Author's Note

Before I begin, here's the surprise that I've been talking about. Much like with No Third Prances, this is the second episode made just from scratch to fill the void of an episode I had to either scrap out, re-write, and or fit in another episode to fill the void.

Since the Outlands side plot was fitted into Flutter Brutter since in my mind that episode focusing on Thurston just didn't fit right to the point it serves as the only pointless episode ever created in the first two seasons of the Lion Guard, No Third Prances took it's place. Here, due The Cart Before The Ponies in need of much needed rewriting (which will come later on this season), I had to find something to fill the void. And since some have wondering what the main cast has been doing during the Guys Night, I thought to myself, why not?

So thus this episode has been created in it's place (again, for now). An episode involving a meet up, catch up, and a little talk going forward in terms of alliance and friendship. Not only that much like many episodes, there is also the comedic and wacky elements sprinkled into it here and there. But without saying much like before it all works out quite nicely.

Aside from that, that's all I got for now, and when we get back we will get to see Pride Landers and Equestrians Unite as they prepare for battle against Scar and his army, which I hope to have ready in time for Thanksgiving so stay tuned until then...

Episode 30: The Yakyakistan Experience

Episode 30:

The Yakyakistan Experience

After being informed that the Lion and Pony Guard are going on a day trip to Yakyakistan, Discord joined both Fluttershy and Beshte in the walk to the train station to see them and the others off. All while begrudgingly finding himself agreeing to entertain the idea of spending quality friendship time with Spike, Kovu, and Big Mac while they are all away.

Both friends have both dressed up for the cold weather. Fluttershy herself wore a purple sweater and light blue earmuffs for the occasion. Beshte himself wore a black sweater with matching earmuffs himself.

“I suppose this is goodbye then.” Discord then said with a sigh before smiling. “Have an absolutely fabulous voyage.”

“Now come on Discord.” Beshte returned with a look that tells him he knows that he isn’t being completely sincere. “You’re going to have a great time during your Guy’s Night Out.”

“And you’ll never know if you never give it a chance.” Fluttershy added in agreement.

“Hmm…” Discord gave it some thought before trying to entertain another idea to them. “...maybe. Maybe not. Though I suppose if there just so happens to be an active volcano nearby along the way, then I guess you’ll have to stay.” Both Fluttershy and Beshte look on with disapproving looks. “What? It could happen.”

Neither Fluttershy nor Beshte were amused nor impressed.

“Don’t do that.”

“Yeah. That’s not funny, Discord.”

“Oh, fine.” Discord pouted in defeat upon realizing that especially as far as the threat of Scar is concerned it is not a very good joke nor is something to toy around with, especially given his unpredictable and dangerous moves and actions.

Just moments later, the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard had arrived all decked up in winter gear with Big Mac, Spike, and Kovu all accompanying them to see them off along with Kiara who is accompanying the Guard for the ride too.

Twilight wore a yellow and red scarf, mitts, and boots with red earmuffs. Rarity wore a large white hat with a white blue diamond decorated scarf along with matching mitts and boots. Rainbow Dash wore a purple hat with matching mitts and boots and red and yellow scarf. Applejack wore a blue sweater, and Pinkie wore a light blue jacket, hat, mitts, and boots from head to toe.

As for the Lion Guard, everyone else dressed up too. Kion himself wore a red sweater with black earmuffs and mitts to cover all four of his paws. Fuli wore a green sweater with matching earmuffs and mitts for her ears and paws. Bunga wore a silver sweater and earmuffs. Ono wore an orange bodysuit and yellow scarf and hat. Kyoga wore a white sweater with matching earmuffs, scarf, mitts, and a hat. And Kiara herself wore a crystal white and blue outfit similar to both Rarity and Kyoga's from the hat, scarf, mitts, and earmuffs. A stunning sight for crystal ponies to adore if she was there. It also helps that Rarity designed all of these outfits for each and everyone like the good friend that she is.

“I got my bedroll, parka, unattractive but functional hikin' boots…” Applejack voiced before turning to the pink pony walking beside her. “Uh, anything I forgot, Pinkie Pie? You're our resident Yakyakistan expert.”

“Nope!” The pink pony cheerfully shook her head. “I brought yeti food!” Everyone including Bunga looked on with bewildered looks at what she just said. “Did I forget to mention there's a pony-eating yeti on Frost Field Glacier?”

“Yes, you did forget to mention that little detail.” Fuli returned with a dull look. “At least you let us know ahead of time.”

“As opposed to the last minute. Let alone last second.” Ono added equally dull with sarcasm dripped in his tone.

Bunga then happily moved on by saying. “We're gonna have so much fun!”

Rainbow was quick to assure everyone she’s got whatever danger comes their way. “Heh. If he messes with us, I'll turn that yeti into confetti!”

“Can you actually do that?” Kyoga asked as if she was being serious.

“It’s an expression, Kyoga! Geez! Have a sense of humor, lady!” In response a zap of lightning was shot right at her flank. “Ow! Hey! What was that for?!”

“Me trying to have a sense of humor. And by that I mean deflating that overly inflated ego of yours, literally.” Everyone all shared a group laugh together.

“Ha, ha, ha, really funny! Go ahead! Laugh it up!”

Just then the Friendship Express train had just arrived at the station with Big Mac wasting no time in pushing her younger sister onto her ride to Yakyakistan. “Heh. Somepony's in an awful quick hurry to get us out of here. Don't y'all have too much fun without us.”

Twilight then patted her adopted son like figure on the scales. “I bet you boys have big plans. Right, Spike?”

