My Little Pony: The Legend of the Stallion Seven

Chapters

Prologue: The Alicorn and the Unicorn
Friendship is Magic, Part 1
Friendship is Magic, Part 2
The Ticket Master
Applebuck Season

Prologue: The Alicorn and the Unicorn

It was raining in the kingdom of Canterlot in Equestria and all of the ponies residing there are in their houses. But one pony, who is actually an alicorn, was seen walking down the sidewalk while holding an umbrella made from her magic. She had a white coat and flowing light blue and light pink mane. The alicorn was also wearing a tiara and royal attire. The alicorn also has a sun cutie mark on her flank. Her name is Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria. Just as she was walking by, the princess heard crying.

"What was that?" Princess Celestia wondered.

She looked around to find the source of the sound until she sees it came from an alleyway. Trotting over, Celestia sees that it's coming from a small box. She opens it and gasps at what she is seeing. It was a baby foal. He has a white coat like hers and red mane. But what surprised the princess more was his horn and wings as he is an alicorn just like her. The baby alicorn opens his yellow eyes and looks up at the princess. He then cooes at her. This made the princess smile with tears in her eyes. Celestia then gently picks up the baby

"Aw. Look at you. You're so adorable." she said. "A baby like you doesn't deserve to be out here all alone. Why don't we go back to the castle and I'll take care of you from now on. Would you like that?"

The baby alicorn cooed in response. Princess Celestia giggled as she walks back on the path back to her castle while carrying the baby. Meanwhile, in another part of Canterlot, a unicorn mare was also seen walking back home while wearing a raincoat so she doesn't get wet. The mare has a light gray coat and purple and light gray mane. Her name is Twilight Velvet. As she was walking she noticed a basket floating down by the sidewalk. In it was a unicorn foal with a brilliant light blue coat and dark blue mane. Shocked at what she had seen, Twilight Velvet used her magic to levitate the basket to the sidewalk. She then walks up to the infant unicorn.

"Oh dear. Now who would leave a baby out in the rain like that?" she wondered. "I better get you inside before you catch a cold."

Twilight Velvet then picks up the baby and heads off down the path.

Princess Celestia had just made it back to the castle in Canterlot. Some of the royal guards came up to her.

"Your Highness. It's good that you're back. We thought something terrible has happened to you." one of the guards said.

"I am perfectly fine, thank you." Princess Celestia assured.

That's when one of the guards noticed the baby that the princess is carrying on her back

"Is that a baby?" he asked.

"It is. I found him at an alley on the way here." Celestia explained.

The baby giggled as he looked at the guards' armor.

"He's kinda cute" one of the guards commented.

Another guard looks at the baby's horn and wings.

"He's an alicorn. Just like you." he said.

"He is." Princess Celestia said.

"Does he have a family?" the fourth guard asked

"He doesn't. Which is why I'll be raising him as my own son." Princess Celestia replied. "You can all return to your post now."

"Yes, your Majesty." the guards said with a salute before going back to their posts.

The baby alicorn babbles.

"Don't worry, little one. I'll raise you the best I can, my little Red Blade" Princess Celestia assured.

The baby alicorn cooed at this as Princess Celestia takes him upstairs.

Meanwhile, Twilight Velvet had just got back to her own home. She then went inside and shuts the door. As she did that, a unicorn stallion came up. He has a graysish azure coat and dark blue mane. He also has a double moon cutie mark on his flank. His name is Night Light, Twilight Velvet's husband.

"Welcome home, dear." he greeted.

"Hello, Night Light" Twilight Velvet greeted back.

Night Light then noticed the infant unicorn in his wife's hoof.

"What do you have there?" he asked before gasping. "Is that a baby unicorn?"

"Yes. Night Light, I found him flowing down the water in a basket" Twilight Velvet explained.

"Now who would do something so cruel like that?" Night Light wondered.

The baby unicorn opened his purple eyes. Looking at the married couple, and cooed.

"Aaaww." they gushed.

"We should keep him." Twilight Velvet said.

"I don't know, Velvet. Shouldn't we be looking for his real family?" Night Light asked unsure. "I'm sure there is someone looking for him"

"There isn't really anyone, Night Light." Twilight Velvet said. " Besides, we can't just turn our backs on someone as cute as this little guy."

The light blue unicorn foal giggled as Twilight Velvet tickled him. Even Night Light had to admit that the baby foal does look adorable

"Alright. I suppose we could have another child with us." sighed Night Light.

"Then it's settled" Twilight Velvet said as she carried the baby unicorn foal over to a table.

Just then, a baby unicorn filly crawled. She has a light grayish mulberry coat and her mane has a dark sapphire blue with raspberry and purple streaks. This is Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet and Night Light's daughter. She was curious about what was happening. Twilight Velvet then noticed her.

"Oh hello, Twilight. Guess what? You have a new brother." she said.

"Huh?" Twilight said confused.

Her mother levitates Twilight up to the table where the light blue unicorn foal is. Upon seeing him, Twilight became happy as it goes up to the light blue unicorn foal and smiled at him. The light blue unicorn smiled back before looking at a star mobile.

"What should we name him, honey?" Night Light asked.

"Hmmm." Twilight Velvet hummed before noticing the foal looking up at the star mobile. "I know. How about Starstream? Starstream Sparkle. Do you like that?"

The light blue unicorn foal cooed as he likes the name.

"Starstream it is." Night Light said.

Twilight then gives her new brother a hug which he likes.

And so, both Red Blade and Starstream were raised by their respective adoptive families. While Red Blade was taught on how to be a prince, Starstream was taught the basics on using his magic. Starstream also became close to his adoptive sister Twilight Sparkle. Starstream was also very interested in other types of magical spells and would study up on them. He was even fond of the stars in the night sky and would gaze up at them from time to time. The colt Starstream was walking through the streets of Canterlot while reading a book until he was tripped by a bunch of bullies. They then swiped his book.

"Hey! Give that back!" Starstream shouted.

"You want it! Come and get it, shrimp!" the first bully said.

Starstream attempts to grab the book only for the bully to throw it at the other bully who caught it with his magic.

"I don't get it. How could a pipsqueak like you think you can master magic like us?" the second bully taunted.

Starstream raced over to the second bully who tossed the book to the third bully.

"Yeah only high classed unicorns like us are able to do that. You're just a lowly runt." the third bully taunted.

"I said give it back!" yelled Starstream.

He dove at the the book only for the third bully to pull it away making Starstream hit the ground hard. The bullies all laughed at the light blue unicorn who begins to tear up.

"You heard him! Give his book back!"

They turn to see Red Blade as a filly. He was glaring very hard at the bullies that picked on Starstream.

"Stay out of this, Red Blade. This doesn't concern you!" the second bully said.

"It is now." the young prince said. "And I'm going to tell you again: give his book back."

"Make us!" the first bully yelled.

Red Blade glared and his horn glowed red. The three bullies were then levitated by the young alicorn's magic while dropping the book. Red Blade then slammed the bullies against a wall. He then walks up to them.

"Now you listen to me. I don't tolerate you guys bullying anyone just because you think you're better than anypony. And if I ever catch you picking on this colt again, I'll make sure that you never use your magic again. Are we clear!?" Red Blade threatened.

The three bullies all nod their heads frantically before the young prince released them.

"Good. Now get out of my sight." Red Blade said.

The three bullies all galloped away. Once they were gone, Red Blade turns to Starstream.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah. Thanks." Starstream said gratefully as he got back up.

"Here. This is yours." Red Blade said, as he levitates his book to the light blue unicorn, who takes it.

"Thanks again," Starstream said. "Who are you?"

"My name is Prince Red Blade. At your service" Red Blade said.

"You're a prince?" Starstream said in shock before bowing down. "You're majesty"

"Heh heh. You don't have to do that. I have no need for such formalities." Red Blade chuckled.

Starstream got back up.

"Oh. Okay" he said. "My name is Starstream Sparkle if you didn't know."

"Nice to meet you." Red Blade greeted. "Say, don't you have any friends?"

"To tell you the truth. I don't" Starstream admitted. "I never really have any friends before."

"Well, you got one now." Red Blade said.

"Really? You want to be my friend?" Starstream asked surprised.

"Of course, I do." Red Blade said. "Just stick with me and you'll be just fine."

Starstream smiled as he and Red Blade held each other's hoof which solidifies their new found friendship.

Friendship is Magic, Part 1

"Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since."

The one reading this is none other than Starstream Sparkle, who is now a full grown unicorn stallion. He was shown to have a stream of stars cutie mark on his flank. In the following years, Starstream had just became the personal student of Princess Celestia. He still kept his friendship with Prince Red Blade and still remains close to his adoptive sister Twilight Sparkle. He was seen reading a book on the grass.

"Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard that before." the light blue unicorn said.

"Hey, Starstream!"

Starstream looks up to see an alicorn flying down and land in front of him. It was Red Blade, Starstream's best friend. He was shown to have a cutie mark with a sword with a red blade on his flank.

"Hello, Red Blade." greeted Starstream. "How's your flying?"

"Great as usual." Red Blade answered.

"Say, do you know anything about the Elements of Harmony?" Starstream asked.

"Other than the fact that my mother used it to banish Nightmare Moon. Nothing much" Red Blade replied "But I did read somewhere that the last time the Elements of Harmony was used to banish someone, they were hidden somewhere in Equestria"

"Hmmm. I still need more information on this" Starstream said

"I'm sure the library has the info that you need" Red Blade replied

"Then that's where we'll go" Starstream said

Starstream and Red Blade were walking on the path in Canterlot. As they were walking, someone appeared on the path.

"Hi, Starstream! Hi, Red Blade!"

The duo look to see a unicorn mare approaching them. She had a yellow coat, vivid crimson mane with brilliant yellow stripes, light blue eyes, and a red sun cutie mark. Her name is Daylight Shimmer. Starstream and Red Blade both met her when they were foals back when they enrolled in Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Daylight also has a huge crush on Starstream Sparkle. Starstream blushed when he saw her.

"Oh! Hey Daylight. Good morning. I-I-I mean good afternoon." stammered Starstream.

Daylight giggles when he did that.

"Still tripping over your words I see." she said in amusement. "Must be because of my beauty."

As she said that, Daylight flipped her mane.

"Could be." Starstream squeaked.

Daylight chuckles.

"Anyway, what brings you out here, Daylight Shimmer?" Red Blade asked.

"I was on my way to Moon Dancer's birthday party." Daylight answered. "It's on the West Castle Courtyard. You two wanna come with me?"

"Oh. I'm sorry, Daylight. I can't. I have to go to the library." Starstream said. "See ya."

He then rushed off. Daylight sighed at this.

"Our apologies, but this is very important." Red Blade apologized. "Can you please tell Moon Dancer that we will be with her in spirit and that we wish her a Happy Birthday?"

He then raced after his friend.

"Sure thing." Daylight said before walking off "I wish Starstream would stop focusing too much on studying and at least spend some time with me"

The two friends raced through the streets of Canterlot while passing some ponies. They then raced up some stairs and open the door to the library and head inside.

"Hey guys."

The two stallions look to see a little purple dragon with green spines.

"Hi Spike!" they greeted

"Starstream!"

Twilight Sparkle, now a full grown mare, rushed in. On her flank is a six sided star cutie mark. She then scoops Starstream into a hug.

"It's good to see you," she said before looking at Red Blade. "And you too, Red Blade."

Red Blade nods his head in response.

"Good to see you too, sis." Starstream replied.

They then broke the hug.

"Did you enjoy the book you were reading?" Twilight asked.

"I sure did. Come on, Red." Starstream said as he rushed to one of the book shelves.

"Right behind ya!" Red Blade replied as he runs after him.

"What are you guys doing?" Spike asked.

"We're trying to find a book that has the information about the Elements of Harmony." Starstream replied as he used his magic to take some books off the shelf.

Red Blade did the same as he uses his magic to take some books off as well.

"Oh! I know just the book that you two need." Twilight said. "It's called Predictions and Prophecies. I can help you boys find it if you want."

"More help would be appreciated, Twilight." Red Blade said.

The three ponies all begin to search around the library for the book.

"But guys. What about Moon Dancer's party?" Spike asked. "I even prepared a present for her."

"There's no time for that, Spike." Starstream said.

"But we're on a break." Spike pointed out.

"We know. But this is most important." Red Blade said.

Twilight used her magic to take out some books from some shelves and look at them.

"No, no, no... no, no, no!" she yelled.

"Spike! We can use some help finding the Predictions and Prophecies book!" Starstream said as he frantically searched in another bookshelf.

"It's over here!" Spike called as he held out the book while on a ladder on the top part of a bookshelf.

"Good work, Spike. Can you toss it over here, please?" Starstream asked.

The little dragon did just that and Starstream levitates the book with his magic and places it on a table. He along with Red Blade and Twilight takes a look as he flips the pages

"Okay. Elements. Elements." Starstream said until he finds the page he is looking for "Here it is. Elements of Harmony. See Mare in the Moon"

"Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale." Spike said

"Maybe to some ponies, but the Mare in the Moon is more real than you think. My mother once taught me that some legends are real whether we believe it or not" Red Blade said

Twilight begin to flip the pages to find the Mare in the Moon section until she found it

"Aha!" she said before reading the section "The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal! "

This caused the prince and light blue unicorn to gasp

"That can't be good!" Red Blade said

"You got that right. If what that section about the Mare in the Moon is true, then Equestria could be in terrible danger" Starstream said with worry

"Really?" Spike asked before losing his balance on a ladder. Luckilly, Twilight catches the little dragon as he fell

"We have to tell Princess Celestia about this." Twilight said.

"Way ahead of ya, sis." Starstream said "Spike, can you write this down?"

"Sure thing, Star" Spike replied as he takes out a paper and quill pen

"Dear Princess Celestia, during my recent studies on magic, I have discovered that we are on the verge of disaster." Starstream recited

"I would've gone with precipice of disaster, but I think that works too" Twilight commented

"Please don't interrupt" Starstream said with an annoyed look

"Sorry" Twilight apologized

Starstream cleared his throat and continued on

"Where was I? Oh yes. The mythical Mare in the Moon, which we all know as Nightmare Moon is about to return to Equestria from her long exile on the moon and bring eternal night to us all. You must do everything you can to prevent this terrible prophecy from ever coming true. Please respond immediately. Your ever faithful student, Starstream Sparkle" Starstream finished

"Star...stream Sparkle" Spike said as he finished writing what Starstream had said down "Got it all down"

"Good. Send it to my mother pronto!" Red Blade ordered

"Do I have to do it now?" Spike asked "Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it's like, the day after tomorrow."

"Well that's just it, Spike" Starstream said "The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration"

"It is imperative that the princess is told right away." Twilight added

"Impera... impera..." Spike said confused.

"Important!" the three ponies yelled which send Spike flying.

"Now send that message right now!" demanded Starstream.

"Okay okay. Don't be such a nag." Spike said as he breathe fire on the letter to magically send it to Princess Celestia. "There, it's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath."

"Oh come on, Spike. My mentor, Princess Celestia has never once doubted me. She'll understand." Starstream said.

"He's right. I was there when my mother taught my best buddy on the different kinds of magic. She'll always trust him" Red Blade added

"Not to mention. Starstream always works hard on mastering his magic abilities. And he has me to help out if needed." Twilight said as she gives her adoptive brother a side hug.

Spike then burps and another scroll appears

"Looks like my mother answered" Red Blade said

Using his magic, Starstream unrolled the scroll and read what's in it

"My faithful student, Starstream" he read "You know that I will always put my trust in you. But you shouldn't always keep focusing on those dusty old books."

"Wait what?" Twilight asked in surprise.

Starstream was surprised at that part, but continues to read.

"My dearest Starstream. There is more to a young stallion's life than studying books and scrolls. Which is why I am sending you and Red Blade to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends!"

"Ponyville, huh? It's definitely a new place that I haven't been to." Red Blade said.

"You and me both." Starstream said as folds the scroll back up.

"You sure are lucky, bro. I wish I could supervise this event." Twilight sighed.

"I know, Twilight. But Princess Celestia entrusts me and Red Blade specifically with this task and it's our responsibility to see it through." Starstream said.

"Well, good luck to both of you." Twilight said. "I'm gonna go ahead and continue on with my studies. Let me know how it goes after this. Okay, Starstream?"

"Sure thing, sis." Starstream said as he gives his sister a hug.

"Come on, bud. Let's go get our stuff packed." Red Blade said.

"Right." Starstream replied.

"I'll also come to assist you guys." Spike said.

"Thank you, Spike." Red Blade said.

The trio all head out of the library to get their stuff ready as Twilight waves goodbye.

The two stallions packed some of their things. Once they were done, Starstream, Red Blade, and Spike got on a chariot pulled by two royal guards and were on their way to Ponyville. Starstream sighed as he was looking at the view. Red Blade and Spike took notice of this.

"Why the long face, Starstream?" Red Blade asked.

"It's about that last part of the message from Princess Celestia." answered Starstream.

"The part where she asked you to make new friends?" asked Spike.

"Exactly" Starstream replied "I know the princess entrusted me with this task, but I just don't get why I have to make new friends when I have you two and my sister/study buddy."

"There's nothing wrong with making new friends, Starstream. And my mom kinda has a point. You've been focusing your whole life on just studying and perfecting your magic. Meeting new ponies and getting to know them will do you some good" Red Blade assured "Trust me on this okay?"

"If you say so." sighed Starstream "But I will say this: the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making new friends."

"So what's the plan?" Spike asked.

