Pip's new home

Chapters

Chapter 1. The mysterious invitation
Chapter 2. Star Gazing
Chapter 3. Pip's New Family
Chapter 5. The Anual Cooking Competition Part. 2
Chapter 6. Captain Long-Beard and the Sky Pirates
Chapter 4. The Anual Cooking Competition Part. 1

Chapter 1. The mysterious invitation

It was three weeks after nightmare night when the letter came. It appeared in a swirl of dark blue shining fog, simply addressed "Pip", the small foal opened the letter with a childlike wonder. And the letter read:

Dear, Pipsqueak

You have been invited to attend a royal dinner. Please be at the royal palace in Canterlot on this dame day next week, enclosed are tickets for you and your family to ride the train first class.

The letter wasn't signed, and as it said it had three very official looking tickets that said first class on them for the train leaving six days from now. Pip horridly showed the letter to his parents who barely got the chance to read and consider it through the steady streams of "can I go, can I go, can I go" from a bouncing pip. Eventually his parents came to the decision that this wasn't a trick and six days after the boarded the train.

The car where they were to stay the over-night trip was magnificent, the beds weren't stacked like the others, there were four beds in total but his family only needed three, each with silken sheets that felt like clouds under his hooves, down pillows that were light and airy but not too soft. The room was beautifully decorated with a mellow orange on the walls and soft green curtains. The windows were rounded off and arched.

When the call for dinner came, pip's parents originally refused saying that they sadly didn't have the money for such expensive food; only when the conductor explained that the tickets had paid for everything did they even allow themselves to go into the dining car, they stared in wonder at the daffodil soufflé, golden and delicious, spinach pie, with a heavenly aroma, and so many more goodies that pip didn't even know what half of them were. Then he saw it, the desert cart, cakes four layers high, steaming fresh muffins, and the sweets, oh the sweets, he hadn't seen that many sweets even on nightmare night!

They were at Canterlot station before any of the family was awake, the conductor simply waited until they woke up, and told them that they were at their destination and asked them if they enjoyed their trip there, which was immediately met with a trio of yes' and a big hug from a little Pip.

As the family got off the train they were met with the royal guard, two very muscular stallions met them at the station and to the family's surprise, very politely asked them to come with them. Pip's parents didn't know what to say, they were worried, and surprised, and it only intensified once they saw that they were going to the castle. They slowly walked up to the giant structure beautifully made from the finest marble, with arches that looked to be the greatest artwork any of them had ever seen, the castle was easily ten stories high with colour and gardens everywhere. It had an air of respect but a beauty that left them speechless.

The guards ushered the family into the castle where they were met with Princess Celestia. The regal alicorn looked at the family with kindness and tenderness in her eyes.

"hello, I pray your trip hear was enjoyable." Said the alicorn with rainbow mane.

Before his parents could say a word, pip burst out "it was amazing! The room was big and my bed was amazing and we ate this soo, soufe, soupie…"

"Soufflé?" the princess interjected with a smile.

"yeah, that thing was really good!, thank you princess!" Pip said almost hopping.

"I'm glad you liked it, but the food wasn't my idea, you will have to thank the pony responsible when you see her later tonight," said princess Celestia as she ushered them through the castle.

The ceilings were all so high in the castle, the rugs were soft under Pip's hooves and he couldn't help but inspect every decoration in the hallway as princess Celestia asked his parents to go into the throne room with her.

"Pip is it? Would you mind going into the garden and playing while I had a talk with your parents?" asked the princess politely.

Pip simply scampered off and found an interesting butterfly to follow, but through a window he could hear the words "friendship, first, here" and then a name that was very dear to his heart, "Luna."

It was the afternoon when the guard that meet his family at the station came to find pip and tell him that dinner was ready. Pip followed, almost bouncing remembering all of the delicious food and goodies on the train. As pip stepped into the royal dining hall he could see the massive amount of chairs but almost none were taken up, in fact the only three ponies already in the room were his mother, his father, and Princess Celestia. He walked over to a chair and hopped up in it.

"hello pip, did you like the garden?" asked the princess

"yeah, the flowers were amazing and there were so many animals!" Pip said enthusiastically.

"the food will be out shortly, right after our other dining guest shows up" said the princess, smiling as if she had a joke that she wasn't allowed to tell anyone else.

Not soon after pip walked through the very same doors, a tall, dark blue pony with wings and a unicorn horn stepped through the door, pip almost fell out of his chair thinking just one word, as she walked through the door. It took pip a couple seconds before he realized it. That pony was princess Luna!

The family of three ate with the royal family that night, eating dishes none of them had dreamed they would ever eat, and by the time desert came, the only one with room left in his stomach was pip, who immediately downed the tray of confectionaries placed in front of him, and then Princess Celestia asked for everyone's attention.

"I thank you for showing up to this dinner, even though the guests were small in number this dinner was very important" began Celestia. "I have heard from my faithful student, and from my dear sister herself that only one pony would walk over to talk to my sister, a sad thing indeed but also showing that the pony had the strength of heart to at least try and see good inside of everypony"
"Pipsqueak, I believe that pony was you, and as such we have invited you and your family to the castle to ask you a very important question"

"What would that be princess?" Pip asked, truly confused

"I have talked it over with your parents and the decision now lies with you, would you like to come and live in the castle, to be Princess Luna's first true friend since her return? You would still be in school and such of course" replied the princess.

Pip was, for one of the few times in his entire life, speechless. On one hoof he would be able to see his favorite princess every day, even be her friend, on the other; he would have to move from Ponyvile. He had just moved there and sadly he wasn't making any friends.

"What about my parents?" asked the small, pinto pony.

"we have decided to let you make your own decision, we selfishly took you away from your friends when we moved to Ponyvile and your father has a job there, it would just be you in Canterlot, but we believe you are in good care if you choose to live here" pip's mother said, tearing up

"Princess Luna?" Pip asked his voice small.

"Yes?" Luna replied, genuine caring and consideration in her voice.

"Can I have some time to think it over? Maybe a day and a night?" asked Pipsqueak.

"Take all the time you need" said Luna, with a hint at a smile on her face.

Chapter 2. Star Gazing

Pip was simply speechless; the young foal had no idea what to do after he had left. His parents had told him that they were fine no matter what he chose, he would have to decide for himself what he should do. Only just moved into ponyville, he truthfully didn't have very many friends, and he didn't even really talk to them all that much outside of school. But on the other hand he would have to move away from his new home to live with the princess'.

