Episode 22:

Spice Up Your Life

Twilight, Kion, Starlight, Spike, and all their friends from the Lion and Pony Guarf had gathered in the throne room in the castle in Ponyville, with Twilight, Kion, Starlight, and Spike only knowing why they had called them over here.

"So, what’s this emergency super special meeting all about?” Bunga first asked.

“Hopefully it’s not because you decided to let loose a stink bomb in someone’s or somepony’s home.” Ono commented cringing at the very memory that happened.

“Hey! Those Flim Flam brothers had it coming. Especially after they helped Scar nearly take over the worlds again.”

“Worlds?” Ono raised an eyebrow in response.

“Yeah! Our world and this world! Where have you been the last three years?”

“I could ask you the same question, Bunga.” Ono argued back.

“Guys!” Kion quickly spoke up to get them to stop arguing. After taking a calming breath and cleared his throat he then said next. “Anyways...I know this is inconvenient for some of you but we do thank you all for meeting us on such short notice.”

“You can say that again.” Rainbow grumbled looking she had just been woken up early from catching up on sleep. “Because apparently even one day off let alone two from being a Wonderbolt is too much to ask nowadays aside from daily patrol for the Lion and Pony Guard. I mean really is one to two days off from being a Wonderbolt too much to ask? Is it?!”

Twilight simply explained. "Your crankiness is understandable, Rainbow Dash. But rest assured this won’t take long. The reason we called you all here is because of something important. And that is in regards to the friendship map.”

“That map that makes our cutie marks glow wherever we are summoned to solve a friendship mission?” Fuli asked. Now curious she couldn’t help but ask. “It’s been a while since any of us have been called on one. Now that you mention it, is there a particular reason why that’s happened?”

“Yeah!” Spike answered as he tapped one of his claws on the table. “It’s been shut off ever since Starlight messed with it to go back in time and change history.

Starlight frowned in response towards Spike reminded her of her past behavior. “Yes it has, though we could have done away with the whole bringing what I did back then bit.”

Twilight coughed into a hoof and changed the subject while pulling Spike off the map with her magic. "Anyway, as part of her studies, Starlight's been assisting me. And together, I think we've come up with a way that will get the map working again," She turned to her student and asked. "Ready, Starlight?"

Starlight nodded. "Ready when you are!" And both student and teacher lit up their horns, combining their magical powers into an orb that flowed down and hit the table. It took a few seconds, but the map managed to glow back to life, impressing everyone in the room.

Pinkie took notice of the symbols on the map, specifically the cutie mark symbols hovering over one of the locations on the map. "Fluttershy, Kion, Ono, and Twilight in Appleloosa!" She commented, before the symbols faded and moved somewhere else (albeit with different cutie marks), "No! Me, Bunga, Kyoga, and Rainbow Dash in Las Pegasus!" The symbols moved again and reappeared at a different location (again with different marks), "No, Rainbow Dash, Bunga, Ono, and Twilight in Yakyakistan!" The process repeated itself a fourth time. "No, Twilight and Kion in Twilight's castle!"

It was then that the map seemed to finally correct itself, as the symbol representing Pinkie's cutie mark appeared, much to her absolute delight. "Ooh... me... me...me!" Then she noticed who the map was selecting to go on the mission with her. "And Rarity! And Fuli! And Kyoga! Ooh, I hope it's some far away place that no one's ever been to before!"

“Eh, let’s not try to get our hopes up on that one.” Fuli then said trying to downplay her excitement, since she wasn't expecting to called on a mission so soon.

“Fuli’s right, Pinkie.” Rarity agreed as she too isn’t eager for a map mission so soon. "Well... at least maybe not too far away. A place with modern conveniences would be preferable," As if the map had heard Rarity, it had her cutie mark symbol, along with Fuli, Kyoga, and Pinkie Pie's hover over the city of Canterlot. Rarity let out a happy gasp! "Canterlot! This is perfect! I can check on my boutique and see how Sassy's holding the fort! Perhaps there will even be some social events to attend! What will I wear?!"

“Good question.” Kyoga replied dryly. “What will you wear? What will we wear?” She then quickly placed a paw over her mouth instantly regretting what she just said. “Oh, what did I just say?”

“Now, now, no need to fret, darling. For I’m sure I can find you a suitable dress for you wear should we come across more of these social gatherings and who knows, maybe a suitable coronation gown.”

“We’ll see.” Kyoga said with a forced smile as she tries really hard to be a good sport about all of this. “Only time will tell if I’ll really need it.”

“Oh, I’m pretty sure someday it’ll happen if not today.”

"Y'know, someponies get excited over the silliest of things." Pinkie giggled, even with how much time she hung out with Rarity and it is no surprise that her friend has a tendency to be unnecessarily dramatic at times.

“I wonder why?” Fuli sarcastically asked as she like Kyoga also tries to be a good sport about having to go away on another friendship mission. And little do they know, is that this upcoming friendship problem will challenge their own friendship in a way none of them could expect.

Pinkie Pie, Fuli, Kyoga, and Rarity all made their way to Canterlot on the first available train, and it didn't take long after they'd left the train station in the city to discuss how they were going to find the friendship problem. Rarity made the first suggestion. "Now then, as far as finding a friendship problem, I suggest we start at the castle and begin to question the proper-" She began.

But Pinkie then interrupted. "-Oh, Rarity, you don't find a friendship problem. It finds you," She then added. "We just need to go with the flow, and eventually, kablam! We get friendship problem'd right between the eyes," She pointed a hoof to her forehead to emphasize her point.

“That is…” Fuli spoke as she processes what the pink pony just said. “...actually, true.” She then admitted. “And since Sassy is capable of holding the fort like you said, where should think to go first? Somewhere what you’re feeling the most?”

“Since this is a team effort…” Kyoga then said next. “...going with the flow of things will mean we’ll go where our guts tells us to go.”

“Indeed.” Rarity agreed before turning to Pinkie. “If you feel we should go with the flow, then with the flow we shall go. But where's the flow saying we should go?"

Pinkie replied to Rarity. "You know Canterlot better than anypony else. So what do you think we should do?"

Rarity smiled in response to Pinkie’s compliment before speaking up on her thoughts. "Hm. Take your pick. Culture, couture, cuisine!" Just then, she and Kyoga heard both Pinkie and Fuli's stomach growling.

“I guess that answers our question.” Fuli returned while look aside rather embarrassed as she realized she too forgot to have lunch before leaving.

"Oh, my. Well, it sounds like your stomachs is saying we should flow towards some lunch? I know just where to go," She insisted, and led Pinkie, Fuli, and Kyoga through the streets of Canterlot, until at last they came to an area that was unfamiliar to the three accompanying her. "Restaurant Row, the absolute best place for fine dining in all of Equestria!" Rarity boasted, as they came across an area where restaurant after restaurant lined up on the horizon.