Spike continued to play it off like they don’t know what they are talking about. “I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.” He then turned to his crush who simply rolled her eyes in response. “Although if I did, I certainly wouldn't be allowed to discuss it with you girls.”

“I’m sure you won’t.” Kiara returned with sarcasm herself before turning to the lion of her dreams. “And neither will you.”

“Oh you can count on that.” Kovu returned with a blush while looking aside and trying really hard not to grin.

“Buh-bye!” Twilight said as she passed by the boys one last time.

“Take care of yourselves.” Kion said to them as he boarded the train alongside the alicorn princess.

“Bye, y'all!” Applejack waved to the others just when the trains takes off from the station and on to their destination and onto another adventure of a lifetime they’ll never forget.

So with the train ride on the move, the Lion and Pony Guard is on the move to the Crystal Empire, where the borders to Yakyakistan lies the closet. And despite Pinkie being her usual bubbly and kooky self her guidance up towards the entrance to their kingdom proved useful given that she actually (well almost) visited near the place a little while back. Given that she provided them a party that actually managed to convince the Yaks to make amends with both Twilight and Kion along with them learning to be less trigger happy with imperfect details that had them rampaging constantly it would make sense of how she knows them best. In addition there’s a special reason for their visit, that involves a combination of both things from the past and the present something that would pave way for a stronger friendship for the future.

“Wow! I really got to say I’m really looking forward to this trip, Pinkie!” Kion happily expressed to her.

“Me too!” Pinkie giggled. “It would be wonderful to see how well the yaks have fared since we last saw them.”

“Not only that…” Twilight spoke up next. “...along with being able to ask them a huge favor because we sure could use it later down the road.”

“Oh, yeah! Of course! For when we ask for their help in the fight against Scar! Surely they can’t say no to a request like that!”

“Don’t be too sure, Pinkie.” Ono cautioned. “If you don’t word it right the whole deal could be frozen over. And I don’t mean literally.”

Pinkie laughed at the egret making a pun even if he didn’t intend to that time. “Good one, Ono! But all joking aside, being able to ask them for their help is nothing we can’t handle as long as we play our cards right.” At that moment, Pinkie with the power of her poofy mane conjured up some playing cards. She then handed each and everyone on the train separate cards which has secretly written notes on the back of them.

“Huh?”

“Pinkie?”

“What are these?”

Kion, Applejack, and Rarity all uttered in surprise upon receiving and holding up their cards.

“Our plan. Your instructions for the planned visit we have with them. I’ve taken everything and accounted for any setbacks we might have along the way. It’s flawless.”

“Boo-boo proof?” Fluttershy asked.

“Boo-boo proof.” Pinkie nodded. “Read and do exactly what it says.” Just then she spotted something up ahead. “Oh goodie! We have just arrived!”

The train indeed arrived and pulled up to the station at the Crystal Empire. And at the station a few guests already there to greet them. Important guests and friends of the family.

“Hello, Kion.”

“Hello, Twilight.”

“Glad you all could make it.”

Simba, Celestia, and Cadance all greeted and all wearing their respective winter gear.

The former wore an orange sweater, red earmuffs, matching mitts, scarf, and hat. The sun monarch wore a multi-colored sweater, mitts, hat, and scarf to match her mane. The crystal princess wore a sky blue scarf, mitts, and red earmuffs herself.

“Same here.”

“We’re just as glad we were invited over too.”

Both leaders returned equally pleased to see them since they were expecting them while hugging their respective relatives.

“So everyone…” Cadance then said to the whole group once they all got off of the train. “...are we all ready to travel up to Yakyakistan?”

Everyone all replied with the following.

“Yeah!”

“Yep!”

“Ready!”

“Let’s do this!”

“Ready when you are!”

“Let’s go!”

“Great! Then follow me!” The Princess of Love happily declared before leading everyone on over towards the gates of Yakyakistan much like she did with Pinkie Pie the other day a while back.

As for the reason why both Simba and Celestia along with Cadance are accompanying the Guard on the upward journey up the hill towards Yakyakistan, it is for two reasons. One, because they two wanted to see what the kingdom itself is like given that the former has never been there before like everyone else, and the latter so she can see how things have changed since she was last there.

The other and most important reason, is so that they can help and oversee the talks and negotiations in order to avoid a repeat of the near war declaration from the last time they saw them. Mainly as a precaution to ensure neither Twilight nor Kion don’t scare them down and off into hiding. While they both are sure of that it won’t happen, they felt it was necessary to make sure things go smoothly this time around.

It took a little while due to the increased winds and snowfall around them, but they all managed to make it to the top. But with one thing Pinkie remembered just before they all reached the gates leading into Yakyakistan. “Just a minute, everyone!” She spoke up before examining the ice they are standing on. “Now, everyone split up and walk towards the gate following the instructions I gave you.”

Simba and Celestia looked towards both Kion and Twilight who had only this to say in response.

“Because when she tried to go there last time she ended up slipping on broken ice and slid all the way back here.”

“And this is to ensure that it doesn’t happen again by properly evening the scales, no offense.”

“None taken.” Beshte said to the two.

“In that case I’ll fly up a little just in case.” The sun monarch proceeded to do just that.

The others moved to follow the specific directions of how to approach the gates without slipping and sliding. Mainly in four rows of three walking side by side towards the gate. Fuli, Fluttershy, Kyoga in one row. Twilight, Kion, Pinkie in the next. Followed by Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, and then Bunga, and Beshte with Simba, Cadance, and Kiara behind while Celestia continues to float herself.