He had somehow stumbled into the garden while exploring the castle, the birds were chirping and the fruit trees smelled incredibly sweet. He trotted around to the musical birds while sampling the gardens berries and fruit. And then he slowly went over to a park bench and it was getting dark, he dozed off for a short while.

"I just wish I knew what I should do," the young foal cried out, not in anger but frustration, waking himself up in the process.

He pondered the dream he was having, back when his parents had told him that they had to move within a month because Pips father had gotten a job building and designing homes in ponyvile. Pip was sad to lose his friends and in his dreams he was running to his friends but the faster he ran the farther they were. Then the dream went straight to moving into ponyvile and getting pinkie pies traditional welcome, it was a great party with welcome presents and everything, and the sweets oh the sweets. Pip wiped the drool from his muzzle remembering his dream and the smell from the memory.

Before he had realized it, it was late at night, and the moon was high and surrounded by thousands of stars. He stared at the giant marble coloured moon in silent awe. He did not know how long it was, nor did he care, staring at such a beauty like he had never seen, it wasn't even a year ago when the stars were dull and the moon was blemished.

Pip did not know how long she had been there, but when he dared look away from the moon, he saw Princess Luna sitting beside him. She was looking very intently at him, staring right at him. Immediately Pip rocketed backwards.

"P-P-Princess!!! How long have you been there?" Pip said while recovering from his shock.

"About ten minutes, why do thou ask?" Luna said, her voice being the quietest Pip had ever heard.

"Why were you staring at me?" Pip asked while standing back up.

"Why were thou gazing upon my moon?" Luna replied quizzically.

"Well, because every where I've lived has been much lower than this… I can see the moon better, and it's very beautiful when you get to see it this close" Pip said, and then quickly added "now why were you staring at ME?"

"One thousand years ago, I was jealous of my sister, not because everypony loved her, but because everypony slept through my night that I worked so hard on. It's still new to me to come upon anypony who notices my work, much less stare at it for well into what my guard said was two hours." The Princess of the night replied.

"Wait, you mean to tell me that I was out here, staring for two hours straight?" Pip said, visibly shocked.

"Yes, and as you watched you kept asking yourself many questions while staring at the moon, as if asking myself for guidance, so I came to you." Said Luna bashfully.

It was all Pipsqueak could do to hold in his embarrassment, and then a thought came to his mind. Am I really considering leaving this pony? She is just as vulnerable and left out as I am. It was then that pip realized that it wasn't his own happiness he had to think about, but everypony around him, his parents, Princess Celestia, and especially Princess Luna.

"Well princess, since you're here and all, what do you think I should do?" Pip asked, almost pleading.

The dark blue alicorn thought deeply for a moment and replied, "Young one, you should do what makes you happy, but you should also consider what would make others happy as well, only if you can do both, will it be the right answer."

"But I don't know what will make me happy" begged the young foal, feeling more helpless with every word

"You needn't rush it, there is plenty of time to figure it out, for now, just think about what would make you happy right now," said the princess kindly.

After thinking for a second, Pip said quietly, "right now, I just want to watch the stars."

And so the two ponies sat and watched the stars for the entire night, the princess which was banished for one thousand years, and the young foal. Equally new to the world that they lived in and both equally as confused what to do with themselves now that they know this.

It was almost noon when Pipsqueak awoke, gently nuzzling his pillow. He arose slowly, having slept through all of the morning due to his late night star gazing. He looked down and noticed something that surprised him. What he believed to be his pillow was dark blue, almost violet in color, with soft feathery wings and a large horn, with a crescent moon cutie mark. It took him a few seconds to bring all of this into his still half conscious mind; he had slept alongside Princess Luna all morning. Pip jumped back, but quickly regained his senses, he didn't want to get caught out in the open with someone as important as the princess, especially using her as a pillow, he thought surely they would execute somepony for this!!

As he got up to leave, he looked back at the alicorn in the middle of the garden; she had since curled up and shivered slightly. Pip slowly walked over to a royal guard he found in the hallway and asked for help taking the princess to her room. The guard obliged and helped carry the princess who was obviously a heavy sleeper, as she didn't wake up while she was being piggy backed to her own personal chambers.

"Mr. Guard, why is the princess so sleepy in the middle of the day?" Pip asked the very serious guard.

"Your new here aren't you kid? Princess Luna is in charge of the night. While most of us ponies are asleep, ever since she got back, she has been recreating the stars that her sister had tried but failed to maintain in Princess Luna's absence. She has been using her magic every night to recreate each of the consolations, which a lot of ponies depend on." The guard replied praising the princess.

"So she is the reason that the night is brighter? I thought she only controlled the moon… wow Princess Luna is amazing." Pip said, having a newfound respect for his favorite princess.

"You don't know the half of it, before she went to keep you company last night, she re-created Ursa Minor and Ursa Major" interjected the guard.

Pip slowly walked away from the princess' room and the guard who helped him, he was in stunned silence. He walked into his parent's room in the castle for now and sat in the chair he assumed was meant for him.

"Mom, papa, what would you do if I chose to stay here with the princess? Pip asked.

His mother, almost expecting that replied, "We would come to visit you whenever we could, and we would be incredibly proud and happy for you."

His father simply said "you have a good head son, and a better heart, you know where you are needed most."

Pips father was a pony of very few words, and at times had a bad temper, but he was at his core a kind colt, and whenever one of the rare times he would speak, it was the advice of many years and generally it was more cryptic than this, pip was without a doubt shocked at the straightforwardness of his father's answer.

Pipsqueak waited until supper again before he would say another word to his parents or either princess, he was too deep in thought. Thinking of all of his friends back in Trottingham, all of their adventures, but also, of how smart and independent most of them were. Sure his friends would miss him, but they didn't truly NEED him, in fact Pipsqueak had never felt needed in his life.

And then it was time for the royal supper again, Pipsqueak went down the hall with his parents to meet with princess Celestia for supper again. But to the surprise of all three, princess Celestia wasn't in the room, instead, Luna was already sitting in the same seat as before.

"I am sorry for my sisters absence, she had urgent business but I have came to great you in her stead." Said the princess politely.

Pip didn't know how to respond, he was happy that Luna was there and waiting on him. But it was slightly more awkward for him, even though he couldn't place why.

Princess Luna was much more vocal that night, asking pips mother and father about their line of work, and almost everything about their daily lives, absorbing the information like an unused sponge. Pips family happily complied, knowing that the princess was in need of knowing how her subject lives differed from her age to now but also that someone showed interest in their line of work. Meanwhile Pip ate in silence.