“Sounds fancy.” Kyoga commented willing to give it a try herself.

“As long as as one has the best food worth getting.” Fuli commented just ready to get something to eat herself.

Pinkie was delighted at what she was seeing, and to her it’s like her candy and gum drops at first sight. "Ooh, so many choices! So where should we go?" She asked Rarity, before she started pointing to random restaurants and asking. "This one? That one? Those ones?"

Rarity pointed her hoof up to a sign above her that contained three horseshoe symbols, and she said to Pinkie. "Any establishments that have this – the three-hoof rating."

"Three hoof rating? Says who?" Pinkie asked Rarity.

“Assuming that three hoof ratings translates to three stars rating, right?” Fuli asked.

“Of course.” Rarity nodded towards the cheetah’s question before answering the pony’s question. “And as for says who? Says, Zesty Gourmand, the Queen of Cuisine of course," Rarity then boasted and declared. "When it comes to food, she is the ultimate authority in Canterlot. Without her approval, a restaurant here simply cannot survive."

Pinkie was still a bit confused, as she had never even heard of Zesty Gourmand until now. "And just what's so important about her approval?"

“And if it’s such a big deal, then how is it that we have never seen her nor review anything in Ponyville?” Fuli then asked herself.

Rarity moved to explain it to both Fuli and Pinkie. "Zesty grew up here in Canterlot, having never traveled outside the city ever. She grew up around fine dining, and everypony hangs on her every word when it comes to cuisine."

“Well at least that explains half of it.” Kyoga commented still finding it a bit odd herself. “Though I still find it hard to believe that one pony even with a well earned reputation of judging everything around her can decide the fate of whether or not a restaurant or business is a success.”

“It can be a bit hard to believe at times, but I’d like to think that she would know a thing or two about what’s hot and what’s not hot nowadays.” Rarity responded trying to be reasonably sure of the pony’s judgement.

None of the less, Pinkie appeared to be convinced and understanding of why Zesty is highly spoken of for her work. "Wow! Then the food here must be amazing!" She exclaimed and then said to Rarity. "Lead the way, partner! Whee!" She bounced into the restaurant after Rarity, giggling all the while with both Fuli and Kyoga following after them.

Rarity, Fuli, Kyoga, and Pinkie were soon seated and placed their order, it didn't take long for the food to be brought to them. And all the while, Rarity seemed to be impressed by how the restaurant looked. "Oh, my! Such presentation," She exclaimed in delight, before the food was presented to her and Pinkie. "Mm. Oh," She smacked her lips and started eating. "Ah. Yes. Very nice..." She began, but struggled to think of how to best describe what she just tasted, since the food didn't seem to fascinate her as much as she had hoped.

Pinkie, however, immediately planted her face into her food and started eating. But before long she gulped and gagged, the food's low portion size hadn't particularly interested her but the taste was far worse. "Maybe, I'm not in the mood for..." She then whispered to Rarity. "Whatever this is. Can we try someplace else?"

At the same time, while Fuli was quick to eat up her food she didn’t taste anything exciting or anything that she would expect after scoring fresh meat on the hunt. In fact she moved to agree with Pinkie for once on the matter. “Please? Along with your plate if you’re not going to eat that?”

“Of course.” Rarity obliged as she did just that (after giving Fuli her portion of food), not having an appetite herself.

“Well…” Kyoga spoke being the first to voice her disappointment with what she just experienced while giving Fuli her portion of food as well. “...for a three hoof/star review this is quite underwhelming.”

“Quite so.” Rarity agreed before leading everyone out of the restaurant and onto the next three hooves/star restaurant the duo could find. But the presentation and the portion size was no different from the previous one, and Pinkie fond it hard to keep her displeasure for this fact in check this time around. "Ugh. Maybe one more stop? Third's time the charm." She suggested as Fuli ate up everyone’s portions of food since no one else cared to eat them.

But the next three hooves/star restaurant was the same as the previous two, from the same presentation, same portion size, right down to the same bland tasting food (at least for Pinkie Pie while Fuli herself kept eating what she can stomach).

"Blech! Nope," She protested, and she, Fuli, Kyoga, and Rarity all left the restaurant a short time later. Convinced they were making no progress, Pinkie suggested to Rarity. "Maybe instead of trusting somepony else's hooves, I should pick the next place? I'm just not tasting anything exciting this way."

“Please, do.” Fuli commented as she felt her stomach grumble before rushing over to the nearby trash can to puke out all of the tasteless food she’s eaten. “Because I could sure use some really good food right now because I now regret ever trying to stomach something that tastes bland right off the bat.” Just then a bat is heard screeching as it flew by with a dropping landing right on her shoulder. Seeing that had her return to vomiting inside the trash can she was just hovering over. “And something to clean my fur among other things, please.”

“Right away, Fuli! Oh, you poor darling.” Rarity quickly proceeded to use her magic to pull some tissues, a sponge, and shampoo to give her body a quick cleaning along with giving her a comforting pat on the back.

“So, Rarity?” Kyoga then spoke up. “Mind telling me how and why these three hoof/star reviewed restaurants, each and every one of them, are all so unappealing in every way?”

"To be honest…” Rarity returned equally baffled. “...I don't really know why. Zesty's three hoof rating was supposed to mean the best in dining experience.”

“Sounds like Zesty herself hasn’t figured what really sets the bar for the best of the best dining experience. Makes one wonder if a four or even a five hoof/star reviewed place is better than ones with three stars and hooves.”

Rarity would hate to admit it but it seems there are a lot of questions in regards to Zesty’s judgement more than she’d wish to ask if given the chance. “Anyways…” She said after seeing Fuli is all cleaned up and feeling better before handing her a can of sparkling water to help ease her stomach more. “...shall we try that gut feeling of yours to help lead us to actually greater and better food around here.”

“Can do!”

“Gladly!”

Both Pinkie and Fuli stated ready to do so by sniffing it out.

It wasn’t long until they managed to pick up the strong smell of something that was very distinct and that easily stood out compared to the aromas surrounding all the other restaurants. Pinkie gasped in delight, as she traced the smell through Restaurant Row along with an equally smiling and eager Fuli as both Kyoga and Rarity followed. At last, they located the source, a rather unusual looking building that stood out for its red and orange tones, and the elephant sign hanging over the front door.

Rarity looked at the restaurant sign, it wasn't something she recognized. "The Tasty Treat. It's very... rustic," She commented, then whispered. "I know it's different, but perhaps we should be concerned that it has no rating?"