With careful steps as Pinkie motions everyone of how to step closer and closer towards the gates and then she did something that was out of the blue from everyone else present give that she put her front left hoof forward and then. “You put your left hoof in. You put your left hoof out. You put your left hoof in, and you shake it all around. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about. You put your…”

“Pinkie!” Fuli sharply interrupted. “What in the name of Equestria are you doing?!”

“It’s okay…” She happily assured while still performing said dance moves. “...it’s all part of the plan to ensure nobody slips and slides downward like I did before. Just keep going.” Everyone all moved to do so while letting Pinkie do her hokey pokey moves right up until they got to the gate. Upon arriving they still couldn’t comprehend while all of that was even necessary but still knew better than to question it.

Upon arriving and making sure they are all positioned where they won’t be unfortunate victims of the ice breakage Pinkie moved to knock on the gates. After a few seconds, someone’s voice moved to answer it.

“Who goes there?! Who dares disrupt the yak’s slumber.” The voice assertively demanded.

“It’s your favorite pony and friend, Pinkie Pie! Along with her bestest friends from the Lion and Pony Guard and a couple of princesses and a king for company!”

Upon hearing the cheerful pony’s voice, the tone quickly changed from the other side with the doors being quick to be unlocked and open just so some of the yaks could properly and kindly greet the guests that have come to their doorstep. “Well in that case, disregard what yak just said. And please, please, come on in.”

Everyone all moved to do so, all while finding themselves greeted by a long line of yaks who have already moved forward to greet their new friends. Complete with party confetti similar to how the yaks were initially greeted when they met the Lion and Pony Guard for the first time. Likewise, everyone took in the sights of the snowy area and buildings in front of them with awed interest.

At the end of the line, their leader Prince Rutherford was there so he can personally greet the group himself. “Pink pony step forward!” Pinkie moved to do as she was told before finding herself scooped up by the strong muscles of the yak himself. “Yaks feel so great to see you again! It has been so long since yaks have stayed in touch with pony kind along with her friend’s kind.”

“Same here!” Pinkie happily returned. “And I can tell you right now we’ve already been itching to want to see you all ourselves.”

“Yaks can tell.” Prince Rutherford then eyed the other friends that have also journeyed here to alongside Pinkie. “Purple alicorn, Golden lion and alicorn!” He moved to hug the two leaders of the Guard himself. Since their strength seperately has improved since the last time, both Kion and Twilight were able to handle it comfortably without feeling their bones and ribs are getting crushed. “So good to see you both again!”

“Good to see you too!”

“Nice that we could finally make the time to come here today! And I’m sure you’ve already met our friends from my Lion Guard!”

“Hey ya, party lovers!”

“Greetings, your majesty!”

“Nice to see you again!”

“Great to be here!”

“Along with my friends from the Pony Guard!”

“Howdy!”

“Hi!”

“Hello, darlings!”

“Been having fun lately!”

“Yaks sure been having fun!” The prince confirmed in answer to that last question. “In fact, yaks have been improving on our anger so yaks don’t smash on everything around us.”

“Oh, really!” Twilight noted while looking around the kingdom itself. “I can tell since these buildings are still standing.”

“Indeed, princess. For your friendship with us helped yaks see the errors of our past behavior and yaks have worked to change that so that yaks don’t get ourselves into trouble, again.”

“That’s always great to hear!”

“Yes…” He then sees the other guests that have yet to be introduced to. “...as much as meeting new faces, old and new.”

“Yes, of course.” Kion then moved to stand beside his sister and father. “Prince Rutherford, this is Kiara, my sister…”

“Who just so happens to be a princess herself…” Rarity chimed in and reminded with sparkling eyes as she said it much to the eye rolling annoyance from the lioness herself.

“...and this is my dad, King Simba.” Kion then finished.

“Hi.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet a friend of my son’s.” The two greeted while offering their paws to shake his hoof with.

“It would be greatly appreciated if you could not crush them, please?” Twilight kindly asked of the yak in charge who seemed to nod in response before moving to shake their hands a little strongly and vigorously for their liking.

“Yak welcomes both king and princess to Yakyakistan with open arms.” The prince greeted.

“Thank you, Prince Rutherford.”

“Thank you for inviting us here.”

Both lions replied while feeling themselves with a still shaking paw themselves after Rutherford had let go of them. Thankfully, both Kion and Twilight were there to help grab onto and stop them from shaking.

“And I don’t believe you’ve met Princess Cadance, have you?” Twilight then asked as Cadance moved to introduce herself to him.

“Yak has not. But yak has now.” The prince replied before moving to kiss it, along with leaving a little spittle on her golden slipper.

“Lovely to met you too, your majesty.” The princess returned with a forced smile before having her hoof instantly wiped off before she could accidentally glue herself to the ground with it due to the cold temperatures around them.

“The pleasure is all mine…” The yak returned before eyeing the one princess she has yet to greet. “...along with someone yaks haven’t seen in years.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Prince Rutherford.” Princess Celestia herself greeted as warmly and friendly as always.

“Yes, yak sure. Yaks also feel great that yaks can let bygones be bygones.” The sun princess herself nervously giggled in response before being gently hugged along with having her slippered hoof kissed much like Cadance before her.

Although Twilight was quick to pick up on that odd display of emotion she rarely shows expect when it comes to dealing with dangerous and difficult villains from the past she decided not to question it at least not right now. Along with whatever happened that led to whatever former tension to from between ponies and yaks.

