In the town of Ponyville the ponies were enjoying their day. The kids were on TikTok, the decorations for the Summer Sun Celebration are up on the street lamps, and ponies were being prepared. That is until two large stallions were plowing throw ponies. One was a larger brown and an orange mane and tail, while the other was tall, purple and his mane and tail were purple. They were chasing what looks like a little dog like creature. It’ was black, blue and yellow in color and was quite fast for its size. It was carrying what looked like a position of some sort. The dog ran down an ally and was cornered, as the two stallions slowly walked towards it.

“Now, Now, little one. We’re not gonna hurt you… we just need… that… POTION!“ The large one said as they leaped to the dog. But it just straight up teleported and it was now behind them. They got up and continued to chase it.

Meanwhile, Twilight, Spike, and Flash arrived at Ponyville. The trio got a good look at the town and it wasn’t half bad. The town was far more modest than Canterlot and it seemed more peaceful, too. Flash thought that maybe Golden glow would like to retire here.

“Thank you, sirs.” said Twilight politely as they disembarked. As the guards flew away, Twilight got her list out and started to Trot to her first stop on the list. Spike saw a fluffy earth pony mare with a darker pink mane and tail and blue eyes trotting towards them. She also had a large yellow bow in her hair and had three balloons as a cutie mark. She also had light blue hooves and blue strikes in her hair.

“Hi there,” Spike greeted. “My name is—“

At that moment, the pink pony gasped, floating in the air as she suddenly shot off to who knows where before Spike could finish.

Spike felt indignant. “It’s because I’m a dragon, isn’t it?!” Spike said angrily as flash tried to comfort him.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure there a lots of other ponies here that would like you.” Said Flash, which seemed to cheer Spike up a little.

Twilight sighed. “ Yeah, hopefully there are. Come on let’s get started on the list.”

“By the way… Why didn’t we just take a plain or train here? I mean, it’s the 20 second century after all?” Flash said.

Later, Spike told them that the food will be catered by a place named Sweet Apple Acres.

“Well, not many farms in Canterlot,” Spike remarked.

“Yeah not a bad place.” Flash agreed. “So, who do we talk to?”

“Yea-ha!” said a load female voice with a country accent, catching the trio’s attention. They look over to see an orange, freckled Earth Pony with blonde mane and tail and green stripes. She was wearing a red Stetson hat and and bandana. She had three apples as a cutie mark. She also had a bit of green in her mane her coat and light green hooves. The Earth Pony kicked a tree and all the apples came off. Flash cocked an eyebrow as he found himself impressed with the mare’s strength, while Spike was amazed by such a feat.

“That was amazing!” Spike blurted out, catching the farm mares attention.

“ Why thank you! Just takes some practice.” Chuckled the farmer. While Spike was just shocked and confused.

“Aren’t you gonna panic?” He asked.

“Y’all aren’t hurten my family or destroying anything, so, there isn’t a reason to.” Blinked the orange pony.

“Huh? Weird. Usually, the first time ponies see me, their first instinct is to run, screaming, ‘Ah! Run! Hide! It’s a dragon!” , Spike admitted.

“I…I see…” trailed the orange pony. “Ah’m sorry ya get treated like that.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re being nice to Spike,” said Twilight. “Oh, where are my manners? My name is, Twilight Sparkle—“

Before she could finish, the earth pony grabbed her hoof and shacked it rapidly, “ Well howdy do, Twilight! I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres love maken’ new friends.”

“Friends?! Actually, I’m here for…” Twilight said shakily. Applejack had one heck of a grip. “You have a very strong grip…”

This caused Applejack to let go in embarrassment. “Heh…sorry, sugercube.” She blushed.” I can get a bit excited.”

“You don’t say…” Twilight said, hoof still shaking until Spike grabbed it. Thanks, Spike.” She said as Flash

“Greetings. My name is Flash Sentry.” He said with a slight bowing gesture. “ Me, Spike, and Twilight are here to check on the food preparations. You must be e charge of it?”

“We share as sugar are,” grinned Applejack. “ Would you care to sample some?”

Twilight did fell a bit peckish from the journey. “Well, I guess we could try something. As long as it doesn’t take too long. Out of curiosity, do you make any apple-flavored rock candy?”

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, why?

Flash explained, “ Spike likes to eats gems, but, Twilight raised him to eat rock candy as an acceptable substitute.”

Applejack shrugged. “Fair enough,” she took out a triangle and started ringing it. “Soups on, everypony!

From seemingly out of nowhere, hundreds of earth ponies appeared in a dust cloud surrounding them.

“What the- what is this?!” Cried Twilight, Over whelmed by the sheer number of ponies.

“The Apple Family Reunion,” Chuckled Applejack. “Now, let me introduce y’all to everypony.”

And with that she began to listing off names. As she listed every name related to an apple, a new pony would quickly come to the table and drop off a plate of whatever their name was portrayed. Eventually, a small mountain of food toward over them, threatening to topple over the trio. They began to dig in with Flash mainly digging into the desert.