"It's quite simple, Spike." Starstream said. "We're just gonna go around Ponyville and check on the preparations on the Summer Sun Celebration. Then once we do that, we'll head to the library to find proof of Nightmare Moon's return and more info on the Elements of Harmony."

"It's a good thing that my mother arranged for us to stay at the library for the time being." Red Blade said.

They then landed in their destination in Ponyville. The stallions and dragons hopped out.

"Thank you, kind sirs. You may be off now." Red Blade said.

The two royal guards nod their heads before flying off.

"So this is Ponyville, huh? Well it does look nice." Starstream said as he looked around the town.

"I concur." Red Blade added.

"So Starstream. As Red Blade just said, there is nothing wrong with making new friends" Spike said "Did you ever stop to think that maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about?"

Just then, a pink earth pony mare with a raspberry colored mane that looks like cotton candy appeared. Her cutie mark on her flank are three balloons.

"Like this mare right here." Spike said as he gestures to her. "Why don't you go say hello?"

"Oh, alright." Starstream said before coming up to the pink mare "Hello."

But the pink earth pony just gasped and sped off much to the trio's confusion.

"Well. That was interesting" Starstream said.

"Not to mention, rude." Red Blade added "She didn't even say hi back."

They begin to walk down the path until another earth pony spots them. He has a yellowish colored coat with light and dark oranged colored mane. His cutie mark is that of a jester's hat.

"Hey there!"

The trio look to see the earth pony running up to them. He then tripped on a rock and skids in front of them.

"Are you okay?" Red Blade asked

"I'm fine" the earth pony answered as he got back up "Sorry about that. I'm a bit of a klutz"

"I can tell." Starstream said with a deadpan voice.

"Anyway, I don't believe I've seen you around here before." the earth pony said. "Are you guys new?"

"You could say that." Starstream replied.

"Well then, welcome to Ponyville. I'm Slapstick" the earth pony greeted.

"Nice to meet you, Slapstick. I'm Red Blade and this is my friend Starstream Sparkle." Red Blade greeted.

Slapstick then took notice of Red Blade's wings and horn. He gasps before bowing down.

"Oh my goodness. Forgive me, your Highness. I didn't know I was speaking to royalty." he apologized.

"No need for that." chuckled Red Blade "I'm not into formalities."

"Right." Slapstick said as he got back up before noticing Spike. "And who's this cute little fella?"

"My name is Spike." Spike said. "I'm a baby dragon. And just so you know, I'm not cute!"

"Wow. And he talks too. That's surprising" Slapstick said "Anyway, I hope you all enjoy Ponyville. I have something I need to do. See ya around"

Slapstick then gallops away but not before crashing into a large glass that two ponies were carrying

"I'm good." he said before running off again.

"Heh heh. He really is clumsy, huh?" Red Blade said.

"Yeah. But he is kinda funny. In a way." Starstream admitted.

"Well. I guess you made yourself a new friend." Spike commented.

"Oh please. He only welcomed us to Ponyville and it was just a brief conversation." Starstream huffed "That doesn't mean we're friends. Now come on. We got a job to do."

The light blue unicorn walks off. Red Blade and Spike looked at each other before following after him.

The trio then find themselves walking towards a farm.

"So what's first on the Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist, Spike?" Starstream asked.

"Let's see" Spike said as he looked at the checklist "Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well with all these apple trees, I guess this is where we are" Red Blade said as he looked at the trees.

"Yeehaw!"

The trio look to see an orange earth pony stallion with yellow mane charging up to some apple trees. The stallion was wearing a white stetson hat. On his flank is a red apple cutie mark. The trio watched as the earth pony then begins to buck three apple trees making all the apples fall into the baskets.

"Impressive" Red Blade said

"I'll say. That's some strong legs that pony has" Starstream added

The earth pony then took notice of them

"Well well. Looks like we got some visitors" he said before trotting up to them "Howdy there. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres"

"Howdy to you too" greeted Starstream "My name is Starstream and these are my associates Red Blade and Spike"

When the earth pony notices that Red Blade is an alicorn, he kneeled down.

"Your majesty." he said.

"Arise, please. I may be a prince, but I have no need for formalities." Red Blade said.

The earth pony then got up.

"Sure. Anyway, mah name's Applejim. Nice to meet ya." greeted the earth pony. "So what brings y'all here?"

"We're just here to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Are you in charge of the food?" Starstream asked.

"We sure as sugar are."

Everyone looks to see an earth pony mare with a similar colored coat and mane coming up to them. She wore a brown stetson hat and has three apples for a cutie mark on her flank.

"Sorry if ah overheard yur conversation." she apologized.

"Who's this?" Red Blade asked.

"That's mah twin sister, Applejack" Applejim said. "Applejack, these are our guests Starstream Sparkle, Red Blade, and this little guy here is Spike."

"Well howdy to all of yah." Applejack said as she gives each of the stallions a fast hoofshake. "We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!"

"That's nice" Starstream said as he was being shooked from Applejack's hoofshake.

Luckily, Red Blade used his magic to stop Applejack's hoofshake.

"Okay. That's enough." he said.

"Sorry. Got a lil carried away there." chuckled Applejack.

"So. Y'all want to sample some of our apple treats?" Applejim asked.

"Just as long as it doesn't take too much of our time." Starstream said.

"Well in that case. Care to do the honors, sis?" Applejim asked.

"Sure thing, Applejim." Applejack said before ringing a triangle. "Soup's on, everypony!"

"Soup?" Red Blade said confused.

Suddenly, the trio find themselves pushed by a bunch of other earth ponies. They were then seated at a table with the twins next to them.

"Now then. Why don't we introduce y'all to our family." Applejim said.

"Oh. That won't be necessary." Starstream said.

But they ignored him as each earth pony begins to place a treat on the table.

"This here's Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp..." Applejim said before taking a breath.

" Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith." Applejack finished.

An elderly earth pony mare with light green coat and white mane was seen sleeping on a chair.

"Come on Granny Smith. Up and at em! We got guests here!" Applejim called

This caused Granny Smith to wake.

"Wha...? Soup's on? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'..." she said as she comes over.

The table was stacked with all kinds of apple treats.

"Thank you so much for introducing us to your family." Red Blade said.

"Aw shucks. Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!" Applejack said.

"Heh heh. Thanks for including us." Starstream said "It looks like the food here is in order. So we'll just be on our way."

"Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?" the filly known as Apple Bloom asked as she looks at him with puppy dog eyes.

"You know. Brunch does sound nice and we haven't eaten in a while. Besides, we don't want to hurt their feelings." Red Blade said to his best friend.

"Very well. We'll stay for brunch." Starstream sighed.

The entire Apple family cheered as he said that.

After having some brunch, the stallions and the dragon left Sweet Apple Acres and were seen walking through Ponyville.

"Whew. That sure was a lot of apple treats we have eaten. I'm stuffed." Red Blade said while letting out a small burp.

"Me too. It's a good thing Twilight isn't here. I remembered that she craves apple pie." Starstream said.

"I know. Once she starts eating apple pie, it's hard for her to stop." Spike said. "I remember one time that Twilight ate two whole apple pies in one sitting. She almost looked like a bowling ball after that."

This caused the trio to laugh as they continued on the path. They then stopped laughing after a few more minutes.

"Okay. What's next on the list, Spike?" Starstream asked.

"The next is weather." Spike said while looking at the list. "There's suppose to be some pegasi clearing the clouds."

They all look up in the sky. There are still some clouds there.

"Well they're clearly not doing a good job now are they?" said Starstream.

"Incoming!"

All of a sudden, something hits Starstream and plows him on the ground.

"Ow!" he groaned.

Red Blade and Spike ran up to him and the pony that crash landed on him.

"Starstream, are you alright?" Red Blade asked.

"I will be once this jerk gets off of me!" growled Starstream.

The pony that crash landed on Starstream is a light blue pegasus stallion with green mane and tail with some yellow stripes on it. He has blue eyes and has a storm cloud cutie mark on his flank. The pegasus noticed that he was on the unicorn and gets off of him.

"Heh heh. Sorry about that. I was just doing this neat trick while clearing the clouds and I kinda lost control" the pegasus explained.

"You're one of the pegasi that have to clear these clouds?" Red Blade asked.

"You would be right. The name's Storm Flight." the pegasus known as Storm Flight said. "What's yours?"

"I'm Red Blade and this is Starstream and Spike." Red Blade said as he introduced himself and his friends.

"Nice to meet all of you." Storm Flight said.

"Now that the greetings are out of the way. I would like to ask why there are still some clouds in the sky. We're suppose to have clear skies for the Summer Sun Celebration." Starscream said.

"I was afraid you would say that" groaned Storm Flight "I only cleared half of the clouds, but the other half is supposed to be cleared by my cousin."

"Your cousin?" asked Spike.

"Yes. Her name is Rainbow Dash. She claims that she's the fastest flyer in all of Cloudsdale. But sometimes she's a little egotistical and very lazy." Storm Flight said with a huff.

"I can hear you!"

They all look up to see a blue pegasus mare with rainbow colored mane and tail and pink eyes looking down at them while on a cloud. Her cutie mark is that of a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt.

"I'm gonna take a guess and say, you're Rainbow Dash. Right?" Red Blade asked.

"The one and only." Rainbow Dash replied. "I assume that my cousin talked to you about me?"

"That's right." Starstream spoke up. "And you're suppose to be doing your job on keeping the skies clear. My name is Starstream Sparkle and with me are Red Blade and Spike. Can you please get to it?"

"I'll do that in a jiffy. Once I finish practicing" Rainbow Dash said as she lies back on the cloud.

"Here we go again." Storm Flight said as he facehoofs.

"And what exactly are you practicing for? Napping?" Starstream asked.

"Pfft! No, the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash said she points to a poster nearby. "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"

"The Wonderbolts? Aren't they the talented flyers in all of Equestria?" Starstream asked.

"You got that right" Storm Flight said "It was always Rainbow Dash's dream to be part of the Wonderbolts and mine too as I have good flying skills like her."

"That's right! I am the best flyer in all of Equestria." Rainbow Dash bragged. "While Storm Flight is second best."

"I'm right here, cuz!" Storm Flight said annoyed.

This gives Starstream and Red Blade an idea.

"So you want to join the Wonderbolts, huh?" asked Starstream.

"Yes." Rainbow Dash replied.

"Well, I remembered that the Wonderbolts only accept the best of the best. And I don't think you fit those requirements, Rainbow Dash." Starstream said smugly.

"What?! I am so the best!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Oh really? I doubt the Wonderbolts would accept a lazy pegasus who can't even keep the skies clear for one day" Red Blade teased.

This offended Rainbow Dash.

"Hey! I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat." she said.

"Care to prove it then?" Storm Flight asked as he understood what the duo was doing.

With a smirk, Rainbow Dash sprang into action as she begins to kick one cloud after another. The wake of her Rainbow's speed blew the three ponies' manes back and forth.

"Loop-de-loop around, and wham!" Rainbow Dash said as she finished clearing the clouds. "Like I said. Ten. Seconds. Flat."

Starstream and Red Blade just stood there with their mouths agape. Rainbow Dash chuckles at their reactions.

"You should see the looks on your faces. You two are a laugh" laughed Rainbow Dash "We should hang out some time."

And with that Rainbow Dash zooms away.

"Heh heh. That's my cousin for ya." chuckled Storm Flight. "I better go and make sure she doesn't do anything too reckless. Catch you two on the flipside!"

Storm Flight then zooms after Rainbow Dash.

"Wow. That was amazing!" Spike said.

"I'll say" Red Blade as he snapped out of it.

"It sure is something." Starstream said as he walks away.

His friends follow after him. They then went to the town hall.

"The next on the checklist is the decorations" Starstream said as he looks at the checklist.

The trio were inside the town hall and were looked at the decorations.

"Beautiful." Spike said.

"You got that right, Spike." Red Blade said. "The decorations all look pretty nice."

"Not that. Her." Spike said as he points forward.

The two pony friends look to see a white unicorn mare with curly purple mane doing the decorations. She has three diamonds as a cutie mark. The unicorn was using her magic to set the decorations up.

"No, no, no, oh! Goodness no." the unicorn said in a transatlantic accent as she looks through the different ribbons.

"You mean the white unicorn?" asked Starstream.

"Uh huh. How are my spines? Are they straight?" the little dragon asked as he tries to fix himself up.

"Oh brother." Red Blade groaned as he walks up to the white unicorn "Good afternoon, Ms."

"Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were." she said as she continues her work. "Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent."

She had tied a ribbon to a part of a stage

"Now how can I help you..." Just as she turned around, the unicorn gasped at seeing Red Blade "Oh my! Prince Red Blade! Please forgive me for my uncouth behavior, your Highness. I had no idea you were coming here."

The unicorn then bowed down as she had said that.

"That's alright. You just didn't know. There's no need to apologize." Red Blade assured "You're name is Rarity, right?"

"Indeed." Rarity said as she got up before noticing Starstream coming up next to the prince. "And who are you?"

"My name is Starstream, ma'am. Pleasure to meet you." the light blue unicorn greeted.

"You as well, darling." Rarity said with a blush as she finds him a little handsome.

"Well. I guess the decorations are in order. We'll just be out of your hair now." Starstream said.

"Out of my hair? What about your hair?" Rarity asked.

"What do you mean?" Starstream asked.

"Well. I can see a little bit of dirt in your mane" Rarity said as she points to his mane.

Starstream then took notice of his mane. There was indeed some dirt on it.

"Oh. Heh heh. That's a funny story. You see... Oh!" Starstream began.

He gets interrupted as Rarity begins to push Starstream from behind with her horn.

"Come with me dearie. I'll have you fixed up in no time." she said as she pushed Starstream out of the town hall.

"Hey! What are you doing!? Stop pushing me! Guys, a little help here!?" Starstream yelled.

Red Blade just sighed before following after them while Spike follows them while feeling lovestruck.

Rarity brought them all to a place called Carousel Boutique. While there, she washed the dirt off of Starstream's mane. Rarity then begins to dress him in different vests.

"No. No. Uh-uh. Definitely not. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too fluffy. Too shiny." she said.

Red Blade and Spike were watching them.

"I gotta say. That unicorn has style." Red Blade commented.

Starstream was then fitted with a light blue vest with white sparkles on it complete with a bowtie.

"Now don't you look fabulous?" Rarity asked.

"Heh heh. I'll admit. I do look handsome" Starstream replied.

"Thank you." Rarity said before leaning towards Starstream. "Now tell me darling. Where are you from?"

"I'm from Canterlot. Red Blade is from there too" Starscream answered

"Canterlot!?" Rarity gasped. "Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there!"

"Is Canterlot that popular?" Red Blade asked.

"Oh it is. Canterlot is home to the best fashion designers in all of Equestria" Rarity said before walking up to Red Blade. "Your Highness. Perhaps we can discuss arranging a visit for me there over a little lunch. Hmmmm?"

As she asked that, Rarity begins to bat her eyes at the prince causing him to blush.

"Oh. Uh. Well." Red Blade said nervously.

Just then, the door to the boutique opens and someone came in. It was a white unicorn stallion with blue eyes and purplish mane. He has blue gradient on his legs. His cutie mark is that of a blue cut diamond. The stallion was also carrying a small bag on his back.

"Hey Rarity. I got the new polished and trimmed rubies that you asked for." he said before noticing Rarity looking at Red Blade. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Oh!" Rarity said in surprise as she noticed him "You're not, dear cousin. I just was discussing some important matters with my new clients."

"I see." the stallion said. "Anyway, here you go."

He levitates the bag over to Rarity who then opens it. Inside the bag are a bunch of rubies that have been trimmed.

"They're exactly as I ordered. Thank you so much." Rarity said gratefully.

"Anytime." the stallion said before noticing Starstream walking up to them. "Oh, I haven't see you before. Are you new here?"

"You could say that. My name is Starstream Sparkle and with me is Red Blade and Spike." Starstream said.

"And before you start bowing, you don't have to. I may be an alicorn and a prince, but I'm a pony just like all of you." Red Blade said.

"Of course. Anyway, my name is Gem Trimmer. I'm Rarity's cousin." the unicorn stallion known as Gem Trimmer introduced himself.

"Cousin?" Starstream asked.

"Indeed." Gem Trimmer said "I run a small business of polishing and trimming gems, diamonds, and emeralds to sell to other ponies. I also do a little business with Rarity by delivering some polished gems to her boutique. And I don't have to charge her for it."

"You are so generous, Gem Trimmer." Rarity giggled. "Just like me."

"I get that a lot." Gem Trimmer chuckled.

"As much as I would like to continue this conversation, we are way behind schedule." Starstream said. "So we'll show ourselves out. Toodles!"

Starstream used his magic to drag Spike as he left the boutique with Red Blade following behind.

"They're quite an odd pair. Are they?" Gem Trimmer asked.

"Yes. But I will admit: Prince Red Blade sure is handsome." Rarity replied.

Starstream, Red Blade, and Spike were then walking in a park. Starstream was able to remove the vest he was wearing earlier.

"We should've stayed a little longer." Spike said. "I wanted to talk with Rarity."

"Some other time Romeo. Right now we need to focus on the Summer Sun Celebration." Starstream said. "So what's next on the list?"

"Hmmm. I believe that it's music. It's actually the last one." Red Blade said while looking at the list while Spike showed him it.

The gang then heard the sound of birds singing.

"What's that sound?" asked Red Blade.

"It's coming from over there." Spike said as he pointed forward.

The trio head over to where Spike was pointing and looks to see some birds of different species perched on a tree. In front of them are two pegasi. One is a mare with cyan eyes, a yellow coat and pink mane. Her cutie mark consists of three pink butterflies. The other pegasi is a stallion with a green coat, red eyes, and brown mane. His cutie mark is that of an animal's pawprint. Just then one of the birds was singing off key.