After the supper, Pip went out to the garden again, this time to stare at the constellations, and the guard was right, there they were, Ursa Minor and Ursa Major, back to the glory as described in his old school books. The moon was brighter yet again tonight, lighting the garden up with silver light. All of the stars were getting brighter and brighter, almost trying to emulate the moon, like thousands of millions of admirers of the moon, just as pip was becoming. The night wasn't as cold as it normally was this time of year; it was in fact warm, almost like being hugged by an invisible force. Just as pip went searching for Orion he felt like someone was watching him and same as last night, there was Princess Luna staring at him. And even though he half expected it, he still jumped backwards a little.

"So…. Uhm… do you like the stars?" Princess Luna asked clearly embarrassed at trying to start the conversation.

"Yes, Very much, thank you for helping bring such art back to equestria" Pips comment actually made Princess Luna blush.

Luna then smiled, "I'm glad you like them"

Pip couldn't bear the waiting any further so he just had to say it, he KNEW he had to say it, he had to protect this powerful princess of the night from the simple fact… that he knew she was just like him, lonely.

"I've decided what I'm going to do about staying here princess." Pip said, his voice cracking

"What is your decision?" Asked Luna, regaining her composure.

"I will stay here and be your frie…." Pip didn't even have time to say the word "friend" before Luna pulled him close and embraced him. She held pip close to her bosom, partially because she was ecstatic about having her first friend, and partially because she knew she was blushing and she didn't want her new friend to see it.

The two separated from their long embrace and sat next to each other in the garden, pip asking questions about each constellation, and Luna asking questions about Pip.

As all of this was going on, Princess Celestia looked out her window into the garden and smiled. Her sister had made her first friend in over a thousand years. And for now the two were getting along great. All is well in equestria, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.

Author's Note

I am still searching for a proofreader but in the meantime i appreciate critisizm and opinions on the story, all comments welcome

Chapter 3. Pip's New Family

Pipsqueak was in a forest, but he did not feel all that lost. He was on a beaten road slowly trotting through the forest filled with beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves the smell of spices whifting through the air. The moon was already out even though the sun had not set yet. The feeling and essence of autumn was alive and well that afternoon.

The sun finished setting and the animals very slowly went to bed. All the while Pip was still walking into the road he knew was leading to the center of ponyvile; his new home. Pip was dressed as a pirate, one of his favorite characters from one of his favorite books actually. Pip was happy enough; this was his first Nightmare Night after all. He had been much too young before but this was a new year and a new town, much smaller and harder to get lost in. And Pip knew that he would remember this night for the rest of his life.

He gazed upon the moon; it was beautiful and glowing as always. Pure white, pip was almost too young to remember when the moon was still marred by the face of nightmare moon. And as his own opinion, he didn't care if he remembered that moon again; for this pure moon he was looking upon was the most beautiful thing he believed he would ever see in his life.

Just as Pip was done gazing at the moon he was startled awake. A palace guard was over his head with a kind face.

"Princess Luna has gone to bed for the day. Before she left she asked that I awoke you before lunch." said the guard.

"Thanks" Pip awoke, raising slowly and remembering last night.

He thought of the beautiful moon last night, large and bright with all the stars almost bowing down to it in all of its glory. Then he blushed as he remembered that it was the second night in a row that he had spent with Princess Luna.

He turned and left the garden to go and get some lunch, still feeling halfway asleep, with the nagging feeling that something important was still slipping his mind. His parents were already in the dining hall with princess Celestia chatting about the affairs of his father’s architecture. Pip still didn't understand all of his father’s drawings accept that he built homes for other ponies, and his mother being upset at his father sometimes charging less for those homes than the building materials cost.

Pip immediately woke up once he saw what was for lunch, his own personal favorite from the train ride up: daffodil soufflé.

"Thank you ever so much princess!" pip exclaimed with a smile.

"It’s the least I could do for you young pip, you have already done a great deed for my own family" said princess Celestia.

That's when pip remembered the rest of last night, about the decision and Princess Luna holding him the entire night as they gazed at the stars. Pip couldn't help from blushing at the memory.

Princes Celestia chuckled merrily under her breath. "So pip I would say that you are a member of our own family now"

The princess then got up and walked toward the door "I still have matters to attend to, pleas eat all you would like, oh and Princess Luna will be getting up earlier today to help us wish your parents a safe trip"

After princess Celestia left pip couldn't help but ask, "Wish you a safe trip? Did I miss something?"

"Your father is away from a big project that will be bringing in a lot of business I'm sorry darling," replied his mother almost crying.

"Don’t worry about it too much son, your young but you are shaping up to be a fine colt." interjected his father.

Pip's father’s last comment made a feeling of pride rush into his chest. His father never complemented ANYPONY, not even Pipsqueak or his mother, or even his workers; it was primarily criticism on how they could do better next time. Pip couldn't help but cry.

"Stop your crying. It isn't like you already knew, I mean a princess invited you out, that alone says everything about your character." pips father said gruffly, the grey pony shaking his head to hide his emotion on having to leave so soon.

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It was four hours later when Princess Luna woke up, clearly not an afternoon person it took her half an hour to get ready. Within the hour they were all going down to the train station to say their temporary goodbyes. Pips mother holding him and crying ecstatically while his father tried his best to look indifferent. Then, the train left, with pips mother and father both waving goodbye. Both princess Celestia and her sister Luna went over to pip and comforted him.

It was a mildly quiet ride back to the castle, pip was sniffling and Princess Luna was trying her best to cheer Pip up with some rather bad jokes.

"It won’t be a thousand years before you see them again," and "never fear, we can just give them a good scare when they show up, ha-ha" being some of the personal favorite bad jokes that princess Celestia had ever heard.

When Pipsqueak and the princess' got back to the castle Celestia asked pip "we will have your things brought from ponyvile and have you a permanent room by the end of the week, the guest room seems a bit lonely so we need to find you someone to room with until that happens, do you have any idea who you would like to share a room with?"

Pip had no idea; the only ponies he really knew at the castle were Princess Luna, princess Celestia, and that royal guard who had spoken so highly of Princess Luna's work.

After a few minutes of thinking without finding a clear answer, one guard interjected "I apologize for this intrusion into your conversation, but I have overheard Princess Luna complaining about how her room was much too big for only one pony, maybe Pip could stay with her?"

After thinking about it Princess Celestia asked “any objections?"

Princess Luna shyly replied "not really"

Pip hopped with a "nope"

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Pip put his temporary things in what he assumed was his own little spot in Princess Luna's chambers. He had his favorite blanket, his soft pajama hat, and his stuffed animal that had somehow earned the affectionate name of "Fummffy." The guard had supplied Pip with a small bed but it was definitely comfortable, if not too soft. He arranged his blanket on the bed and gently positioned Fummffy on his pillow, nodding and smiling at his tidiness.