“I’m sensing a theme here,” Spike quipped. This triggered some hearty laughs from the Apple Family.

“Y’all got scenes of humor,” chucked Applejack. “That’ll go well in this here town. Pinkie‘ll be pleased as a junebug in the month of May ta meet ya.”

Spike tilted his head. “Who’s Pinkie?”

Applejack playfully noogied him. “ Don’t you fret not, sugercube. You’ll find out soon enough. Y’all staying here, right?”

Flash answered throw his stuffed mouth.”Only for the celebration, after that well head home. These are so good!”

“Why thank y’all.” Said Applejack.

“Yeah we’re going to check on some things here and head back tomorrow.” Spike then continued, rather sadly, “ Then, I guess its back to being stuck in Twilights—“

Before he finished Twilight spat out the food she was eating and quickly put her hoof on his mouth and laughed nervously. “Studies! Yeah, stuck in my studies! He’s a very curious dragon! If you’ll excuse me…” she slinked off with Spike to the barn leaving Flash outside with the family. Inside, Twilight put Spike down and speaking throw greeted teeth, “ What in Tartarus are you doing Spike?!”

Spike, taken it back by this, honestly says, “Uh, telling them I’ll go back to being stuck in room all day when this is over.”

“You can’t just go around saying stuff like that in public!” Twilight said in frustration.

“Why not?” queried the young drake. Twilight leaned close to his ear frond and whispered the explanation, causing the dragon to make shocked faces. “Ooooh… tsk… yeah… I’ll just not bring that up in public anymore.”

“Very good, Spike,” said Twilight. They went back to the Apple Family. “Sorry about that.”

“ Aren’t ya gonna stay for brunch?” asked Apple Bloom, the youngest member of the Apple Family that was present. She was bright yellow with a red mane and tail with orange eyes. She was giving a face so cute it should be illegal. Seeing Twilight cringe at this, Flash decided to speak up.

“ I’m sorry.” Flash said, kneeling down to her eye level, “ But when you have important duties like us, sometimes you have to put fun things like this on the back banner for a while.” Everypony around them moaned sadly at this.

Twilight, unable to resist the guilt said, “Ok, we’ll stay.”

After sampling the Apple Family foods, Spike, Twilight, and Flash headed out to check on other preparations. “Ugh…” groaned a rather stuffed Twilight. “I ate too much pie…” Flash on the other hand didn’t look stuffed at all.

“Speak for yourself.” Flash said as he rubbed his stomach. “I’ve really needed that. I haven’t eaten in forever.”

“ That’s because you train all the time, mister muscles.” Twilight shot back.

“That’s because it’s my job Twi. It’s literally my special talent.” Flash said in a deadpan expression. Causing Twilight to release he was right.

“Foods is done… now the weather.” Spike said as he checked the list. “ Hmm… there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds.”

The two ponies looked up, only to see the sky full of clouds. “ Well, she’s not doing a very good job is she? If she were here, I’d give her a piece of my mind.” Said Twilight.

Flash would have said something, but his heightened scenes picked up on something heading their way. Before they got a chance to react, they were tackled into a mud puddle.

The perpetrator revealed itself to be a fluffy, pegasus mare with the same color coat as the sky above. She had ruby eyes and a somewhat messy mane and tail in color of red, yellow, and blue along with her wings. Her hooves were red and she wore googles and sweatbands. She had a storm cloud for a cutie mark.

“Heh…” she said sheepishly.” Scuse me.” Twilight and Flash were quiet annoyed from her attack.

Spike was the first to talk. ”That was quite fast.You must be a pro racer.”

“Well, I do like to race,” grinned the blue pony. “I got my cutie mark the day I discovered my love for it.”

Once again, Spike found himself surprised. “You’re not scared that I’m a dragon?”

The blue pony laughed. “Psst! You seem pretty harmless. Besides, if a dragon did come, I could totally take it on.”

“You’re the…” Spike counted with his fingers. “…16th who didn’t pack at the sight of me today.”

“Let me guess, went to the Apple Family reunion?” The blue pony chuckled. “ Yeah Applejacks family is quit famous in Ponyville. Most of them don’t even live here.”

Spike nodded. “Yeah, we did.”

The pony saw Twilight and Flash still in the mud. “Oh, sorry, let me help you,” she pushed over a rain cloud and bounced on it several times. This caused it to rain on the duo in a manner more akin to dumping a bucket of water on top of them.

“Oh, great…” groaned Twilight. “Now we’re drenched!”

Ooh… Guess I overdid it,” said the pegasus. “Never mind, I can fix that.” She started flying around them very fast. “My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry!”

The pegasus surrounded Twilight and Flash in a swirl of rainbow colored light, so as to blow off every drop of water on there bodies.

“No no, don’t thank me. You’re quite welcome,” The pony grinned. However, upon inspection, she saw that Twilights mane and tail had been all pooped up (making the unicorn look ridiculous). Flash’s mane and tail however we’re to short to be all poofy so he just fixed it.