"Oh my" the pegasus mare said.

"What's wrong, Fluttershy?" the pegasus stallion asked.

"One of the birds are singing off key." the pegasus mare known as Fluttershy said. "You think can you help me on this, Forrest?"

"Well, I'll see what I can do." the stallion known as Forrest said. "I may not be speak to animals like you can, but I can at least understand them."

The two pegasi flew up to the avians.

"Uh. That's great all of you. But one of you is singing off key." Forrest said.

"Yes" Fluttershy said before turning to the blue jay bird " I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, let's take it from the top. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-"

"Salutations." greeted Starstream as he and Red Blade appeared.

This startled both pegasi while causing the birds to fly away.

"Oh. My apologies. I didn't mean to startle you and your birds." the light blue unicorn apologized.

"That's alright. You really surprised us there." Forrest said as he and Fluttershy land back on the ground.

"We're just here to check on the music and it sounds really great." Red Blade said.

After a few minutes of silence, Starstream begin the introductions.

"Anyway, my name is Starstream Sparkle and this is Red Blade. What's yours?" he asked.

"Um... I'm Fluttershy." the mare said quietly while hiding behind her mane.

"What was that?" Starstream asked as he couldn't hear her.

"Um... My name is Fluttershy." the pegasus said even more quietly.

"Can you speak up? We can't hear you" Red Blade said.

"You'll have to forgive her. She's really shy when it comes to meeting new ponies." Forrest said. "My name is Forrest and this is my friend Fluttershy. Nice to meet you both."

"Back at ya." Starstream said before noticing the birds coming back. "Well. It looks like your birds are back. I guess that means everything is in order. Keep up the good work you two."

The duo begins to walk away while Spike meets up with them.

"I suppose that went rather well." Starstream said.

"Ditto." Red Blade added.

Forrest then spots Spike.

"Hey, is that a baby dragon?" he asked.

"A baby dragon!?" Fluttershy said excitedly. "Where, Forrest!?"

Forrest points his hoof at Spike. Fluttershy rushes over while knocking the two ponies over to look at Spike. Forrest also walked up to them.

"Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before." Fluttershy gushed.

"Me neither." Forrest added. "It's kinda rare."

"Well, I am kinda special." Spike bragged.

"Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful I, I just don't even know what to say!" Fluttershy said.

The alicorn and unicorn both recovered from being knocked over. Starstream then used his magic to levitate Spike onto his back.

"Sorry to cut this short, but we really must be going." Starstream said as he and Red Blade walks off.

The two pegasi followed after them.

"Wait. Can't we at least know the little guy's name?" Forrest asked.

"I'm Spike." Spike introduced.

"Nice to meet ya Spike." Forrest said "My name is Forrest."

"And I'm Fluttershy. So what do dragons talk about?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, what do you wanna know?" Spike asked.

"Absolutely everything." Fluttershy replied.

"I'm interested to know your story too." Forrest added.

The two stallions both groaned at this. This is gonna be a long walk for them.

" Well... I started out as a cute little purple and green egg..." Spike began.

It took about a few hours, but the two friends were able to find the library which is actually inside a tree.

" ...and that's the story of my whole entire life! Well, up until today." the little dragon asked.

"Well, here we are. The library." Red Blade said.

"It was delightful meeting you both." Starstream said. "But right now. My baby dragon needs to take his nap."

"No I don't." Spike protested before Starstream bucks him off his back.

"Aw wook at that. He's so tired, he's can't keep his bawance." Starstream said in baby talk.

Red Blade snickers a bit while Spike just looked annoyed.

"Oh you poor thing." Fluttershy said.

"We can help get him in bed for ya." Forrest answered.

"No no no! I'll do it. Spike is with me and therefore my responsbility." Starstream said as he used his magic to lift Spike up and went inside the library.

"Yeah. I'm gonna turn in too. Good night." Red Blade said as he goes inside the library and shuts the door.

The two friends all sighed in exhaustion.

"Did you really have to do that?" Spike asked still annoyed.

"Sorry about that, Spike." Starstream apologized. "At least now we can do some research on Nightmare Moon and the Elements of Harmony."

"Why is it so dark in here?" Red Blade asked as he noticed the room was dark.

"I guess somepony must've forgotten to turn on the lights." Starstream said as he searches around. "Here's the lightswitch."

As he flicks it on...

"SURPRISE!"

The trio was startled when they see several ponies inside the library. The interior was also decorated with streamers.

"What the hay?" Red Blade asked in shock.

Just then, the same pink earth pony that they encountered appeared.

"Surprise!" she said "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie and I threw this party just for you two. We're you surprise. We're you? We're you?"

"Very surprise" Starstream said "You set this party up?"

"I sure did. But I didn't do it alone." Pinkie answered. "Slapstick helped too."

"Slapstick?" Red Blade asked.

"Hey Starstream. Red Blade. Fancy seeing you two here again." Slapstick said as he came up to them.

"If you didn't know. Slapstick is a good friend of mine back when we were foals." Pinkie Pie said.

"It's true." Slapstick chuckled. "I always did liked how she makes other ponies smile and I sometimes help her out with planning some parties."

"That's good to know." Starstream said before going over to a refreshment table. "I don't mean to be rude or anything, but libraries are suppose to be quiet."

"Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you and your friend first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all deep gasp, remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" Pinkie Pie rambled.

"Uh huh." Starstream said he was walking.

Pinkie Pie was following after him while Red Blade and Slapstick were behind her.

"And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went deep gasp! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Pinkie Pie said.

As she said that, Applejack, Applejim, Rainbow Dash, Storm Flight, Rarity, Gem Trimmer, Fluttershy, and Forrest appeared.

"She sure has a lot of energy, does she?" Red Blade asked.

"Well that's Pinkie for ya" Slapstick replied.

"I didn't expect to see all of you here" Starstream as he poured a drink in a cup and sips it through a straw. What he didn't know was he was drinking hot sauce.

"Are you kidding? Pinkie Pie's parties are too good to pass up." Rainbow Dash said.

"Plus it's a good way for me to show off my best dance moves." Storm Flight added.

"Ah wasn't interested in attendin this party, but Applejack insisted that ah come with her." Applejim admitted.

"Same thing with me and Rarity." Gem Trimmer sighed. "And I was in the middle of some good emerald polishing."

"We both agreed it would do you some good, dear cousin." Rarity said to him.

Suddenly, Starstream's face turned red while sweating.

"You okay, Star?" Red Blade asked.

The light blue unicorn's mane and tail caught fire and he ran around the room screaming.

"Water! Water! I need water!" he screamed.

"I gotcha covered." Slapstick said as he took out a seltzer spray bottle.

Once Starstream ran up in his direction, Slapstick sprayed water in Starstream's face. It not only got rid of the spiciness in his mouth but it also soaked him. Some of the ponies got a good laugh at this.

"Thanks." Starstream said as he shooked the water off of him.

"No problem." Slapstick replied.

Starstream then head upstairs.

"Heh heh. Great party." Red Blade said as he follows after his friend.

Spike took a look at the bottle that Starstream had poured.

"Hot sauce." he read.

Pinkie Pie poured the hot sauce on a cupcake and eats it much to the others' shock.

"What? It's good." she said.

"Oh Pinkie." Slapstick said in amusement.

Starstream and Red Blade had entered the room upstairs. But when they opened the door, they were a little surprised to see who was inside.

"Twilight?" they said in shock.

"Hi guys." Twilight Sparkle greeted.

"What are you doing here?" Starstream asked.

"We thought you were studying in Canterlot." Red Blade said.

"Well, not long after you two and Spike left for Ponyville, Princess Celestia came to visit me" Twilight explained. "She told me the exact same thing she said in her letter to you, Starstream. So here I am."

"Wow." Starstream said "I'm actually glad to see you here."

"Me too." Twilight said as she gives her adopted brother a hug. "By the way. How is Spike? Is he doing okay?"

"He's doing okay, Twilight." Red Blade answered. "Even though you hatched him, we got along pretty well. Spike is almost like a brother to us."

"But he admitted that he misses you." Starstream said "Spike's downstairs partying with the other ponies if you didn't know. Do you you want to go check on him?"

"I'm sure he's fine. Spike can handle himself." Twilight said.

"That's good." Starstream said before he stretched his back. "I think we'll turn in for the night. We had a pretty long day."

"Okay. I'll just be downstairs then." Twilight said as she head to the door.

"One more thing, Twilight." Red Blade called out. "Since we have to stay up to see the sun being raised. You think you can do a little research on the Elements of Harmony? If you have the time that is."

"Sure. I'll see what I can find." Twilight said "Night boys."

And with that she left the room. The unicorn and alicorn begins to sleep on two beds. It was a little difficult for them to sleep due to the noise. After what seems like an hour, Starstream went over to a window and looks at the moon. As he looked at the figure of a pony in the moon, he begins to remember what Twilight had read in the book.

'The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!'

"Hmmmm." Starstream thought.

"What's wrong, Star?" Red Blade asked.

"I'm worried, Red." Starstream said "What if that prophecy about Nightmare Moon is coming true? It's only a matter of time until that happens. I just don't know what to do."

Red Blade came up next to him.

"If it ever comes to that, I'm sure we'll figure it out together." he assured. "You know. Nightmare Moon wasn't always like this."

"Huh?" Stastream puzzled.

"When I was a colt, my mother told me the story about what happened 1000 years ago. Nightmare Moon was once Princess Luna, her younger sister and my adoptive aunt." Red Blade explained.

"Really?" Starstream asked.

"Yes. My aunt grew increasingly jealous as ponies basked in the daytime her sister had brought while they all slept during the night she had given. Because of that, the darkness in her heart consumed my aunt, turning her into Nightmare Moon." explained Red Blade as tears begin to form "Celestia had no choice but to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon. And she has remained there, until now."

"You mean to say that your mother and aunt are the sisters from that legend I read?" Starstream asked in shock.

"I'm afraid so." Red Blade said sadly "I just wished I met my aunt before she became this way."

Starstream puts a hoof around his friend's shoulder to comfort him as he was feeling down. Just then, Spike opens the door.

"Hey guys! It's time to watch the sunrise!" he said

Starstream and Red Blade both looked at each other.

Pretty soon, all the ponies have gathered into the town hall to watch the sunrise. Starstream, Red Blade, Spike, and Twilight were next to each other. Pinkie Pie and Slapstick the came up to them.

"Isn't this exciting? Are you excited 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you all walking into town and I went 'gasp' but I mean really, who can top that?" she asked.

"Well I for one am looking forward to seeing the Sun princess raise the sun." Slapstick said "How about you guys?"

"You could say that." Red Blade said

Starstream was in deep thought and didn't answer. Fluttershy was seen conducting the birds to sing a music. A spotlight then shines on an earth pony mare with gray mane and was wearing glasses on stage. This is Mayor Mare, the mayor of Ponyville.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" she announced which prompts applause from the other ponies "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..."

Starstream looked up at the moon and sees that the figure had vanished.

'Oh no!' he thought.

"Ready?" Fluttershy asked to the birds.

"Princess Celestia!" Mayor Mare announced.

Rarity pulled a rope to unveil the curtains. The spotlight shine on the platform that Princess Celestia was expected to be, but she was not there.

This caused everyone to gasp.

"That's not good" Starstream said.

"Where's my mother?" Red Blade asked.

"Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!" the mayor assured as the ponies were chattering nervously.

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

"She's gone!" Rarity yelled.

This caused everypony to gasp.

"Ooh, she's good." Pinkie said.

"Ah don't think the Princess is playin." Applejim said "Somethin's wrong here."

"Ah agree, bro." Applejack said.

Gem Trimmer then noticed something on the platform.

"What's that?!" he asked as he pointed forward.

Everypony looks to see some dark blue mist appearing. Just then, a large black alicorn dressed in armor with flowing blue mane and tail appeared on the platform.

"Is that who I think it is?" Starstream asked nervously.

"But it can't be!" Red Blade said.

"Nightmare Moon!" Twilight Sparkle yelled.

Spike fainted at the sight of her.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces." the dark alicorn said to the ponies.

"What did you do with our princess?!" Rainbow Dash demanded.

She attempts to charge at Nightmare Moon only for Applejack to grab her tail with her teeth.

"Whoa there, Nelly!" she said as she holds Rainbow Dash back.

"Why, am I not royal enough for you?" Nightmare Moon asked with a chuckle. "Don't you know who I am?"

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty—" Pinkie rambled before Applejack crammed a cupcake in her mouth.

"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" Nightmare Moon asked angrily. "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"

Starstream and Red Blade steps up.

"We did!" Starstream said.

Nightmare Moon looks down at them. She gasped upon seeing Red Blade's horn and wings.

'What's this? Another alicorn? How is this possible?' Nightmare Moon thought. "Who are you?"

"My name is Prince Red Blade," Red Blade said as he showed his wings. "Adoptive son of Princess Celestia. And we know who you are, Nightmare Moon."

Nightmare Moon was shocked but then starts to giggle.

"Well well well. So my dear sister has taken in a child while I was gone. How amusing." she said.

"Wait what?" Storm Flight said in surprise.

"If you really are my new nephew then you also know why I'm here." Nightmare Moon said.

"You're here to..." Red Blade begin.

"Bring eternal night to Equestria!" Starstream finished.

This caused everyone in the room to gasp.

"That's right." Nightmare Moon cackled. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!"

She then laughs evilly as thunder and lightning flashed alongside her. Red Blade glared at her while Starstream looked worried.

'What do we do now?' he thought

To be continued...

Friendship is Magic, Part 2

Previously on My Little Pony: The Legend of the Stallion Seven, Starstream Sparkle along with his friends Red Blade and Spike travelled to Ponyville to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Along the way, they meet five new ponies: Slapstick, Applejim, Storm Flight, Gem Trimmer, and Forrest. That night, the duo then went to town hall with the other ponies to watch Princess Celestia raise the sun only for the sun princess to disappear. And then, an evil alicorn named Nightmare Moon appeared and plans to plunge Equestria into eternal night. What will happen next?

Nightmare Moon continues to laugh evilly as thunder and lightning strikes.

"Seize her! Only she knows where the princess is!" Mayor Mare cried.

The royal guards flew up to the evil alicorn.

"Stand back you foals!" Nightmare Moon yelled as her eyes glowed white.

Then lightning bolts swat the guards away. Nightmare Moon laughed before getting hit by a magic blast. She turns to see Red Blade flying up to her. The young prince fired another blast with his horn causing her to dodge

"How dare you strike at me!?" Nightmare Moon yelled "Just for that, I'll give you a taste of my power!"

Nightmare Moon charged up her horn and shoots a magic blast of her own. Before Red Blade can react, he got hit and crashed into the floor hard.

"Red Blade!" Starstream, Twilight, and Spike yelled as they ran up to him.

The other ponies were shocked as they saw this.

"Let this be a warning to all who stand in my way!" Nightmare Moon declared. "My reign over Equestria shall now begin!"

And with an evil laugh, Nightmare Moon turned into a blue smog and flew out of the Town Hall leaving all of the ponies to panic. Red Blade groaned as he slowly got up.

"Red Blade, are you okay?" asked Starstream.

"I think so." Red Blade groaned. "But that attack was really strong."

"We need to head back to the library. Pronto!" Starstream said.

"I agree. Now might be a good time to do some research" Twilight said as she levitates Spike onto her back.

They all raced out of the Town Hall and to the library. Unbeknownst to them, Storm Flight was watching them from the air.

"Hmmmm." he hummed with suspicion.

Once they were back in the library, Starstream and Twilight were tucking Spike in a little basket

"Uhh. We gotta stop... Nightmare Moon" Spike muttered before dozing off

"You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon after all" Twilight said

"Just take it easy little guy. We'll see you in the morning" Starstream added while levitating a blanket over the sleeping dragon

After turning off the lights, the three ponies begin to search the library for any books about the Elements of Harmony.

"Elements. Elements." Starstream said as he searched some books through the library.

"It's gotta be around here somewhere." Red Blade said as he used his magic to search every book.

Twilight was in another part of the library searching for the book about the Elements of Harmony.

"Ugh. How are we suppose to stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" Starstream asked.

"And what exactly are the Elements of Harmony?!"

This got Starstream and Red Blade's attention. They look to see Storm Flight looking very crossed.

"Oh. Hey Storm Flight." Red Blade greeted.

"Don't 'Hey Storm Flight' me!" Storm Flight snapped as he flew close to the duo. "I heard your little conversation back at the Town Hall. So spill it! How do you two know about Nightmare Moon and how is she your aunt? Are you two spies?!"

"Now wait just a minute here. We're not spies!" Red Blade protested.

"A likely story!" Storm Flight scoffed.

His tail was then pulled back. Applejim was the one who was doing it with his teeth.

"Simmer down there, partner." Applejim said. "But they do know that somethin is goin on here."

As he said that, Gem Trimmer, Forrest, and Slapstick came in the library.

"Do ya?" Applejim asked Starstream and Red Blade.

"I agree." Gem Trimmer said "Care to explain?"

The two friends looked at each other before sighing.

"Okay. It's like this," Red Blade explained. "Nightmare Moon's real name is Princess Luna. My mother's younger sister. Thousands of years ago, they have both ruled Equestria together and performed their duties of raising the sun and moon every day and night. But as time went on, Luna became embittered and jealous as ponies adored my mother and the daytime she had given them while they shunned and slept through the beautiful night Luna had given them. So one day, she refused to lower the moon. Doing so caused the darkness in her heart to consume her body, transforming her into an evil dark version of herself."