“I think we should be more concerned with getting good food in our stomachs, rather than care about somepony’s influence turning it into another one of those three star/hoof resturants with no flavor and taste to their inedible food.” Kyoga interjected as she said otherwise.

“Good idea.” Fuli said in agreement.

Pinkie only giggled, since the lack of a rating meant Zesty's influence hadn't gotten to this restaurant yet. "Thank goodness for that! Hee-hee!" She replied, as she trotted up the steps with both Fuli an Kyoga following after her next. Rarity, against her better judgment, followed Pinkie inside.

The interior of the restaurant matched the exterior in standing out, sporting the same tones that somehow hadn't managed to draw attention to this building tucked into an alley in the middle of Restaurant Row.

"Are we sure they're open?" Rarity asked Pinkie. Deep down she didn't particularly mind bland food even though she still preferred good tasting food, but certain types of cooking didn't exactly appeal to her (specifically a couple of certain sugary sweets, though she would occasionally eat a tub or two of ice cream if she got stressed).

Both Fuli and Pinkie sniffed the air, drawing in the scents of delightful dishes being prepared in the kitchen.

"It smells open."

“Which means they should be open if something is cooking inside.”

Just then, there was a bit of clattering which came from a certain familiar silver coated filly with glasses as she came trotting out along with a certain blue eyed elephant. They both looked on very surprised upon seeing who came inside here today.

"Oh my goodness! Is that really you?!" Mtoto gasped in awed delight.

"Pinkie Pie, Miss. Rarity, Fuli, Kyoga! Wow! This is quite a surprise," Silver Spoon politely greeted while regaining her composure. "I never thought I’d actually come across all of you on today of all days."

“Me neither.” Fuli returned as she then asked. “Nor coming across you two actually working here and together.”

"Me neither." Mtoto replied still at a loss of what to say. "You took the words right out of my mouth, Fuli."

“And as for me well...it’s actually only on a temporary basis.” Silver admitted with a sigh. “Considering this place needed an extra pair of hooves for a few hours every now and then during it's busy hour. On the bright side, if I choose to start running a family business when I grow up I'll be getting some first hoof experience in the kitchen."

“That sounds interesting.” Kyoga said feeling accepting of her explanation. “No shame in that.”

“Thanks.” Silver gratefully returned before turning her head towards the kitchen. “Saffron, we have guests."

"Important guests, I might add!" Mtoto happily added.

The girls could only shake their heads at the young one's mild excitement but still moved to play along with it.

From the kitchen emerged a young unicorn mare that seemed to be about the same age as Rarity and Pinkie, she had an orange coat, purple eyes, a two shaded dark purple mane and tail that has poofy curls, and a cutie mark depicting a purple flower. She was dressed in a light yellow dress with an orange scarf, and a matching yellow headband and earpieces. "Oh! Are you here for lunch?" The mare asked Pinkie and Rarity along with Fuli and Kyoga.

Pinkie nodded. "Yes, indeedy!"

“We are!” Fuli also nodded to confirm it.

The mare looked on in delight to their eager response as she moved to introduce herself to them. "I'm Saffron Masala, the chef here at The Tasty Treat, the most exotic cuisine in Canterlot."

Silver Spoon then led Pinkie, Fuli, Kyoga and Rarity to a table as she asked them in a polite tone. "So, would you like to hear about today's specials?"

"Oh, yes please!" Pinkie insisted.

“What do you got?” Fuli also asked ready to hear it.

"For today’s special, we have a curried oat cake.” Silver explained.

"We'll take one!" Pinkie immediately shouted.

“Make that two please!” Fuli also stated.

Silver nodded, jotting the order down on a notepad, before she added. "And we also have a grass sandwich that has been marinated overnight in a mustard Dijon dressing. Shall I put you down for that as well?"

“Sure.” Fuli nodded along with Pinkie.

"How can you say no to that?"

Silver wrote down the second item of food, then turned to Rarity and asked. "And for you, Miss. Rarity?"

"Oh, I'm fine, really," Rarity insisted.

“Very well.” Silver then turned to Kyoga. “And how about you, Kyoga?”

“I’ll have the meaty special, please.” Kyoga pointed to said item on the menu.

“Sure thing.” She the jotted it down before handing her notepad over to Saffron.

"I'll get started on the order. And I'll whip up something on the house for Rarity to try.”

Just a few seconds later, a stallion came out into the restaurant, while Saffron was busy in the kitchen. The stallion was a unicorn with a rather pudgy frame. He had the same magenta eyes as Saffron, but his mane and tail (as well as his eyebrows and noticeable mustache were a dark and raspberry in color, his coat was a light orange in color, his cutie mark depicted a bowl of cumin powder, cinnamon sticks, and coriander seeds, and he had an orange shirt on. "Hello, I am Coriander Cumin, I will be your host." The stallion grumbled.

"Coriander, where are your manners." A female voice scolded which happened to be a very familiar voice to the Guard present. Said adult happened to be an elephant who just so happened to be wearing a silver business suit. Turning to Rarity and Pinkie Pie she happily greeted clearly surprised to see them. "Oh, hello girls. What a wonderful surprise to see you all here."

"Same here!" Rarity happily greeted not to mention equally surprised as everyone else. "You're Mtoto's mom!"

"That's right!"

Both Fuli and Kyoga waved at him to greet her.

“Hello, Mtoto's mom.”

"How you've been."

“'I've been good. And if I remember right, my son and I have heard good things about you and the Guard recently. It's a pleasure to have some important guests here today." Then her smile faded as she sighed. "Or at least have some customers here I should say.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“What’s wrong?”

Both Fuli and Kyoga asked in concern upon taking note of his change of expression.

“Nothing, expect I kind of had big expectations for this place when I first took over this establishment. Unfortunately though it seems I was wrong. Enough said, don’t let my brief disappointment sour your taste buds and I hope you two enjoy your meal though, it may be the only meal this restaurant will ever serve."

Saffron brought the food out a short time later, but she was already voicing her thinning patience and disappointment when she saw her father, Coriander, stacking up the chairs on the other tables. "Father, stop it! Don't close up the restaurant around our guests."

But Coriander protested. "What does it matter?! When they leave, nopony else will be coming in!"

His daughter glared at her father for what he just said. “Well, your attitude isn't going to bring anyone in! Can't you at least pretend to be positive?!”

“She’s right, you know.” Mtoto spoke up to agree with her while looking on at his mother who isn’t speaking up in her favor nor could bare to say anything in her defense. “And if you could least pretend to be interested in doing more than what is already being done.

"Then maybe there would be a little more investment from more customers wanting to pay bits for good food here nowadays.” Silver Spoon chimed in with her input.

