

On the day of Maud's birthday, everything went to plan. The family had pancakes for breakfast, then went out to the gem and rock museum, afterwards they had lunch and saw the comedy show.

They went back home, rested for a while. And when evening came, they went out to dinner. After eating their meal, Maud was given her presents. Limestone gave her the polishing set, Marble gave her the book, and Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz got her a joke book and a scale so she could weigh her rocks.

"Thank you for the gifts." Maud told her family. "Pinkie, where's your present?" Limestone wanted to know. Pinkie looked down at her gift nervously, and then handed it to Maud.

"Happy birthday, Maud." she told her.

"Thanks, Pinkie." Maud said, as she took the gift.

She tore off the paper, opened the box, and pulled out the rock pouch. Maud looked it over, and then at her sister. Pinkie looked very nervous as she waited for Maud's response.

"Thanks, I really like it." Maud replied.

Pinkie couldn't believe her ears.

"Really?"

"Yes, it's the perfect pouch for Boulder."

"A-are you sure. Cause there was this other pouch that was really cute but it was out of my price range. But by the time I got the money together it was already sold..."

Maud stopped her sister.

"It's okay Pinkie. The price doesn't matter when it comes to gifts. And I appreciate what you did to try and get it. I love it, and I love you too."

And then she smiled her little smile. Pinkie's eyes filled with happy tears, and she threw her arms around sister.

"Happy birthday, Maud."

Babysitter Twilight

Spring was arriving in Canterlot City. The sun was staying out later, buds and plants were starting to grow again, and the animals were coming back. Twilight was biking through the park with Spike, enjoying the new season.

"(Sighs), I love springtime." she said.

"Me too." Spike told her.

As they biked down the path, Twilight's cell phone rang. Twilight pulled off the path, and answered her phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Twilight?"

It was her mom.

"Oh, hi Mom. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you could swing by the store and pick up some peas? Shining Armor and Cadance are coming over."

"Sure Mom, no problem."

And Twilight hung up the phone.

"What's going on, Twilight?" asked Spike.

"Shining Armor and Cadance are coming over, so we have to get peas."

"Are they gonna bring Flurry Heart?"

"Of course they are." "Great, this'll be my first time meeting her."

Spike wasn't able to meet Flurry when she was born, because being a dog he wasn't allowed inside the hospital. On the way back, Twilight got the peas, and headed home.

Back at her house, Twilight helped her mom cook dinner, and then the doorbell rang. Night Light answered the door, and Twilight heard the voices of her brother, sister-in-law, dad, and the babbling of her baby niece.

When she finished her task, she quickly went out to greet them. But when she went into the other room, she was surprised at what she saw. Shining Armor and Cadance looked to be frank, awful. Both of them had bags under their eyes, both of their hair slightly messy, and she could see that Shining Armor hadn't shaved in a while.

"Cadance, Shining Armor...how nice to see you guys." she told them.

"Hey, Twily." greeted Shining Armor tiredly.

The two hugged, and then Twilight went over Cadance, who was holding baby Flurry, who was wrapped in a blue blanket.

"Hi, Cadance. And there's my favorite niece."

She then ticked the baby's cheeks, and Flurry Heart giggled.

The evening went well, and Spike was happy to meet the new baby. He wanted to kiss her, but they told him it wasn't a good idea yet.

"So how's life with a baby?" asked Twilight Velvet.

"Oh, it's great. But also very tiring." Shining Armor told his mother.

"I can understand. Maybe you two need a little break." Night Light suggested.

"A day to ourselves does sound nice, but don't have a sitter." Cadance mentioned.

"Do you think you guys could do it, maybe next week?" Shining Armor asked.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet looked at each other.

"Well we would, but unfortunately I have to get ready for a meeting at work." Twilight Velvet told.

"And I have to help out Hondo Flank with his sink." Night Light informed.

"I could do it." Twilight offered.

Everyone looked at her.

"That's very generous, Twilight. But are you sure you can? You've never babysat before." Cadance wondered.

"Don't worry, I can handle her. Besides, you do want a day off right?"

Before they could answer, Flurry tugged on Cadance's hair, and Shining Armor suddenly got a whiff of her dirty diaper.

"Okay, you're hired." Shining Armor replied.

Twilight smiled happily.

At school the next day, she told her friends about babysitting her niece for the first time.

"That's great, Twilight." Rarity told her.

"Thanks, I can't wait to watch Flurry." Twilight said.

"You think you can handle it? Babies can be a handful." Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"I should be, Flurry's supposed to be a good baby."

"Besides Flurry's just one baby. I have to babysit the Cake Twins and those are two babies at once." Pinkie mentioned.

"That's a point." Fluttershy piped up.

"Don't worry, I can take care of Flurry." Twilight replied confidentially.

"Well if you need any help just give us a call." Pinkie told her.

When the day came, Twilight was ready. Her parents were waiting for Shining Armor and Cadance to arrive before they left.

"Are you sure you'll be handle to things, Twilight?" asked Night Light.

"Why does everyone think I can't handle babysitting a baby?" Twilight wanted to know.

"It's just that taking care of a baby is a big responsibility." Twilight Velvet replied.

"I'm responsible."

"It's true, I mean taking care of puppy is a big responsibility but I'm here living the best life." Spike piped up.

"That's true." Twilight told her parents.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet had to agree on that. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Night Light answered it. Outside stood Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart.

"Hello everyone." greeted Cadance.

Flurry Heart babbled happily in her arms.

"You two ready for your day off?" Twilight Velvet asked.

"You bet, are you ready to babysit, Twilight?" Shining Armor wanted to know.

"You bet."

"All right, here's her baby bag there are at least 20 diapers in it, a container of baby formula, a couple bottles, some jars of baby food, extra baby clothes, her blanket, a couple of her toys, and anything else you'll need." Cadance told her.

And she set the big bag on the floor.

"Don't worry, I got this covered." Twilight assured, as she took Flurry from her.

"We're going to lunch, and then downtown. If you need anything just call us." Shining Armor told her.

"The same for us, Twilight. If anything at all happens or if you need help you can give either one of us a call." Night Light added.

"I will."

After some hugs and kisses, the adults left leaving Twilight alone with Flurry and Spike.

"All right, Flurry it's just you and me now." Twilight said to her niece.

"And me." Spike piped up.

Since Flurry was being pretty quiet, Twilight decided to just watch a little TV while Flurry lied on the floor on a blanket. Things were going well, but then Flurry started crying.

"What's wrong, Flurry?" Spike asked her.

Twilight picked her up, and cradled her.

"Are you hungry? Or do you need to be changed?" But Flurry continued to cry.

First Twilight whipped up a bottle, and put it into her mouth. To her relief, that's what she wanted. After she finished her bottle, Flurry started fussing. Luckily Twilight knew that Flurry just had gas, so she grabbed a towel, put it on our shoulder, and started patting Flurry's back.