This caused the five ponies to gasp.

"Oh my." Gem Trimmer gasped.

"That's horrible!" Forrest gasped.

"It was. With no other choice, my mother used the Elements of Harmony to exile her sister to the moon." Red Blade said

"But now, Nightmare Moon has returned and is planning to finish what she had started all those years ago." Starscream added. "And the only thing that can stop her are the Elements of Harmony. But the only problem is that we don't know what they are or what do they do."

"Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide." Slapstick read as he was looking at a book on a shelf. "Maybe this could help."

Starstream raced over and pushed Slapstick aside to look at the book.

"Incredible. How did you know it was there?" the light blue unicorn asked.

"It was under E. Whoa! Ooof!" Slapstick sang before tripping on a book on the floor.

Starstream used his magic to levitate said book out of the shelf. The stallions and Twilight gathered around to read it.

"There are seven Elements of Harmony, but only six are known." Twilight read. "Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty, and Courage. The Seventh is a complete mystery."

"And where are we suppose to find the Elements of Harmony?" Storm Flight asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

"Hmmm." Twilight said before reading the book. "It is said, the last known location of the six elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now..."

"The Everfree Forest!" the seven stallions said as they find themselves by the entrance of said forest.

"You mean to say that the elements are in there?" Gem Trimmer asked as he points forward.

"Fraid so." Red Blade replied.

"Which is why Red Blade and I have to go in alone." Starstream said "Look, we appreciate the support, but I don't want to see you guys hurt."

"No can do, partner." Applejim protested. "Ain't no way we're lettin two of our friends do this alone. Besides, the Everfree Forest is dangerous in the night time. So we're gonna stick to y'all like candy apples on a hot summer day from now on."

"Yeah. Even if there might be actual candy apples there." Slapstick spoke up making the other ponies look at him. "Heh heh. I'm still kinda hungry"

"There's no changing your minds, is there?" Starstream asked.

The five stallions all shook their heads. This caused the light blue unicorn sighed.

"Let them come with us, Star. It's always good to have back up in a dangerous place as this." Red Blade advised as he gestures to the Everfree Forest entrance.

"Alright. But you all have to stay close and don't wander off." Startream instructed.

"You got it, bro" Storm Flight said.

The seven stallions all head into the Everfree Forest.

They all continue to trek through the Everfree Forest.

"Question. Have any of you guys ever BEEN in the Everfree Forest?" Starstream asked.

"Of course not. Everypony knows not to wander off alone in this forest." Gem Trimmer replied.

"And the place here ain't natural." Applejim said. "Ah heard from mah sister that it don't work like in Equestria."

"Don't forget about the creatures that live here." Forrest gulped "I heard that the wildlife also has a will of it's own."

"What do you mean?" Red Blade asked.

"Nopony knows." Storm Flight said in a spooky voice. "And you want to know why?"

"Storm Flight, cut that out." Applejim scolded.

Storm Flight began creeping over to Forrest, Gem Trimmer, and Slapstick. As that was happening, the blue mist slips into the cliff.

"Cause everypony who's ever come in, has never come out AND LIVE!" Storm Flight yelled as the three stallions flinched. "Heh heh. Just messing with ya. Those ghost stories aren't real anyway."

The seven stallions then heard a noise.

"What was that?" Red Blade asked.

Suddenly, the mountain cliff gave away and the stallions screamed as they slid down a sleep slope. Luckily, Red Blade, Storm Flight, and Forrest avoided this as they were pegasi.

"Nature's Wrath!" cried Forrest.

"Quick. We gotta save them!" Storm Flight said.

The winged ponies flew after them. Storm Flight was able to rescue Gem Trimmer and Forrest was able to save Slapstick. Meanwhile, Applejim was able to grab a root on the slope while Starstream screamed and slid over a cliff. He was hanging on the cliff for dear life. Applejim saw this.

"Hang on, Starstream. I'm a comin." he said as he slid down.

Applejim went up to Starstream and grabs his hooves.

"Hurry, Applejim! Pull me up!" Starstream pleaded. "What are you waiting for?"

Applejim was about to pull him up, until he noticed something in the air. He then gets an idea.

"Let go." he said.

"What!? Do you want me to die!?" Starstream screamed.

"No. You gotta trust me on this." Applejim assured. "Let go and ah promise that you'll be safe."

"That's a lie." Starstream said.

"Now you listen to me. What ah am sayin is the truth and nothin but the truth." Applejim assured. "Now I'll say again: Let go and ah promise you'll be safe."

Starstream can see the sincerity in Applejim's voice and decides to trust him.

"Okay." he said as he lets go of the earth pony's hooves.

Starstream begins to scream as he fell from the cliff, but stops when he felt that someone caught him. He looks to see that it was Red Blade who caught him.

"Hey, bud. Glad you could drop in." Red Blade said.

Starstream smiled as Red Blade slowly descends and sets his friend on the ground. The other ponies are with them as Storm Flight and Forrest had set them on the ground as well.

"Thanks, Red." Starstream said.

"Anytime." Red Blade replied.

"See? What did ah tell ya?" Applejim said as he climbed down the mountain to meet up with the others.

"I have to admit, Applejim. You really were telling the truth." Starstream said "I'll never doubt you again."

"Well, if there's one thing we Apples are good at, it's bein truthful." Applejim said.

"Too true, partner." Red Blade replied.

The seven stallions continue to walk through the Everfree Forest.

"You guys sure are lucky that we were there to save ya. If we didn't have our wings, you would've perished for sure" Storm Flight said "We would've saved you Starstream, but we decide to let Red Blade handle that."

"At least your humble." Starstream said

"Yeah. I'm not too much of a braggart like my cousin." Storm Flight replied.

Suddenly something appeared in front of them, it has the body of a lion, the wings of a dragon, and the tail of a scorpion.

"That's a manticore!" gasped Starstream.

The manticore then roars at them.

"And it looks mad" Red Blade said.

The manticore then begins to attack the ponies, but they dodged.

"We're gonna have to fight it in order to pass through" Starstream said.

The ponies got ready for battle. All except Forrest who noticed something about the manticore. Gem Trimmer levitates some nearby rocks and pelt it at the manticore, only for the manticore to roar in his face. Gem Trimmer laughs nervously and fled to avoid the manticore's swipe of a paw.

"Hold it." Forrest said.

Then, Applejim got on the manticore and rode on it as he was like in a rodeo.

"Yeehaw! Ride em cowpony!" Applejim yelled.

"Hold it." Forrest repeated.

The manticore leaps around until it was able to throw Appeljim off.

"Stand back, guys. I'll teach that manticore a lesson it won't forget." Storm Flight said as he flew towards the manticore.

"Hold it" Forrest repeated a little louder.

The light blue pegasus gave the manticore a series of kicks and punches and then starts to fly around the manticore in attempts to dizzy it. But the manticore used it's tail to flick Storm Flight away sending him skidding in front of the group.

"You alright, Storm?" asked Red Blade.

"Never better." Storm Flight replied.

"Guys, let's attack it together!" Starstream yelled.

"Right." the stallions replied.

The stallions dug their hooves in the dirt and starts to charge towards the manticore, but Forrest got in their way.

"I said HOLD IT!" he shouted.

This caused the stallions and manticore to cease their battle.

"Allow me to handle this." Forrest said as he slowly walks over to the manticore.

"You be careful, Forrest." Red Blade said.

Forrest got near the manticore who roars at him.

"It's okay. I won't hurt you, Mr. Manticore." the green pegasus said in a calming voice before noticing it's left paw. "Your paw. May I see it please?"

Reluctantly, the manticore slowly showed it's paw to reveal a thorn on it with a whimper.

"Oh my. You poor thing." Forrest said with sympathy. "Don't worry. I'll help you get it out. This might hurt a bit, but I'll try to make it quick."

Grabbing the thorn with his teeth, Forrest quickly pulled it out. The manticore roared in pain before grabbing Forrest. The stallions gasped in shock as they feared that the manticore would harm the green pegasus, but instead, the manticore hugged Forrest and licks his mane which tickles him.

"You're very welcome." Forrest laughed. "You're just a sweet baby manticore. Are ya? Yes you are."

The stallions were amazed by this. They came up to Forrest just as the manticore put him down

"That was incredible, Forrest." Starstream said.

"Yeah. But how did you know about the thorn in it's paw?" asked Red Blade.

"I just noticed that it was in pain during your battle with it. And if there's one thing that I learned while hanging around with Fluttershy is that everyone deserves some kindness." Forrest said.

"Still. That was a good thing you did." Starstream said. "Now we can continue on."

The seven stallions continued on with their journey. Forrest waves goodbye to the manticore as they travelled deeper into the Everfree Forest. Unbeknownst to anyone, the thorn that Forrest took out became blue mist that travels after them. The seven friends continued their trek throught the forest.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm really tired of seeing all this muck here." Gem Trimmer said. "What I wouldn't give for a new change in scenery."

The seven stallions then find themselves in the thicker part of the forest where the moonlight doesn't shine making the area very dark.

"This is not what I meant." Gem Trimmer said.

"Stay alert guys. The ancient ruins containing the Elements might be in front of us if we're not careful." Starstream warned.

"It sure is dark in here." Forrest said nervously.

"You're telling me. I can barely see the path." Storm Flight added. "Hey Red Blade. Think you can give us some light?"

"I would if I could, but the darkness is too thick around here." Red Blad answered.

"Don't worry y'all. We'll be okay as long as we stay close to each other." Applejim assured before he stepped into something wet. "Did I just stepped in somethin?"

He raised his hoof to see that it's mud. Forrest looked behind Applejim and screamed.

"What are ya screamin about, Forrest? It's just mud." Applejim said before lookinng at a tree with a scary face which frightens him.

The other ponies also bumped into trees that has scary faces on them and they were frightened. They backed into each other as they were surrounded by the scary trees.

"What do we do?" Storm Flight asked.

"I don't know." Starstream replied. "But this is really scary."

Before anyone can do anything, the 6 ponies heard laughter coming from Slapstick. They see Slapstick laughing and making silly faces.

"Slapstick. What are you doing? Run!" Starstream yelled.

"Heh hehe. It's okay, boys. Let me explain." Slapstick said.

Then music begin to play as Slapstick begins to sing.

"When I was a little colt, and the sun was going down"

"Is he singing?" Starstream asked.

"The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown" Slapstick continued to sing.

"Oh yeah. He definitely is." Red Blade said.

"I'd hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw"

"But Grandpa Stick said that wasn't the way. To deal with fears at all"

"What is it then?" Storm Flight asked.

"He said: 'Slapstick, you gotta stand up tall. Learn to face your fears. You'll see that they can't hurt you. Just laugh to make them disappear"

"Like this." Slapstick said as he got in front of a scary tree. "Ha ha ha!"

And just like that, the scary face disappeared from the tree. The six stallions were astonished.

"Well I'll be. It worked." Applejim said.

"Yeah. If Slapstick can do it, then I suppose we can too." Gem Trimmer added.

"Let's get to it then." Red Blade said.

"So, giggle at the ghostly"

"Guffaw at the grossly"

"Crack up at the creepy"

"Whoop it up with the weepy"

"Chortle at the kooky"

"Snortle at the spooky"

The stallions all laugh to make the scary faces on the trees disappear.

"And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna..." Slaptick sang before laughing a few times "Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!"

The 7 stallions all fell to the ground while laughing their heads off. But as they were laughing, the same blue mist slips away.

After getting themselves back up, Slapstick found a way out of the thick forest and lead his friends to it. Once they were out, the friends find themselves by a raging river.

"Hmmm. Now how do we cross that?" Slapstick asked.

Before any of the ponies can answer, the sound of crying was heard.

"Do I hear crying?" asked Starstream asked.

"Uh huh," Red Blade replied before turning to the left. "It's coming from over there."

The seven stallions went through some bushes and sees a purple serpent with orange hair crying while his tail was thrashing the water making the waves that they had seen.

"What a world, what a world!" he sobbed.

"Excuse me, Mr. Serpent." Starstream said. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Well. I was just minding my own business when this blue smoke zoomed pass me and tore my mustache clean off!" the serpent explained while showing them his right side of his mustache torned off. "Now look at me! I'm hideous!"

The serpent then thrashes into the water which splashes onto the seven ponies much to their irritation.

"Seriously? That's what you're crying about?" Storm Flight asked annoyed.

"Yeah, dude. It's just a mustache. It'll grow back." Red Blade added.

"But I can't wait that long!" the sea serpent protested. "And it takes a day or two for my mustache to grow back!"

"Ugh. Maybe we should just furget about him and find another way across." Applejim groaned "We're just wastin time."

"Don't be so insensitive!" Gem Trimmer scolded. "I for one see how important this type of situation is."

"Finally, somepony who understands me." the sea serpent said as he looks at the white unicorn.

"Indeed. By looking at you, I can see just how fabulous you are with your mane, your purple scales, not to mention your manicure, and eyes." Gem Trimmer said.

"It's true! It's all true!" the sea serpent exclaimed.

"Hmmm. But without a piece of your mustache, your look isn't complete." Gem Trimmer said.

"I know. I look horrid! Simply horrid!" the serpent cried.

"Well, I can fix that." Gem Trimmer said feeling determined. "Will you please hold still for a bit?"

"Um. Okay." the serpent said confused.

Using his magic, Gem Trimmer removed a scale from the serpent making him yelp in pain. The white unicorn then grab the scale with his teeth and held it up.

"Gem, what are you doing?" Starstream asked nervously.

A slash noise was heard which shocks the ponies while making the serpent faint. It then revealed that Gem Trimmer had sliced his own tail off. And using his magic, Gem twisted his tail into a little curl and attached it to the sea serpent's face to replace the mustache that was cut off.

"There ya go." Gem Trimmer said.

"My mustache!" the serpent said as he laughs with glee. "Thank you so much! I look wonderful!"

"It was nothing. I simply can't let a crime to fashion go uncorrected." Gem Trimmer said before laughing. "I'm starting to sound like my cousin."

"Wow, Gem. That was a very generous thing that you did." Starstream said.

"Thank you, Starstream." Gem Trimmer replied.

"Though I can't say the same for your tail." Red Blade said as he points at Gem's now short tail.

"It's alright. My tail will grow back eventually." Gem Trimmer assured. "Besides, I think short tails are in this season."

Forrest then took notice of the water which is now calm.

"At least we can cross." he said.

"Here. Allow me." the serpent said as he used his body as makeshift stepping stones.

"Thanks again, sir." Starstream said "Okay, guys let's move out!"

The ponies all hopped on the serpent's body as they go across. Slapstick slipped and fell in the water. Luckilly, Storm Flight was able to pull him out.

The seven ponies continued on with their journey until they noticed a ruined building in the distance

"There it is gentlemen." Red Blade said. "The Castle of the Two Sisters. The Elements of Harmony have to be in there."

Starstream begins to gallop over.

"All we have to do is go inside, retrieve them, and finally vanquish Nightmare Moon once and for all." he said "Whoa!"

The unicorn skid to a halt as he nearly fell off a cliff. Luckily, Storm Flight was able to grab him by the tail and pull him back.

"Whew. Thanks." Starstream said gratefully.

"No problem." Storm Flight said. "But seriously. What's with you and falling off cliffs?"

The stallions look to see the bridge out.

"How are we suppose to get across?" Slapstick asked.

"The bridge is obviously broken," Starstream pointed out "We need to fix it"

"I'll take it from here, guys." Storm Flight said. "I'll just grab the other end of the bridge and tie it on the other side. Be right back."

The light blue pegasus unfolds his wings and flew down to grab the end of the bridge. Storm Flight then flew to the other side. But before he can tie the bridge down...

"Storm Flight." an eerie voice said.

This caught his attention.

"Who's there?" he asked.

"Oh. Storm Flight." the eerie voice sang.

"Alright. Who's out there? Come out and show yourself!" the pegasus demanded as he looked around in the fog behind him.

"We've been waiting for you. The best Flyer in all of Equestria."

"Heh heh. You're only half right. I'm pretty much second best next to my cousin Rainbow Dash. I may not be the best like RD, but I have twice the skills as her" Storm Flight said nervously "And like her I dreamed of being part of the Wonderbolts."

"But Storm Flight, we want you to join us."

Suddenly four ponies with blue mane and black and purple outfits and goggles appeared before him.

"The Shadowbolts!"

"Never heard of ya." Storm Flight simply said.

"Of course you didn't." The leader of the Shadowbolts said. "We're only the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, and we can really use someone like you. What do you say?"

"Hmmm." Storm Flight thought. "It's tempting. I do want to be a great flyer. Why don't I think it over after I help my friends get across the bridge?"

He was about to tie the other end of the rope only for the Shadowbolt leader to stop him.

"No, you cannot!" she snapped. "It's either them or us!"

"Storm Flight! What's going on over there?!" called Starstream before noticing the Shadowbolts which makes him gasp.

The lead Shadowbolt took notice of him. Her eyes glowed which causes a thick fog to spread across the bridge to keep Storm Flight from seeing the others.

"Storm Flight! Don't listen to them!" Starstream called.

"They're not real! Help us get across!" Red Blade added.

Storm Flight begins to ponder on what to do.

"Well. Are you in or out?" the lead Shadowbolt asked.

"I"m..." Storm Flight said.

The Shadobolts lean in expecting him to say he is in.

"Out" Storm Flight finished.

The Shadowbolts were shocked.

"As much as I would like to be the best flyer. My friends need me more." Storm Flight said as he tied up the bridge.

He then flew back to the others who cheered him while going across.