At the same time the group of guests were in between watching the argument play out in front of them along with eating their food, with both Pinkie and Fuli taking great pleasure in enjoying it.

"So good!"

“No kidding! Best food I’ve eaten all day!”

"You are doing enough pretending for the both of us. Nopony and nobody here wants to try anything new!" Coriander argued back to his daughter. "I know when to throw in the towel.”

“And when you've been in the business as long to know it isn’t thriving...” Mtoto's mom chimed in finding herself agreeing with the grumpy stallion. “...there are times you have to learn when to know it’s a done deal."

"Mom." Mtoto whined finding it a very blasphemous statement.

Concerned by the rising tension in the room, Rarity nervously whispered to Pinkie. "Um, Pinkie, Fuli, perhaps we should excuse ourselves and go look for that friendship problem."

But Pinkie only whispered to Rarity as she pushed a plate of food towards her friend. "Oh, Rarity, try this!"

Rarity reluctantly took a bite of the food, and to her surprise it tasted far better than anything she'd had to eat since coming to Canterlot. "Ooh!" Was all she could say, but she never the less forgot about trying to leave.

“Good right?” Fuli asked with a smirk as she continued chowing down on her food. “And besides, this is quite the show to be watching right now.”

Rarity herself was left flabbergasted by that comment. “What?! How can you say…”

“Shh.” Fuli shushed while gesturing her friend to continue watching as both father, mother, and daughter pairs continue to argue.

Silver Spoon complained to Mtoto's mother in Mtoto's defense when he looked on too upset to even talk to her right now. "I can’t believe this! First my father brings me here to learn how to be a waitress even after I said I didn't want to be one. In addition I went along with upon learning that your getting your son into learning the potential dream business you and the ponies have agreed to be partners on. And now you're going to shut down this place, just because it’s a hit some bumps in the road?!

“Not to mention that maybe if you would listen to my ideas for once…"

Coriander then argued back. “I did not move halfway across Equestria for my daughter that I never listen to!”

“And at least I’ve tried to make an effort in constantly traveling back and forth between here and the Pride Lands, just to be able to make this happen and still be able to spend time with you, Mtoto.” Said fully grown elephant replied next before turning to Silver Spon. “Along with trying to help you understand how the business world works according to your father's interests, so that when you take over or a business of interest, you will have as much experience as I do that’ll help you thrive going forward!"

Pinkie spat out her food as she realized it wasn't just coincidence she along with Fuli have been lured to The Tasty Treat. "Rarity, I think that friendship problem just kablammed us right between the eyes!" She whispered, as she put a hoof to her face to emphasize her point.

Rarity seemed surprised by the idea. "These two? Oh, I don't know, darling. Don't get me wrong, the food is excellent, but I'm not sure there's much you and I can do to help them. I mean it’s not like the same management ethics can be applied to the same as running a boutique store like I do."

“Maybe it is.” Kyoga suggested otherwise. “Maybe it’s like you just said, Rarity.”

“But, I still don’t exactly see how…”

Right on cue, Coriander then spoke up as he scoffed. “What would you have me do? We couldn't even get Zesty Gourmand to come to our restaurant. She said it wasn't even worth rating!"

And that turned out to be the suggestion that Pinkie and Rarity needed to realize what they could do to help with the latter now realizing and understanding why there are here.

"That's it!" Rarity exclaimed, as she and Pinkie threw up their hooves.

"Yes! Uh, what's it?" Pinkie asked.

Rarity quickly explained. "The flow has led us here! This is our mission!"

“That’s what Pinkie just said and what we tried to tell you thirty seconds ago.” Kyoga pointed out.

Fuli simply chuckled and she continued munching on her food. “Took ya long enough.”

Rarity then approached Mtoto along with his mother, Silver Spoon, as well as Coriander and Saffron, and said to them. "We are going to get you a three-hoof rating and save your restaurant! I'm sure I can get Zesty Gourmand here to rate it!"

"And I can pack this place with so many ponies everyone will be wanting to come here again and again!" Pinkie then declared.

“Very well.” Mtoto's mom relented and accepted their help already. “If you feel so certain you can pull it off and help us, we’ll gladly appreciate it. And from the stories and reputation you said and built them from what my daughter told me, you seem like you have what it takes to do it!”

“That’s true. We do.” Fuli confidently replied.

“We hardly disappoint.” Kyog added equally confident.

“Just leave it to us!" Pinkie and Rarity then both said together.

Rarity along with Kyoga left a few minutes later to locate Zesty Gourmand, leaving both Pinkie and Fuli with the restaurant employees and owner. To pass the time, Coriander started packing up dishes and plates, much to his daughter's protest.

"Father, will you please stop packing things?!" Saffron complained.

"Especially when we'll need them when Zesty comes here tonight!" Mtoto also argued. "Just because my mom is about ready to call it doesn’t mean you have to!"

Coriander remained unconcerned. "But if a pony like Zesty, says a restaurant isn't worth rating she really means it. So, when the lovely pony comes back and says that she couldn't convince Zesty Gourmand to come visit us, we will need to pack all this up. I am just getting a head start."

Pinkie only laughed at Coriander's remark. "You really don't know Rarity!”

“Yeah!” Fuli agreed. “And knowing her she definitely has a way of words. Meaning if she can pull the right strings she’ll come prancing through that door and then say...”

"I've done it!" Rarity happily declared in a singsong voice as she returned to the restaurant with Kyoga right behind her.

“Like that!”

"See?” Pinkie then happily replied, before everyone all gathered to hear what Rarity had to say.

"It wasn't easy, in fact it took all of my charm and cajoling, but I was able to convince Zesty Gourmand to come and try the food!"

"Okay. And since Zesty had to get you to agree you into doing something in return. What is the catch?" Mtoto's mother then asked.

Rarity adopted a more serious tone as she then explained. "Ah, yes. Well, um, it was a bit of a challenge. The only time she could make herself available is tonight."

"Oh my." The mother elephant gasped with Coriander snorting in response.

"Okay, so it’s a bit of a tight deadline. But there is nothing wrong that, right?” Silver then said trying to be optimistic about it. “Surely, we have enough time to get everything ready and prepped for Zesty’s arrival. I mean, what’s the problem with that?” Silver then asked Rarity.

But Rarity explained. "The problem is it’s a bit of a complicated structure. Zesty rates a restaurant on cuisine, decor, and presentation, and she has very specific tastes. So if she's coming tonight, then there is quite a bit of work that needs to get done.

"Like what?" Pinkie asked Rarity.

"Oh, a tweak here, a tuck there, and maybe some slight modifications to the menu," Rarity replied with a nervous laugh. "We just need the place to feel a bit more cosmopolitan."