After a minute, Flurry burped but she left a mess on the towel. She carefully put her niece down, and carefully took the messy towel away.

"Gross." she whispered as she threw it into the laundry basket.

Then she went back to the living room, and saw that Flurry was spitting up and had gotten her clothes, and she could smell something, and it didn't smell good.

"Time to change your diaper and give you a bath."

She grabbed Flurry, and took her upstairs to the bathroom. And Spike followed behind, dragging the handle of the diaper bag in his mouth.

In the bathroom, Twilight filled the sink with warm water, and then got Flurry out of her diaper and clothes, and got her cleaned up. Flurry smiled and cooed as Twilight got her cleaned up.

"You like this, huh Flurry?" Twilight asked.

"How's she liking the bath, Twilight?" Spike wondered, as he walked into the room.

"She sure is."

After getting her clean, she put a diaper on her, and got her in some clean baby clothes.

"There you go, Flurry. All clean up."

She then took her out of the bathroom, and went back downstairs. Flurry was quiet for a while, and Twilight and Spike decided to watch some TV. Things were going well, and then the phone rang.

"Hello?" asked Twilight, as she answered it.

It was Cadance.

"Hey, Twilight. I was just calling to check in."

"Oh everything's going fine."

"Flurry's not giving you any trouble?"

"No, no trouble at all."

"That's good, but fair warning when it's time for her nap she can be a little difficult."

"Don't worry, I can handle it." Twilight assured, and then hung up.

A while later, Flurry was hungry again, so Twilight fed her some mashed peas.

"All right, Flurry. It's all gone now."

She threw the empty jar in the trash, and then cleaned up her face. Then Flurry yawned, and started fussing.

"Looks like it's time for a nap."

Twilight knew that babies had to fall asleep on their own, and that it was supposed to be difficult. But Twilight was confident she could get the job done.

But after five minutes, things had gone south. Flurry was crying her head off, and nothing seemed to calm her down.

"Come on, Flurry, please go to sleep." Twilight begged.

But Flurry just kept crying. Spike was under the coffee table, holding his paws on his ears.

"When is she gonna fall asleep?" he asked.

"I'm trying to get her down."

She tried bouncing, rocking, and even singing.

"This isn't working."

Then she remembered something, Pinkie babysat she could help her. So she quickly got on her phone, and rang her up.

"Hey, Twilight? How's babysitting going?" asked Pinkie over the line.

"Listen Pinkie, I need your help."

"Tell me everything, Twilight."

"I'm trying to get Flurry to take nap, but she just won't fall asleep."

"Did you try bouncing?"

"Yes."

"Rocking?"

"Yes."

"Singing?"

"Yes."

"All right, then it's time for the one thing that'll make a baby sleep."

"I'm all ears."

"When all else fails, speed walking."

"What?"

"You hold Flurry in your arms, and just bounce and walk around with her until she falls asleep."

"You really think that'll work?" "Twilight, it's full proof."

"Thanks, Pinkie."

And then she hung up.

"All right, Flurry you're going to take nap now."

Flurry just fussed some more.

So for the next 15 minutes, Twilight walked around bouncing Flurry in her arms. Spike was following her all the way. Completely tired, Twilight looked down, and to her surprise Flurry was asleep.

"She's finally asleep Spike." she whispered.

"(Sighs), finally." Spike sighed, as he fell to the floor.

Twilight then carefully and quietly put Flurry in her little portable crib, and let her nap. She collapsed on the couch, and then fell asleep herself.

When she opened her eyes again, Flurry was awake, and cooing happily at Spike.

"Oh my gosh, Spike how long was I asleep?"

Spike looked at her, and answered,

"About thirty minutes. Flurry woke up about five minutes ago."

Twilight got up, and picked Flurry out of her portable crib.

"Did you have a good nap, Flurry?"

Flurry smiled and cooed at her. Just then, the front door opened and her parents, Shining Armor, and Cadance came in.

"We're back, Twilight." announced Night Light.

"Welcome back, everyone." Twilight greeted.

Shining Armor and Cadance happily went over, and took their baby.

"Flurry, we missed you very much." cooed Cadance.

"She wasn't too much trouble was she?" Shining Armor wondered.

"Oh, she wasn't too much trouble. For my first time babysitting."

After a little more talking, it was time for Shining Armor and his family to go.

"Thanks again for watching Flurry Twilight." Cadance told her.

"No problem, Cadance." Twilight replied.

Flurry then reached out to Twilight.

"Looks like your niece wants to say goodbye." observed Shining Armor.

Twilight took Flurry, and hugged her.

"I love you too, Flurry." she whispered.

Fluttershy Takes Charge

It was a nice spring afternoon, and Fluttershy was at the local animal shelter. She was a volunteer there, and loved being with all the animals. At the moment, she was getting ready to feed the dogs.

"All right, everyone, I have your lunch." she announced.

The dogs heard that and quickly hurried to her.

"(Giggles), okay, okay calm down. There's enough for everyone."

She filled up their bowls, and they all happily ate. Fluttershy smiled at them, and then she heard footsteps. She looked up, and saw Fauna, the head of the animal shelter.

"Everything going okay in here, Fluttershy?" she asked.

"Oh yes, Miss Fauna." Fluttershy replied.

"I'm glad you were able to come in. I really appreciate the extra help."

While the shelter had regular workers, Fauna appreciated that Fluttershy sacrificed her time to help out.

"It's no problem, I love being around all these cute little guys."

"Well when you're finished, the cats could use some more milk."

"No problem."

And off she went to do her next task.

Later on, Fluttershy came home.

"I'm home." she announced, as she walked through the door.

"Hello, Fluttershy." greeted Mrs. Shy.

"How was the animal shelter?"

"Oh it was great. I love being with all the animals."

Then she went upstairs to take a shower. As she grabbed her clothes, Angel hopped over to her, and nuzzled her leg.

"Hey, Angel I missed you too."

She then pat his head.

"I'll be right back."

And she went to get cleaned up. After her shower, she then spent some quality time with her pet.

At dinner, the family talked about their day.

"You know Fluttershy, have you ever considered working at the animal shelter?" Mr. Shy brought up.

"I have thought about it. But the shelter isn't hiring at the moment."

"Sounds like a good deal, Flutter Butter." Zephyr Breeze told her.

Fluttershy just playfully rolled her eyes, and continued to eat her food. That night, as Fluttershy was doing her homework, her cell phone rang. To her surprise, the caller ID said, Miss Fauna.

"Hello?"

"Oh, Fluttershy, glad you answered."

"What's going on?"

"Listen, something's come up and I have to leave town for a while."

"Oh my, is everything okay?"

"It's nothing too serious."

Fauna explained that her cousin broke her leg, and she had to go and help her out.

"I just need someone to keep an eye on things for about a week." "

And you want me to do it?"