The blue pegasus grinned before rolling on the floor laughing and Spike couldn’t help but laugh to, while Flash just snickered.

“Let me guess, you’re Rainbow dash?” Twilight bitterly asked the pegasus.

The blue pegasus smirked as she bragged, “The one and only. Why? You heard of me?”

“We heard you’re in charge of the weather detail for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Spike explained. He was holding on to rainbow to stay upright but just remembered his position. “Uh, could you maybe lower yourself a bit so I can get down?”

“Oh, sure. Sorry, little guy,” Rainbow apologized as she knelt down. “What’d you say your name was?”

“Spike,” said the dragon.

And I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is Flash Sentry,” added the unicorn. “The Princess sent us here to keep an eye on the weather, which you are doing a very subpar job with.”

“Yeah yeah, I’ll get it done in a moment,” Rainbow Dash said as she quickly laid down on a cloud, “ I’ll do it after I’m done practicing.”

“Practicing?” Flash asked, “for what?”

“Slacking off when you have a job to do?” Twilight sarcastically asked getting a glare from Flash.

“No!” Snapped Rainbow Dash. “I’m practicing my routine for the Wonderbolts.” She said in an ecstatic tone, “ They’ll be preforming tomorrow and I’m going to show my stuff!”

“The Wonderbolts?” Twilight replied, wondered if she heard right. “The most talented flyers in all of Equestria and Pegasus Military group?”

“Yep,” confirmed the pegasus.”

“Please.” Twilight said with a raised hoof. “They’d never recruit a Pegasus Pony who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”

“ I have to agree with her on this one, you’re making your species look bad.” Flash said, trying to get the pegasus to work. But, Rainbow Dash just growled, felling challenged.

“I bet I could fly faster than your boyfriend ever could.” her growls become louder.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” Twilight hissed back as she pointed at him, “ he’s an apprentice knight to the great Golden Glow. I bet he could fly circles around you.”

“Please don’t bring me into this.” Flash said with a raised hoof, as he knew he wasn’t in a bragging mood.

“Too late pretty boy.” Rainbow Dash replied with a challenging grin. “You and me right now!” she said as she pointed to the clouds. “I take one half and you take the other. First one to clear their section wins.”

“We really don’t have time for this.” Flash groaned with a face palm.

“Oh, come on!” Rainbow yelled. “What’s that old saying? A knight never flees from a foe?” Flash sighed and turned to Twilight, giving her a ‘are you serious?’ look.

“Just humor her.” she told him as she pointed to the list.”If it will get her off her flank and make do her job, then we can move on. Deal?”

Flash sighed and nodded. Rainbow Dash pulled out a stopwatch out of seemingly nowhere and holding it to Spike.“ Ever use a stopwatch before kid?”

“Yes, actually,” Spike admitted. “Whenever Twilight asks me to time her book organizing sessions.”

“Then, you won’t have a problem using this, will you.” said Rainbow.

Spike nodded. “Whenever you want me to.”

Rainbow Dash and Flash stood back to back looking up at the many clouds they had to bust. Spike stood between them and raised his claw up. “Go!”

As soon as Spike hit, The flyers zoomed off all over the sky. In seconds, Flash managed to get twelve…. While Rainbow had already cleared the sky.

“And the result?” said a rather cocky Rainbow Dash.

Spike checked the stopwatch. “It says 10.46 seconds.”

“What?!” Rainbow checked the stopwatch and sure enough, it readout what Spike said. “Nuts! I’m seriously coming up short!”

Twilight and Flash were bewildered. “That was coming up short?!”

“Yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. “ I was the fastest in Summer Flight Camp and Junior Speedsters.”

“10.46 seconds is still pretty fast,” said Spike, trying to be supportive.

“Well, I guess so,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Okay,” Flash said, landing in a huff. He could still feel his body sting as he tried to keep up, “ Maybe we underestimated you. Then again, I’m a soldier, not a weather pony.”

“It’s ok, say? We should all hang out some time.” “Plus, whenever you’re ready for a rematch, Flash Sentry, give me a call.” she said as she flew off into a blue blur.

Twilight shook off the surprise and they went headed off again. “What’s next, Spike? she asked.

Spike checked the list. “Decorations. They’re being overseen by a unicorn named Rarity.”

Twilight, Flash, and Spike headed for the hall where the ceremony was going to be held. In the hall was a curvy white unicorn with a black under belly, horn, and hooves. Her mane and tail were purple with a blue stripe in it. She had ear piercings and gold necklace. She also had two diamonds for a cutie mark. Spike saw her and thought she was the most beautiful thing ever. But, he quickly pushed such thoughts away remembering how quit a few unicorns gave him the cold shoulder.

“No… no… no… oh, goodness no…” said the unicorn, going through ribbons of various colors.

“Excuse me,” called Twilight.

“Just a moment, darling,” called the white unicorn. “I’m in the zone, as it were.” she manages to come across a ribbon she’s happy with. “Oh, yes. Sparkle always does the trick, doesn’t it? Why, Rarity, you have done it.” Rarity returned her attention to the trio. “Now… how may I help yo— woah!” She cried. “Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

“Oh, you mean my mane?” Twilight asked, piecing together what she meant.