Coriander then scoffed before turning his back with Mtoto's mom moving to do the same on Rarity prompting her their daughter and som to speak up in protest.

“Father, after Rarity went through all this trouble just for us, can't we at least give it a shot?!" Saffron implored of her’s.

"Yeah!” Mtoto also agreed while talking to her mother too. “I love the food you serve here along with the new additions to the menu, I want this place to stay in business. And while it’s quite a challenge for us, we really have nothing left to lost at this point. So let’s not throw in the towel just yet."

"Tell you what.” Rarity then offered. “How about Fuli and I stay behind with Coriander and Mtoto's mom, to get the restaurant ready for Zesty's arrival?" Rarity offered to Silver Spoon, then she added. "And you, Kyoga, Pinkie, and Saffron can drum up some business before then."

“Works for me.”

“That I can do.”

Both Fuli and Kyoga agreed without hesitation.

"One packed restaurant coming right up!" Pinkie proudly proclaimed. With that she, Silver Spoon, and Saffron exited the building.

"Now don't you worry, Corriander, ma'am," Rarity said to the stallions. "While I understand your trepidation, I promise you, with a fresh coat of paint and new changes to the menu, the Tasty Treat will become one of the most unique and beautiful restaurants in Canterlot! So great that this restaurant will be a fine addition to Restaurant Row that even Zesty will be pleased!"

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Saffron and Mtoto both had their own concerns. "I hope my father doesn't drive Rarity crazy." Saffron sighed.

"Double for my mom." Mtoto commented. "Along with not giving up before the fight has even started."

Pinkie smiled. "Oh relax, Rarity's gonna make sure that The Tasty Treat is the most unique and beautiful restaurant in Canterlot! Not like all of those stuffy places on Restaurant Row. Now come on, let’s go!”

While carrying through the preparations, the Lion and Pony Guard team move to sing an inspiring song.

"Here's what I know

If you want to succeed

You must follow the trends, that's the key."

Rarity sang first.

Fuli then sang next.

"If you want to show

That you've got what it takes

You must be what they want you to be..."

Pinkie Pie sang next.

"Here's what I know:

Your food is so good

The flavor's so fancy and free."

Kyoga then sang next herself.

"You just need to show

That unique sense of taste

Go on, be yourself, let them see..."

Then the main four sang all together.

"It's gonna work

I know it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, trust me

It's gonna work

I swear it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!

Rarity:

"You need to change

If you want to compete

But fear not, for I know what to do."

Fuli:

"I know it feels strange

But trust me, when we're done

We'll make sure that you're a hit, too."

Pinkie Pie]

"Don't ever change

Being different is good

Don't let what others do be your cue."

Kyoga:

"Never rearrange

'Cause somepony said you should

Just trust your heart, it will know what to do."

All together:

"It's gonna work

I know it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, trust me

It's gonna work

I swear it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!"

Pinkie Pie:

"Be unique."

Fuli:

"Just be the same."

Kyoga

"Trust your heart."

Rarity:

"You'll make your name."

All together:

"We'll help you every step of the way

Because we know what you need to do

And you should know it too

It's gonna work

I know it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, trust me

It's gonna work

I swear it's gonna work

It's gonna work out just fine, you'll see!"

As it soon turned out, Mtoto's mom wasn't too pleased with both Rarity and Fuli's touch up efforts. "A fresh coat of paint isn't going to change anything, and neither will adjusting the menu ever so slightly," She said to Rarity. "The only way this place will succeed, is if it's just like all the other restaurants on Restaurant Row. It's clear that's what Zesty wants."

“Are you sure about that?” Fuli skeptically asked in response to the elephant's claims. “Because if I remember right every other restaurant down the lane pretty much did the same in regards to being just like each other right down to the T. And I believe that despite the three star/hoof reviews the food is actually quite a disappointment.”

“Not to mention the decorations at each and every one of them stick out like a sore hoof and claw.” Rarity added. “This place however is unique in a good way from the food to the decorations in contrast to them and by going against it will only take and throw away what this place already has.”

Mtoto's mom however was quite insistent with doing things his way. "This place is my establishment! I know this place better that you two and I decide what is needed to be done in order to gain Zesty’s approval!"

"Even if it means doing things the way that goes against everything Pinkie, Saffron, and Silver Spoon tried to work for?” Fuli pressed with a look of disapproval herself. “If you do this, you’re making the same mistake the other restaurants are doing right now.”

“Not to mention it goes to a show a stubborn unwillingness to move on from old and outdated standards.” Rarity added. “This isn’t the way!”

But Mtoto's mom only said to both Fuli and Rarity. "Well regardless it's not up to you both to decide what the restaurant looks like! Lion and Pony Guard members or not. My place, my rules, so I decide to decorate it however I please! So consider yourselves lucky I’m even letting you decorate right now,." She sighed as he then added. "I tried it my own way and clearly it isn’t working out. It is always the word of the higher up ponies rather than the simple middle ponies here in Canterlot. If I don't what it takes to please Zesty, I'll never be able to create a thriving business that Mr. Spoon's daughter will inherit some day and maybe something my own son will inherit alongside her. And even if it means doing things her way, then so be it. I’m sorry, but I got to do what I have to do in order to get I want here.”

Reluctantly, both Fuli and Rarity decided to comply with her demands. "There's really no need for this. I suppose it's no harm to make a few changes. But it's only until Zesty has been pleased, then we're going right to back how it was before."

“And if it doesn’t work out, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Because we did.” Fuli added knowing full well this is not going to end well by going down this path.

"We'll see." Mtoto's mom replied.

Meanwhile, out on the streets of Canterlot, it was nearing sundown. Although Pinkie had managed to convince not only Minuette and all of her friends, but also Fancy Pants and Fleur, as well as Sassy Saddles, that was still far from what they needed.

"The day's almost over, and we only have a small hoofful of guests to show for it." Saffron sighed. "What are we going to do?"

"Try harder!" Pinkie insisted, holding up the paper sign for The Tasty Treat as she shouted. "Fillies and gentlecolts! Check out the super stupendous and amazing cuisine of The Tasty Treat! Grand re-opening tonight!" But everypony just passed out with noticing nor caring for the sign she presented not to mention the fact it hasn’t even been rated does little to draw attention to them. "Rrrgh! Stupid hooves!" Pinkie complained, throwing the paper sign! The wind caught it, and blew it across the street, where it landed in front of two earth ponies.

"Oh, look at this, hun!" Said a green coated stallion with black and gray hair styled into neat locks, a mustache, orange-yellow eyes, a white shirt with black straps, and a cutie mark depicting what looked like slices of bread.