Princess Luna walked in, followed by a pair of guards who seemed to be carrying a bag of some sort.

"Greetings young Pip, I have come with a welcome present," Princess Luna said and nodded to the guards who slowly sat down the bag and left the room.

"Oh what is it princess?" Pip said trying to hop into the bag to see his surprise only to be lifted up by Princess Luna's magic and sat on his bed.

Princess Luna used her magic to open the bag and she levitated a set of pajamas in the colours of violet, dark purple, and white. "These are for you, I had them custom made by my sisters favorite designer, we had them made before you came and if you had not accepted staying here… would have been a going away present," said Princess Luna as she laid them in front of Pip who immediately started to try them on.

"I love them, they are so soft!" Pip said as he got his head through the top, hugging Luna before he even finished the sentence.

Luna blushed and walked over to the window; staring at her night sky she looked away from pip where he couldn't see her face. "I'm glad," said the princess, her voice wavering, had Pip paid more attention he would have saw the princess smiling lightly and crying.

"The stars are so bright tonight, they are beautiful," said Pip absentmindedly.

"Yes, I wanted even the sky to greet you to your new home." then the princess quickly interjected, "now, you should get some sleep, and you have had a long and busy day."

"Awh, whyyyyyyyyyy? i want to stay up with you!" replied Pip.

"Nonsense, young ponies need their rest, there will be plenty of time for that when you are more settled."

Pip groaned and crawled his way into his new bed. Luna used her magic to tuck him in, which surprised Pip who hasn't been tucked in for ages. As pip slowly surrendered to the realm of dreams in his new pajamas and with Fummffy at his side, he could have sworn he heard Princess Luna singing.

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The castle garden was beautiful that night. The birds were up later singing softly so they didn't wake any sleepers, the moonflowers were in bloom, dew glistening on their petals, and the apple tree was in season, ripe fruit hanging from its branches. Pip stared at the starry sky while taking a bite from a freshly picked apple, Sirius was shining brightly and then Pip starred at the moon, unmarred by Luna's banishment so long ago.

Princess Luna came up behind him and draped a Blanket around his shoulders; "you should be careful, you might catch a chill." she sat down next to him and starred up at the night sky with him.

"Are you done working on the stars for tonight? I noticed your work with Sirius, it was beautiful." Pip said.

"You know the constellations?" asked Princess Luna, with surprise obvious on her face.

"Yeah, after you left on nightmare night I admired you a lot... so I asked Ms. Cherilee to teach me about them," returned Pip and then he looked away blushing, trying to keep his admiration a secret but letting it slip out.

"I'm glad that someone as young as you would take an interest in what I do, I get a few "thank you" letters every now and then from sailors or scholarly ponies, but I didn't expect you," said Princess Luna

"Mhm," is all Pip could muster and he smiled at Luna, and the two of them watched the stars and the moon all night until dawn. The young foal, and the Returned Princess, both confused by this world, both finding solace in the other.

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Pipsqueak woke up in his bed, remembering what had just happened perfectly, and as confused as he had ever been. He saw that the Princess was in bed, softly dozing, and that the sun was out. Stretching, he got out of bed and went down to the dining hall.

Once he got down there he learned he was just on time for breakfast, being a mere ten minutes early. When breakfast was beginning to be served, Princess Celestia walked through the door and sat down at her usual spot at the table. She then began to eat her toast.

"How was your first night as a resident of the castle?" the princess asked politely using her magic to wipe some jelly from her mouth.

"To be honest, I don't even remember sleeping, but i woke up in the bed rested" Pip said confused.

The princess only smiled and the two finished eating, it was a light breakfast today. Pip overheard a guard saying that later that afternoon there would be cooking contest in Canterlot square.

Hearing this, Pip got an idea and ran his way back to his and Princess Luna's room.

Author's Note

I am back after a short hiatus, and plan to put more work and make this as good as i possibly can

Chapter 5. The Anual Cooking Competition Part. 2

Sugarcube Corner was bustling today. It was Applebloom’s birthday and Pip had been invited to join in the festivities.

Pip hadn’t been in Ponyvile for more than two weeks, and he had already been invited to one of his classmate’s birthday parties, if only he could talk to them… Pipsqueak didn’t know why but he had the hardest time making new friends.

Feeling a bit out of place, Pip grabbed one of Pinkie’s cupcakes and took a bite, it was like his mouth turned into a miniature party, little explosions of flavor, rich chocolate that surprised him followed by a cool creamy vanilla, which was then followed up by a somehow tart but very pleasant blueberry flavor. Pip was in heaven

Curious, Pinkie pie went over to the table where a single young pinto was sitting, although blissful, very much alone. She then introduced herself to Pip and inquired if he liked her new recipe or not. The answer was obvious, and Pinkie introduced him to as many of her friends as she could, making Pip feel uncomfortable but happy nonetheless.

The party was soon over and Pip started heading home. “Come back anytime Pip, I could use some help with some more new recipes when you don’t have anything to do.” yelled Pinkie.

Pip smiled and bellowed as loud as he could back to her “Anytime!” that was the day Pip met his first friend in Ponyvile, over sweets and parties.

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The Contests were going well; soon the dessert competition would be at hoof. The Princess and the pauper so to speak, were off to try the desserts before the competition; there were a myriad of things to try from supremely crafted pies and cakes, to velvety smooth ice-cream.

“What should we go try now Princess?” the young Pinto asked to his partner for the evening.

“Good question, there are so many choices, ooh! What is that over there?” Motioning to the Stall which was headed from a pony from Saddle Arabia.

There was a polite pony who motioned to his desserts, eager for anyone to taste them, especially one of the judge’s younger sister, and a Princess to boot. What he had didn’t look like anything special; they appeared to be dough balls, simple doughnut hole’s.

Pip and the Princess both picked up one at the same time and took a bite. It wasn’t as overwhelming as any of the cake’s dishes, but it was amazing, the dough ball had been glazed in a rich syrup, and when they bit into it they found the surprise of a fruit inside them, a rich tart flavor, complementing the glaze. With just a hint of bitterness that made the sweet even more enjoyable, at least to Princess Luna.

Pip didn’t appreciate it that much however, the fruit in the middle wasn’t his favorite flavor in the world, he didn't like anything even remotely bitter. The pair thanked the vendor and soon went on their way. Princess Luna simply adored the treat, politely asking for more, the vendor happily gave her a bag of about nine or ten.