"Well you're one of the people I'm calling."

"I'm not sure. This is really sudden."

"Just think about it. I have some other people to call."

"Okay."

And they both hung up.

The following day at school, Fluttershy told her friends about Fauna's request.

"Wow, are you gonna take it?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know. It's a pretty big responsibility." Fluttershy said.

"That's true." piped up Pinkie.

"I think you'd do a great job, Fluttershy." Twilight encouraged.

"Indeed, you love volunteering at the animal shelter." agreed Rarity.

"That's true, but I'm not really manager material."

Just then, she got an alert from her phone. She checked it, and saw that it was a text from Fauna. She opened it, and read the message.

"Fluttershy, I asked around, and everyone else is too busy to fill in for me. Please consider the offer." she read.

Fluttershy told her friends what the text said.

"So no one else can cover for her?" asked Twilight.

"No, looks like I'll have to do it." Fluttershy replied.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'm sure you'll do great." Applejack encouraged.

"Besides, Miss Fauna wouldn't have asked you to fill in for her if she didn't trust you." Twilight mentioned.

"That's true." said Fluttershy quietly.

That evening, she told her parents everything.

"Oh my, Fluttershy. This is wonderful." said Mr. Shy.

"I know, but I'm a little nervous." Fluttershy confessed.

"Don't worry, sweetie." Mrs. Shy started.

"We believe in you."

Fluttershy smiled a little. So she called Miss Fauna, and told her that she'd do it.

"Oh Fluttershy, thank you so much."

"You're welcome."

"Come by tomorrow after school, and I'll give you further instructions."

The next day, Fluttershy went to the animal shelter along with her friends and her mother.

"Thanks for coming with me, everyone." Fluttershy said.

"No problem, sweetheart." replied Mrs. Shy.

"Anything for a friend." told Twilight.

When they got to the animal shelter, they went inside where Miss Fauna was waiting for them. She explained to Fluttershy what needed to be done while she was gone.

"Okay, Fluttershy your responsibilities as acting manager will be to supervise the other workers, answer the phone, and help out with the adoptions." Fauna explained.

"Oh my, it seems like a lot." Fluttershy replied nervously.

"Try to not get overwhelmed. It may seem like a lot, but it really isn't."

After getting the rest of the instructions Fluttershy was told to report to the animal shelter Saturday morning at 7:00. And with that, she gave Fluttershy the keys.

"Okay, Miss Fauna. I won't let you down." Fluttershy replied.

"I know you'll do a good job." Fauna said.

And with that, they all left.

On Friday, Fluttershy was a complete nervous wreck. At school, she could barely pay attention in class. In math class, while Mr. Cranky Doodle was teaching, she was tapping her pencil on her desk rather loudly.

"Fluttershy." Mr. Cranky Doodle told her.

"Yes!?" she gasped.

Everyone looked at her curiously.

"Please keep the noise down."

"Yes sir."

Then he went back to teaching. In the cafeteria, she could barely eat her lunch.

"Fluttershy, darling, please try and eat something." Rarity urged.

"Yeah, it's gonna get cold." added Pinkie.

"Sorry, girls. I'm just really nervous about tomorrow." Fluttershy admitted.

"Calm down, Fluttershy. You can do this." Twilight encouraged.

"Just try to relax and eat you lunch." Applejack told her.

Fluttershy took a few deep breaths, and then began eating her food.

That night at her home, Fluttershy tried to calm herself down.

"Oh Angel, what if I can't do this?"

Angel hopped over to her, and cuddled and nuzzled her. Fluttershy smiled and hugged him back. The warmth of her pet, made her feel as ease. She then turned off the lights, and fell asleep with Angel in her arms.

The next morning, Fluttershy woke up feeling slightly calmer, and went to the bathroom. She waited for it to be free, she thought about what was in store for her today. When Zephyr opened the door, Fluttershy gasped.

"You okay there, sis?" he asked.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine." she told him.

"Nervous about your new job?"

"Maybe."

"Hey, relax Flutter Butter. You got this."

"Thanks."

Then she went into the bathroom. After she was cleaned up and dressed, Fluttershy went downstairs for breakfast. To her surprise, her mom had made pancakes.

"You made pancakes, my favorite."

"Yep, you're gonna need a good breakfast if you're going to work." Mrs. Shy explained.

"And I packed you a lunch." Mr. Shy informed.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad."

And she sat down and started eating. When she was finished, it was time for her to go.

"I'm gonna go now. Wish me luck." Fluttershy informed.

Her parents gave her a hug, while Zephyr gave her pat on the back. With that, Fluttershy got in her car and drove off.

When she arrived at the animal shelter, a few of the other workers were already there waiting for her.

"Morning everyone." she greeted shyly.

Everyone greeted her happily. Fluttershy smiled, and then unlocked the door. Everyone went inside, and went to their stations. In Fauna's office, Fluttershy sat in her chair and waited.

"Okay, so far so good." she told herself.

Then the phone rang, and she answered.

"Canterlot City Animal Shelter. You want to know if we have any young dogs? Yes we do. No problem, goodbye."

And she hung up.

"Well that was pretty simple."

As the day went on, things seemed to be going smoothly. Fluttershy signed adoption papers for the animals, took phone calls, and supervised the other workers.

"Being in charge isn't so bad." Fluttershy thought, as she walked down the hall.

Then she heard a commotion.

"What the?"

She hurried to the scene, and saw that in the room where they kept the smaller animals and saw that some rabbits had gotten out.

"What happened here?" she wanted to know.

"I was just trying to feed one of the rabbits, but then the others smelled the food and they started going crazy." a worker explained.

"Okay, okay." Fluttershy said trying to stay calm.

"Let's just try and get them back in their cages."

She helped the worker round out the rabbits, they didn't notice that a couple of them hopped out of the room.

The rabbits hopped down the hallway, and into another room. This happened to be the room where they kept the cats. The cats eyed the rabbits, and some of them managed to get out of their cages.

Just as the cats were about to pounce on the poor rabbits, some of the other workers saw the scene and quickly stopped nature.

"Whew, that was close."

"How did these rabbits get in here?"

"Beats me, but we better get them back to where they belong."

One took the rabbits back to their cages, and the other put the cats back.

After that little fiasco, things seemed to go back to normal. And they even managed to get a few creatures some new homes.

"All right, everyone. Lunch break." Fluttershy announced.

The other workers were glad to hear that, and went to get their lunches from the locker room. They all sat together in the break room, and talked.

"You're doing a good job, Fluttershy." complimented another worker.

"Thanks, even though we've had a couple hiccups today, I'm glad things are going better now." she told.

As they all ate, they didn't know that a storm was brewing outside.

When lunch break was over, everyone got back to work. Fluttershy walked back into Fauna's office, and noticed the weather outside. The sky was filled with dark clouds, and thunder could be heard in the distance.