The stallion's wife, an orange coated mare with a reddish-orange mane and tail styled to look bushy, a green shirt, brown eyes hidden behind a pair of red glasses, a purple hat, a red shoulder strap bag, and an orange slice for a cutie mark commented. "Oh, The Tasty Treat! Do you think that's a restaurant, sugar?"

"Yes! Yes, it is!" Pinkie happily exclaimed, picking up the paper sign. "And you two must be...?"

"Chargrill Breadwinner’s the name," The stallion introduced himself. "And this is my wife, Orange Slice. We came to Canterlot from Whinnyapolis to be adventurous. But so far, the food in all these hoity-toity places tastes like somepony cooked up nothin' with a side o' nothin'."

Silver then politely greeted herself as she said to the two while leading the three back to the restaurant in question. "Well, please, come try the Tasty Treat. I think it's going to be exactly what you're looking for."

But when the group arrived back at The Tasty Treat, they were shocked to find it looking just like every other restaurant on Restaurant Row.

“Fuli, what the hay is this?”

"Rarity, what did you do?"

Both Kyoga and Pinkie asked, hoping this is just some kind of random fantasy their walking into. They weren’t.

Even Coriander had changed, he now had a pale gray shirt on as he unenthusiastically greeted. "Welcome to The Tasty Treat. You can eat here if you want. Or not. Who cares?"

"Rarity, Fuli, what is going on here?!” Kyoga immediately demanded.

“I thought we were trying to make this the most unique and beautiful restaurant in Canterlot! Not make it exactly like every other restaurant!" Pinkie then complained.

Rarity sighed as she reluctantly said to Pinkie. "I'm sorry, Mtoto's mom forced us into making these changes."

“And we tried to talk her out of it, but she was very stubborn and insistent on decorating the place his way even pulling the business expertise card on us." Fuli added.

Saffron was shocked and horrified to see that all the unique food items of The Tasty Treat had been replaced by a generic cuisine like substance! "Father, what is this?!" She shrieked.

Pinkie was equally as horrified. "No, not that! Anything but that! Rarity, Fuli, how could you do this?!" She demanded.

"Yeah! How could you?!" Mtoto cried.

Mtoto's mom however was quite insistent on justifying all of this as necessary. "This is what we must cook if we're going to succeed here! I'm sorry, it's not my fault Zesty is so picky!"

With tears in her eyes, Mtoto pushed away the cuisine plate and shouted at her mother. "But this isn't what I loved this place for! I loved it by it being the way it was before you changed it all. For it’s uniqueness, not more of the same!"

Rarity and Fuli then turned to Pinkie with the former reluctantly asking her. "So, where are the other guests? How many other ponies are coming besides the two following you?"

“And for the love of Celestia it better be a good answer because we could really use one right now.” Fuli then implored of them.

"Well, we were able to get Minuette and her pals, plus Lyra and Bon-Bon, then there's Fancy Pants and his wife, oh and we can't forget Sassy Saddles." Pinkie replied.

"Only nine?! That's not even enough to fill this place up halfway!" Rarity complained herself.

"I thought you said that you could pack the place with ponies no matter what!" Fuli then brought up as she too complained.

Pinkie however fired back and shouted. "And you said you would make the restaurant better, so I guess we both didn't know what we were talking about!"

Kyoga then added. "And for someone who knows how to force someone’s paw and hoof along with one who was willing to create her own rules of fashion, how could you just let this happen?!"

“Like we wanted all of this to happen?! Like we just said a minute ago, It wasn’t our choice.” Fuli defended. “And not to mention that a elephant who seems to be nice and sweet herself just so happens to be that stubborn!”

Just then a knock on the door broke up the argument as Rarity gasped knowing full well who is on the other side of the door. "Zesty Gourmand! Everybody and Everypony, places!" Reluctantly, everyone took up their designated spots, and immediately came trotting inside the restaurant a unicorn mare with a gray coat, a two toned silver mane and tail styled largely flat, gray and raspberry colored eyes, and gray eyebrows. Rarity gulped, this was the critic that would affect the future of The Tasty Treat, and already she didn't seem impressed.

Just about everyone in the restaurant, except for the guests, were intimidated into silence by Zesty's appearance, even though she hadn't said or did anything yet.

Mtoto's mom reluctantly decided that she’d be the first to break that silence and greet her. "Um, hello, Miss Zesty Gourmand. Welcome to The Tasty Treat. What can I get for you tonight?"

Zesty just sighed and in a rather bored sounding tone she responded. "I hardly think it matters, but by all means, try your best to impress. And by that I’ll have whatever is tonight’s special."

"Okay, tonight’s special it is.” Mtoto's mom nervously replied, now personally wishing he'd spent more time learning about what he is actually planning to prepare before turning to the others. “And how you?” She first asked the couple seated together.

"Well, we'll both try the special this evening. Maybe with a little kick to it, eh? Yeah, we've been craving some food with actual taste." Orange Slice happily proclaimed, sitting next to her husband.

"Same here, I'm eager to try something that’ll compete with the treats I had at at one of the lavish balls she hosts!" Minuette cheerfully commented. The rest of the customers ordered the same thing.

Surprisingly, when Pinkie, Rarity, Mtoto's mom, and Coriander made their way to the kitchen in the back, they were surprised to find Mtoto and Silver Spoon helping Saffron. "Saffron Masala, what are you doing?!" Coriander demanded, upon seeing the two near the stove.

"I'm trying to save our reputations!" Saffron assertively and stubbornly stated.

Silver Spoon took a sip and moved to make sure Mtoto got a sip too as she explained. "We added a little bit of flavor to the dish, so hopefully it won't taste completely bland. I mean, what kind of food critic doesn't like food with a taste to it? That’s insane!"

"No kidding!" Mtoto exclaimed while frowning at his mother for approving of this bland stuff in the first place to which sparked a pang of guilt and regret inside of her.

"Please, let me be the one to do it!" Rarity now stubbornly insisted. "Maybe I can smooth talk Zesty into not rejecting it outright!"

But Pinkie scooped up the dish and in return stubbornly said to Rarity. "You had your chance, now I'm trying to fix what you ruined for everypony!"

Mere seconds after Pinkie had announced said intention though, Mtoto's mom leaped up and shouted "Noooooooo!" Inadvertently knocking the bowl out of Pinkie's hooves, and causing it to fly through the air and splatter onto Zesty's face! That certainly prompted something of a reaction, as the harsh glare on her face caused everypony looking at it to flinch in horror with what had just happened.

Zesty sighed, as she levitated the bowl away and wiped herself clean. "I believe I'm done here." She then got up and prepared to leave with the decision to not even rate the place.

"Zesty! Please wait! Allow me to explain!" Rarity pleaded as she went after her.