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The unlikely pair went off, they tried the most exquisite ice-cream, it seemingly changed flavors in your mouth over and over, a Pie filled with chocolate covered cherries, and countless other dishes.

The two were getting full and decided to take a rest in the park near the festivities but away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. Inching closer and closer to sunset the sky was a brilliant red, the clouds were long and thin, and looked as if they were pointing to the sunset, it was a beautiful sight. While Pip admired the view of the sunset and the glouriousness of nature around him amid the busy city, Princess Luna slowly faded from consciousness.

“Princess?” the young foal nudged the Princess of the night, not getting a response… “Princess? Please… wake up…PRINCESS!!!” Pip broke down into tears, not knowing what to do.

“Think Pipsqueak… THINK!” he stopped crying as hard, but tears were still rolling down his cheeks. He was confused and worried, the Princess wasn’t moving no matter what he did… and then it came to him. “Princess Celestia!”

He knew that Princess Celestia would know what to do! He tried to pick up Luna but to no avail. Yes she was slender, but she was still almost twice as tall as a normal pony, and she was much too heavy for Pip to carry on his back to Princess Celestia. Pipsqueak frantically looked around, looking for anything, or anypony that he knew he could count on to help.

There was a royal guard over by the stand where a very snooty looking griffon was selling something he called sherbet, Pip called it frozen orange juice. “Mr. GUARD! Mr. GUARD!” Pip called out. It took a few seconds for the guard to hear the foal who’ voice was stifled by his own crying over the sound of the event.

“Yes?” the guard walked over to the small pony, expecting it to be a prank until he saw that the foal was crying beside Princess Luna. “I will go get Celestia, stay here in case she awakes.” And he was off.

Pip had no idea how the guard knew what happened, but he was glad nonetheless, and so he waited by the Princess’ side, worried and protective of his newest friend, refusing to let the smallest caterpillar even get within a yard of the sleeping damsel…

*************************************************************************

It wasn’t long before Princess Celestia swooped down from the darkening sky. Pip was standing guard, trying to act as tough and imposing as he could, which amounted to little more than a kitten arching its back.

“Oh my, I thought this would happen, could someone bring the carriage over?” Princess Celestia motioned for the guard to carry out her newest order, and sighed lovingly at her sister.

“What happened? Is she going to be alright?” Pip asked, scared out of his wits over Luna’s state.

“Don’t you worry little one, she just fell asleep, albeit deeply, she will be fine when she wakes up, either in the morning or afternoon.” Replied the Princess.

“What happened?” asked Pip, clearly confused.

“Being awake through the whole day, after working as hard as she did last night with the stars, she must have been using her magic to keep herself from showing any signs of being tired… but magic can only go so far, especially when she had used so much of it last night. She simply succumbed to sleep is all, and she is an incredibly heavy sleeper.”

Realization crept over Pip “This… this was all my fault… it is my fault she didn’t sleep today… it is my fault she had to use what little energy she had left to use magic to fool me into thinking she was alright. I forced her to come…"

And once again the pony fell into tears, this time not for worry over his companion, but in penance for what he has done to her.

Princess Celestia used her magic to gently lift Princess Luna into the carriage just as it arrived and then draped her wing over the foals back, trying to comfort him. “Don’t cry, I know how stubborn my sister is, if she hadn’t truly wanted to come, she would have just locked the door and slept as she has done with me many a-time. Besides, I was watching off and on, and I hadn’t seen my sister smile like she did in your company in over a thousand years.”

“Really?” a small smile appeared on the foals face but quickly faded. “I still am responsible, princess, how do I… how can I make up for this? My parents always taught me that if I do something bad to somepony I have to make it right.”

“If you really want to try to make it right, then stay be her side while she sleeps, watch over her, she stayed awake for your sake, so I believe it is only fitting you do the same for her.” Celestia knew that her sister didn’t need guarding, but the determination in the young foals face told her that anything less than what she just said would have not been enough to satisfy him.

“Yes Ma’am!” Came the reply from the young colt, seeming a little older than what he truly was, with his half correct salute failing and hitting himself in the head. He hopped in the side of the carriage and sat beside Princess Luna, sitting as politely as he could.

“I will be back at the castle once the prizes are given out, take good care of my sister, alright?” smiled Princess Celestia as she walked off and the carriage started moving.

*************************************************************************

It didn’t take long for the carriage to make it back to the castle; two guards carried the princess to her room while Pip followed close behind, jumping left and right, searching for any kinds of trouble. Of course there wasn’t any, but Pip wasn’t taking any chances.

After they made it to The Princess’ room the guards gently laid her atop her bed and left, Pip grabbed a chair and sat beside the princess’… well, after checking the entirety of the room over thrice for some kind of malicious traps.

If the princess woke up right after Pip sat down, she would have been slightly disturbed, for the phrase ‘watch over Princess Luna’ came literally to the young colt. After two hours of waiting, the princess showed no sign of waking, this made the young colt a little worried.

Soon, Celestia stepped into Luna’s room. Pip didn’t look away from his charge, his mind transfixed, and Celestia upon seeing this, couldn’t help but giggle. “When I said watch over her, I didn’t mean it quite this literally.”

Celestia nudged pip with her nose. “Everything alright in here?” smiled the princess of the sun.

“Yes Ma’am” replied pip, not moving his gaze, but clearly starting to feel tired.

“No matter what I say, you’re going to stand guard while she sleeps aren’t you? You really don’t have to.”

“Yes I do Princess, it is my duty.” Replied the hell-bent colt.

“Fine, then drink this.” replied Celestia, clearly exacerbated. She hands a small vial of purple liquid to Pipsqueak which he takes his eyes off of Luna to examine.

“What is it?”

“It is a potion that has pretty much the same effect as the spell that my dear sister used to keep herself awake, but instead of magic it requires willpower. Drink it, and you should be able to stay awake until she awakens.”

Pips eyes lit up, eyeing the bottle and immediately downing it. “Thank you princess, I will repay you if I get the chance.”

“Think nothing of it Pipsqueak, now I shall go keep the moon on its rightful track until Luna awakens.”

Celestia left the room, leaving Pip to his sworn duty. To pass the time Pip thinks about Luna’s sheer beauty, and the praise he expects to receive when she learns about how he valiantly protected her while she slept.

*************************************************************************

-Half an hour earlier at the festival-

Princess Celestia approaches the closing stand of a pony selling drinks. “Sir, might I have a bottle of your finest grape juice?”

*************************************************************************

The sun rose, and still Princess Luna slumbered, a low gurgling noise came from the bedchamber.