"Uh oh, this isn't good." she said to herself.

Some animals didn't do well in thunderstorms. Soon enough, the storm was upon them. Rain fell, thunder roared, and lightning flashed. Some of the dogs began barking and howling. Fluttershy instructed some workers to try and calm them down, and she went to see how the other animals were doing.

"Everything okay in here?" she asked.

It was the room where they kept the rabbits and other smaller creatures.

"Don't worry, Fluttershy. Everything's fine in here." assured a female worker.

"Try and keep them calm."

And she went to another room.

"How are the cats doing?"

"They seem to be doing fine."

"But some of them are starting to get a little edgy."

"Try and keep them calm."

And she hurried to the dogs' room to check on things. Inside the dogs kept barking and howling. When another rumble of thunder boomed, the dogs started going crazier. Fluttershy immediately stepped in.

She went to the barking dogs, petted them, and spoke to them softly.

"It's okay, my little friends. It's just a thunderstorm, and I'm sure it'll be over soon."

Her words seemed to soothe them, and they calmed down.

Once the storm was over, all the animals were now as calm as can be.

"Whew, glad that's over." said Fluttershy.

"You did a good job, calming down the dogs." complimented a female worker.

"Yeah, you're good." added a male one.

Fluttershy smiled and blushed.

As the days went on, things went well at the animal shelter. Then eventually, Fauna came back. She was pleasantly surprised, when she got the report from Fluttershy that everything went well.

"We found lots of animals new homes."

"I'm glad to hear that. I also heard from the others that you did a good job as acting manager." Fluttershy blushed and smiled.

"I just did my best."

"In fact, I was wondering would you be interesting in working here?" Fauna offered.

"Really?"

"Yes, it'd be a pleasure to have you on the team."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Fluttershy squealed.

A Night To Remember

One day at school, the girls were in class when the morning announcements came on.

"Good morning students." Vice Principal Luna's voice came over the intercom.

It was the usual morning announcement stuff, then she said something that got the students' attention.

"Also we'll be having our annual fall formal dance in a few weeks. If you want to sign up for anything to help out visit the office. Thank you, and have a nice day."

The students began to chatter excitedly.

"Must be a school dance." whispered Twilight.

"It's not just a dance, it's one of the best dances of the year." Pinkie told her.

Then the teacher calmed everyone down, and started the lesson.

When class was over, Pinkie rushed out of the classroom, and hurried towards the office.

"She's in a hurry." Twilight observed.

"Of course, she is." said Applejack, walking up to her.

"Whenever there's a dance or something Pinkie likes to sign up to help out and decorate."

"Are you gonna help out too?" Twilight asked her.

"Yeah, I provide some of the refreshments. Along with Granny Smith."

"Hmm, maybe I could do something." Twilight thought.

"If ya wanna I say go for it." Applejack encouraged.

Twilight grew more thoughtful. Would it be fun to help out with the dance?

As the day went on, Twilight learned the rest of her friends were looking forward to the dance, and for different reasons. Rarity was looking forward to helping decorate and buying a new dress. Rainbow Dash was exciting for the big soccer game that was held in the day of the dance. And Fluttershy was looking forward to listening to the music and
dancing.

"It sounds like this dance will be a good time." Twilight told her friends, as they were in the hallway.

"It will be." Pinkie replied.

"Are you going to go to the dance, Twilight?" wondered Fluttershy.

"I think I'd like to. This would be my first school dance."

"Man, you're reaching a lot of milestones lately. Your first slumber party, your first dance." Rainbow Dash listed.

"(Chuckles), yeah, lots of new opportunities. Maybe I could even help out."

"Just go up to the office, I'm sure Principal Celestia will have a job for you." encouraged Rarity.

"Maybe I will."

At the end of the day, before leaving Twilight paid a visit to the principals’ office. She slowly opened the door, and peeked in. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna were going over some papers.

"Um, excuse me?" Twilight piped up.

"Twilight Sparkle, hello." Principal Celestia greeted.

"Do come in." added Vice Principal Luna.

"I was just stopping by to ask about the fall formal." Twilight informed, going in.

"Oh, are you interested in helping out?" Principal Celestia wondered.

"Probably. What kinds of things need to be done?"

"There are so many things." told Vice Principal Luna.

The two began listing the different tasks.

"There's decorating, catering, music coordinator, clean up crew, and the organizational coordinator."

"That organizational coordinator job sounds interesting." Twilight said.

"Luckily for you no one's signed up for that job yet." Principal Celestia
informed.

"What would I do for it?" asked Twilight.

"You make sure everyone's doing their job, that things are getting done, make sure things are running smoothly, and make sure the groups are corresponding with each other." Vice Principal Luna informed.

"Sounds like my cup of tea." Twilight told them.

"Then the jobs yours. Come by tomorrow morning before class, and we'll give you a list of things to do." Principal Celestia said.

"Great." Twilight replied smiling.

When she got home, Twilight hurried up to her room.

"Spike, I'm home." she announced, going inside.

Spike, who was relaxing on Twilight's bed quickly perked up at the sound of her voice.

"Twilight you're back." he said.

He jumped off the bed, and nuzzled her.

"Miss me?" she asked, petting his head.

"Yeah. How was school?"

"It was good. And guess what?"

"The school fall formal is coming up, and I'm gonna help out with it."

"Fall formal, is that like a dance?"

"Yep, I'm the organizational coordinator."

"What does that mean?"

"It means I'm in charge of making sure everything is running smoothly."

"That sounds right up your ally."

"I know."

That night at dinner, Twilight told her parents.

"That's nice." said Night Light.

"I'm glad to hear you're participating more at school." added Twilight
Velvet.

Twilight smiled at her parents’ approval. The next morning before going to class, Twilight stopped by the office
to get her list.

"Here you go, Twilight the fall formal list." Principal Celestia told her, giving her a clipboard with a piece of paper on it.

"Let's see, food preparation, decorations, music, tickets numbers."
Twilight read.

"Do you think you can do it all?" wondered Vice Principal Luna.
"I'll certainly try."

"We know you'll do a great job. You better get to class now." Principal
Celestia said.

And Twilight did so. Her first class went well, and when it was over, Twilight decided to get
started.

"Okay, first on the list is checking on the food preparation and
suppliers."

Since Applejack and Granny Smith were working on it, she decided to talk to her. She found her in the cafeteria with Granny Smith.

"Hey, Applejack, hi Granny Smith."

"Howdy Twilight. What's up?" Applejack asked.

"I'm the organizational coordinator for the dance, and I came to check on the food."

"So we report to you huh?" Granny Smith wondered.

"Uh, yeah I guess. So how's the food going?"

"So far so good." Granny replied.

"For drinks we'll providing fizzy apple cider and apple pastries."
Applejack informed.

"Is that's all that's being served?"