“So Prince Rutherford…” Celestia then continued. “...you and your yaks have done quite a remarkable job of establishing a stable life here since we last saw each other.”

“Yes, yaks feel they have done it quite well, if yak do say so himself.” The prince proudly stated. “While yaks have had quite a few hardships on our own from time to time we always prevail and strive through to live for another day.” Upon hearing that left one to wonder what he meant by that, but again it is a question for another time. “Even to this day, we pride ourselves on our traditions we yaks uphold. So that said yaks will gladly give friends of yak a tour of Yakyakistan.” He then gestured to the various things the yaks are currently doing at the time. “Stomping logs to help tame yaks anger…”

“That’s good to hear.” Kion complimented

“Thankfully.” Fuli whispered to the others who nodded in agreement.

“...in addition learning how to decorate yak’s home and create yak’s new winter wear, blankets, and hats.”

“Ooh! Fascinating!” Rarity complimented herself with sparkling eyes.

“It is for yaks.” The prince noted before looking upon something else. “Also as much as yaks most beloved and traditional instrument. The yovidaphone.”

“The yovidaphone? What’s that?” Twilight curiously asked as Celestia looked on uncomfortably.

"The yovidaphone looks like this.” Calling out to a couple yaks. “Bring it forward, yaks!” The two yaks moved to do just that by rushing away to retreive it. ”Other yaks…” He then yelled out to the other, drum roll!” To be able to replicate it they proceeded to stomp their hooves on the ground repeatedly which shook the land and mountains around them a little much to the others concern. After a minute they managed to bring it out for all eyes to see and it was something to be said when even the pink party pony to see the instrument herself. Said instrument was gold in color and had a huge number of pipes compared to a saxophone. “Ta-da!”

Everyone all looked on in surprise, normal surprise for none of them had ever seen anything like it yet unsure of how it really works to properly judge said instrument.

“Wow!”

“Cool!”

Most of the Guard voiced in astonishment upon seeing it for the first time.

“It sure is something all right.” Fuli commented herself while amazed and stunned by how huge and how pipes it has.

“And that’s saying something for an instrument we just saw.” Princess Twilight commented before turning to her mentor. “Isn’t that right, Celestia?” But to her surprise she didn’t respond right away. “Celestia?!”

“Is everything okay?” Cadance asked her aunt who looked on completely uncomfortable while trying to avert her gaze from seeing it. For to her, that instrument sure brings back a lot of memories for her and judging from her catatonic shocked expression they aren’t good ones for sure.

After standing still in the same expression and position, Twilight decided to break the ice by calling her name out in her ear. “Celestia!”

The white alicorn let loose a startled gasp of shock before snapping out of it. “Yes, Twilight! It sure is quite something all right?” She nervously giggled which sparked confusion and concern amongst the group upon seeing it.

“Uh-huh. Still in one piece after all these years. Yaks amazed that yaks were able to put it together piece by piece.” The prince himself said thinking nothing of it along with the princess’s troubled look. “Even better is that yaks plan to show it in it’s restored glory later tonight.”

“Lovely. That’s great to hear. Can’t wait!” The princess managed to say despite her sudden struggle to maintain her composure. She then said. “But before we continue the tour, could you excuse me for a minute please?”

“Of course your majesty.” Prince Rutherford happily obliged to her request with a smile.

She then gracefully smiled in return before turning away to a private area in Yakyakistan before dropping her smile to let loose a big sigh in relief. “Oh, good heavens. That was a close one.”

“In regards to that instrument the yaks just presented?” Twilight’s voice said to her while revealing herself to be right behind her along with Kion, Simba, and Cadance. “It’s okay to say so you know? Much like you taught me.” She then reminded.

“What?! No! I mean…” Celestia stammered before giving up trying to come up with a little lie that is now obvious. “...yes. It is the yodviaphone, that’s really troubling me?”

“But why?” The younger alicorn asked in concern.

“Because that instrument brings up really bad memories for me. Something that led to years of regret.” She solemnly replied.

“Like what?” Kion asked as Cadance motioned her aunt to put the deep breathing exercise along with Twilight.

“An international incident that led to a rift between ponies and yaks?” Twilight guessed.

“The very incident that you off hoof mentioned that one time?” Simba himself also chimed in while questioning.

“All of the above.” She admitted as she sat down and turned her back from them as she could hardly bare to face her closest companions with deep regret written all over her face as she recalls the memory of her last visit here in Yakyakistan. “It was long ago when it happened and when checking up on the yaks on a day like this. Upon visiting that day, that’s where I came across the yodviaphone. While it seems like an instrument that one would wish to try out at first, you’ll find depending on your capabilities that it’s either a blessing to be granted or a curse that you regret pursing. And that’s what happened to me back then.”

“So you willing volunteered to play the yodviaphone in front of the yaks, but just so happened to be very unskilled and unfit to play it you wound offending the yaks greatly for it.” Her student deduced.

“Yes, Twilight.”

“And I’m guessing the yaks weren’t in a listening mood to hear your attempted apologies out?” The half lion and alicorn prince then asked.

“Yes, Kion.”

“Whoa.” Simba gasped. “And here I thought accidentally saying the former elephant leader had dumplings on him was bad.” He commented while expressing relief once more that the elephants were very forgiving and understanding for his accidental use of Elephantese and that he did not do anything to set off the yaks himself.

“If you had said what you said at one of their funerals, you would have been trampled to death.” She then quickly added upon remembering what happened to his father. “But of course we will at least make sure that doesn’t happen going forward.”