"Good work, Storm Flight." Starstream said.

"Anytime. Much like Rainbow Dash, I never leave Ponyville hanging or my friends." Storm Flight said.

This earned him a smile from both Starstream and Red Blade. The seven friends then went inside the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters. They look to see an apparatus with six round stones on pedestals.

"Well, Starstream. Red Blade. Are those it?" Appeljim asked.

The duo looked up and smiled.

"Yep. These are definitely the Elements of Harmony." Red Blade said.

"They're real" Starstream said "Storm Flight. Forrest. Mind getting them down?"

"We're on it, boss." Storm Flight replied as he and Forrest got the spheres down.

"Aren't there suppose to be seven Elements?" Gem Trimmer asked.

"If I remembered correctly, when the six Elements are present, a spark will reveal the seventh Element" Starstream said

"Ah have no idea what that means." Applejim said confused.

"I don't either. But I'm going to try something." Starstream said as his horn glowed. "I'll need your help too, Red Blade."

"You got it, bud." Red Blade said before looking at the others. "You guys might want to stand back for this."

The two friends sat down as they attempt to concentrate their magic.

"Come on y'all. They need to concentrate." Applejim said as he lead the others outside.

As the unicorn and the alicorn begin to focus their magic, the same blue mist came in and begin to circle around the elements. Red Blade was the first to notice this.

"Uh, Starstream?" Red Blade said nervously.

"What?" Starstream asked.

Red Blade points his hoof at the blue mist. Starstream gasped as he saw the blue tornado growing larger.

"The Elements!" Starstream cried.

Starstream and Red Blade both leaped into the vortex. The tornado then shrank while taking the both the elements and friends with it. The five friends, having heard Starstream gasp, rushed back in the castle.

"Starstream!" called Storm Flight.

"Red Blade!" called Slapstick.

"Where are they?!" yelled Forrest.

"Where'd they get to?" asked Applejim.

Gem Trimmer then looked out a window and sees a ruin glowing.

"Guys, look!" he said.

The other stallions came over to see this.

"Oh no! Starstream and Red Blade could be in trouble." Storm Flight said.

"Come on, everypony. Let's hoof it!" Appeljim said.

They then galloped out as fast as they could.

Starstream and Red Blade then found themselves transported in another location while coughing from the dust. They then look to see Nightmare Moon laughing evilly while holding the Elements of Harmony.

"Welcome, foolish colts" she said

"Nightmare Moon!" Starstream yelled

"We should've known you would try something like this!" Red Blade added

"Of course. You all didn't think it would be that easy did you?" Nightmare Moon taunted

"Please, Auntie. You don't want to do this" pleaded Red Blade

"My dear nephew. I do!" Nightmare Moon said "I have lived in the shadows of my sister for long enough! Once I destroy the Elements of Harmony, I will usher in a new era in Equestria!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" yelled Starstream as he got into a battle stance

"You're kidding, You're kidding, right?" asked the evil alicorn

Starstream's horn glowed as he begins to paw his hoof. He then begins to charge at the evil alicorn while Nightmare Moon charges at him. Once they got close, Starstream teleported much to Nightmare Moon's surprise. Starstream then appeared by the Elements.

"Clever little colt" Nightmare Moon said.

Before she can come at him, Red Blade flew in and knocks her away. He then stood in front of his friend.

"Starstream, I'll hold her off! You take care of the Elements!" he said.

"Sounds like a plan." Starstream said as he turns to the Elements.

Nightmare Moon got up and faced Red Blade. The two alicorns then begin to battle as they start to blast each other with their magic. They both dodged the attacks before engaging in physical combat. Red Blade and Nightmare Moon then locked horns with each other.

"We don't have to keep fighting like this, Auntie!" the young prince pleaded.

"You're starting to sound like my sister!" Nightmare Moon retorted.

Starstream then lit up his horn as he focused his magic on the Elements.

"You can do this, Starstream. Just one spark should do the trick." he muttered.

As he did that, the six spheres begin to glow. Nightmare Moon noticed this and kicked Red Blade away. She then turns into a blue mist and appear in front of the unicorn. One jolt from the magic was enought to knock Starstream back and skid on the floor. Red Blade recovered and ran up to his best friend. The elements all begin to glow.

"No! No!" Nightmare Moon cried.

The two stallions smiled as they believed their victory was assured. Unfortunately, the glowing stopped.

"What?!" Red Blade yelled.

"That's impossible! Where's the seventh element!?" Starstream asked.

Nightmare Moon cackled as she raised her front hooves and slammed the floor causing the six spheres to shatter into pieces. The unicorn and the alicorn were horrified as they witness this.

"You little foals. Thinking you can defeat me!? Now you will never see your princess or your sun! The night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon shouted as she laughs evilly.

Just when Starstream and Red Blade felt that all hope was lost...

"Starstream! Red Blade! We're a comin!"

"Don't worry! Back up's here!"

"We're here for you two.

"Help's on the way!"

Hearing the voices of their friends made Starstream and Red Blade gasped. They realize what they needed to fight the evil alicorn as a small flicker of light appeared in their eyes.

"You haven't won yet, Nightmare Moon" Red Blade said confidently.

"That's right. Did you honestly think that you've destroyed the Elements of Harmony just like that?! Well I say that you're mistaken!" Starstream yelled "You want to know why? Because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!"

As he said that, the five stallions appeared by their side. Then the shattered remains of the Elements floated up.

"What?" Nightmare Moon said in surprise.

Crimson shards floats around Red Blade.

"Red Blade, my first friend, who's always willing to stand up for what's right no matter the odds, represents the spirt of... courage!" Starstream announced.

The orange shards float around Applejim.

"Applejim, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty"

The pink shards then float around Forrest

"Forrest, who tamed the manticore with his compassion, represents the spirit of... kindness!"

Blue shards then float around Slapstick.

"Slapstick, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of... laughter!"

Purple shards then float around Gem Trimmer.

"Gem Trimmer, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... generosity!"

Then red shards float around Storm Flight.

"And finally Storm Flight, who could not abandon his friends for his own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty!"

"The spirits of these six ponies got us through every challenge you have thrown at us!" Starstream announced.

"You still don't have the seventh Element! The spark didn't work!" Nightmare Moon protested.

"On the contrary, it did." Starstream refuted before looking at his friends. "But it was a different spark. Me and Red Blade felt it the moment we realized how happy we were to hear from you, to see you all and how you really cared for us. That spark ignited inside me when I realize that you all... are my friends!"

Then, the seventh element appeared over Starstream and lowers down and emits a bright light which causes Nightmare Moon to shield her eyes.

"You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the seventh element: the element of... magic!" Starstream said.

Suddenly, all the shards restored themselves to form a necklace on the five ponies each with a jewel that resembles their cutie marks. Red Blade's shards form around his left hoof to form a golden hoof gauntlet with a crimson jewel of a sword on it. Starstream's element took the form of a crown with a light purple seven sided star jewel on it. With the elements all powered up, a two rainbow beams shot out from the seven ponies. It flew into the air and down towards the evil alicorn.

"Nooo!" Nightmare Moon screamed as the beams wrapped around her body and trapping her in a rainbow vortex.

As this was happening, Starstream and Red Blade's eyes open to show them glowing white as the place was engulfed by a bright light. Once the brightness died down, the seven stallions were lying on the floor unconscious. They then slowly got up.

"Whoa. That was wild." Forrest said as he held his head.

"Everypony okay?" Applejim asked.

"More than okay. I feel great!" Storm Flight said with glee. "That was quite a rush!"

"You're telling me, Storm" Gem Trimmer said as he looked at his tail "My tail has grown back"

"Don't forget about these necklaces we're wearing" Slapstick said as he points at his "It's almost like our cutie marks"

"Hey. You're right!" Storm Flight said as he looked at his cutie mark and his necklace. "This is so cool!"

"And exquisite." Gem Trimmer said as he looked at his necklace.

Red Blade looked at the gauntlet he has.

"Fancy." he said.

Starstream even admired the new crown that he has.

"Ah gotta admit, you two," Applejim said to him and Red Blade "Fer a moment there, I thought you were just spoutin' a bunch of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship."

"Indeed you do."

The seven stallions were surprised as a bright light came through the window. In a blinding light, Princess Celestia appeared. The five stallions bowed down in respect.

"Princess Celestia!" Starstream yelled.

"Mother!" Red Blade yelled.

They both rushed up and gives her a hug.

"Starstream Sparkle, my faithful student and Red Blade, my son." Princess Celestia said as she hugs them back. "I knew you both could do it."

"We're so happy that you're okay, mother. I feared something bad might've happened to you." Red Blade said with worry.

"As you can see, I'm very much alive. I am still stronger than I was thousands of years ago." Princess Celestia replied.

"But I don't understand. I was told that it was an old pony tale." Starstream said.

"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you and Red Blade let true friendship into your heart." Princess Celestia explained as the five stallions stood up.

"Now if only another will as well." she said.

Everypony look to see where Nightmare Moon once stood. In her place was an alicorn lying on the ground. She has a light blue coat with even lighter blue mane and wearing a royal attire. Her short size shows that she has been drained of her magic.

"Princess Luna!" Princess Celestia called.

Princess Luna woke up with a gasp and looked up fearfully at Celestia.

"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. It is time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." Princess Celestia said. "Will you accept my friendship?"

The ponies leaned in forward to hear her answer. Slapstick fell over due to him leaning in too close. Princess Luna eyes flowed with tears.

" I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!" she cried as she gives Celestia a hug.

"I've missed you, too." Princess Celestia replied.

Red Blade then came up to them.

"It's good to finally meet you, Auntie Luna. The real you." he said.

Luna teared up again and gives Red Blade a hug.

"My new nephew! I'm ever so sorry for what I did to you." she sobbed.

"It's alright." Red Blade said soothingly. "You just weren't yourself when all of this happened. No matter what, you will always be family."

The two princesses and prince then gave each other a group hug. The stallions were very touched as they watch this.

"I absolutely love happy reunions." Gem Trimmer said

"Me too." Slapstick added. "This calls for a celebration!"

And true to the earth pony's word, Ponyville held a big celebration as the ponies celebrated the return of the two royal sisters. Red Blade was right beside them. Then, Twilight and Spike ran up and gives Starstream a hug as they were happy to see him alive. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity also gave their cousins and brother a hug to congratulate them for their victory against Nightmare Moon while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy smiled at Slapstick and Forrest while they smiled back. Princess Luna was a little nervous about facing the ponies after what she had done as Nightmare Moon, but two foals placed a flower necklace on her neck. She then smiled at both her sister and her adopted nephew. Watching this, Starstream sighed as he hung his head

"Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you and Red Blade can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Princess Celestia asked as she and Red Blade came up to him.

"That's just it, Princess Celestia. I just learn how good it is to have friends. But now me and Red Blade have to leave them behind" Starstream said sadly.

"He's right, mom" Red Blade said "We may have restored my aunt back to normal, but I don't feel good about leaving our new friends"

"Hmmm" Princess Celestia hummed before getting an idea. " Spike, take a note, please."

Spike takes out a paper and quil pen and writes down what Princess Celestia is saying

" I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Starstream Sparkle along with my son, Prince Red Blade shall take on a new mission for Equestria. They must continue to study the magic of friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville."

All the ponies cheer as they heard that.

"Thank you so much, Princess Celestia" Starstream said gratefully "We'll study as harder as before"

"You're the best, mom" Red Blade added "We won't let you down."

The five friends then came up Starstream and Red Blade and gave them a group hug. Twilight Sparkle smiled at them before looking at Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy. They smiled at her to which she smiled back. Though their quest was over, it was just the beginning for Starstream, Red Blade, and their group of friends.

The Ticket Master

A month after the Nightmare Moon incident, ponies have all returned to their normal lives. In Sweet Apple Acres, Starstream Sparkle, Twilight Sparkle, Red Blade, and Spike were seen helping Applejack and Applejim with gathering some apples. They then walked back into the barn.

"Nope. Nope." Spike said as he was on Starstream's back while throwing some apples on the ground.

"Thank ya kindly fer helpin us out with this, guys." Applejim said gratefully.

"Our pleasure, Applejim" Red Blade replied.

"We bet Big McIntosh that we could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles." Applejack chuckled.

"No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry." Twilight said.

"Me too." Starstream said.

"Me three." Red Blade added.

"I know right?" Spike said.

"Oh please, Spike. All you did was just sit on my back while we did all the work." Starstream retorted

"Not to mention, throwing apples on the ground." Red Blade added.

"Hey, you all were taking so long that I missed snack time." Spike said

Twilight's belly growled, making her laugh nervously.

"Eh, I guess we better get some food." Twilight said

"Let's go then." Applejack said as she and Twilight went ahead.

Then, Starstream and Red Blade's stomach growled also

"Heh heh. Looks like our stomachs agree too" Red Blade said

Spike continues to look through the saddle back of apples that Starstream had until he pulls out a big red juicy apple

"Why Spike. That's the most delicious apple I have ever seen" Starstream said

Unfortunately, Spike devoured the whole thing, much to Starstream and Red Blade's annoyance.

"Spike!" the alicorn scolded

"What?" Spike asked confused

"So much for the perfect apple." Applejim sighed

Suddenly, Spike burps making Starstream duck his head. A letter appeared and floated down. Spike catches it

"It's a letter from my mother." Red Blade said.

"What does it say?" Starstream asked.

"Let's see" Spike says as he unrolls the letter and reads it. "Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Starstream Sparkle plus one guest."

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Starstream and Applejim yelled in excitement.

"Of course it had to be that event." Red Blade groaned.

"This is excitin! An invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Applejim said in excitement.

"I know. That's like the biggest social event in all of Equestria!" Starstream added.

Red Blade rolled his eyes. He doesn't see the Gala as that big of a deal given that he was there before. Spike on the other hands was a little disgusted until he burped again and two tickets appeared. The little dragon grabs it.

"Look two tickets." Spike said.

"Ain't that convenient." Starstream said. "Say Spike. Have you been to the gala before?"

"No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense." Spike replied in disgust.

"Oh come on, Spike. The gala can't be that bad." Starstream said.

"Land sakes!" exclaimed Applejim "Starstream, it's more than not that bad"

"What are you getting at, AJ?" Starstream asked.

"Why, if ah were at the gala, I would set up a stand so that all them ponies in Canterlot would line up to get a taste of mah family's homemade apple treats. Ah would be makin a fortune for all them sales." Applejim said as he fantasizes about being at the Gala.

"And what are you going to do with all that money?" Red Blade asked curiously.

"Fer starters, we would do a little fixin up around Sweet Apple Acres." Applejim replied "We could replace that old roof in our barn and get Big McIntosh a new plow. And finally, we can afford that hip surgery fer old Granny Smith."

"That seems reasonable." Starstream said.

"Well don't just stand there. Give me the extra ticket, and we'll be good ta go." Applejim said.

But before Starstream can do so...

"Incoming!"

The stallions all look to see Storm Flight falling from the sky. They took a few steps back just as the pegasus hit the ground.

"Oooh! Not one of my best landings." Storm Flight groaned as he got up.

"Hey, Storm Flight." Red Blade greeted "What brings you here?"

"I was still trying to do one of my flying tricks. After all, I do have to practice if I ever hope to surpass my cousin, Rainbow Dash" Storm Flight said before noticing the tickets. "Are those tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Yes, they are." Starstream replied.

"Aw yeah!" Storm Flight yelled as he did a flip in the air "I heard from Rainbow Dash that the Wonderbolts perform at the gala every year."

"Really?" Red Blade asked.

"Uh huh" Storm Flight replied "If I were to go to the Grand Galloping Gala, I would show off my moves to the Wonderbolts. Everypony would be shocked and amazed as I performed my best maneuvers and tricks. The Wonderbolts would be so impressed that they would be begging me to join them."

"Wow" Starstream muttered.

"So you see, Starstream. You have to let me have that extra ticket so I can impress the Wonderbolts." Storm Flight said as he got in front of Starstream.

Applejim pulls the pegasus back by the tail with his teeth.

"Just a minute there, Storm Flight! Starstream is takin me!" he said.

"Tough cloudpuffs, AJ. That ticket goes to me!" Storm Flight argued.

"Wanna hoof wrestle fer it?" asked Applejim.

"You're on, cowpony!" Storm Flight replied.

Before they can do so, Starstream got between them.

"Settle down, guys." he said "These are my tickets and I decide who I'm going to take. How about this? If any one of you have a good reason to go, then I'll give it to you."

"Drummin up business so I can help mah farm?" Applejim asked.

"A chance to be part of the Wonderbolts?" Storm Flight asked.

"To help out mah granny?" Applejim asked.

"To surpass my cousin?" Storm Flight asked.

"Whoa. Those are some good decisions" Starstream sighed. "This is getting a little hard."

Both Starstream and Red Blade's belly growled again.

"Boy are we hungry." Red Blade said nervously.

"Yeah. We'll just go and get some lunch. I'll let you guys know after that. Toodles." Starstream added as he puts Spike on his back.

And with that, Starstream, Spike, and Red Blade left Sweet Apple Acres. After they left, Storm Flight and Applejim both glared at each other and starts to hoof wrestle each other. Twilight Sparkle and Applejack both came back and watched the two stallions hoof wrestling each other.

"What the hay is goin on here?" Applejack asked.

"And where are Starstream, Red Blade, and Spike?" Twilight asked.

The trio were seen walking through Ponyville.

"Say, Red Blade. Would you be interested in going to the Grand Galloping Gala with me?" Starstream asked.

"Sorry, buddy. Not interested" Red Blade replied.