"No that's just we're providin' personally. Other things will include cupcakes and veggie sticks."

"Got it. Thanks for the information." said Twilight, and she wrote that down on the clipboard.

After her next class, she went to talk to Pinkie about the decorations.

She found her walking In the hallway.

"Hey, Pinkie." she called out.

"Hi Twilight, I heard you're helping out with the dance too." Pinkie said.

"Yep."

"That's fantastic, anything you need to know?"

"How do you plan to decorate the gym, and what's the theme of the dance?"

"Well since it's the fall formal, the theme is gonna be autumn. There's gonna be brightly colored leaves, pumpkins, hay, all that stuff."

"And how's all that coming along?" Twilight wanted to know.

"So far so good. I'll also be getting cupcakes for it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah, I work at the Sugarcube Corner. So my employers Mr. and Mrs.Cake are going to donate some." Pinkie explained.

"Good to hear."

And Twilight wrote that all down.

Over the next couple days Twilight checked on the different things for the dance, things were going fine, but then she ran into some bumps.

First it involved the food, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were having an disagreement.

Twilight discovered this when she found them arguing in the hallway.

"I'm just saying we don't need that many cupcakes." Applejack said.

"You can never have too many cupcakes." Pinkie protested.

"Whoa, guys, what's going on here?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Pinkie wants to order 15 dozen cupcakes, we don't need that many."
informed Applejack.

"This is a big school, what if we run out?" defended Pinkie.

"The school ain't that big."

"Please guys there's no need to fight." Twilight told them.

But before she could say anything else the bell rang, which meant it was time to go their next class.

"Oh boy. I'm gonna have to find a way to fix this." Twilight told herself.

During her next class, she decided to ask Rarity and Rainbow Dash for advice, but they were having a little argument themselves.

"Rainbow Dash, Rarity, what's going on?"

"Rainbow Dash wants to wear her soccer uniform to the dance." Rarity informed.

"It's not a bad idea. After winning the soccer match it'll be a sign of
victory." Rainbow Dash defended.

"The fall formal is a formal dance. So no sports uniforms."

"Girls, please."

Twilight quickly got in the middle of them.

"There's no reason to find I'm sure we can figure out a solution."

Then the teacher came in, so the solution would have to be put on hold. And the problems just kept on coming. Some of the people in charge of the music couldn't agree on what songs to play. Some wanted to change the theme, and they didn't know how many tickets to order. And since Twilight was the dance's organizational coordinator everyone came to her with the issues. Every time, she told them that she will handle it.

School couldn't end fast enough for Twilight, and when the final bell rang she hurried out of the school. Once her dad pulled up, she quickly got into the car.

"Hey, sweetie, how was school?" Night Light asked.

"Dad...can we just go home?"

Night Light was a little surprised, but drove back home nonetheless.

In her room, Twilight paced around.

"What to do, what to do?" she asked herself.

Spike came into the room, and was surprised to see her pacing like
that.

"Twilight, what's wrong?" he questioned.

"There are lots of issues with the dance planning. Decisions aren't getting made, people can't agree on things, and everyone's arguing."

"That's not good."

"And I'm the dance's organizational coordinator, it's my job to make sure everything goes smoothly. And so far I'm doing a terrible job."

She plopped down on her bed, and put her head in her hands. Feeling sorry for his girl, Spike jumped onto the bed, and nuzzled her. Twilight looked up, smiled a little, and petted his head.

"Thanks, boy. But I need to find a way to make this work, or I'm gonna disappoint everyone."

"You can do this Twilight. You're the most organized person I know." Spike encouraged.

Twilight thought about it, and then it came to her.

"You're right Spike. I just need to focus on one problem at a time. And I know just where to start."

She quickly grabbed her cell phone and made some phone calls.

A while later, she was on her bike pedaling to the Sugarcube Corner. When she went inside, she saw all her friends there.

"Guys, thanks for meeting me here." she told them.

"What's going on, Twilight?" asked Fluttershy.

"We really need to talk about the dance. I'm facing a lot of problems that need to be resolved, and I need your help."

Twilight told them all the problems she had to settle, and some of the girls looked sheepish.

"I guess some of that's my fault." Applejack confessed.

"Yeah, me too. Sorry we made your job harder, Twilight." Pinkie added.

"And I guess we didn't help much either." replied Rainbow Dash.

"Indeed not." agreed Rarity.

"It's okay, guys I forgive you. But now I need your help to get this all worked out."

First Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie went back to talk to the Cakes about the number of cupcakes the dance needed.

"Well usually in the past we've made about nine dozen cupcakes." Mrs.Cake told them.

"And that usually does it." added Mr. Cake.

"So that's what we'll order, any objections girls?" Twilight wanted to know.

"Nope, sounds good to me." Pinkie told her.

"I'm game." Applejack agreed.

Then Twilight settled the issue between Rainbow Dash and Rarity. She suggested Rainbow Dash could wear her uniform the during the day and wear an evening dress in the evening. They agreed on that.

Soon the other problems got resolved. The got the committee to keep the autumn theme, helped them figure out how many tickets to order, and figure out which songs and music to play. After a few weeks It was now the night of the dance.

They all decided to get ready at Twilight's house.

"You did great in the soccer match today, Rainbow Dash."
complimented Fluttershy.

"Thanks, we Wondercolts really beat those other guys." Rainbow Dash
replied.

"I'm so excited, your first dance, Twilight." Rarity told Twilight, doing
her hair.

"Me neither." she replied.

Outside her room, Spike scratched at the door. "Come on guys, let me come in." he whined.

"Okay, Spike." Rainbow Dash said, as she walked to the door. Rarity quickly stopped her.

"Are you crazy, we're getting ready in here." she hissed.

"Uh, Rarity, Spike's just a dog." Applejack told her.

Rarity sighed, and allowed Rainbow Dash to let Spike inside.

"You'll take lots of pictures of the dance right? I wanna see what happens." Spike told them.

"Don't worry, Spike. We'll be sure to get some." Fluttershy assured.

"It's gonna be blast." squealed Pinkie.

Once they were all in their dresses, had their makeup on, and hair fixed up they went downstairs. All their parents and Granny Smith gushed and took their pictures.

"We I better get ya'll to the dance." Granny Smith told them.

"You girls have fun now." Bow Hotfoot told them.

"Granny Smith, are you sure you'll be okay driving them?" wondered Mrs. Shy.

"Don't you worry, I've been driving for years. Besides we gotta go now, Big Mac and the Cutie Mark Crusaders are waiting."

The girls said goodbye, and all piled into a bus Granny Smith rented,
and went to the school. When they all arrived, the dance was in full swing. Colorful lights filled the room, music was playing, and everyone was having a good time.

"Let's join the fun!" squealed Pinkie, and the girls scattered into the
gym.