“I’m sure should that happen again, they won’t be too hostile and aggressive towards you.” Cadance then attempted to assure her distressed aunt. “It’s all in the past and the yaks so far have managed to keep their temper’s under control…” At the sound a yak roaring and crushing log sound. “...mostly.”

Even still Celestia felt uncomfortable of wanting to do anything with a yodviaphone again, she had to remind herself that thanks to Pinkie along with Twilight and Kion, the yaks don’t have the same ill temper they once had. Still present, but not as bad as before.

“You can trust us on this.” Twilight again comforted. “We won’t let anything happen to you. And that’s something we can promise you on. Even Pinkie Promise on.”

“Pinkie Promise on what?” Pinkie curiously asked while suddenly appearing out of nowhere much to the group’s startled shock and surprise.

“Pinkie! What are you doing here?!”

“I just came to check up on you all and to see if you all are ready to continue on with the tour.” She cheerfully replied before dropping her smile upon noticing the awkward atmosphere around her. “I’m sorry did I interrupt a serious conversation?”

“No, no, no, that’s quite all right, Pinkie.”Celestia warmly responded after regaining her composure. “You actually came by at a good time.” She then proceeded to regroup with the others. “Let’s catch up with the others, shall we?”

“Sure.”

“Let’s.”

“We’re right behind you, Celestia.”

“Every step of the way.”

While they all know that deep down mentally Celestia is not completely fine, but they are all ready to back her up when needed.

The rest of the tour went on no problem. Along the way they got see their fireplace where they tell stories together, the huts they hoof created themselves (albeit a little shoddy workmanship involved considering they’re just straw and mud combined together), in addition the huts where they eat together, (thankfully they had edible food not to mention enjoyed the yaks favorite cake (with personally grown vanilla beans to make the perfect vanilla extract with), the sleeping hut, and of course the music hut where listen to music including some of the yaks take turns at playing the yodviaphone is being played.

Said instrument when played right can be quite a sight and quite a hearing to enjoy together. Although Celestia still looked on uncomfortably with having that said reminder put to her face, she still was able to mask it with her trademark warm smile.

Everyone else while finding some of the yaks ways of doing things around here questionable (mainly the the creation of the huts and some of the stories they told), they still raised no questions about it with the occasional comments of what they are seeing. Though they did enjoy the cake, sleeping huts, some of the stories the yaks have told in regards to fighting great evil. And they all wasted no time in sharing their thoughts over it when Prince Rutherford left them be for a little bit.

“Wow! These yaks sure know how to live!” Bunga first commented already amazed as Pinkie Pie.

“They sure do!” Beshte agreed.

“Although I do have some questions in regards to that, I’ve got nothing to complain. Especially since they know how to sleep and how to make a mean cake.” Fuli spoke up next and then added. “That of course doesn’t change of what my favorite cake is baked by the best cake baker I know.” Pinkie smiled eagerly in response to the compliment.

“All and all I feel they really do know how to live, mostly.” Ono commented next feeling not completely sure the yaks know what they are doing.

“Mostly? What do you mean by that?”

“I mean if you have been taking notice of the huts along with some of their traditions that not everything here is quite up to code. Like the huts for example.”

“Right. There is that.” Kion acknowledged.

“In addition, the yaks stomping has shaken the area around us quite a bit. I’m amazed that this placed hasn’t caved in for an avalanche zone.”

“That is also true.” Applejack also acknowledged. “But then again, they have managed pretty well for a group of brutes prone to violence and smashing and I know better than to question others traditions.”

“I know but from the looks of it I have a feeling that day where it’ll come to bite them in the rumps will be sooner than most of us think.”

“Hopefully that day won’t be today.” Fluttershy wished as she expressed her thoughts dreading the idea of an everyday nightmare for the yaks already.

“Thankfully as long as the yaks aren’t doing anything overly aggressive we’ll be fine at least for today.” Twilight spoke up to assure of everyone who is even thinking of starting to worry. “They have promised to be on their best behavior and so have we. Truthfully I’d be amazed if someone managed to find a way to make risking a potential catastrophe happen in a blink of an eye.”

And no sooner than she said it Prince Rutherford came on by with something important to tell the group. “Pony and Lion Guard friends and family! Yaks just about to start a banquet and a yodviaphone concert in your honor. Cake will be present as well thanks to yaks making it!”

“We’ll be there shortly!”

“Can’t wait!”

Both Twilight and Pinkie called out to the yak prince before he set out to get things started once more.

After he left, Twilight could only sheepishly giggle before sighing. “Of course, someway somehow there will be ways I can be proven wrong about that.” She then quickly reassured Celestia once more. “And before you start, it’s just a concert that will have the yaks and only the yaks listening so there’s no need to worry about being put into the spotlight like that.”

“I sure hope so.” Celestia softly spoke which sparked Pinkie’s curiosity.

“All joking aside, why are you so freaked out about that instrument, it’s not that bad of an instrument.”

“A little word of advice before you be so sure about that…” Celestia then cautioned while shaking her head. “...not all instruments are as easy as play as they seem. And considering that the yaks have a temperamental mentality when it comes to how certain things play out it’s better that you to play your notes very carefully unless you know how it works. It’s not quite the same as playing ten instruments at once.”

“But it can’t be that hard to learn, right?”

“Depends on if you have the natural skill to actually be able to play like the yaks can.”

“Anyways…” Cadance then spoke up wishing to move things along aside from the issue. “...why don’t we go forward and enjoy this banquet the yaks have prepared for us? Surely our food won’t be staying warm for long.”