A guard walks in the room, Pip shift his gaze over to see what the guard is carrying, breakfast pastries and a bowl of warm, cinnamon smelling oatmeal. “By order of Princess Celestia I am not allowed to leave this room until you have eaten.” The guard placed what appeared looked to be a feast to the famished colt on the nightstand before standing guard.

Pip sighed and began to eat, he had been ignoring his stomachs complaints up until now, and he was truly famished. The oatmeal was warm and helped invigorate him after a long sleepless night, the orange juice was cool and refreshing, and the breakfast pastry’s just tasted magnificent when Pip had the genius idea to dunk them in the oatmeal.

Once Pip was done the guard picked up the empty plate and left the room, mumbling to himself, “oh the joys of youth.”

*************************************************************************

It was almost 3 O’clock in the afternoon when Princess Luna finally awoke. Pip still by her side, he leaned in close when he saw the princess begin to stir.

He leaned in even closer when she turned around, almost falling out of his chair. And then Luna opened her eyes, There was a large brown and white monster in front of her face and she jumped backwards! Startling Pipsqueak who literally was on the edge of his seat, he fell off and hit his head on the chair as he hit the ground between the bed and his seat.

“Ouch!” was all he managed, as he dizzily recovered on the floor.

“Oh my Pip, you startled me!” said a very shocked Luna before noticing that her little monster of the morning was lying on the ground rubbing his head, “are you okay, you aren’t hurt are you?”

Luna rushed to Pip, picking him up and laying him on her own bed, “Oh my, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“I’m fine Princess, just bumped my head,” Replied Pip. Then looking over to the princess he noticed something off, the Princess was crying…

“I am so glad!” came Luna, pulling him close and cradling him in a hug, pressing him against her warm bosom. Luna couldn’t stop the tears, “I was afraid I hurt you.”

“I’m fine, now why are you huggin’ me to death?” asked Pip who was now experiencing what Fluttershy must have felt like when he saw her being hugged by Luna.

“I don’t want to hurt anypony… I did such horrible things as Nightmare Moon… and I had such a wonderful dream about you….” Luna trailed off, clearly without thinking she had let slip what she should have kept a secret from her new friend.

“Don’t worry, I’m a tough one,” smiled Pip pushing his chest out trying to act manly.

“I’m glad, now I guess I better be off to see my sister, I’m sure she has been worried sick, do you wish to come along?”

“Nah, I’m beat.” And with that, Pip finally succumbs to sleep on Luna’s plush bedspread.

Princess Luna made sure that Pipsqueak was asleep and laid her favorite blanket over his back, softly sighing and mumbling to herself, "I wonder what this feeling is... is it the true feeling of friendship that my sister has been bothering me so much to learn... its so odd, my chest feels so warm…”

Author's Note

Chapter 5. everyone kept asking why Princess Luna wasn't getting tired, i decided to take it a step further, as useual i am open to all criticism as it helps me grow as a writer.

Chapter 6. Captain Long-Beard and the Sky Pirates

Captain Long-Beard stood behind the wheel of his ship, steering it toward the newfound chain of islands now known as the “Papaiian Islands.” His ship was vast despite its small crew, large and wooden, with a mere-pony at its front. The masts were large; the sails were deep blue and spread. Golden inlay was crafted into the rails, and His flag was a jolly roger crossed by a crescent moon and sword.

The Captain himself was a small pony, a pinto, with an incredibly long white beard, dressed in his finest clothes with his trusty sword and blunderbuss beside him.

“Ohoai Captain!” Called out navigator and first mate Luna. She was a larger thin alicorn with a dark blue coat similar to the sails; her mane was a depiction of the night sky. She was dressed with a brimmed hat and a fluffy White blouse with a deep green skirt. She was staring into the distance with a rather ornate black and golden spy-glass.

“Aye?” replied the captain.

“LAND HOOO!” Cried Navigator Luna. Closing her spy-glass and flying down to the Captain. “If we stay on this course then we should reach the first of the Papaiian Islands, the island of Sarsaparilla, by nightfall.”

“That is great news Luna, once we land we shall make merry and begin out search for the lost treasure of Cheerliee the Queen of Pirates!” Announced Captain Long-Beard to the crew, which was slightly off considering he and his navigator were the only crew. The captain blushed a little and followed. “Get some rest; I shall wake you when we make land.”

And at that Luna went to her chambers to rest, with a smile on her face, mumbling where the Captain couldn’t hear her. “So even in here he never changes”

**************************************************************************************

It felt like it took no time at all to make land, no sooner had Navigator Luna had gone to rest in her quarters the island came into view and they were docked. Captain Long-Beard went down the stairs to try to get his navigator, or at least tried too, half-way down them he tripped and started falling down the stairs.

“Omph”,” eph”, and “erch!” escaped his mouth as he bounced down the short stairwell. All to land finally at the hooves of his navigator.

“Oh my captain, you really must be more careful,” said Navigator Luna levitating him up to his hooves with her magic and dusting him off. “Now, off to the bustling trading post of Sarsaparilla!” exclaimed Luna, almost looking more excited than Captain Long-beard… almost.

The captain ran over the gangplank and into the hustle and bustle of the bazaar closest to the docks. He quickly ran out of sight and by the time Luna herself disembarked she had no idea where he could have gone. Luna soared overhead and once she found where the captain had went she floated down by his side. “Captain, shouldn’t we head for the tavern?”

“One second, Navigator Luna," Captain Long-Beard went into the tent of a trades-pony. Luna see's him pick up something but she cant seem to make it out, the clinking of bits falling into a hoof and the captain is out of the tent. "Now, off we go."

“What was that captain?” Navigator Luna asked, curious of what item the Captain had bought.

“That would be a surprise for later,” smiled the captain, his new knick-knack in his saddlebag.

Luna frowned but showed her captain the way to the tavern she had scouted, a small opening slid open and a gruff voice asked, “how much is the fun?”

“The fun has been doubled,” Captain Long-Beard replied.

Chuckling to herself, Luna mumbled, “How in my sister’s name did he remember THAT?”

The door opened, revealing the incredibly buff white Pegasus pony with a blonde mane and dumb-bell cutie mark. He waved his hoof to an open seat and Captain Long-Beard tripped when he walked through the door, noticing that he, yet again, stepped on his own beard.

The tavern was a dimly lit with a bar at the side and the bartenders appeared to be twin cream colored unicorns in striped shirts, the only way to tell them apart being one had a mustache, were to be throwing out mugs of cider. The walls were a light brown and appeared to be carved out of one large stone. Ponies with hooks for hooves and peg-legs sat everywhere.