Soon everyone had blended in and was having a blast especially Twilight. She ate cupcakes and drank fizzy apple cider with Pinkie and Applejack. Danced and listened to music with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

And admired other girls' dresses with Rarity.

"This dance is amazing." she told herself.

"It really is." said a voice.

Twilight looked behind her and saw Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna wearing nice dresses.

"You did a good job of being the dance's organizational coordinator."
complimented Luna.

"Yes, we're very proud." added Celestia.

"Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without my friends." Twilight told them.

"Hey Twilight come on, we're gonna take pictures." called Pinkie.

"Okay, I'm coming."

And off she went.

A Wedding in Canterlot City Part 1

Twilight Sparkle had just gotten home from school one afternoon. She'd had a really good day, she got an A on a test, enjoyed a lecture, had fun with her friends, and caught up on some reading.

"Spike, I'm home." she called, when she got up to her room.

Spike happily went up to her.

"Hi, Twilight. I missed you today." Spike told her.

"Aww, I missed you too, Spike." S

he reached down and petted him. They then spent the rest of the evening, the door spent some time together.

"You know, Spike did you know we've officially been in Canterlot City for five months?"

"Seriously?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, I can't believe it either. So much had changed, a new town, new school, and even better new friends."

"Yep."

Then there was a knock at her door.

"Come in." Twilight called.

Night Light opened the door, and poked his head in.

"Hey, Twilight. I just got a call from your brother, he's coming over for dinner next week."

"Shining Armor's coming? Awesome."

"He's also bringing a friend of his."

Then he left.

"A friend, what friend?" Twilight asked herself.

The following day at school, Twilight told her friends about her brother coming.

"That's swell your brother's coming over." Applejack told her.

"I'm glad he's coming over. But...he's bringing a friend." Twilight informed.

"Any idea who?" Fluttershy wondered.

"No idea, he's never said anything about meeting someone."

"Well I'm sure whoever it is it'll be a great dinner." Pinkie Pie told her.

"I hope so."

When next week came, Twilight's family got ready for Shining Armor's visit. Twilight helped her mom prepare Shining Armor's favorite meal, rump roast.

"Did Shining Armor say who was coming?" she asked her mom.

"Not really, just said it was someone from his past." Twilight Velvet replied.

"Who could that be?" she thought.

By the time the food was done and the table was set, the doorbell rang. While her parents hurried to the door, Twilight stayed behind.

"Here we go." Twilight whispered to herself, and she and Spike went to the door.

When Shining Armor saw Twilight he smiled happily.

"Twily, it's great to see you, kid." he said, as he went over and hugged her.

"Hi, Shining Armor." she replied simply.

"Hey, Shining Armor." greeted Spike.

"Hey there, little buddy." Shining Armor said, petting his head.

"So...where's our guest?" Twilight asked slowly.

"She's right here." Shining Armor introduced.

He stepped out of the way, and Twilight saw her. She had pink skin, with pink, purple, and yellow hair, and purple eyes. Twilight had to admit she looked a little familiar but she couldn't place her.

"Twilight, look at you." she said happily.

"Uh, do I know you?" Twilight asked.

Spike wanted to say something, but he figured it be best not to reveal his ability yet.

"Twilight, it's Cadance." Night Light told her.

"Your old babysitter." added Twilight Velvet.

Suddenly it hit Twilight. Cadance was her babysitter when she was little back in their old city.

"Cadance, oh my gosh it really is you." Twilight told her.

"Glad you recognize me, Twilight. Hey there Spike." Cadance replied.

Spike sniffed Cadance, and he recognized her scent.

"Hiya, Cadance." he said.

"It's good to see you too, Spike."

And she rubbed his head. The family had a good conversation and catch up next. It turns out that Cadance was the dean of students at the same school where Shining Armor worked. At dinner, Twilight felt better knowing Cadance was the friend.

She remembered what a good babysitter she used to be. She was always happy to see her when she came over, whenever she hurt hurt herself Cadance was able to help her feel better.

And she enjoyed going to the park, movies, and getting ice cream with her. After dinner, Cadance decided to catch up with Twilight.

"So Twilight have you adjusted to life in Canterlot City?"

"Yeah, I like my new school, and I have real friends now."

"That's great to hear."

Then Twilight remembered something.

"Hey, do you still remember our old chant?"

"I sure do."

The two then stood up, and started their chant.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybug's awake. Clap your hands and do a little shake."

The two then laughed.

"I hope I'm not interrupting any pillow fights in here." said Shining Armor coming into the living room.

"No, just catching up." Twilight replied.

"Well I hate to break up the reunion, but we should be getting back now, Cadance." Shining Armor told her.

So the couple said goodbye, and then left the house.

"Well it was certainly nice seeing Cadance again." Twilight Velvet replied.

"Yes, it was." Twilight replied.

The next time at school, Twilight told her friends about Cadance.

"So your brother's with your old babysitter, huh?" asked Applejack.

"Yeah, I guess I should've seen it coming." Twilight replied.

Even though she was a kid, she could sorta tell Shining Armor had a thing for Cadance. He'd blush around her, compliment her, and always try to talk to her.

"This Cadance sure sounds nice." Pinkie said.

"Yeah, you think we could meet her?" Rainbow Dash wanted to know.

Twilight thought for a minute.

"Sure, I think you'd like her."

"Wonderful." replied Rarity.

"Sounds good to me." added Fluttershy.

So that weekend, Twilight brought her friends over to meet Cadance. She and Shining Armor were at the house again visiting. Cadance and Shining Armor was very pleased to meet Twilight's friends.

"It's really nice to meet you girls." said Cadance.

"You too." replied Applejack.

"Will you girls be staying for dinner?" Twilight Velvet asked.

"No, my folks have dinner waiting back home." Rainbow Dash told her.

"Same with me. Speaking of which I should be getting back home." Pinkie mentioned.

"We all should." added Fluttershy.

The family said goodbye to the girls as they all left the house.

"You have good taste in friends, Twilight." Cadance complimented.

"You sure do." added Shining Armor.

"Thanks, they're great." Twilight said.

About a week later Twilight and Spike were just coming home from a walk.

"There's nothing like a nice walk." sighed Spike.

"Yeah we can always use the exercise." Twilight agreed.

When they went inside, they saw Shining Armor and Cadance were in the living room, along with her parents.

"Oh, hi guys." she greeted.

"Twily, Spike, you're just in time." Shining Armor told her.

"Just in time for what?" Spike wondered.

"Twilight, Shining Armor and Cadance have some news." Night Light told.

"What news?" Twilight asked.

Shining Armor and Cadance looked at each other, and then Cadance held out her hand. On her ring was sparkly diamond engagement ring.

"We're getting married." she said.

Twilight Velvet, Night Light, and Spike all looked delightfully surprised, while Twilight was just stunned. Everyone was so busy gushing, they didn't notice Twilight slip up to her room.

"Oh my gosh." she whispered to herself.