“I have no doubt it won’t.” Simba shook his head before speaking to Pinkie for a moment. “And if you would please not speak of pursing interest in the previously mentioned instrument during our stay here. It is clearly making Celestia really uncomfortable.”

“Oh, right! Did something that bad, huh? Hakuna Matata!” She proceeded to literally zip her lips sealed before leading the way on over to the hut they were told the banquet is planning to be held.

With that understanding, the group then made their way inside after her so they can enjoy the banquet themselves. And indeed, they all found themselves enjoying the shared cuisine from all three tribes and parties as a sign of unity and peace.

Inside that very hut has every guest seated in a circle formation or at least what they intended to. Before that happened this moment happened when the Lion and Pony Guard along with Simba, Kiara, Celestia, and Cadance walked into.

“Yaks! That’s an oval not a circle!” Prince Rutherford shouted. “A little more wider! Expand it so looks more circler.” The yaks moved to do just that. “Much better! Thank you yaks for understanding that!”

After that was settled the special guests of honor found themselves seated right beside Prince Rutherford himself with both Celestia and Simba seated right by his side. Followed by Twilight and Kion, and then Cadance and Kiara, Applejack and Fuli, Pinkie and Beshte, Rainbow Dash and Bunga, Fluttershy and Kyoga, and Rarity and Ono in that order.

“On behalf of Yakyakistan…” The yals leader began while hoisting his cup up in the air. “...yaks would like to propose a toast, to commemorate the offical beginning where yaks, ponies, lions, and all of their friends come together for a friendship that I hope and wish will last more stronger than before. So here, here…” He raised his cup wishing for everyone else in the hut to follow suit.

“Here! Here!” Everyone clinked their cups with one another before taking a drink from it.

“Now…” The prince then spoke turning to the sun monarch herself. “...in order to help fulfill our debt to you as a token of our appreciation to you all for offering your hoof and paw in friendship, how can we help return the favor?”

“Well actually Prince Rutherford…” Celestia began as comfortably as she can say it. “...we actually do have a pretty big favor we have come all the way out here for.” Kion, Twilight, Simba, and Cadance’s eyes all looked on as they were ready to back her up in case she struggled or froze mid-sentence.

“Oh, and what do yaks have to ask what’s that?” The prince curiously asked.

After taking a deep breath she continued with what she wanted and needed to say. “As you may have heard, Equestria is currently at war…”

“...not with you and the yaks.” Simba quickly spoke up and clarifed. “But with someone else who’s very name can turn one’s heart ice cold…

“Who?”

“Scar.”

Hearing his name sparked collected gasps and frozen expressions of fear among the yaks complete with dropped jaws, falling food, dropped drinks, right down to the clattering sounds dropping onto the ground.

“Scar?” The prince uttered looking on like he is hearing the name of the most feared nemesis more so than his natural enemies.

“Yes. And I know this is now a huge thing we’re asking of you right now, but on behalf of the Pride Lands and all of Equestria we would greatly appreciate and respectively requests your assistance in the upcoming fight against him.”

“Um...yaks not sure if yaks are up to the idea…” He nervously spoke with the ongoing shock still running through his system. “...unless…” He continued with what he believes is a very fair idea to agree to their request. “...pony princess does yaks a favor. And that is...perform a song on the yodviaphone!”

Celestia’s eyes widen like prick points upon hearing that demand as all of the horrifying memories of that day came flooding right back in her mind.

After she froze up once more, Twilight rose from her seat before floating over to the leader of the yaks in an attempt to reason with him. “Now hold just a minute, your majesty.” Even with two yaks standing by their leader to yield her off she still remained firm in the their faces. “For starters and with all due respect, I understand that this is a really big ask so soon. And I believe we can find other way’s to find a much fairer and more reasonable accommodations to negotiate this deal. Other way’s rather than forcing someone to do something they clearly aren’t up to doing.”

“Yak prince’s mind has been made up. Either your princess friend performs music on yodviaphone or no yaks to help with fight against the war with death himself.”

“But that’s not fair!” Kion argued. “That’s only gives us a few hours to actually pull that off!”

“The matter like this door is closed!” He proceeded to stomp off ahead before adding. “Pretend there’s a door slammed in yout face, purple pony!” He along with the rest of the yaks proceeded to leave the hut in a huff.

Kion could only growl as he moved grab one of the cups and chunk it towards the wall of the opposite side of the hut causing it break through the wall and by extension it was enough for it to take the whole hut down with it. Thankfully, the hut simply crumbled around them with none of the material used to built it landing on anyone’s heads.

“Well that could have gone better.” Bunga commented with disappointment.

“Oh, you think?” Kyoga sarcastically muttered to the honey badger who simply shrugged.

“Probably not.”

All while Celestia still looks in dismay of how a potential alliance and friendship with the yaks might have been messed up once more. “Celestia, you’ve done it again.” She said while placing a hoof to her forehead as if she got a terrible headache from what just happened.

“Hey, come on! It’s not your fault!” Bunga tried to say otherwise. “If anything the yaks are the ones who need to apologize. Here we just came here to spend time with them here and try to ask them of a favor. And as big as it might be the least they could have done is just say no and call it a day.”

“Bunga that’s…” Fuli spoke up before realizing the wisdom in his words. “...all actually true.”

“Eh…” Bunga humbly shrugged. “...I just go with the yak expert’s gut feeling.”

“Aww!” Pinkie commented with delighted glee and squee.

“But seriously though, now that the attempt to do some wheeling and dealing didn’t work, what do we now to make things right?” Fuli then asked everyone else.