"Well if Red Blade's not going. Who are you going to take, Starstream?" Spike asked

"I just don't know Spike. But I can't decide on an empty stomach" Starstream replied "Now let's go find a place to eat"

Suddenly, Slapstick tripped nearby and crashed into Starstream making him drop the tickets. The two stallions groan as they got up.

"Slapstick. Can't you be a little more careful?" groaned Starstream as he rubbed his head.

"Sorry about that, Starstream." Slapstick replied before looking noticing the two tickets "Say, are those tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"Uh huh" Starstream said

"I'm so excited! Pinkie Pie told me that the Grand Galloping Gala is the hugest party in all of Equestria!" Slapstick exclaimed "Thank you so much for inviting me, Starstream!"

Starstream scoops the tickets up with his magic.

"Actually Slapstick..."

Just then, Gem Trimmer came up and see the tickets.

"Are those what I think they are?" he asked

"Hello Gem Trimmer" Starstream and Red Blade greeted

"They are tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala," Slapstick said "And Starstream is taking me."

"The Grand Galloping Gala?!" Gem Trimmer said feeling excited. "I've always wanted to go there and meet ponies of high class and professional jewel cutters. Not to mention meeting. Her"

"Her?" Starstream said confused.

"Her who?" Spike asked.

"Fleur de Lis." Gem Trimmer said

"I've heard of her. She's that famous supermodel in Canterlot." Red Blade said

"Indeed. Ever since I saw her on the cover of a magazine, you could say that I've developed a crush on her." explained Gem Trimmer "Starstream, how could you invite Slapstick to party at the Gala and prevent me from meeting the pony of my dreams!"

"Hold on a minute. I haven't invited Slapstick yet." Starstream corrected

"You haven't?" Gem Trimmer asked "Well then, I guess you can give me the extra ticket then."

Just then, something came in and snatched the tickets from Starstream. It was in fact a brown guinea pig. It then came up to Forrest and shows him the tickets.

"What's that, Simon?" he asked as he looks closely at the tickets "Why, those are tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala."

"Let me guess Forrest, you want to go too?" Starstream asked as he took the tickets back

"As a matter of fact, I do" Forrest answered. "You see. Fluttershy told me that on the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, there will be a lot of exotic animals in the palace garden. Ones that I've never seen before. I just can't wait to meet them and maybe take pictures of them to show to Fluttershy."

"That's really interesting, Forrest" Red Blade said

"Interesting indeed. But Starstream is taking me!" Gem Trimmer said

"No he's taking me!" Slapstick argued.

"Not so fast!"

Everypony look to see Storm Flight flying down from a roof

"Did you follow us out here, Storm Flight?" asked Starstream with a frown

"No. I guess. Anyway, I'm not letting the student of Princess Celestia give away the extra ticket to anyone but me" Storm Flight said

"Not if ah have anythin to say about it." Applejim said as he came up.

"Oh great" groaned Starstream

"If ya think you're goin to take mah ticket, Storm Flight. Then you're sorely mistaken." Applejim yelled

"Your ticket!?" argued Storm Flight

"Starstream is taking me!" Forrest yelled

"No me!" Slapstick yelled

This caused the five stallions to argue with each other over who gets to go with Starstream. He and Red Blade crouched down as that happened. The arguing still continued as Red Blade covered his ears. Starstream finally couldn't take it anymore.

"ENOUGH!" he bellowed

This cause the five stallions to stop arguing

"Seriously, guys. This is not helping me one bit" Starstream said "This is my decision on who gets to go with me to the gala and I'm going to make it myself. And I can't hear myself think with all of your bickering!"

"But Starstream" Gem Trimmer protested

"No buts. Now go on. Shoo! Get away from me! Go!" the light blue unicorn yelled

The five stallions then left

"And don't worry. I'll make my decision soon" he called "I hope"

Twilight Sparkle then approach them

"There you guys are" she said "What happened? Me and Applejack noticed you were gone from Sweet Apple Acres"

"It's a long story, Twilight" Starstream replied

Their stomachs then begin to growl

"How about we talk about this over lunch. Okay?" Red Blade offered

"Okay" Twilight said

Starstream, Red Blade, Spike, and Twilight were seated at a table that was outside a restaurant. Starstream and Red Blade told Twilight about the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala

"You received two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala from Princess Celestia!?" Twilight yelled with a squeal

"Yup" Starstream said

"You are so lucky, bro. It's really an honor to attend a social event like this" Twilight said

"I know. But the instant our friends heard about the extra ticket, they all wanted to go with me" Starstream sighed "I swear. They're like a couple of vultures"

"Don't worry, bud. As you said, you'll figure this out" Red Blade assured

"I guess" Starstream said unsure "Are you sure you don't want to go with me, Red Blade?"

"I am sure, Star" Red Blade said "I've been there before every single time. It's gets a little boring for me"

"What about you, Twilight?" Starstream asked

"I would love to, but those events are not really my thing" Twilight replied

Starstream sighed

"What am I gonna do? I could take one of my friends, but I would end up disappointing four of my other friends" he moaned "I could even give away my own ticket if I want to, but I would still end up disappointing only three of my friends"

"That is a pretty tough decision" Red Blade commented

Then an earth pony named Savoir Fare approached their table

"May I take your order?" he asked

"Sure. I'll take a daffodil and daisy sandwich with water please." Starstream said

"I'll have what he's having" Red Blade added

"Me too" Twilight added

"Do you have any rubies? " Spike asked making the waiter look at him "No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy."

Savoir Faire then went off to get their food

"What do you think, Spike? About the tickets?" Starstream asked

"If I was you personally, I would send the tickets right back" Spike answered "It's just not worth it"

"Maybe so. But I'm just not so sure if I should do that" Starstream said

The waiter then came back with their food

"Your food, madame and monsiers" he said

"Thank you" Red Blade said

They all begin to dig into their food

"Look. Just forget about the tickets for a bit and relax, Starstream" Twilight assured "The answer will come to you soon"

"Okay, sis" the light blue unicorn said

But before Starstream was about to eat his sandwhich, some ponies begin to rush inside the restaurant

"Eh, monsiers. Madame. Are you going to eat your food in the rain?" Savor Flaire asked

"What are you talking about? It's not raining" Starstream said confused

It was then revealed to be raining everywhere except for where the three ponies and dragon were

"You were saying?" Twilight asked

"What's going on here?" Red Blade asked

They all look up at a hole in the rainclouds. Storm Flight appeared

"Hey there best friend forever" he greeted "How are you enjoying the sunny weather?"

"Storm Flight, did you do this?" asked Starstream asked annoyed

"Uh huh" Storm Flight replied "I figured the smartest and most generous pony deserve a little sunlight so I kicked a hole in the clouds so you all can eat in peace"

"No. Really?" Red Blade asked sarcastically

"You're not doing this just to butter me up so you can get the extra ticket, are ya?" Starstream asked suspiciously

"Don't be silly. I would never do that" Storm Flight said nervously

"Yeah right" Starstream said not believing him

"No really. I do it for anypony!" Storm Flight said

The three ponies and dragon watched as other ponies run to get out of the rain

"You do it for anypony, huh?" Twilight said sarcastically

This made Storm Flight chuckle nervously

"Storm Flight, I don't feel confomfortable with accepting unwanted favors. So can you please close up that cloud and let us eat in peace?" Starstream asked

"Oh, alright" Storm Flight said as he begins to close the cloud up

Seeing this, Red Blade quickly ate his food.

"Thank you" Starstream said

But before he can eat, the rain fell down making his sandwhich soggy and getting him all wet. Even Twilight got wet too along with her food. They both grumbled at this. Spike and Red Blade both did their best to stifle their laughter. Then, Gem Trimmer with an umbrella over his head comes by

"Starstream, Twilight, Red Blade. Spike. What are you all doing in the rain?" he asked

"Enjoying a soggy sandwhich. What else?" Starstream said sarcastically

"You all better come with me before you catch a death of cold" Gem Trimmer said as he lead them away

They were all in the Carousel Boutique. Starstream, Twilight, and Red Blade all shook the water off of their coats.

"Thanks Gem. You're a life saver" Red Blade said

"But why did you bring us to the Carousel Boutique?" Starstream asked

"My cousin and I had worked on this special suit we made and we want you as our model, Starstream" Rarity said

"Um. Okay" Starstream said nervously

"Right this way, darling" Rarity said as she and Gem Trimmer pushed him behind a changing room.

After a few minutes, the unicorn cousins were done. Starstream was wearing a very stylish suit with a polished emerald attached to the chest. The cousins then pushed a mirror in front of the light blue unicorn.

"What do you think?" Gem Trimmer asked

"I gotta admit. This is really great" Starstream admitted

"Looking good, bud" Red Blade said

"You look really handsome, bro" Twilight added

"And as for you, Spike" Rarity said to the baby dragon "I have a dandy little outfit just for you"

"Wait what?" Spike asked

Rarity pushed Spike inside a changing room and begins to dress him up. Spike was now in a blue suit complete with a yellow wig. The three ponies giggled as they saw Spike dressed

"Oh Spike" Twilight giggled

"You look fancy, Spike" Starstream said

"Don't forget a hat" Gem Trimmer said as he levitates a hat on Spike's head

"Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library." Spike said as took his leave while leaving the suit behind

"Heh heh. Oh nevermind him. This is about you and how you will look in the Grand Galloping Gala" Gem Trimmer said

Hearing this made Starstream's eyes widen.

"What did you say?" he asked with his eyes narrowed.

"And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you, Gem Trimmer, and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention and all eyes will be on us." Rarity said.

"I see what this is about. You're just doing this to charm the ticket out of me. Are you?" Starstream accused with a frown.

"What are you talking about? We are doing no such thing." Gem Trimmer said nervously.

"Nice try, Gem Trimmer. But you can't fool me." Starstream said as he removed the suit. "I am sorry, but you'll have to wait until I make my decision. Come on guys. Let's get out here."

Starstream left the boutique with Red Blade and Twilight following behind. They were then walking down the path.

"Well. At least the rain stopped" Red Blade said

"That's a relief" Twilight added

"Howdy y'all"

The three ponies look to see Applejim with a cart full of apple treats

'Oh no' thought Starstream

Starstream's stomach then growls

"Hungry, huh?" Applejim assumed "I got some good apple treats for ya to eat. Startin with apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty. Heh heh. The food actually. Not mah actual Auntie Brown Betty."

Twilight's eyes widen as her mouth waters from seeing the apple treats. Red Blade was worried while Starstream was annoyed

"So whaddya say, Starstream? Care to help yourself? They're on the house" the apple farmer said

Starstream's stomach growls again

"Look, Applejim. I know what you're doing. You're just offering me free food just so you can get my extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala" the light blue unicorn said "But I don't know who to give the extra ticket to. Now I'm even more unsure than I am now!"

He then gallops away in frustration

"So is that a no?" Applejim asked

"What do you think?" Red Blade asked before following after his friend

Twilight remained behind while looking at the apple treats

"Can I have an apple pie please?" she asked

Red Blade caught up to Starstream as they walked back to the library

"Ugh! This is so frustrating! All of my friends are doing me unwanted favors to get my extra ticket! When will it end!?" Starstream complained

"Easy, bud. They're just not in their right minds. I'm sure they'll calm down" Red Blade assured

"I guess. At least we can finally rest in the library" Starstream said

But when Starstream opens the door with his magic, he and Red Blade were surprised to see Forrest and his pet guinea pig Simon cleaning up. The green pegasus was whistling a tune while doing it.

"Not you too, Forrest" groaned Starstream

"Hey Starstream. Hey Red Blade" Forrest said as he flew down to them "Me and Simon thought we do a little spring cleaning for you"

"It's Summer" Red Blade corrected

"Really? Heh heh. Must've slipped my mind" Forrest said nervously "It was kinda Simon's idea"

"This doesn't have anything to do with the extra ticket, right?" asked Starstream suspiciosly

"Don't be silly. I'm only doing it because you're one of my best friends" fibbed Forrest

Simon then chattered at him

"What do you mean it's not convincing?" Forrest asked "You want me to blurt out that I am doing it for the ticket"

This caused Forrest to cover his mouth when he realized he had been caught

"I knew it!" Starstream said angrily "Listen Forrest. I appreciate what you're doing, but you'll have to wait just like the others until my decision is made"

He then goes to the door and opens it

"Now I would appreciate it if you would leave the library" Starstream said

"Suprise!"

Suddenly, streamers were thrown and noise makers were blown as Starstream found himself dragged out of the library. Pinkie Pie, Slapstick, and a few other ponies were there. The ponies then begins to throw Starstream in the air

"Sing it, Pinkie" Slapstick said

"Starstream is Slapstick's bestest friend, whoopie, whoopie!" sang Pinkie

"Slapstick" Starstream said

"He's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!" Pinkie continued singing

"Slapstick come on!" Starstream said feeling more annoyed

"I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!" Pinkie continued singing

"Slapstick!" Starstream repleated even more irritate

"He'll give his extra ticket to the Gala to me!" Slapstick sang the last one

"SLLLAAAAAPPPPPSTIIICK!" Starstream screamed at the top of his lungs

This caused the ponies to stop throwing him in the air. Starstream was about to fall, but Red Blade ran in and caught him before setting him on the ground

"What's up, Starstream?" Slapstick asked

"You know. The other friends tried to be subtle about the ticket." Starstream said with a glare

"Wait, what ticket? What gala?" a pony asked

"Oh, you didn't know? Starstream has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Pinkie Pie blurted out

"Oh boy" Red Blade said with worry

"She shouldn't have blurted it out" Slapstick added

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" the ponies exclaimed

'Uh oh!' Starstream thought as the ponies surround him. As they got closer, Spike was able to help Starstream escape, but they bumped into some other ponies

"Would you like any help with your gardening?" one pony asked

" I have a cartload of extra carrots." another pony said as she held a carrot

All of the ponies begin to ask for many favors to the light blue unicorn

"I'm out of here!" Starstream screamed as he ran for it with Spike holding onto his tail

All of the ponies chased them. Twlight Sparkle was on her way to the library when Starstream, Spike, and the mob of ponies raced passed her

"What the" she said in shock

Red Blade looked at the direction where his best friends and Spike ran with worry.

"Great. Now how am I suppose to get my ticket?" asked Slapstick

"You're ticket? It's my ticket!" Forrest yelled as he came up

"I think not!" Gem Trimmer said as he came up "That ticket belongs to me!"

Storm Flight and Applejim then came up

"In your dreams!" the pegasus yelled "I called dibs on that extra ticket!"

"Is that so? Well ah was the one who saw the ticket first!" Applejim countered

This prompts the five stallions to argue amongst themselves. Red Blade was getting frustrated over their bickering. He finally decides that enough is enough

"SILENCE!" He boomed before using his magic to separate the five stallions from each other

"Don't any of you realize what you are doing?! All five of you have been selfishly doing favors that Starstream never asked for. Just for one measly ticket!" Red Blade yelled

"But Red Blade, we just want to know if Starstream would choose one of us to go to the Gala" Forrest defended

"I understand that all of you have a good reason to go to the Grand Galloping Gala, but did you ever stop to think how Starstream felt about this?" the prince asked "He cares for all of you, but with only two tickets, he can't risk disappointing either of you."

The five stallions begin to feel a little bad for what they did

"I know you guys have good intentions, but you can't put pressure on Starstream and force his decision just to get what you want" Red Blade lectured

"He's right you know"

The stallions turn to see Twilight Sparkle coming up to them

"If you really are Starstream's friends, then you would at least respect his decision when he makes one and not take advantage of him." she said with a frown

The stallions look down in shame

"Gee, ah never really thought about it like that." Applejim said.

"I know what you mean. My behavior was just awful." Gem Trimmer said with guilt.

"I feel like a jerk." Storm Flight said.

"Me too" Slapstick added.

"I'm so ashamed" Forrest said sadly

"I'm glad you boys finally realize your mistakes" Twilight said

"We're sorry" the five stallions said

"It's not us that you need to apologize to" Red Blade said

"Right. We'll just wait in the library until Starstream gets here" Twilight said

Speaking of Starstream, he and Spike have tried to escape from the crowd of ponies. They have tried hiding and disguising themselves, but the crowd was able to find them. It wasn't long until they got cornered in an alleyway.

"We're trapped!" Starstream said.

He and Spike look to see the ponies closing in on him.

"What'll we do, Starstream?" Spike asked.

"Only one thing I can think of" Starstream said "Grab onto me, Spike!"

Spike did that as Starstream begins to light up his horn as he focused his magic. The light blue unicorn then teleports himself and Spike away and into the library. Spike was a little charred as they were in the library

"Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that." Spike groaned

"Sorry about that, bud" Starstream said "This is the first time I did that spell"

Twilight and Red Blade came up to him

"Starstream, there you are" Twilight said

"We're glad you're safe" Red Blade added

"Thanks, guys. Please excuse me!" Starstream said as he gallops off "Spike help me lock the doors"

"On it!" Spike said

Starstream then begins to shut the turn off the lights while Spike locked the doors to the library.

"Phew" Starstream said

"Ahem"

Starstream's eyes widen as the lights turn on. He sees his five friends. Unable to handle it any longer, Starstream screamed in pure frustration

"I can't take it anymore! You all have a good reason to go to the Gala, but I can't decide which one of you I should take!" he screamed "I understand that you're all my friends and how important the Gala is to all of you, but all of these favors are driving me crazy! It's just too much! Too much!"

"Simmer down, Starstream." Applejim said. "After thinkin it over, we all decided that we don't want the extra ticket anymore."