Zesty quickly turned to Rarity and said. "Rarity, I greatly respect your expertise when it comes to fashion, along with the teamwork you and Sassy Saddles put forward. But take some advice from a friend – keep your opinions out of restaurants, especially ones like this. Recommending a disreputable place such as this could do serious damage to your social standing. And if you still don’t get, look around. Substandard food, laughable service, and dismal decor. Do you really think I give out three hoof ratings for establishments like this?"

Fuli sternly spoke up in protest. "Considering that every restaurant in Restaurant Row including the ones with three hoof/star ratings is like! Actually yes! And we’ve been to each and every one of them. And you know what?! They're all the same! The same bland decor, same bland food, which for the record should be grounds for lawsuits waiting to happen for food poisoning, unquestionably something I personally make sure of that, and no originality at all! But then again, am I really talking to a food expert who really knows what good food and restaurants are, or just someone imposing her will others!"

Zesty was taken aback by that statement. "Excuse me?! Clearly, you haven’t slowed down fast enough to see clearly. I most certainly do NOT impose anything like that. The very thing goes against the very nature of my profession!" She then demanded. "And if you feel so sure, just where in your mind do you even think you are one to talk about food?!"

Kyoga then opened her mouth and stood in her friend’s defense. "Have you even been paying attention to what’s going on at Restaurant Row?! I mean yes, Mtoto's mom bucked up on her part but with the only intent to please you by being just like those other restaurants that got your three hoof rating! And if you bothered to actually see things clearly, you’d see what is really going on around here!"

Zesty was now left even more confused and puzzled to hear what she has just heard. "Well, regardless with what is really going on with Restaurant Row, it does not excuse this place from the same problems you have already had.” She then said to both Mtoto and his mother. " She said to Silver Spoon. "And even with all things considered I can even think of giving this place even a one hoof/star rating. But…” She then decided to be fair here. “...I suppose can give you another chance to prove that what happened tonight was just a fluke. And in the meantime I will look into what has been addressed in regards to the other restaurants in Restaurant Row. Once I’ve done a through search by then I’ll come back and see how you have improved things from last time. And do hope you have worked hard enough for that three hoof/star rating because I will be expecting that by then. Good day." With that she left, and slamming the door while doing so.

"Zesty. One of the finest ponies Canterlot has to offer.” Sassy sarcastically commented, while approaching Rarity. "Anyways, I'm sorry to see how tonight played out. And I also regret ever taking in her inspiration and approach from the beginning. Even when it got me as far as it did, it still paled in comparison before I first met you. And we know how that turned out."

Rarity just sighed sharing her pain. "I thought I could translate success by following your approach, Sassy. I even tried using your idea of pattern for success. Alas, I ended making the same mistake you did back then. And this coming from a pony taking my own inspiration here to Canterlot and actually making it a success story. All in the name of having to please somepony who wanted conformity over creativity."

“Yep. That pretty much sums it up.”

“One of the most embarrassing reviews ever conducted because of it.”

Both Kyoga and Fuli commented not even sugarcoating or making their assessment any less blunt than it could have.

"True, true.” Fancy Pants agreed before assuring the unicorn. “But it’s nothing worth stewing over, Miss. Rarity. Everyone makes mistakes every now and then including me. Even during my current time as a delegate I am not immune to making this in my part of trying to get things done. Whether it’s the last Canterlot Royal Summit, or that lovely garden party we attended together it’s bound to happen ever now and then whether you’re young or old."

Minuette spoke kindly to Pinkie with words of wisdom of her own. "And even so, it shouldn’t matter what one pony like Zesty thinks regardless of how much she knows about food? I mean does she even look like a pony who wants to see success to the fairest of her ability?"

"Honestly, I’m not sure." Pinkie honestly answered. "Either way, I don't know if we can just turn everything around so suddenly."

“Never the less, the worst has happened and it’s no use crying over split food over.” Coriander assured there are no hard feelings for how it all went down himself.

“Here.” Saffron offered as she had just prepared a spicy hot dish. “This always cheered me up when I was younger.”

Her father gasped in delight upon seeing what she had just prepared. “My spicy flat-noodle soup!”

Everyone all managed to get themselves a small sampling spoonful so they can taste and try it, and each and every one of them said “Mmm.” in response due to how wonderful it tasted.

“Oh my Celestia, this is amazing!”

“This is truly delightful!”

“Wow!”

“Mmm, this is the best thing you've made so far! And I thought the food before was the best!”

“Reminds of the times we baked cookies and brownies together with my dad.” Silver commented herself.

"Along with the first time me and my mom first tasted actual homemade peanut butter together."

“It sure does.” Mtoto's mom said in agreement.

“It has been so long since we cooked together.” Coriander then said as he now found himself recalling of the good times they shared back when he was happier. “Heh. Remember how you used to hide the ingredients you did not like?“

“Did that happen for real?” Fuli asked with an amused chuckle.

“Yes, but only because I really wanted the dishes I eat to taste really great…” Upon seeing the cheetah raise an eyebrow she then admitted. “...aside from not wanting to eat something I didn’t like.”

“Sounds about right to me.” Fuli then said seeing she got the honest answer she wanted as Saffron giggled herself actually finding it funny herself.

“Yes, and all of this right now, this is why I wanted to invest in a pony partnership!" Mtoto's mom said as she realized. "Make food for the ponies of Canterlot and for the many Pride Landers like the food we made together when I was younger! If only we can think of what we’re going to do now to turn this all around.”

Silver Spoon smiled as she had the answer to that. "Well maybe some good food will help you think just it like it to me and my dad many years ago when baking." She continued to smile as she looked at Mtoto's mother. "And if there is one thing I’ve learned from the Cutie Mark Crusaders is that a cutie mark itself while it may look the part, it gives one to think and remember what exactly it’s true purpose is. Like whether my cutie mark points to the life in this business now or what I truly am passionate about. And maybe just maybe it’s that passion that you need to realize in order to decide how to decide where to go from here.”

Mtoto's mom smiled back before turning to his son for much needed words to tell him as he took said wisdom to heart. "Maybe if we were to run this business like family, maybe it’s possible. That is if you’re willing to give me another chance, of course. You know, along with being able to start over with me actually seeing you as part of the family and all? Along with finding it in your heart to forgive me for how I acted earlier?”

"Of course, Mom." Mtoto happily replied, delighting in getting some affection from her mother as she moved to scoop him up in a great big hug.

“It’s never too late to start over.” Fuli pointed out. “And that we can help you for real this time. And regardless of what Zesty thinks, we shouldn’t let her define what good food is, we’ll let others as in the ponies themselves be the judge of that.

“That’s true.” Kyoga nodded in approval.