“The only thing we can do.” Twilight replied upon getting the feel that there is not much they can do. “At least talk to the yaks to tell them the deal is off and the only request being they can stay friends and allies.”

“But what about getting the yaks help against the fight against Scar?” Fluttershy asked as if she wasn’t expecting that.

“They’re not interested in wanting to fight and I don’t blame them.”

“But, but…” Ono stuttered. “...we need every advantage we can get.”

“And when they’re ready to talk and want to help fight with us we’ll be ready to listen to them. But for now we just need to give them some more time to think about it.”

“I’d hate to say it but I’m afraid it’s probably for the best.” The Princess of Love said in agreement. “Much like love the willingness to want to join in on the fight can only happen when both sides want to commit to it. It can’t be forced upon.”

“No!” Princess Celestia vocally spoke up against the idea. “We’ve come too far, we can’t give up like this!”

“We’re not giving up.” Simba clarified. “We’re just putting off trying to seek their help until they’re willing to agree to it.”

“But do you not understand?!” Celestia spoke now sounding more frantic than before. In fact more than when dealing with the likes of Discord, Chrysalis, and Tirek. “We are at war! One that we are losing right now and we are literally vulnerable to whatever Scar is going to do next. And for all we know not getting their help might decide whether or not we’re going to win or lose!” Aside from the stress of war, it was pretty clear that messing up the alliance and friendship with the yaks really rattled her to the core.

It took a second before Twilight broke the deadly silence on the matter. “Don’t worry. It’ll be okay. But if it makes you feel better we’ll try to at least talk and smooth things over with the yaks and try one more time if there is something else they’re willing to offer. But if they still refuse to relent and change their minds, then we’ll have to wait for another day.”

“But how in tarnation are we going get to yaks by chance to change their mind?” Applejack asked. “Because it only takes one stubborn fellow to butt heads with an equally stubborn fellow into refusing to compromise.”

“True whether it’s me, Simba, Cadance, and Kion.” Twilight acknowledged before turning to a certain friend that knows them well. “But maybe with the right pony who knows her yaks, it could be possible.”

“That’s true!” Pinkie happily hopped. “Nobody knows them better than me!”

“Great! That being said that’s where you come in and do the talking, if you think you can do it!”

“Of course I can!” Pinkie assertively stated. “If I can talk Applejack and Ono into giving in along with talking other’s ears off then I’m absolutely sure I can get those stubborn yaks to change their minds with the way they are treating us. Let’s go!”

“Great!” Kion said feeling at the very least satisfied. “In the meantime, the rest of you be prepared to give something the yaks will enjoy if we do manage to talk them into doing something else for them.”

“Can we trust you all to hold the fort until we get back?” Simba then inquired of the others who all were at least willing to figure out a way to give it a shot.

“Uh-huh.”

“Yep.”

“Can do.”

“We’ll try our best.”

Bunga, Applejack, Fuli, and Rarity returned to confirm it.

“Hopefully, we can’t mess this up.” Fluttershy expressed hoping that it is as easy said and done.

“I’m sure we’ll do just fine on our own.” Kyoga assured.

“We’ll be back.” Princess Cadance informed everyone before joining the others in pursuit of the yaks.

In the meantime, Princess Celestia could only stand aside and wonder just how is she going to make this work along with how she can make this right all while nervously pacing around in the snow. “Oh, please hope for the best. Please, come back with good news. But in the meantime, what should I do? What can I do?”

All while the others look on in concern with the normally unflappable alicorn princess is on the verge of a freakout much like Twilight would do her her slippers.

“Yikes!” Ono first commented while blinking at the sight. “But at the same time very understandable.” He then said being no stranger to being anxious and on edge from time to time.

“No kidding!” Bunga agreed. “She sure is taking it pretty hard.”

“Think there is anything we can do to help her?” Fluttershy asked the others hoping for ideas to help the sun monarch calm down.

“Maybe…” Rarity spoke feeling it’s possible. “...question is, can we get her listen?”

“Of course we can!” Bunga was quick to answer that like it’s a no brainer. “Watch!” To prove his point he moved to rush over to the princess to get her to stop in her tracks. “Hey, princess!”

“What?!”

“Repeat after me.”

“Huh? Why would I want to do that?”

“Just do it! Trust me! You’ll feel better once you get through!”

“Okay…” Kiara spoke up with a raised eyebrow. “...it’s a start.”

“Now the question is, what is he going get her to do?” Kyoga then asked equally confused.

“Only one way to find out.” Rainbow said next just hoping it’s something good.

And what followed was something nobody other than Pinkie (if she were here) would understand nor expect.

“You put your left hoof in. You put your left hoof out. You put your left hoof in, and you shake it all around. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.”

As Bunga repeated the words and the motions, Celestia found herself mimicking the motions move by move even though she didn’t completely understand why he was telling her to do these moves but she was too emotionally distressed to question it.

Upon watching this left everyone else just keeping eyes locked on the two while still in disbelief with what they are watching and seeing let along the eldest and wise princess herself.

“Um, guys, girls…” Ono spoke first. “...are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

“Celestia herself being convinced to do the hokey pokey.” Fuli said next.

“I wish I was dreaming this but I’m not.” Rarity replied still looking on like it isn’t the most dignified dance she’s seen.

“Like my dad always says, live long enough and you’ll see everything.” Beshte then chimed in.

“You said it, partner.” Applejack commented in agreement.

“Hey, Bunga.” Rainbow called out to Bunga who is still dancing alongside Celestia. “Not trying to question your methods but please and kindly tell us...why you are getting the Princess of all ponies to do the hokey pokey?!”