“She got wind swept by a pegusas.” Flash explained with a snicker.

“Oh….I’m so sorry, dairy.” Rarity said with a sad look.

“Well, we’re just here to check on the decorations. We’ve done that. So we’ll be out of your hair.” Said Twilight.

“Out of my hair?! Cried Rarity. “What about your hair? Do come, darling, I can make it better then ever.” She began pushing a protesting Twilight in another direction. Flash and Spike following, while Flash tried to cheer Spike up.

Soon, they found themselves at a building that resembled a carousel. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique,” said the white unicorn.

“Huh. That’s kinda catchy,” Twilight had to admit. “You make that up yourself?”

“l sure did,” smiled Rarity. “Now, what can I do with your mane…” Rarity opened a drawer of hair care supplies. “Oh, where are my manners? I haven’t asked your names, darlings. While your at it, why don’t you introduce me to you charming friends ver there.”

Confused, Spike looked around where Rarity pointed her hoof. Thinking that she meant Flash, but he remembered she said, friends. Seeing no other creatures in that direction, Spike quickly realized what she meant. “Wait, are you calling ME charming?” The dragon asked while pointing to himself in a surprise tone of voice, which Rarity picked up on.

“You seem surprised, darling,” said the white Unicorn.

“I am,” Spike confused. “Usually, I’m called stuff like, ‘ overgrown lizard,’ ‘beastly,’ ‘ghastly,’ or ‘ scale-ridden freak.’”

Rarity was taken aback by the young dragon being called such terrible and derogatory things. “That’s simply dreadful!” she said.

“Believe it or not,” Spike said, “those are actually a lot of the NICER things said about me.”

Rarity grew more disgusted that such a could be insulted so much that THOSE terms were considered nice in comparison. “I can’t believe that a young creature like you could be insulted so blithely!”

“You’re probably just thinking those things because I’m a dragon right now,” said a dejected Spike.

“Absolutely not!” declared Rarity. “ I’m a lady and a lady doesn’t disparage someone for problems they have no control over. Now, tell me your name, please.”

“Spike,” admitted the dragon. “Your the 17th pony I’ve met today that didn’t have a problem with me being a dragon.”

“Over at Sweet Apple Acres,” asked Rarity. “Heh, yes, that would account for it. Applejack does mention her apple family reunion a lot.”

“We also saw Rainbow Dash,” said Flash.

“I take it she’s responsible for dear, Twilight’s mane and tail?” said Rarity.

Flash and Twilight nodded. “You know her too?”

“I sure do,” said Rarity. “She moved to Ponyville on her birthday one year and I met her while she was doing some tricks. Admittedly, I didn’t think much of her at the time, but, I’ve come to see her better qualities. Though, her recklessness still gets on my nerves at times. To say nothing of her tendency to slack off.”

“Oh, I’m Twilight Sparkle, by the way,” said the lavender unicorn, remembering she didn’t introduce herself yet. She turned to Flash and pointed at him. “ That’s Flash Sentry, apprentice knight to Golden Glow.”

“It is good to meet you,” he said with a slight bow.

“Knight you say?” Rarity suddenly shot over to stand next to him. She quickly scanned him over, “My My, you do seem the knight in shining armor type. Good muscles and everything.”

“Uggh… thanks.” Flash said, backpedalling from the nose mare.

“Mabye sometime after the celebration, you and I could enjoy an evening dinner?” Rarity said, her eyes blinking seductively.

Flash blinked at the sight, and not sure what to do. Thankfully, Twilight was there to help. “Unfortunately, Flash, Spike, and I will be heading back to Canterlot after celebration is over.”

Rarity blinked as her eyes shifted between the two and suddenly smirked. “Oh, of course my dear. I didn’t mean to come between you to love birds.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.” Twilight replied. As Rarity returned to Twilight and brushed her mane. The lavender unicorn felt rather relaxed by this. More relaxed then she felt all day, if she was honest with herself. Having there manes brushed tend to have an effect on ponies. Especially mares.

“This feels long overdue,” Twilight admitted. “I only regret that I don’t have any bits to pay for this.” Bits were gold or silver coins that were what the ponies used to pay in Equestria.

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that,” said Rarity. “It’s all free. It’s part of newcomer appreciation policy. I give customers clearly in need a free makeover.”

Twilight and Flash had never heard of that policy before. “That doesn’t sound like a very sound business strategy.” Twilight commented. “It sounds like it could be easily exploited.”

Rarity merely scoffed. “Many have tried, but, none succeeded. And it’s all thanks to these.” Rarity pointed a hoof to her eyes with apparent scenes of pride.

“Uh… okay,” said Flash. “How exactly do your eyes help?”

“I was born with Mystic Eyes of Detail,” Rarity explained. “They allow me to notice smaller details most ponies overlook.”

Spike and Twilight were impressed, especially Flash. “That would be a good Royal Knight power.” he thought to himself.