At school she told her friends the big news.

"Your brother's marrying Cadance? That's great Twilight." Pinkie Pie said.

"Yeah, real great." Twilight replied.

Her friends noticed she didn't seem very enthused.

"Are you all right, darling?" asked Rarity.

"I don't know. I mean I'm glad for Shining Armor and Cadance, but I just don't feel right."

"Well I guess it's a big change." Fluttershy mentioned.

"I suppose, and I've already gone through a few recently."

"Well maybe you should talk to your family, Twilight. They could probably help ya." Applejack encouraged.

"Yeah, try it." added Rainbow Dash.

So when Twilight got home, she decided to try and talk. First her dad picked her up from school, she spoke to him.

"Hey, Dad. How do you feel about Shining Armor marrying Cadance?"

"I'm proud of him. Aren't you?" Night Light replied.

"I guess."

"Is something wrong, sweetie?"

"I don't know."

Night Light noticed his daughter's uncertainty. At home, Spike greeted his girl.

"Hi, Twilight. How was school?"

"It was fine, Spike. Is Mom around?"

"She's in the kitchen."

And with that, Twilight hurried to the kitchen. Confused, Spike followed her.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hi, Twilight. What's up?" Twilight Velvet asked.

"How do you feel about Shining Armor and Cadance?"

"I think it's lovely. And it'll be nice having Cadance part of the family."

"You don't think things are going too fast?" Twilight Velvet looked at her daughter surprised.

"Do you feel that way?"

Twilight didn't know what to say, so she just left.

For the rest of the evening Twilight was quiet. While she was up in her room doing her homework, there was a knock at her door.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Spike and her parents came in.

"What's going on?"

"Twilight we'd like to talk to you." Night Light said.

"Okay." "We've noticed you seem a little conflicted about your brother's wedding." Twilight Velvet mentioned.

"I just don't know how exactly I feel."

"You like Cadance, right?"

"Yeah, I think she's great."

"But...?"

"But I guess I'm not sure for I'm ready for another big change."

"We can understand, Twilight."

"You can?"

"Yes, I mean you have had to go through a lot of changes recently."

"Yeah, I mean moving to a new city, going to a new school, and making new friends." Spike mentioned.

"I guess you're all on the right track." Twilight replied.

"But this new change isn't a bad one." encouraged Twilight Velvet.

"And it'll probably me good for you." Night Light added.

"Maybe."

"Also I called your brother." Twilight Velvet informed.

"What? Why?"

"You and him are close, and these are feelings you should share with him."

"Your mom's right, Twilight."

Twilight knew her parents were right.

"Okay."

So the following day, Shining Armor was going to come over. Twilight was a little nervous about this talk with her brother, but she knew it was best to get it out of the way. They met outside, on the front porch.

"Hi, Shining Armor." Twilight greeted.

"Hey, Twily." he greeted back.

The two then sat down next to each other. After a few seconds, Shining Armor broke the silence.

"So...Mom says you're conflicted about the wedding."

"It's not that I don't like Cadance or that I'm not happy for you. It's just...a lot."

"I can understand that, but believe me it's a lot for me too."

"Really?"

Shining Armor told Twilight about his fears, worries, and doubts.

"But no matter what happens...you'll always be important to me." Shining Armor said, sincerely.

He then put his arm around her.

"Really?"

"Yeah, you're my little sister." Twilight smiled at hearing that.

"Feeling a little better?"

"Yeah."

"That's good, because Cadance was hoping you'd be one of her bridesmaids."

"Seriously? I'd love too."

The two then shared a hug.

To Be Continued.

Rarity's Bad Hair Day

One day at school, Rarity was at her locker, looking at herself in her little mirror.

"Oh Rarity, you look absolutely lovely today." she told herself.

She then pulled out her comb, and started combing her hair.

"Rarity." called a voice.

Rarity jumped, and turned around and saw Twilight.

"Oh, hello Twilight."

"The bell's already rung, aren't you going to class?" she asked.

"Oh yes. I was just making sure my hair looks good for picture day."

"Picture day? That's today?"

"No, but it's coming up."

And then she and Twilight went to their classes.

During morning announcements, Principal Celestia said something that surprised Twilight.

"Picture day will be two weeks from today."

"Huh, Rarity was right." she said to herself.

At lunch, the girls talked about picture day.

"How'd you know, Rarity?" Twilight asked.

"Darling, I take upon myself to be on top of these things. Besides if I'm going to keep my reputation I have to get started now."

"Reputation?"

"Rarity always get chosen for having best photo." explained Fluttershy.

"Yep, it's true." Applejack added.

"And so my regime for the perfect picture starts now."

"And what does that mean?" wondered Pinkie.

"Step one, the outfit. Would you ladies like to go shopping with me after school?"

The others agreed, though Rainbow Dash agreed reluctantly.

"I'd rather be at soccer practice, but I'll go."

"Great, we can all find some new clothes."

When school was over, they all went to Carousel Boutique.

"See anything yet?" asked Fluttershy.

"I found a nice blouse." informed Twilight.

"Get a load of these jeans." Rainbow Dash told, as she held the hanger.

Her friends looked at her with teasing looks.

"What, they're nice. And we're already here." she defended.

"Ah ha, I just found the perfect top." announced Rarity.

The girls went over to her, and saw her holding up a white shirt with purple mid length sleeves and diamond made of rhinestones on the front.

"It's nice, Rarity." complimented Fluttershy.

"Now I need some bottoms. What do you think? Skirt or pants?"

"Well...you always wear a skirt, so why not wear pants?" Pinkie suggested.

"Great idea, Pinkie Pie."

After picking out their clothes, the girls went home.

In her bedroom, Rarity put her new outfit on hangers. Along with the shirt, she'd also bought a pair of black pants, and a some new purple shoes.

"Now that I have the outfit, time for step 2 my face." Rarity told herself.

The next day, she went through her skin care products.

"Okay, I'm going to have to make sure my face stays acne free for the next two weeks. So that means facials and face washing every night."

She pulled out facial cleanser, face cream, and some face masks.

"What are you doing, Rarity?" asked Sweetie Belle, as she walked past the bathroom.

"I'm getting ready for picture day."

"But that's not for a while."

"Oh, my dear sweet Sweetie Belle, you'll understand the importance of this."

Sweetie Belle just shrugged, and walked on.

As the days went by, Rarity continued to get ready for the big day. She made sure her outfit stayed clean and wrinkle free, and that her face stayed nice and clear. Then a few days before picture day, it was time for Rarity to get her hair done.

She went straight her local hair salon, ready for her beautician to do her thing.

"Hello, Rarity." greeted her beautician, Updo Hairstyle.

"Hello, Updo. I'm ready for you to do your magic." Rarity said.

Then Updo rubbed her eyes.

"Something wrong, Updo?" Rarity asked.