“Because it’s fun and what better way to help relieve stress by doing something silly when nobody else is watching.” Bunga happily replied before turning to said stressed pony beside him. “All right, princess! It’s all you now! Say it!”

It took a little bit of effort but she found herself getting more and more comfortable with it with every passing repeat and chime of the words that go along with the dance. “You put your left hoof in. You put your left hoof out. You put your left hoof in, and you shake it all around. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.”

“Well I’ll be…”

“...it’s actually working.”

“And she’s actually feeling a lot more comfortable than before.”

Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity all voiced in delighted surprise.

“Umm, guys, girls.” Fluttershy spoke up while gesturing to someone coming up and approaching them. “We got company.”

Said someone happens to be Prince Rutherford accompanied with the others who have just arrived and seem to be ready to talk again.

“Uh-oh.” Ono uttered in alarm.

“Bunga! Princess!” Kyoga yelled out to the two who seem already too much in the groove to want to stop willingly.

“Can’t stop now! We’re really getting in the groove!” Bunga replied with his back still turned from everyone.

“Well I’d hate to throw you off your groove but…” Kyoga proceeded to use her magic to freeze him just when he was turned around facing everyone including the yaks.

“Oh. Princess Celestia! You can stop now!”

But it seems that the comment fell on deaf ears since she went ahead and did it one more time. “You put your left hoof in. You put your left hoof out. You put your left hoof in, and you shake it all around. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.” She then finished feeling charged up before turning to face the now stunned and worried honey badger. “Now that sure helped me quite a lot, thank you.” Upon seeing his expression her smile dropped into one of confusion and worry herself. “What? Bunga?” She tilts her head up to see everyone else has returned and has just seen her do the hokey pokey which she found admittedly embarrassing herself. “Oh my.” Her face completely turned red when the realization swelled up. “Prince Rutherford and yaks. How long have all you yaks have been standing there?”

“Long enough for yaks to see that dance you just did.” The prince replied still as serious as ever like before.

“Oh did you?”

“Yes, and yaks have something to say about that.” He then continued while Celestia herself cringed already expecting the worst as evident with her normally sparkling and billowing mane dropping to the ground in frozen fear. “And that’s…” Everyone looks on unsure of what’s going to happen next until… “...the most exciting and insipirating dance yaks have ever seen!” Everyone turned their heads towards the yak prince with bugged eyed expressions as if he’s high or something.

“Really? It is?” Bunga asked finding it surprising himself.

“Of course! The funniest and most yak dance ever seen since um…” He turned to the yaks for quick memory jog in a whisper before turning back to resume talking. “...the time when yaks danced along to whatever was that corny music was.”

“Corny music?” Bunga looked on with no idea what he is referring too. “Don’t suppose you could be a little more specfic.” Then Pinkie tossed him a stereo. “What did it sound like?” He then started playing the stereo with tunes such as “Good Vibrations” and then later “Don’t Worry Be Happy”. “Yes? No?” He asked twice which is met with stone looked shakes of the heads from the yaks as they all stood still. “Okay, how about this?” He then plays the stereo’s tunes as it makes “The Macarena.” song. Immediately, the yaks started dancing to confirm that’s the song they are looking for.

“Yep, that’s the one!” The prince confirmed before he and the others got in perfect sync to dance to the tunes of that very song. “Ah, Macarena!” The yaks continued to dance to the beat up until the song ended, all while everyone still looked on in disbelief that this is what gets the yaks upbeat and listening. “Oh, yeah. Yaks love a good Macarena just as much as um, what is that dance called?”

“The hokey pokey!” Pinkie happily answered.

“Right, of course! Thank you, pink pony! The hokey pokey!” The yak prince turned to the others with a pleased confirmation to note. “Pony prince and princesses are right. With dances like that, yaks can find it in their hearts to brave forward against the fight against great evil and death all together.”

“Well, that’s great to hear.” Kion expressed feeling pleased to hear that. “Isn’t that right, Twilight?”

“Oh, yeah. Couldn’t have said better myself.” Twilight replied with a somewhat forced smile as she found herself agreeing to it.

“Same here, Twilight.” Simba replied in the same tone and manner. “Nor could I have done it better myself.”

“Love to hear the enthusiasm. How very lovely.” Princess Cadance then said next following suit along with both Twilight and Simba.

“In fact, if all yak friends join in on the dance, then yaks will fight on your side! So come on over and dance with us!” Turning to the honey badger. “Hit it!”

Bunga proceeded to start up the music again while everyone else moved to spread along the area around them before moving to follow the dance moves to the Hokey Pokey all while singing the words that go with it.

“You put your left hoof in. You put your left hoof out. You put your left hoof in, and you shake it all around. You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.”

“Are we seriously going to keep dancing like this for them?” Ono quietly piped the question to the others.

“Only for a while.” Twilight replied.

“At least up until the yaks are satisfied.” Cadance added.

“By a while could you define on what that is?” He asked hoping that it won’t be long until they are free to stop.

“Sorry.”

“Can’t say for sure.”

“Oh.” Ono groaned before resuming the dance.

While not in the way they expected things to work out, it still indeed worked and they managed to get what they hoped for out of it. All while Scar’s watchful eyes look on as if he was just a ghost passing by. While he didn’t say anything, the narrowed and calculating look on his eyes tells all of what he thinks of what is happening now and that he has one more team of enemies to keep watch on going forward. With a ghostly misty wind backing him up any trace of his appearance disappeared into thin air until the day they meet again for when he makes his next move...