“Sounds like it comes in handy,” said Spike.

“Oh, it has its uses,” Rarity said modestly yet proudly. “Although they work better from a far way distance. So I have wear my work glasses for more up-close jobs.”

Rarity then began fitting Twilight in various different saddles.

“To green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you’re from,” Rarity said, going through those saddles before tightening a corset she put on Twilight. Despite the increasing tightness, Twilight made an effort to speak.

“We… we’re sent…” she said while wincing. “From Canterlot… to-“

Rarity heard “Canterlot” and let go of the laces.

“Canterlot?!” she exclaimed. “Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I always dreamed of living there!” I can’t wait to hear all about it!”

Spike rubbed the back of his head. “Honestly, I don’t really have much to tell,” he admitted. “I can’t even remember the last time I walked around in public there. I usually stay indoors so nopony judges me because of…” He gestured to his entire body. “All this.”

Rarity remembered the discrimination Spike said he faced. “Surly not EVERYPONY in Canterlot judges you that way.”

Spike nodded and Flash stepped forward and put hoof around him as he spoke, “Actually there are a few, Me and Twilight, her family, our foalsitter Cadence, Princess Celestia, and Twilights friends, Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Fleur de lis, and Fancy Pants are pretty much the only ponies there that treat Spike equally.”

“That’s still quite a lot of ponies,” said Rarity.

“Yeah,” Spike admitted, “but, I haven’t seen the last four in a long time. We usually have to wait for THEM to visit us.”

Rarity rubbed his head. “I hope you’ll find Ponyville a more welcoming place.”

Spike nodded. “Oh, I do,” he said. “I’ve encountered 18 ponies scene coming here and only one of them seems to have a problem with me being a dragon.”

“I bet I could guess who,” sighed Rarity grimly. “Watch your step around her, darling.”

“Got it,” he’d said. “I’ll keep an eye out for that pink pony with the cotton candy mane and tail.”

“Oh, good heavens!” Cried Rarity. “You don’t mean Pinkie Pie? What did she say.”

“It’s more like what she DID’NT say,” Spike admitted. “Just as I introduced myself, she made a deep gasp and ran away without a word.”

“Well… that means something else entirely, darling.” Chuckled Rarity. “Pinkie’s a very… eccentric mare. Even those who have lived here for awhile and gotten to know her have trouble understanding her. Though, she’s MUCH more friendly than the other pony I thought you met.”

“And that pony is…” asked Twilight. As she took of her corset.

“Spoiled Rich,” said Rarity. “Wife of the local business stallion, Filthy Rich. Their daughter, Diamond Tiara, hasn’t been polite to my sister, Sweetie Belle, or her friend, Scootaloo.”

“With names like those, they’re pretty much begging them to become corporate scumbags,” Spike snidely commented.

“I’m sure they’re not complete jerks.” Flash said.

“Indeed, Filthy Rich is actually a decent stallion,” agreed Rarity. “All the same, he prefers not to be called just Filthy. I’ve heard rumors that he plans on changing his name to Berry. Though, considering the source of the rumors, I’d take it with a grain of salt.”

“We understand either way,” said Twilight. “Now, I don’t mean to come off as rude, but, we came here to check up on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. So, if it’s all the same to you, I think we’ll be on our way the last thing on the list.”

“Well, the decorations are all under control,” said Rarity.

Twilight tried to hide a sigh of relief as she levitated Spike on her back before walking out of the Boutique. “That was close,” said Twilight. “I thought we’d be there until she decided to dye my fur a different color.”

“Yeah, that was an experience.” Flash said as he scratched his head. “It was nice of her to give you that stuff for free.”

“Yep, she was wonderful,” smiled Spike, giving a giggle.

“Yes, though, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind staying longer.” Twilight said with a slight smile at Flash.

“She’s nice, but not my type,” Flash replied with a deadpan stare.

“She better not be.” Spike said, hearing their talk.

“Relax buddy.” Flash with a chuckle as he patted Spikes head. “The only reason she paid me mind is when she heard about me being a knight.”

“Yeah, she did… “ Spike said before snapping his fingers. “Do you think the Royal Knights accept dragons?”

“I don’t know Spike,” Flash said chuckling. “It’s a twenty-four hour job and requires early mornings.”

“How early,” Spike asked, gettIng Flash to turn and look him straight into the eyes.

“Real early. Like…crack of dawn early.”

“Dang it.” Spike moaned as he head dropped down with a sigh. Causing Twilight to giggle.

“Don’t worry, I’m share she’ll still like a guy even if they aren’t a knight.” Flash said as he tried to cheer Spike up. Which it kind of worked.

“Sorry to interrupt,” reprimand Twilight. “But, what’s the last thing on our list Spike?”

“Oh yeah, uh… music,” said Spike, stirred from his daydreaming.

At the park, a fluffy yellow pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail and blue eyes. She had green wings and hooves and green hair clips and a butterfly for a cutie mark. She was fluttering around and conducting a bird choir. The birds were in color of blue, yellow, and green started tweeting in harmony. However, one bird wasn’t doing it right.