“I might not be a food expertise like Pinkie I do know for a fact of what tastes good and what’s not good just from all of that dining here in Canterlot.”

“That’s double true!” Pinkie happily agreed while feeling very pleased she has something in common with her.

“All you just need is more ponies in here to give it a chance! Ponies that will tell everypony else in Canterlot that The Tasty Treat has the best food in the city! And all we need is to make sure we are doing the right jobs this time around. If we do that then we are the perfect team for this.”

“That’s true three times!” Pinkie happily agreed once more.

“Also known as triple true, darling.” Rarity whispered in her ear so she’ll know for future reference.

“Okay!” Pinkie happily smiled in response.

With a new resolve, Fuli then turned her friends ready to take charge of the situation. “Rarity, you and Kyoga will go out and bring the crowd! Pinkie, you stay here with me and we’ll make sure this place is every bit as unique and rustic as it was the moment we walked in!”

“And that’s something we can do!” Kyoga agreed. “And with a few guests already here, I’m sure they’ll be the first ponies to taste out the current menu.”

“They sure will. Now let’s get to work!”

Going outside to the streets of Canterlot, Rarity sprung forward with the paper sign attached to her, and when ponies recognized her she said to them. "Would the owner of one of the premier boutiques in Canterlot put a stamp of approval on something that wasn't fabulous?" And it worked wonders in attracting customers.

At the same time both Pinkie and Fuli stayed in the kitchen to help Coriander, Saffron, Silver Spoon and her father make all the food, with the former taking the time to go outside to retrieve the old Tasty Treat logo from the trash.

At last, a huge crowd had gathered just outside the restaurant doors, and inside everyone and everypony was still a little on edge. "It's almost time! Is everypony ready for the grand re-re-opening?" Rarity asked, trying to stay positive.

Saffron herself had something to say before they do. "Well, before we open, my father and I just wanted to say... Thank you for all of your help. We've both been so stressed about the restaurant succeeding that we forgot what it was we or at least he loved about it in the first place."

“And the same can be said about us, like father and daughter we ended up making the same mistakes, too. But now we’re back to doing something we love together.” Silver Spoon added with a smile, standing besides her father and feeling proud to do so for the first time in a long time.

Mtoto's mom nodded as she added. "And that very thing is cooking. No matter what happens next, we thank you for everything you’ve done for us."

"Oh, you guys! Group hug!" Pinkie exclaimed, pulling the entire restaurant staff into a powerful group hug. When it had ended she then said and declared. "Now come on! We've got a party to throw!"

Coriander opened the door, while Saffron got to work on cooking, though she came out occasionally to help Silver and Mr. Spoon wait on tables. Before long, the words, "Welcome to The Tasty Treat! Make yourselves comfortable!" and "Please, feel free to sample the food!" were all said very frequently with the many arriving guests.

Everyone was having such a good time, that the arrival of Zesty Gourmand almost went unnoticed. "A popular restaurant without anything, not even a review or recommendation. I wonder if this has something to do with a certain charming pony spreading the word around here?"

"It most certainly is in fact, me." Rarity replied, glaring at Zesty. "You've really got a lot of nerve to come back after what happened earlier, Zesty. I do hope you're not planning to turn your back on us right now. Because it is only fair to warn you that doing so now will certainly damage your credibility going forward. And just because you like your food a certain way, there is no reason to tell these ponies that they need to do the same! Especially towards a unique and fresh establishment that deserves credit where it is due."

But Zesty then had this to say as she got everyone’s attention after clearing her throat. "Actually, I’m here to apologize for any and previous misunderstandings from our last encounter." She then explained. "Believe it or not, but I truly did have no idea what was going on with Restaurant Row in my absence. Only now do I see that I’ve accidentally allowed a terrible mistake to happen because of it. Should this continue, I will hand in my letter of resignation as soon as possible since for my efforts to bring fine dining here in Canterlot, I ended up casing every restaurant to change itself just for the sake of my approval. I can also see that a lot has changed here since last time. But unfortunately, I don’t have time to dine here today, it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. But regardless of whether it not it gets a three hoof/star rating, I’m sure ponies and many others will still come here regardless. So with that I thank you Miss. Rarity, Miss. Fuli, Miss Kyoga and to you Miss. Pinkie Pie, for helping me open up my eyes to what I was not seeing until now, and good day." And with that she took her leave, and everyone the crowd cheered in delight.

“Thank you so much!” Saffron happily thanked the four.

“You all are truly amazing.” Corainder himself complimented with a proud smile for the first time in a while.

Even Mtoto, his mother, along with Silver Spoon were all impressed. "And we look forward to seeing you here more frequently. Customers will sure be very interested to hear this little story."

Mtoto's mom smiled, as he watched her son happy bouncing and trumpeting. It always delighted her no matter how many times she saw it. "And the same can be said in looking forward towards meeting the rest of your friends from the Lion and Pony Guard. It’ll be definitely be a treat to be able to get to know them ourselves.”

“We’ll look forward to it.” Fuli returned feeling happy herself on behalf of the team.

Just then, Pinkie Pie, Fuli, Kyoga, and Rarity all felt a slight tingle on their rumps and shoulders, and they saw that their cutie marks were glowing, thus signifying a job well done. "Oh yeah, we're on fire! Nothing can stop the dynamic quad of Pinkie, Fuli, Kyoga and Rarity!" Pinkie exclaimed, before she and everypony present laughed together before continuing with the rest of their day at a now thriving family business together.

Author's Note

Hello everyone, for starters thank you all for your patience, since putting together new episodes that need a handful of adjustments here and there are quite time consuming more so than usual I will admit. Second, since we are starting off the second half of the season, it seemed fair and fitting to go for a Breather Episode involving the first friendship mission since late Season 5 after a another dark and dramatic special in regards to Scar and his army.

That being said, the newest friendship mission has both Fuli and Kyoga accompanying Rarity and Pinkie Pie to the streets of Canterlot. A journey that leads them to trying to find good food which proves to be problematic due to the bland offerings from three-star review places they've come across. At least until they came across one place that hasn't been reviewed one owned by a father daughter duo along with a joint partnership with none other than Mtoto and his mom with Silver Spoon for company.

And yes there were some struggles and some hardships involved, it was all straighten up with valuable friendship lessons learned and valuable advice to help them move forward and it was all worthwhile to the point that outdated views have been reevaluated going forward.

Next up we'll get back into action in the fight against the Army of Scar where the Lion and Pony Guard turns to the Hyena Resistance for help as they continue their fight to keep the Pride Lands from falling under Scar's control once again. Hopefully in time for the anniversary of the series premiere next week Thursday so stay tuned until then...