Navigator Luna and Captain Long-Beard sat at the table and a waitress came by. “What would you two have to drink today?”

“Sarsaparilla Sunday Special,” Replied the captain, clearly trying, yet failing to act suave.

“I am terribly sorry sir, but, uhm… somepony else has ordered that tonight…” said the waitress, waiting on what she knew was going to happen as the captain laid his sword upon the table. “Tell the others that we are willing to share…” said the captain menacingly, or what he hoped was menacing, to Luna it looked more silly. The waitress got the message and led the captain and his navigator to the back room.

*************************************************************************

The room was hazily lit with candles; a table was in the middle with four chairs, one closest to the wall on the other side, three setting close to the door. In the chair at the far end of the table sat an older griffon, snacking on what could only be called rocks. Two of the chairs closest to the door were empty; in the third however sat a captain’s hat.

“Oey! I thought you said somepony else ordered the special,” cried Captain Long-Beard to the waitress.

“I did sir, she is sitting right there.” Replied the waitress, motioning with her hoof toward the hat.

As if on cue the hat tipped back to reveal a small orange pegasus with a purple mane. “I ordered the special,” she cried out.

“Well stick me in a bunny suit and call me buggy,” came Captain Long-Beard. Garnering a chuckle from his navigator.

“Alrighty ‘en Buggy, you can call me Rainbow-Beard Captain of the Sky Pirates!” announced the orange pegasus.

Captain Long-Beard’s cheeks grew red, “I aint no Captain Buggy, stop clowinin’ you don’t even have a beard!”

Noticing herself, the pegasus reached into her hat and pulled out a rainbow colored wig with a string around it and placed I over her head, the wig hanging just above her chin. “woops.”

The two captains then began to stroke their beards almost in a contest, the likes of which Luna could barely hold in her laughter to watch.

“Ahem!”

Suddenly all attention was on the elderly griffon who just spoke, his basket of rocks now empty. He held out a map from under his long cloak.

“I see 3 guests have come but I only have one map, you must answer my riddle to see who shall obtain such a trea-“ at that Captain Rainbow-Beard grabbed the map and ran out of the room.

“Hey! That aint fair! You gotta follow the rules.” Yelled Captain Long-Beard.

“You snooze you lose,” came the reply, from the other room, followed by a loud BANG! The griffon, The Captain, and the navigator all looked outside the room to see that Captain Rainbow-Beard’s hat had fallen in front of her eyes and had smacked her head against a table. “OUCH!” and then she got up, and ran out the door.

“After the SCALLY-WAG!!!” cried Captain Long-Beard as he and Navigator Luna ran out after her only to see a ship literally rise out of the harbor with giant wings, the ship began to fly!

Navigator Luna knelt down, “Come my captain, we must give chase!” Captain Long-Beard gave a confused look. “Get on my back and we will fly after it.” As the realization donned on Captain Long-Beard be gave himself a quick bonk on the head and hopped on his navigator’s back.

*************************************************************************

“HAHAHAHAHA!” cried Captain Rainbow-Beard, her laugh only stopping when her hat yet again fell completely on top of her.

The Sky Pirate captain was behind the ships wheel, steering it out to sea. “Faster! We must get away before they can chase us!” The captain yelled at the two ponies at either side of her, they were peddling on stationary bikes with the bike chains leading down into the floor, presumably to the wings.

“This is a nightmare!” Cried a pink pony with a tiara as her cutie mark.

“What is going on?” asked the other pony, a light grey one with a silver spoon as her cutie mark.

“FASTER I SAID!” Yelled Captain Rainbow-Beard again and the two ponies complied each peddling faster.

Just then, out of the corner of her eye Captain Rainbow-Beard spotted a winged dark blue pegasus. She pulled out her trusty spy glass to take a closer look and now it was clear that it wasn’t a pegasus but an alicorn, and on her back was none other than Captain Long-Beard!

“Deck swabs!”

A pair of young Unicorns immediately showed up beside Captain Rainbow-Beard. One was short and blue, the other taller and orange. “Yes Great and Powerful Captain?” cried the blue one

“Ready the Cannons!” Announced the Captain.

And the duo was off.

*************************************************************************

“Okay here are the cannons but where are the cannon balls?” asked the blue unicorn.

“I don’t know Snips, but try some of this delicious cabbage.” The larger orange unicorn handed a head of half eaten cabbage to Snips.

“Uh, Snails, I think these are the cannon balls,” replied Snips.

“Don’t be silly, these are cabbages, not cannon balls.” As he said that he pointed his hoof over to the large stack of Cabbages with a sign beside them that clearly read “AMMO”… “OOOOOOH” was all Snails could say as he and snips began to load the cannon-cabbage.

*************************************************************************

“Ahoy! Captain Rainbow-Beard, we have come for the map!” yelled out Captain Long-Beard as they came upon the flying ship.

“You will never have it BUGGY!” replied Rainbow-Beard. As she said those words cannons fired at the alicorn.

“Cabbages?” asked Navigator Luna.

“Neigh, giant BRUSSLE SPROUTS!” replied Long-Beard. Luna dodged the incoming vegetables with few close calls and headed straight for the deck of the ship.

The duo landed on the sky-ship after dodging the ill-willed salad. Captain Long-Beard drew his sword and Captain Rainbow-Beard pulled her own out of her giant hat. The two immediately crossed blades, both of them bending a little and Luna again couldn’t help but giggle when she finally noticed that both of the “Captains” blades were plastic.

The two ponies went back and forth with their blades in mouth, just as Captain Long-Beard thought he had the upper hand, Rainbow-Beard parried his sword out of his mouth.

“Do you give up?” asked Rainbow-Beard.

“Never!” came the reply as Captain Long-Beard retrieved his blunderbuss from its holster on his back and pointed it directly at Captain Rainbow-Beard. “Give me the map.”

The response was obvious when Rainbow-Beard threw the map into the Milky Sea and charged Captain Long-Beard. Long-Beard then fired his blunderbuss, rich banana pudding erupting from the muzzle, not only trapping Captain Rainbow-Beard but also gumming up the two stationary bikes behind her.

“Uh-Oh,” came Rainbow-Beard “ABANDON SHIP!!!!”

Almost on cue the ship began to lose altitude and began plummeting to the sea. “Everyone to the Life preservers!” cried Captain Long-Beard as he helped his defeated foe out of the banana pudding. Rainbow-Beard led the way to a set of giant doughnuts and grabbed one for herself then handed the rest out to her crew as well as Captain Long-Beard and Navigator Luna.