“Oh, please stop, everyone,” said the yellow pegasus. To the amazement of Twilight, Flash, and Spike, the birds stopped at once, as if they heard the pegasus. “Umm, Excuse me, sir?” The pegasus addressed the bird, “I mean no offense, but, your Rhythm was just a tinny-tiny a bit off.”

“Is she talking to those birds?” Spike whispered to Twilight.

“Apparently,” gasped Twilight quietly.

“It must be her special talent,” Flash said.

With the birds opting to try again, the pegasus flew to a near tree, “Now, follow me, please. A 1, a 2, a 1, 2, 3—“

It’s was at this moment Twilight and Flash opted to speak up and make themselves own. “Hello!” They greeted in unison, perhaps louder then they intended since it not only startled the pegasus, making her also yelp, and scaring and scattering the songbirds.

“Smooth move, guys,” whispered Spike as he stayed out of the pegasus mares sight. Twilight and Flash approached the yellow mare.

“I’m so sorry,” sighed Twilight. “ We didn’t mean to your birds away. We were just tasked to check on the music and it sounded beautiful.

“Yep, and we also saw you that you were talking to those birds. Are you by any chance a Critter Talker.” said Flash.

“Yes.” The yellow mare replied with barely a whisper so she also nodded. Twilight didn’t hear the (yes), but Flash did with his heightened scenes of hearing. A Critter Talker is a rare type of pony with the seemingly mystical ability to communicate with none-sentient creatures. A pegasus Critter Talker is super rare as pegasi usually lived in the clouds.

This particular mare was more quiet than the previous ponies Twilight and Flash met that day alone. Twilight cleared her throat and said, “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this is Flash Sentry. What’s your name?”

The pegasus whispered something under her breath which only Flash could hear.

“Fluttershy?” Flash asked, not share if he got her name right, “You’re names Fluttershy, right?” she then nodded, causing Flash to smile. “By the way, that really was some nice music.”

“Thank you.” the yellow mare whispered.

“You’re welcome.” Flash replied in a firm tone, causing the pegasus to her face from them, as if embarrassed by something.

Twilight then noticed the birds returning, “Well, it looks like your birds are back, so it looks like everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.” said Twilight.

She and Flash trotted back over to Spike, who came out of the bushes.

The yellow pegasus’s eyes shone brighter then before upon seeing Spike. A switch seemed to flip on her personality as she suddenly exclaimed in excitement. “A baby dragon.”

The birds flew away in surprise and she accidentally knocked Twilight back to get a better look at Spike. “I’ve never seen a baby dragon before! He’s so cute!”

Spike was as surprised as the birds. “Guess that’s number 18.” He said.

“Oh my, he talks!” cried the yellow pegasus. “ I didn’t know dragons could talk Ponish.” Ponish was the language of the Equestrian inhabitants. “That’s so incredibly wonderful! How did you learn how to speak Ponish? I just don’t know what to say?”

“How about “Hello, my name is Fluttershy.” Flash said with a giggle.

“Yes! Yes you’re right!” Fluttershy replied, all of her timidity gone as she turned back to Spike.

Spike answered her previous question honestly, “Uh… my adopted siblings and parents taught me. The unicorn over there is my adopted sister.” Spike then points to Flash, “ And Flash here is an old family friend.”

“Wow!” Cried the yellow pegasus. “ Your parents adopted a baby dragon? That’s so sweet.”

Twilight looked surprised, “You really think so?”

“It sure is,” Fluttershy said. “I take in baby animals all the time, but, having a sibling of another kind is such a sweet feeling. Where did you find his egg?”

Twilight wasn’t prepared for this. “Well, you see,” she said nervously. “I actually hatched Spike from an egg as part of my entrance exam 10 years age.

“Whoa!” Gaped Fluttershy. “That must have been a tricky spell.”

Twilight admitted, “Honestly, it just happened with a sudden surge of magic. Princess Celestia tasked… My parents, brother and I With raising him. I did a lot of the work, though.”

“And I only got in the Sparkle family a few months after ,but I try to help Sipke to.” Flash said as he patted Spikes head.

“No wonder you three are so close,” said Fluttershy. “Does he have a name?”

“My name is Spike.”

“Hello, Spike. I’m fluttershy,” The pegasus finally introduced herself.

“Well, Fluttershy,” said Spike. “You’re the 18th pony in a row I’ve met today that doesn’t seem to have a problem with me being a dragon.”

“Saw Applejack’s large family, right?” Fluttershy giggled.

“Yeah, The Apple Family is kind of a big deal here, aren’t they?” Flash commented.

“They founded the town,” said Fluttershy. “Though if it was Granny Smith or a most distant ancestor, I’m not sure.
But it was founded during the Second Pony War. Record keeping wasn’t very reliable back then.”

“Really?” said a surprised Spike. “If that’s the case, shouldn’t their farm be in a better state than it is?”

“I guess that’ll be something to figure out later,” said Twilight. As she levitated Spike on her back. “Do you know where the Golden Oak Library is?”