"Really?" Starstream said confused.

"Yes, really. Red Blade and Twilight gave us a stern lecture about our behavior " Forrest said

"And we also want to apologize for putting so much pressure on you" Gem Trimmer said "I guess we got a little too carried away back there"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm all for a good party, but Pinkie's parties are always the best. And after the way I acted, I don't think I feel like going to the Gala at all" Slapstick admitted

"And to be honest, I don't think I'm quite ready to join the Wonderbolts just yet. But I will join them someday once I perfected my flying skills" Storm Flight said

"We're really sorry" the five stallions said

Starstream, Red Blade, and Twilight smiled at this

"Apology accepted" Starstream said "Spike, take a letter please?"

"On it" Spike said as he takes out a scroll and writes on it with a quill pen

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

As he recited this, Starstream levitates the two tickets into the letter

"What!?" his friends and sister asked in shock

"If my friends can't all go, then I don't wanna go either." Starstream concluded

"Do you really want to do that, bud?" Red Blade asked

"It's my decision, Red Blade and it's final" Starstream replied "You can send it, Spike"

Spike opens the window to the library and breathes fire on it to magically send it to Princess Celestia

"But now you can't go the Grand Galloping Gala either" Twilight pointed out

"I know, sis. But it's no fun being there without all of my friends" Starstream said

"Ain't that the truth" Red Blade said as he and the other stallions gave Starstream a group hug

Even Twilight joined in on the hug. Spike then begins to feel like he was about to hurl

"Come on now, Spike. It wasn't that mushy" Applejim said as he walked up to him

Spike then burped out magical flames causing Applejim to duck.

"Whoa! Watch where your aimin your flame breath. You almost burned my mane!" he said.

"Sorry." Spike said.

The magic flame turns into a letter from Princess Celestia.

"Looks like my mother responded fast." Red Blade said.

Spike grabs the letter and reads it.

"My faithful student Starstream, Why didn't you just say so in the first place?"

And in the letter, were seven tickets.

"Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Spike said as he held the tickets.

The seven stallions gasped.

"There's one for each of us." Starstream said.

"Now we can all go" Red Blade added

Suddenly, Spike burps and another letter from the Princess appeared. Spike grabs it and read it

"One more thing. You can also invite six more friends that have not received a ticket"

"That's great." Starstream said "And since we're doing that, I would like to invite you, Twilight."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "Gee, Starstream. Thanks."

"Ah guess I'll also invite Applejack too." Applejim said.

"Don't forget cousin Rarity." Gem Trimmer added.

"And Fluttershy." Forrest added.

"Pinkie Pie would like to join us" Slapstick added

"And I could also invite cousin Rainbow Dash as well. Knowing her, she would definitely want to meet the Wonderbolts." Storm Flight said

"I guess that takes care of that" Starstream said before his stomach growls again

"How about we treat you to dinner, Starstream?" Gem Trimmer asked "To make up for all the trouble we caused"

"I would like that very much" the light blue unicorn answered

The stallions all head out as each ticket was given to them. Twilight Sparkle was about to head out until she sees Spike looking a little sad.

"How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" the dragon asked.

"Oh. I thought you said you didn't want any part of this girly gala gunk." Twilight teased.

"Yes, but..." Spike said before burping an another letter from Princess Celestia appeared.

"And one for you, Spike" Spike read the letter as a ticket appeared for him.

Spike takes it the ticket and happily runs out of the library until he sees Applejim looking at him. Twilight followed behind the baby dragon.

"I mean, gross. I have to go too?" Spike said as he pretended to be disgusted while walking past the earth pony

Watching this caused Twilight and Applejim to chuckle

"Are you comin, Twilight?" he asked.

"You go on ahead. I need to go tell my friends about their invitations to the gala. I'll see ya soon." Twilight said.

"Okay" Applejim replied as he walks after Spike

Twilight then walks in the opposite direction in Ponyville.

Applebuck Season

In Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac and Applejim were looking at all of the apples on the trees. Big Mac has a bandage on the side of his body due to injuring himself.

"Shee-oot! Ah sure got mah work cut out fer me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o' apples I ever laid eyes on." Applejim said "It's a shame that Applejack had ta sleep in after workin so hard last night."

"Eeyup. Too big for you to handle on your own." Big Mac said.

"Ah come on, Big McIntosh. Have a little faith in yer brother" Applejim said "You just go on and rest up while I get to buckin. Why, I haven't met an apple orchard that I can't handle. And that's usually with mah sister. I'll take on this job by myself if ah have to"

"Biting off more than you can chew is just what I'm afraid of." Big Mac said

"What ah ya tryin to say? That ah'm makin promises that my legs can't keep?" Applejim asked feeling offended.

"Eeyup" Big Mac replied.

"Do ya know who're ya talkin to? Applejim, twin brother of Applejack. The equally strong and most dependable pony you've met this side of Equestria!" Applejim declared.

"But without Applejack, you're still only one pony" Big Mac pointed out "And one pony plus hundreds o' apple trees just doesn't add up to—"

"Ah don't care about your fancy mathematics!" Applejim interrupted "Even without mah sister, ah'll still harvest them apples and prove ya wrong. And if ah have to do it on mah own, so be it!"

Applejim looked at the trees before giving a nervous gulp before starting down the path to the trees. Big Mac can only shake his head

Applejim walked up to some apple trees.

"Well. It's now or never" he said.

But before he can buck one of the trees, the ground begin to shake. One of the apples fell from the branch and hit Applejim in the head.

"Ow!" he yelled "What in tarnation?!"

Feeling the rumble, Applejim knew what was going on. He then whistles and the Apple family's pet dog Winona comes up.

"Come on, Winona!" he said.

"Ruff" Winona barked.

Applejim and Winona then runs ahead. In Ponyville, Storm Flight was flying until he noticed something in the distance. He gasped in shock.

"What's wrong, Storm Flight?" Rainbow Dash asked as she flew next to him.

"Over there, cuz" Storm Flight replied as he points forward.

Rainbow Dash looks closely and sees what Storm Flight is seeing. She gasps at this.

"STAMPEDE!" the pegasi cousins cried

It was revealed to be a herd of cows stampeding towards the town. Seeing this caused the ponies to panic as some run into their homes.

"Hey! This makes my voice sound silly!" Pinkie Pie said as she begins vibrating.

"Less shaking and more running, Pinkie Pie!" Slapstick said before running off and then tripping over a rock.

"Everypony calm down. There is no need to panic." Mayor Mare said attempting to calm the ponies down.

"But Mayor, whatever shall we do?" Rarity asked dramatically.

"Maybe I could try to form a barrier around Ponyville." Starstream suggested.

"No need for that, bud. Look!" Red Blade said as he pointed forward

In the stampede of cows, galloped Applejim and Winona.

"Yeeehaw!" he yelled

Twilight and Starstream's friends all cheered for Applejim

"Head to the other side, Winona." Applejim instructed "We gotta herd them dogies away from Ponyville!"

Winona did what Applejim said as she got to the other side of the galloping cattle. Rarity looked away

"You got this, Applejim." Starstream said.

"I concur" Gem Trimmer added

"This is the best rodeo show I've ever seen! " Pinkie Pie said as she was eating some popcorn

"I know" Slapstick added "Can I have some of that popcorn please?"

"Sure" Pinkie replied

Twilight Sparkle can only roll her eyes at their antics. Back at the stampede, Applejim tries to get the cows to turn

"Come on ya dogies. Turn!" he said as he pushed at a cow

But the cow didn't budge

"Guess we'll do it the hard way then." Applejim said before whistling to Winona "Winona, up in front!"

Winona leaps on top of the cows and leaps over them and in front of the herd. Seeing the lead cow, Applejim takes out a rope and lassoes her and starts to pull with all of his might. Winona barks at the cow

"Attagirl!" Applejim said

The cows then turns right and away from Ponyville. The ponies all cheered at the cowpony. Once the cows stop, Applejim throws the rope away

"Okay. What's gotten you girls all jumpy?" he asked

One of the cows moo before clearing her throat

"Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejim, but Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes." she replied which causes the other cows to freak out "And it just gave us all the willies, don'tcha know."

"Ah understand that. Best steer clear of them rattlers. And especially steer clear away from Ponyville the next time you go stampedin" Applejim said

"We certainly will, Applejim. So long, Winona!" the cow said

The cows then walk away. The ponies all cheered for Applejim while chanting his name

"Yeehaw!" the cowpony yelled as he and Winona galloped away

"Yee haw! Ride 'em, cowpony!" Pinkie cheered

"Applejim was just... just..." Mayor Mare began

"Appletastic!" Pinkie interrupted as she appeared from above

"Don't forget fearless" Slapstick added

" Exactly. We must do something to thank Applejim for single-hoofedly saving the town." Mayor Mare suggested

"You thinking what I'm thinking, Slapstick?" Pinkie asked her friend

"Oh yeah" Slapstick replied

"A Party!" they cried

All of the earth ponies were setting up a huge party for Applejack as they begin to set up decorations, balloons, and streamers. Starstream, Red Blade, Twilight, and Spike came in. Rarity and Gem Trimmer were tying some ribbons on some trees

"So, are we all ready?" Starstream asked

"Just one last little thing" Rarity replied "Care to assist me, Gem Trimmer?"

"Indeed I will, cousin" Gem Trimmer said

Rarity and Gem Trimmer both light up their horns to levitate a large banner with an apple on it up by a stage where Applejim would claim his prize which is a trophy

"Now we're ready" Rarity said

"That's great. All we need is the pony of honor" Red Blade said

"Has anyone seen, Applejim?" Starstream asked

"Nope. Haven't seen him all week" Storm Flight replied as he and Rainbow Dash land beside Rarity and Gem Trimmer

"Me neither" Twilight added

"We haven't seen him since the stampede" Slapstick said as he and Pinkie went up to them

"I'm sure he'll show up" Forrest said as he flew over with Fluttershy following behind

"Yeah. Much like Applejack, Applejim is never late" Rainbow Dash said

"I hope you're right" Red Blade said with worry

Much later, all of the townsponies have gathered around the stage. Starstream steps up to the podium make his speech. He also levitates some index cards that Twilight helped him prepared.

"Citizens of Ponyville" Starstream announced "We are gathered here today to honor a pony we can always count on to help out no matter how big or small a problem may be. A pony who perserveres against..."

Storm Flight then flew

"Did you all check out those moves that Applejim did! He was like an athlete. This week, he's going to help me with my new flying trick. It'll be so cool!" he said

Rainbow Dash can only roll her eyes at her cousin. She found it a little amusing that Storm Flight always wants to surpass her.

"Thank for that, Storm Flight" Starstream said as he pushed him away "Now then..."

"It was now Slapstick's turn to interrupt the light blue unicorn

"This week, I'm assisting Pinkie Pie in running SugarCube Corner for the first time" the earth pony said

"What does that have to do with Applejim?" Starstream asked

"Well, I heard that Applejim is a good baker since he and Applejack make some apple treats." Slapstick said

Pinkie Pie then appeared up to the podium

"That's right. Applejim is going to help us. He makes everything great so free samples for everypony!" she shouted

This prompts the crowd to cheer

"Alright you two, off the stage" Starstream said as he pushed the two earth ponies away "Now if I can just..."

Forrest then appeared by the podium

"Uh. Starstream, sorry to interrupt, but I just want to say that Applejim is also helping me and Fluttershy this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. With his herding skills, he can gather them all up no problem." he said "That is all"

Forrest then got off the stage

"Anypony else?" Starstream asked but nopony want to come up on stage "No? Okay then. As I was saying"

He then sees the mayor on stage.

"Oh forget it!" Starstream yelled as he threw the note cards down in frustration and got off the stage

Starstream then sat next to Twilight and Red Blade

"Well that went well" Red Blade commented

Mayor Mare then got on the podium and cleared her throat

"Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the Prize Pony of Ponyville Award to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejim!" she announced

Everypony cheered as the the curtain opens, but Applejim wasn't there. This caused the ponies to stop cheering

"Way to go Applejim, that was awesome! I mean—" Spike continued cheering

But one look from Twilight caused him to stop.

" Ah-ahem." Mayor Mare cleared her throat again

"Awkward" Spike said

"Where is he?" Red Blade asked

"I'm a comin!"

The friends saw Applejim as he walked through the crowd of ponies with a basket full of apples on his back

"Scuse me! Comin through! Sorry about that! Whoa! Ah meant to do that! Sorry ah was late! Did ah get your tail? So sorry"

Applejim then got on the stage

"Ms. Mayor. Ah like to thank ya kindly for this here award" he said before looking at his reflection on the trophy "Heh heh. Boy, do I look funny. Wooo-Wooo"

The apple farmer begins to lean back and forth to. Even Pinkie Pie and Slapstick joined in on this. Starstream, Red, and Twilight both looked at this in confusion. Starstream then got on the stage

"Anyway, Applejim. Thank you for saving Ponyville from that stampede and being there for everypony" he said

"Yeah. Ah do like helping them ponies. Just like mah sister" Applejim said with a yawn before dozing off. He immediately shook himself awake "Thanks. Ah'll be goin now"

Applejim then grabs the trophy with his teeth and drags it off the stage and down the path where he came in. The ponies can only watch as he did that.

"Okay. Does anypony noticed that Applejim was feeling a little..." Red Blade began

"Tired?" Storm Flight asked

"Exhausted?" Starstream asked

"Fatigued?" Gem Trimmer asked

"Messy?" Rarity asked. Everypony looked at her "Well. Have you seen his mane?"

"I don't think that's the case" Forrest said

"He seems fine to me" Pinkie Pie said "Wooo! Woooo!"

"Yeah. Though he did feel a little woozy" admitted Slapstick

Starstream then gets off the stage and up to Red Blade

"We're gonna need to investigate this" he said

"Agreed. To Sweet Apple Acres" Red Blade added

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejim got back to work on bucking the apple trees. He was starting to doze off again, but he shook himself awake. Applejim attempts to buck again, but missed the tree. Starstream and Red Blade arrived

"What is he doing?" Starstream asked as he notice Applejim kicking a basket of apples over by accident

"Let's find out" Red Blade replied "Hey Applejim!"

But Applejim didn't hear him as he fell asleep

"Applejim!" Starstream called

"Applejim!" Red Blade called

But the earth pony was still asleep. The unicorn and alicorn both looked at each other with a glare and teleports in front of Applejim.

"APPLEJIM!" they shouted

This caused Applejim to wake up while shaking his head

"Oh. Howdy, Starstream. Howdy, Red Blade" he greeted

"Applejim, what is all this?" Starstream asked

"It's Applebuck season" Applejim answered as he kicked another tree to get all of the apples down and into a basket

"Applewhat season?" Red Blade asked as he and his best friend got in front of him

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

"Why are you doing it by yourself?" Starstream asked

"It's cause Big McIntosh hurt himself and Applejack is sleepin in after workin so hard last night" Applejim replied

Starstream and Red Blade teleport in front of Applejim again

"But what about all those relatives that we met when we first came here? Can't they help?" Starstream asked

" They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards." Applejim explained "So, uh, I'm on my own. Which means, I should really get back to work."

"Very well" sighed Red Blade as he and Starstream stepped aside

"Could ya step aside, guys?" Applejim asked feeling tired

"We already did, AJ" Red Blade replied

The apple farmer's vision was getting fuzzy

"You don't look so good, Applejim." Starstream said

"Don't you two worry non. I'm just feelin dandy. That's all" Applejim said as he shook his head

He goes up to another tree and attempts to buck it, but misses. The student and prince teleport in front of him again

"Want some help?" Red Blade asked

"Help? No thank you!" Applejim refused

"But AJ. You can't buck all these apples by yourself" Starstream said with worry

"Are ya sayin that I can't!?" Applejim asked as he got in Starstream's face

"Uh, yes" Starstream replied timidly

"Well. Ah'm gonna prove to both of ya that I can buck all these apples by mahself without any help at all!" Applejim said as he walked away

Starstream and Red Blade looked at each other with worry.

The next day, Storm Flight was standing on a post waiting for Applejim

"What's takin that pony so long?" he asked impatiently

Applejim then arrived

"Ah. There you are, Applejim. What kept ya?" Storm Flight asked

"Sorry, Storm Flight. Had some applebuckin to do and I kinda dosed off." Applejim replied with a yawn "So what's this flying trick of yers?"

"See this?" Storm Flight asked as he points

He was pointing at a tall wooden platform with a teeter totter next to it

"What's that?" Applejim asked

"That my friend is what is going to help me with my flying trick" Storm Flight said as he begins to explain the details "Here's what's going to happen. I'll stand on one end of the teeter totter and you stand on the platform. Then you'll leap off the platform and on the other end of the teeter totter which will launch me in the air faster when I get ready to fly. And once that happens, I will do a multitude of flips and a series of loop de loops in the sky. It will be so good that the Wonderbolts will have to let me join."

"Isn't that a mite dangerous?" Applejim asked

"Not for a pegasus" replied Storm Flight with confidence "Now let's get started"

Storm Flight got one end of the teeter totter while Applejim climbed up on the platform. His vision was blurry as he didn't sleep.

"Oh boy" Applejim nervously said as he couldn't tell where he should land

"Okay. On the count of three. One. Two. Three!" Storm Flight yelled

Applejim leaped off the platform, but missed the target and hits the ground. Storm Flight goes up to him

"AJ, you're suppose to land on the other end" he said

"Whoops. Sorry" Applejim apologized as he got up "Let me try again"

Applejim tried several times to land on the other end of the teeter totter, but he kept missing.