"Oh, I got some new eye contacts yesterday. I'm still getting used to them."

"Oh, okay then."

She sat in the chair, and Updo started washing her hair. While washing, Updo got some shampoo, but instead of the shampoo bottle, she grabbed some green hair dye. After a shampoo and conditioner, Rarity went under the dryer.

As she waited for her hair to dry, she flipped through one of the salon's book of styles.

"See anything you want?" asked Updo.

"I'm thinking this one."

Rarity showed her a picture of a style that was had the hair half down, the rest up in a ponytail, and the hair would be poofy.

"Excellent choice."

And as soon as Rarity was finished drying, she got in the chair, and Updo got to work.

Things were going fine, but then Updo reached for some hair cream, but instead of hair cream she accidentally grabbed some french onion dip she'd been eating. She put it into her hair, and worked like nothing was wrong.

And then she grabbed the curling iron, and began curling Rarity's hair. After another hour, Rarity's hair was finished.

"All right, what do you think Rarity?" asked Updo, handing her a mirror.

But when Rarity looked in the mirror, she was shocked in a bad way. Her hair had green highlights, and instead of her hair looking poofy it looked like it was frazzled and messy.

"(Shrieks), what happened?" Rarity wanted to know.

Updo then took out her lenses, and put on her glasses. When she did, she was shocked.

"Oh my goodness, Rarity. I'm so sorry." Updo told her.

"How could this have happened?"

Updo then explained that because of her contacts she wasn't able to see the products properly. She apologized a lot, and even offered to give her a free touch up.

"It's okay, Updo. It was just a mistake." Rarity assured.

"But I need to get this fixed before picture day."

"Don't worry. I'll get it done."

The next day, Rarity wore a scarf and a hat to school. Coming to school with bad hair was like a nightmare for her, and she hoped that no one would notice. At her locker, she got her things when her friends came up to her.

"Hi, Rarity." greeted Pinkie.

"Oh, hello girls." Rarity said quietly.

"Is something wrong?" asked Fluttershy.

"Why are you wearin' a hat? I thought you got your hair done yesterday?" Applejack wondered.

"There was a little mishap." Rarity whispered.

"What kind of mishap?" Twilight wanted to know.

Rarity looked nervous.

"Hey, you can tell us." Rainbow Dash told her.

"We're friends."

"Okay, but not here. We'll meet in the girls' room during lunch."

When lunch time came around, the girls met in the girls' room.

"All right, Rarity. What's going on?" Applejack wanted to know.

After making sure they were alone, Rarity locked the door, and then took off her hat and scarf. Upon seeing her new "do", the girls were shocked.

"Rarity, what happened?" asked Pinkie in shock.

"Unfortunately, my hairdresser was trying out her new contact lenses when she was going my hair." Rarity explained.

"Oh my, can she fix it?" Fluttershy questioned.

"She can, hopefully today."

Just then, there was a buzz from her phone. She pulled it out, and when she looked at it, her face fell.

"What's wrong?" asked Twilight.

"I just got a text from Updo. The only time she can do my hair is the day after picture day."

Rarity backed up against the wall, and then sat down on the floor looking devastated.

"Don't worry, Rarity. It'll be okay." Fluttershy told her.

"Hey, maybe we can try to fix it." suggested Rainbow Dash.

"You really think so?" Rarity wondered hopefully.

After school, Applejack took Rarity to her house.

"Granny should have something that could help." Applejack told her.

"I hope so." Rarity replied.

They went up to Granny's room and into her bathroom. Applejack dug under her sink, and found what she was looking for.

"Ah ha, here it is." And she pulled out one of Granny Smith's blonde wigs.

"Sometimes when Granny wants to feel young again, she put one of these on."

She then placed it on Rarity's head, and she looked in the mirror. The wig was blonde, but was in two braided pigtails.

"Uh, it's a nice gesture, Applejack. But the country girl isn't really my style." Rarity told.

And she took it off.

They then went to Rainbow Dash's house, and her mom tried to wash out the hair dye.

"I used to experiment with hair dye back when I was young, so I might be able to get the green out." Windy told her.

She washed Rarity's hair in the kitchen sink, and when she finished and dried her hair, Rarity looked in the mirror. Most of the green was gone, but you could still see hints of it.

"Thanks for trying, Ms. Windy." Rarity told her.

Next was Fluttershy's house.

"Are you sure Zephyr can help?"

"He's been studying and practicing different hairstyles so he should be able to do something with it." Fluttershy explained.

Rarity sat down on a chair in the kitchen, and Zephyr placed a towel around her.

"Don't worry, Rarity. I'll get your do back in shape." he told her.

He brushed, combed, and then pulled out an electric razor.

"Excuse me, what are you going to do with that?" Rarity asked.

"Don't worry, Rarity. Just gonna give you a little edge."

"But Zephyr, haven't used that tool yet." Fluttershy told.

"Relax Flutter Butter, how hard can it be?"

That didn't sound good to Rarity, and so she quickly got up and hurried out of the room.

That evening, Rarity sat in her room depressed.

"What am I gonna do, Opal?" Opal just meowed.

Just then, her laptop began buzzing, and she saw that her friends were trying to video chat with her. She got on, and accepted the invitation.

"Hi, girls." she greeted.

"Hey, Rarity. How you doing?" asked Twilight.

"As well as I can be."

"You know, it's not the end of the world." Applejack told her.

"It feels like it. And I'll lose my reputation."

"Well Rarity, even if your hair isn't perfect, you're still Rarity." Fluttershy comforted.

"Yeah, your hair doesn't make you." added Pinkie.

"Thanks, girls. But I don't know if I can get my picture taken like this."

"There's always make-up day." Rainbow Dash suggested.

"But I have almost everything ready. I can't postpone."

"Well why don't you try fixin' it yourself?" Applejack thought.

That struck a cord with Rarity.

"Fix it myself." she whispered to herself.

"Rarity?" asked Twilight.

"If you'll excuse me girls. I have something important to do. Thank you."

And with that she logged off.

When picture day came, the girls waited for Rarity to arrive.

"I wonder if she's gonna show up?" thought Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know, she seemed a little weird when we last talked." Fluttershy said.

"Hello ladies." greeted a voice.

The girls looked, and couldn't believe their eyes. Rarity was walking towards them in the outfit she picked out, her face was all clean and shiny, and the most surprising that was her hair looked amazing.

There were still hints of green in it, but it was styled in half a high ponytail, the rest was loose and curly.

"Rarity, you look great." Pinkie complimented.

"Thank you, Pinkie. It's all thanks to you girls."

"Really?" asked Twilight.

"Yes, you made me remember that even with bad hair I'm still the fabulous Rarity. And that I can fix things myself." Her friends smiled at her.

"Thank you, again."

"You're welcome." replied Applejack.

Then when picture time came, Rarity sat in her seat proudly, and smiled for the camera.