“I can actually walk you there,” Fluttershy offered. “I regularly barrowed animal care books from there until Mr. Bookworm, the librarian, moved to Baltimare last week.”

“That would be appreciated. Thank you.” thanked Flash.

The three ponies began their trek to the library while Fluttershy looked at Spike curiously. “Spike? Is it true that dragons eat gemstones?” asked the curious pegasus.

“Well, it’s true for ME at least.” the young dragon answered honestly. “Though, rock candy is an acceptable substitute.”

Fluttershy leaned close. “What do gems taste like?” she asked. Twilight sighed, knowing that she was in for a long walk. Flash then Whispered in her ear.

“Just be strong until we reach the library.” He said, to which Twilight nodded.

“Well, it depends on the type of gem.” Spike explained. “Emeralds are my personal favorite. They taste like sour apples. And sapphires come really close at second place. They taste like blue raspberries.”

“Blue raspberries?” gasped Fluttershy. “I don’t think I’ve heard of that fruit like that, much less gems that taste like them.”

“It’s more of a flavoring than an actual fruit,” Spike explained. “I happen to have some rock candy of that flavor right now. Would you like to try it?”

“If it’s alright with you?” Fluttershy accepted. Spike gave her a piece of blue raspberry rock candy, which the pegasus tasted for herself. “Hmm… a bit tart, not bad. What do diamonds taste like?”

Spike winced. “Well, I tried eating diamonds once. I broke a few teeth.” he admitted.

Fluttershy winced.” That must’ve been painful…”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Spike agreed. “Luckily, Princess Celestia was able to fix that.”

Fluttershy was surprised. “She can do that?”

Spike was incredulous. “We’re talking about the one pony who can not only raise and lower the sun and moon, but, has done so for at LEAST a thousand years and never aged a day in years.” he commented. “Is it really THAT surprising?”

“Well, when you say it like that, not really.” said Fluttershy. “ So, what do other gems taste like?”

Spike then listed all the gem flavors. He and Fluttershy continued to talk for a long while. Flash smiled at the sight of Spike not being judged, he looked back at Twilight and new she was trying hard not to sigh. She was soon relieved when she saw a
large oak tree with a beehive resting on one of its branches. The sign she saw confirmed the obvious, this was the Golden Oak Library they would be staying in for the duration of their time in Ponyville.

“I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Twilight spoke in an impatient tone of voice. “This is where we’ll be staying for the time being. And right now, my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“What?” cried Spike. “No I don’t—“ but, Twilight knocked him off her back.

“Aww,” said Twilight in a baby-like way, “he’s so sweepy, he can’t keep his widdle bawance.” Spike was less then amused.

“Seriously, Twilight?” Flash said with an arched eyebrow. However, Fluttershy believed her and picked up Spike.

“Oh, you poor thing,” said Fluttershy as she started head into the library. “You simply must get into bed.”

Twilight used her magic to pull Spike close to her and push Fluttershy out. “Yes, I’ll get right on that. Good day.” she said, slamming the door. She forgot Flash was still outside, leaving the two alone.

“Sorry about her.” he said with a sigh. “I guess she’s a lot like you, only with books instead of animals.”

“That’s okay.” Fluttershy shook her head, suddenly returning to her quiet, shy demeanor.

Flash opened the door and walked it. As he did so, he was met with a super load, “SURPRISE!”

Meanwhile, when Twilight closed the door.

“Did you really need to do that?” Spike asked with indignation. “You know that in pony years, I’m ten years old.”

“Sorry, Spike.” sighed Twilight.“ I just don’t know what these ponies would think if they…” she broke off in confusion. “Where the light?”

Right as she said that Flash entered and the lights came on on their own, revealing several ponies shouting, “SURPRISE!”

Suddenly the pink Earth Pony from earlier appeared in front of them, ”Surprise!” she said again, “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you!” she said in a super fast tone. “Were you surprised? Were you? Huh, huh, huh?”

The three stared at her in question shock. No doubt this is the same pony Rarity was talking about. Spike recognized her and eyed her suspiciously. “I remember you. Out of all the ponies we met today, you’re the only one who seemed to have a problem with me being a dragon.”

“What?!” cried Pinkie. “Oh, no, no, no, no! That wasn’t it at all. Y’see, I saw you when you first got here. You were all like ‘hello’, and I was all ‘Gasp’, remember? Y‘see, I’ve never seen you and if I never seen you before that means you’re new, cause I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville! And if you’re new that means you haven’t meat anypony yet, you might not have any friends and I know you have each other, but that’s only one friend each and that’s not enough friends! So, I thought to myself, ‘what’s the best way for the two of you to make friends?’ and then it hit me! A party! So, now you have a whole bunch of new friends, isn’t that fantastic?!” she said as she finally ended her rant. In that moment, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy appeared next to her.

Spike found himself dizzy trying to make scene of Pinkies logic. “You don’t think I’m a monster?”