"Applejim, what's wrong with you? I thought you were helping me" Storm Flight said annoyed

"Ah'm tryin, Storm" Applejim said before getting an idea "How about this?"

He reached up on the other side and pushes the platform down

"How about that?" he asked

Storm Flight was not amused

"Maybe not" Applejim said "Okay. I'll get it this time"

He leaps off the teeter totter, causing the side that Storm Flight was on to hit the ground hard. The pegasus groans in daze as that happened. Applejim got back on the tall platform as he begins to focus his vision.

"Here ah go!" he said as he leaped off

"No, wait!" Storm Flight yelled

But it was too late, Applejim lands on the platform and ends Storm Flight flying in a high speed

"AAAAAAPPPPPPLLLLLLEEEEJJJIIIIIIM!" the pegasus screamed

"Don't mention it!" the earth pony farmer called

Up in the sky, Rainbow Dash was resting on a cloud until her cousin zoomed passed her which woke her up

"What the?" she asked

At the library, Starstream, Red Blade, and Twilight were both reading some books on the top balcony

"Are you enjoying those books that I recommended for you, boys?" Twilight asked

"Uh huh" Starstream replied

"I sure am. I do like a good adventure just reading this" Red Blade said as he read one book

Then they heard screaming

"What was that?" Twilight asked

Suddenly, Storm Flight landed on the rail of the balcony

"Storm Flight!" the three ponies cried

They both went up to him

"What happened?" asked Red Blade

"Applejim, happened" replied Storm Flight

"Applejim?" asked Twilight

"Yeah. I asked him to help with my flying trick and he ended up launching me high in the air" Storm Flight replied "I swear! He's the one that needs help"

Starstream and Red Blade both glared as they knew what they had to do

Applejim had returned to Sweet Apple Acres to buck more apple trees. He was starting to get even more exhausted by the minute. Applejim bends down to pick up an apple, but ends up bumping his head from underneath a branch. Starstream and Red Blade then appeared

"Applejim, we need to talk" Starstream said

But due to hitting his head caused Applejim to have a hard time hearing.

"Applejim, we need to talk" Starstream repeated

"A bee can squawk!?" Applejim yelled mishearing it "That's crazy!"

"No, can we please talk?" Red Blade asked

"Twenty stalks? Bean or celery?" Applejim asked mishearing again

"No. Can we please talk to you?" Starstream asked loudly

"You need to go to the loo?" Applejim asked "Well I think it's in our house somewhere!"

"We need to talk to you!" Red Blade said loudly

"Oh. Well. What do ya want to talk about?" Applejim asked

"Storm Flight dropped by at the library" Starstream replied

"Well ain't that neighborly of him!" Applejim said

"Yeah. Except he crashed on our balcony after you launched him from the air!" Red Blade said

"Oh. Heh. Guess I wasn't feelin quite mahself" Applejim said with a blush

"Maybe it's because you've been working too hard. We really think that you need help" Starstream said

"What? Did you say I need kelp!? Ah don't like seafood that much!" yelled Applejim

"Help! You need Help! Don't you get it!?" screamed Starstream

"No can do, Starstream! Ah'm going to prove to both of ya that ah can do this all by mahself" Applejim stubbornly said before crashing into a tree "Ugh! Now if you'll excuse me, ah have to help Slapstick and Pinkie Pie"

And with that, he dizzily walked away.

"I'm getting the feeling that this won't end well. Right, Starstream?" asked Red Blade

"Oh yeah" Starstream replied with a nod of his head

At SugarCube Corner, the owners Carrot and Cup Cake were checking everything with Pinkie Pie while Slapstick was next to her. Applejim was also there

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

"Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake! I can always count on Slapstick to help out as he's my dear friend." Pinkie Pie said. "Plus, I have Ponyville's prized pony to help me out. "

"Yeah. As I said, Applejim and Applejack are the best bakers" Slapstick added "Right, AJ?"

Applejim shook his head as struggles to hear him. He shook his head again.

"No, you're not the best baker?" Mr. Cake asked.

"Huh. Oh no. You got it all wrong. I am a good baker" Applejim replied "Why. Me and mah sister Applejack can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye."

"All right. We'll see you all later" Mrs. Cake said as she and her husband walked out

"So. Shall we get to baking?" Slapstick asked

"You read my mind, Slap" Pinkie Pie replied

"Yeah. Let's get to it" Applejim said after shaking his head again

Pinkie was reading through the recipe book while Slapstick got the mixing bowl.

"I'll go get the sugar and eggs" Slapstick said as he goes off

"Okay. Applejim, can you get me some chocolate chips?" asked Pinkie.

Applejim still has a hard time hearing.

"What was that?" he asked.

"Chocolate chips." Pinkie repeated.

"Chips? Okay" Applejim said as he looked on the shelf and sees a bag of potato chips "Them tater chips oughta to do the trick"

He takes a bag of potato chips, opens it, and add the chips to the bowl.

"What's next?" Applejim asked.

"Baking soda." Pinkie replied.

"Soda?" Applejim asked. "That should get the chips nice and soggy."

He takes a bottle of soda and pours it onto the chips.

"What's next?" he asked.

"A cup of flour." Pinkie answered.

"A cup of sour?" Applejim asked. "Oh. I think she's talkin about lemons. They're sour."

Applejim takes out a cup and squeezed a lemon into it. He then pours it into the bowl.

"One cup of lemon. Anythin else, Pinkie?" Applejim asked.

"One last thing. Wheat germ." Pinkie replied.

"Wheat worm?" Applejim asked confused. "Hmmm. She must meant earthworms. Ah don't know why she would asked me to add that, but I'll do it"

Heading outside, Applejim digs the ground to find some earthworm. He then brought it inside and add it to the bowl. Slapstick then came back with some sugar and eggs.

"Hey guys. I got the sugar and eggs" Slapstick said as he placed the ingredients on the table

"That's great, Slapstick" Pinkie Pie said as she was still looking at the cookbook "Oh these muffins are going to be delicious!"

"How are you doing, Applejim?" Slapstick asked.

"Just added the ingredients." Applejim said. "Take a look."

Slapstick looked into the bowl and sees what Applejim put in. Seeing this made Slaptick gag as he covered his mouth.

"I'm gonna go get some fresh air." he said as he begins to run out.

He crashed into a wall near the doorway of Sugarcube Corner before racing outside. Pinkie then turned away from the book to see her friend leave.

"Huh. Where's he off to?" she asked.

"Beats me." Applejim replied.

Soon, the muffins were all baked and Pinkie Pie and Applejim placed them on some trays as a group of ponies were waiting for some free samples.

"Free muffin sample spectacular!" Pinkie shouted.

All of the ponies became excited as they were eager to try the samples.

"Yeah! Muffin spectacles!" Applejim said with a yawn "Get em while they're hot!"

Each pony takes a sample and eats em. Outside of Sugarcube Corner, Starstream was seen walking down the path while reading a book when he smelled something from said bakery.

"What's that smell?" he asked "Are those muffins? I should go get a sample"

"Wait!"

Starstream looks behind him to see Slapstick running up to him. The clumsy earth pony trips on a rock and skids in front of him before getting up.

"Whatever you do: Don't eat the muffins!" Slapstick warned.

"Why not, Slapstick?" asked Starstream.

"Let's just say that Applejim added some ingredients that are not meant to be put in the muffins" Slapstick replied "Trust me on this"

"Okay then." Starstream said as he walked away from Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie Pie then came up.

"Hey. Where's Starstream going? I was just about to offer him a free sample." she said.

"He has other plans." Slapstick replied.

"Do you want a sample, Slapstick?" Pinkie asked as she holds out a muffin. "Freshly baked."

"No thanks. I just had lunch. A big lunch." Slapstick said nervously as he backed away.

"Oh well" Pinkie Pie said before eating the muffin herself.

A few minutes later, Starstream, Twilight, Red Blade, and Spike arrived by a hospital.

"We came as soon as we heard, Nurse Redheart." Twilight said with worry.

'Thank you all for coming" Nurse Redheart said. "We could really use some help."

The group looked to see that all of the ponies that have eaten the muffin samples are all bedridden feeling sick as they moaned and puking in buckets. Some of their faces were also green.

"Holy hayseeds!" Starstream cried.

"What happened?" Twilight asked.

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

Spike picked up a discarded muffin and sniffs it.

"No. Not baked goods. Baked bads." Pinkie moaned before retching.

Starstream and Red Blade both had an idea on what happened.

"Applejim!" they said.

"Want one?" Spike asked as he offered the sample to them.

"No thanks, Spike" Starstream replied as he backed up a bit

"Come on Star. Back to Sweet Apple Acres." Red Blade said.

"Right" Starstream replied

They both began to walk off

"Wait. I'm coming too" Twilight said "I want to know what happened"

"Sure thing, Twilight" Starstream replied

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejim resumed his work. He was even more exhausted then he was before as he bucked an apple tree. Some apples fell and one bonked Applejim in the head. Rubbing his head, Applejim puts a harness on an cart and begins to push it backwards to dumped the apples in a large basket. He leans a little too close and ends up stuck while sleeping upside down. Starstream, Red Blade, and Twilight then came on the scene.

"Whoa. You guys weren't kidding. Applejim looks completely exhausted." Twilight said in shock.

"We know." Red Blade said.

They then walked up to the apple farmer.

"Applejim, wake up." Starstream said.

Applejim immediately woke up.

"Oh, howdy guys. Howdy, Twilight." he greeted.

"Listen, Applejim..." Red Blade began.

"Ah know what yer gonna say, but mah answer is still no." Applejim said

"I don't mean to upset your apple cart, but you look like you need help." Twilight pointed out.

"Very funny, Twilight. But ah don't need help." Applejim said stubbornly as he struggles to get upright.

"Here. I can help with that." offered Starstream

"No, I got it" Applejim replied "Just need a minute"

The three ponies groaned as they watched this. After a few minutes, Applejim was able to get himself upright as his hoofs touch the ground

"As ah was sayin, I will prove that I can buck these apple trees by myself without any assistance" Applejim said as he begins bucking a tree "Why won't them apples fall off?"

"You're bucking a dead tree, AJ." Red Blade said.

Applejim looks up to see that he was indeed kicking a dead tree

"Ah knew that." Applejim said as he walked off.

The three friends followed behind him.

"There's something else we should talk to you about." Starstream said "We just got a call from the urgent care and..."

"Ah got no time for yer lectures, Starstream!" Applejim interupted "I'm too busy right now!"

"But if you just let us help." Twilight said.

"How many times do ah have to tell you all?!" Applejim said angrily. "Ah don't need help from nopony!"

And with that, he stormed off.

"Ugh! That pony is so stubborn!" yelled Starstream.

"Why can't he just accept our help!?" Red Blade added.

"He's almost as stubborn as Applejack." Twilight said with a frown.

The next day, Applejim was with Forrest and Fluttershy as they walked to a spot filled with little bunnies. Winona was with them too.

"Thanks again for helping out with this, Applejim." Forrest said.

"Why are we doin this again?" Applejim asked

"Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born" Fluttershy explained "So it's our job, to get a count of all the new families."

"And with your herding skills, we can get this done no problem" Forrest added

"Alrighty then. Let's get this over with" Applejim said

" Certainly, but remember, these are bunnies we're dealing with, not cows. " Fluttershy reminded

"Yeah. These cute little guys are very timid. So you might want to approach the bunnies gently" Forrest added

"Ah know how to corral them critters. Don't you worry." Applejim said "Ain't that right, Winona?"

Winona barked in response

"Okay, little bunnies! We need you to all gather here in the middle." Fluttershy said

"No need to be shy" Forrest added

"You heard them! Up in center y'all. Hop to it!" Applejim ordered

Frightened, the bunnies took off

"Well that's swell" Applejim said " Come on Winona. Let's get em!"

Winona barked as she and Applejim begin to herd them all over the place. The two pegasi were shocked by what they're doing

"Stop it, you two! Your frightening them!" Forrest yelled

"We know what we're doin, Forrest!" Applejim said. "Git along ya bunnies!"

"Oh dear." Fluttershy said as she covered her face with her hooves.

Applejim and Winona were able to gather all the bunnies in the spot that the pegasi wanted them to be. The bunnies were scared as they huddled together.

"Oh no." Fluttershy said with worry.

Then the bunnies were so frightened that they all begin to run away

"Nature's wrath! The're heading straight to Ponyville!" Forrest yelled

Storm Flight was flying by in Ponyville when he sees something in the distance like before

"Stampede!" he cried

The ponies all panicked and ran into their homes to take shelter as the bunnies begin to stampede all over town. A few minutes later, Starstream and Red Blade were enjoying their walk until they see three ponies named Lily Valley, Rose and Daisy lying on the ground looking traumatized. The two friends walked up to them

"What's going on?" Starstream wondered

"It's horrible! Completely horrible!" Daisy moaned

" It was awful!" Lily Valley added

"A disaster! A horrible, horrible disaster!" Rose added

"Ladies. Can you please tell use what happened?" Red Blade asked

" Our gardens, destroyed." Lily Valley said

"Every last flower, devoured." Rose added

"By them!" Daisy added as she pointed forward

She was pointing at some bunnies eating some flowers.

"Oh my. Oh... Please stop, little bunnies. Oh no! Please, let's go home. Oh my goodness!" Fluttershy pleaded

"Come on now. That's not on the menu!" Forrest added.

One rabbit chattered at him.

"What do you mean there were no carrots here?" Forrest asked. "That doesn't mean you should eat someone else's flowers"

It didn't take a genius to know who exactly was responsible for this.

"Alright. That does it!" Starstream yelled.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejim was struggling to buck an apple tree while trying to stay awake.

"Must... keep... bucking!" he said as he begins to pant heavily "Every... last... apples."

Starstream and Red Blade then came up to him.

"Alright Applejim. This has gone on far enough!" Starstream said.

"Your applebucking is not only causing you problems, but it's also causing trouble for everypony!" Red Blade added.

"And whether you want it or not, you need help!" Starstream said firmly.

"Ugh! Ah thought ah made it clear that I don't need no help." Applejim stubbornly said. "Ah said I'll prove that ah can handle it, and there's nothin you can do about it."

"Oh really?"

They all turn to see Applejack coming up to them looking a bit crossed. Twilight Sparkle was next to her.

"Applejack? What are you doing here?" Red Blade asked.

"Ah just woke up and learned that it was Applebuck season. And then ah heard from Big McIntosh that my twin brother was doin the work without me," Applejack explained while glaring at Applejim "And ah also heard from Twilight about the problems he had caused in Ponyville."

"You told her, Twilight?" Starstream asked

"Yep" Twilight replied

"It don't matter now, sis. Once I buck this apple tree. I'll finally have bucked all of the apples with no help needed." Applejim said with a smile.

"Ya think so huh? Then what's that?" Applejack asked as she points to another part of Sweet Apple Acres which still has some apples on some trees.

Applejim was so shocked that he practically fainted which worried the ponies.

"Applejim?" Starstream said

"Applejim?" Red Blade said

Applejim then woke up.

"He's alright." Applejack said with relief.

"Applejim, we understand that you want to do this by yourself. And we respect the Apple family ways." Starstream said.

"But this job is too big for one pony. So can you please put aside your stubborn pride and let us and our friends help you?" Red Blade asked.

"I do what they say, Applejim. I learn that lesson the hard way when I bucked apples late at night." Applejack said.

"And besides, you're in no condition to keep bucking apples." Twilight said.

Applejim let their words sink in and he let's out a sigh.

"Okay. You win." he conceded.

"Really?" the ponies asked.

"Yes. I do need help." Applejim said.

"Finally" Red Blade said.

"We're glad that you understand" Starstream added

Applejim then begins to yawn

"I think you need a nap. With all that apple buckin, you look as exhausted as a wolf that has howled too much." Applejack said.

"A nap would be nice. Care to help me to my bed, sis?" Applejim asked.

"Sure thing, bro." Applejack said as she got Applejim on her back and walk to their house.

Soon, Starstream, Red Blade, Slapstick, Gem Trimmer, Storm Flight, and Forrest were helping with getting all the apples from Sweet Apple Acres. Even Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity were helping out. Before they started, Starstream and Red Blade had sent Princess Celestia a letter.

"Dear Princess Celestia, our friend Applejim is the best friend a pony could ever have, and he's always there to help anypony." Starstream recited.

"The only trouble is, when he needs help, he finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer." Red Blade recited.

"Your faithful student and your son, Starstream Sparkle and Prince Red Blade." Starstream and Red Blade both recited.

Applejim and Applejack then pushed some carts with some drinks with straws on them.

"How about y'all take a little break?" Applejack asked.

"We got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya!" Applejim added.

The ponies stopped working and went up to the Apple twins.

"I want to thank all of you for the helpin hoof back there. I guess I was a bit stubborn" Applejim said

"A bit?" Applejack asked with narrowed eyes.

"Okay. A mite stubborn. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused. I know the town gave me the Prize Pony award, but the real award is having you all as my friends." Applejim said.

"Glad to hear that, Applejim." Twilight said.

The ponies all begin to sip their drinks.

"I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling hungry." Storm Flight said.

"Me too" Rainbow Dash said

"And I've got the perfect treat!" Spike said as he held out the muffins.

" Eeew... Spike, I threw those all away! Where'd you get them?" Pinkie Pie asked in disgust

"From the trash." Spike asked.

"Eeeew!" All the ponies yelled in disgust.

"Come on, guys. Let's go somewhere else to eat." Starstream said.

The ponies all walked out of Sweet Apple Acres.

"Just a little nibble? Come on!" Spike insisted as he follows after them.

"Spike, please throw those away." Twilight said.