“Oh, you cute little silly willy.” Pinkie explained. “ That wasn’t my ‘there’s a scary dangerous monster’ gasp. That was my, ‘There are new folks in Ponyville and I have to throw a party for them so they can make friends here’ gasp.”

“A bit eccentric,” said Rarity. “but, otherwise a good soul deep down.”

Spike was somewhat relieved. “I’ve gotten gasps like that in Canterlot.” he confirmed. “From experience, the ones doing it thought I was some kind of monster because, you know, dragon.”

Pinkie’s faces shifted into a sincerely apologetic one. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay.” said Spike.

I would like to thank you all for being so respectful to Spike.” Flash said as walked up to Spike.” I know you five already know what he’s been through and so far today has been a good one for him.”

“You’re welcome.” The five mares said in unison.

“But Pinkie Pie, I think you might have over done it. Twilight isn’t very social.” Flash said.

“Yeah, because of you know who?” Twilight said, motioning her head to Spike.

“Oh, sorry” Flash said embarrassed.

“Man, get a room you two.” Rainbow said with a smirk. Which caused the others to snicker.

“We are not a couple! They both yelled in unison. “Though, just a reminder,” sighed Twilight. “Librarys are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that’s silly! What kind of a welcome party would it be if it were quiet?” giggled Pinkie. “I mean, duh, boring!” She then gave Spike a cupcake. “Here’s one of my specialty cupcakes. And here’s one for you too. And you three.” She gave one to Twilight and Flash.

“Ooh, you’re in for quite a treat.” said Rarity. “Pinkie’s specialty cupcakes are simply divine.”

Twilight simply put her cupcake on the table containing beverages while pouring what she thought was a beverage for herself. Spike and Flash tried their cupcakes and were amazed by the perfect blend of chocolate, vanilla, buttercream frosting.

“Wow, this is great, Pinkie Pie!” Spike grinned.

“Yeah! This is so much better than any cupcakes at the castle.” Flash commented. “Where’d you learn this?”

“Form Mr. and Mrs. Cake,” smiled Pinkie. “They live at Sugarcube Corner. They’re sort of my second mom and dad.”

Spike raised an eyebrow. “Second mom and dad? What happened to the first ones?”

“Oh, my parents are still around,” said Pinkie. “they just live super far away. I wasn’t cut out for the family business, so, I decided to try my luck here.”

“What’s your old family business?” Flash asked. “Something to do with pie?”

Pinkie giggled. “No, we farmed rocks! My three sisters and parents are really into it, but… it wasn’t for me.”

“So, your family runs a quarry?” Spike asked, innocently.

“Hmm…” Pinkie pondered to herself. “I guess you can say that.”

“I’m not exactly a farm expert,” Spike admitted. “but, I’m pretty sure rocks are mined. Not farmed. Then, again, I haven’t really gotten out much in the last few years, so, maybe take my input with a grain of salt.”

Just then, Spike, Flash, and the other five ponies they met that day looked over to see Twilight’s face looking red.

“Are you alright, sugarcube?” asked AppleJack.

Twilight’s response came in the form of her mane and tail bursting into flames before she dashed off to find some milk.

“Huh?”Spike picked up the bottle Twilight used to pour herself a drink. “Hot sauce… No wonder she reacted that way. She can’t handle her spice.” Flash cringed, knowing he to didn’t have the tongue for hot food.

“Oh… my…” winced Fluttershy.

“Oh, that’s my bad,” Pinkie admitted. “That was supposed to be at the snacks table.”

“Hey!” cried another pony. This one was a yellow earth pony with a brown mane and tail. “Who put soda at the snack table? My hay fries are soggy.”

“So sorry, Caramel!” cried Pinkie. “I accidentally mixed up the soda and hot sauce.” She went to swap them back and gave Caramel a fresh plate of hay fries.

“Thanks, Pinkie.” said Caramel.

Pinkie gave him a knowing grin. “You know, Applejack’s here, too.” she said, coyly.

“Oh, sh-she is?” he asked in surprise. “Oh… that’s cool.” He stepped off with a bashful grin and bright blush.

“What’s with him?” Spike asked.

“You’ll find out when you’re older.” added Fluttershy.

Spike shrugged and drank the rest of the hot sauce Twilight poured herself. To the amazement of the ponies, he dosent even wince. Rainbow found her voice first.” Did you just down hot sauce without wincing?”

“Us dragons are fireproof.” he chuckled. “I never tried it, but, I could dive into lava without a scorch.”

“Um, if you never tried it before, I don’t think you should be so confident.” Fluttershy said with concern.

“Indeed, who knows if it is true.” Rarity agreed.

“You still earned a few awesome points in my book.” Rainbow said.

Spike gave a grin at the five ponies. “I think I’m going to like it in Ponyville.”

While Spike, Flash, and the other f partied away downstairs, Twilight just wanted to get away from it. She had figured out this prophecy that she had read about earlier and she couldn’t do it with everyone blaring loud music and playing games downstairs. Plus… what would they think of her about raising Spike as a filly?!

Author's Note

We finally meet the rest of the main characters. I would like to know what you think of the story so far.