They all bailed out to quickly find out that the “Milky Sea” was very adeptly named considering it was entirely fresh warm milk, which made the doughnut life-preservers seem very delectable. It was a lucky strike that another ship just happened upon them when it did because everyone had almost completely eaten their “life-preservers.”

*************************************************************************

“Sorry I tossed the map, I guess I got a little out of hoof,” said Captain Rainbow-Beard to Long-Beard.

“And I am sorry that I made your ship sink,” Replied Long-Beard

With those simple apologies the two pirate captains called it a day. Long-Beard and Navigator Luna went back to their ship.

*************************************************************************

“That was an adventure and a half” smiled Luna

“Yeah, it’s a shame we lost the map though.” Replied Long-Beard.

“Don’t worry too much, there has to be another way we can find the lost treasure.” Said Luna, patting the captain’s back.

“Sure, thanks for giving me a ride to the sky-ship though, it was SO awesome!” laughed Long-Beard. “I have something as a little thank you, I hope you like it.”

“Oh, what is it? Is it what you bought at the market in Sarsaparilla?” asked Luna, her interest piqued.

“Yeah, every good navigator ought to have a compass.” With that, Captain Long-Beard pulled out the knick-knack he bought earlier, a necklace with a box as its centerpiece, a large ruby in the center. When Luna opened it up it was indeed a working compass.

“Thank you so much!” Luna had never gotten many presents, and she immediately hugged the captain.

“It’s nothing, you’re very welcome, go and take a rest.” And Luna did, she walked into her chambers and went to sleep, a smile on her face.

*************************************************************************

Pipsqueak woke up, still in the princess’ bed after having such a nice dream, such an adventure. He smiled to himself and pulled the feather cover over a little, not ready to wake up…

Feathery cover? Pip’s eyes opened wide as he realized that he was under the princess’ wing! Trying not to freak out, he looked up at the princess, she had clearly gone to sleep, a deep slumber with a smile on her face. He slowly got out from under the cover of her wing, careful not to wake her.

Pip looked outside; it looked like it was nearly noon! How long had he slept? Before he could get an answer his stomach growled and he got up to go down and get him some breakfast, or possibly lunch. On his way out he could have sworn he heard Luna mumble in her sleep.

“Oh, Captain my Captain.”

Author's Note

Were you confused at least once? i mean the tiniest bit? if the answer is "no" then i have failed you and my sincerest apologies. if the answer is "yes" then i hope you deeply enjoyed the ride of figuring out what was going on, anyway comments and criticism please, i don't bite.

Chapter 4. The Anual Cooking Competition Part. 1

“What is it? I have only begun to slumber,” Luna moaned as she was pried awake by a bouncing little foal.

“Getup, get up, get up!!” Pipsqueak said, still bouncing on the Princess’ bed.

Luna slowly rose up, clearly exhausted from being roused so early from her well-deserved slumber. She looked outside to see that it was mid-day and sighed. Pip noticed that Luna’s mane wasn’t the Waving picture of the night he was used to, instead, in its place, was a shortly cropped light blue mane that currently hung messily round her neck. He quickly recovered from this surprise to go back to the reason he had woke her up.

“Yoursisterisgoingtojudgeacookingcontesttodayandyouneedtogoandwegetfreegoodies!!!!!!!!” pip said jumping off of Princess Luna’s bed.

“Wait, what? Slow down Pipsqueak, breath and tell me again” Luna said with a sigh.

Pip took a deep breath and began, “Well this morning the breakfast wasn’t very large and then a guard mentioned that your sister was judging a cooking contest.”

“And this is what made you rouse me from my rest?” Princess Luna said annoyance in her voice.

“Well… I just thought you might like to try some of the treats, your sister is judging... they would have to be good,” blushed Pip, clearly embarrassed to have done this without thinking of the Princess’ rest.

Luna noticed the concerned and apologetic face that the young foal had and began, “Well I am awoken now, so there shall be no harm in going. I know of the competition you have described, it will be beginning shortly, step out while I freshen up.”

Pip noticed Princess Luna’s bodice from nightmare night… and every time he ever saw her was gone and for some reason blushed as he left the room. He remembered his mother’s words once “not every pony always wears clothes, but the ones that do sometimes feel insecure without them, especially mares and fillies.” He didn’t quite understand it himself but the little pinto pony sat outside the princess’ and his room’s door and waited patiently, imagining all of the goodies he would try today.

The princess stepped out, the shadowy window into the starry night, replacing her short light blue mane that she retained only when she slept.

“Well, off we go,” she said. And then they were.

*************************************************

The contest was packed, word had gathered all over equestria that Princess Celestia herself would be the judge, and fame seekers from everywhere were gathered that day with their best dishes. On the way to the contest Princess Luna explained how the contest worked.

“The Contest has always been divided into 5 categories where dishes will be judged,” Luna began. “The first is of course breakfast dishes, followed by lunch items, snacks and candies, Dinner, and finally desert which is the most likely reason my sister is judging this year.”

“Why would that be the reason?” Pip asked curiously.

“Oh it seems you do not know, my sister absolutely ADORES cake,” replied Princess Luna giggling to herself.

They walked around the contest grounds, apparently missing the breakfast competition but slightly early for lunch. It was then that Pipsqueak recognized a pony he knew.

“APPLEJACK!!!” Pip yelled, remembering the farmer pony from his time in ponyvile. She would buy building materials from Pip’s father but never have him construct it, preferring to do it herself, she was a generous pony and from his own memory, a fantastic cook.

“Howdy there Pipsqueak, I didn’t spect to see yall here today, nor you Princess Luna,” after saying her name Applejack politely bowed to the princess and went back to cooking while talking to the young pinto. “It’s good to see you here, are you judging too Princess?”

“No, Pip wanted us to come down and sample some of the food, which categories are you entering this year?” replied Luna

“I aint to good at fixin’ breakfast but my pies and fritters ave always done right by me,” replied the smiling orange pony, offering Princess Luna and Pipsqueak each one of her freshly made fritters.

“Yuuuummmm!!” said Pip taking his first bight of the piping hot pastry, soon after trying to cool his tongue off and wishing he waited a few seconds to take a bite.
Luna laughed genuinely with her little friend, then blowing on her own fritter she took a bite, eyes widening, “He’s right, these are VERY good, I shall be rooting for you to win the snack competition.”

Applejack smiled “Thanke’ Princess, I’m also entering the desert competition with a new recipe this year, it won’t be done fer' a bit and there will only be a few of them, but I'll save yall a few pieces, alright?”

“Might I ask what it is?” Luna asked as sneakily as she could and completely failing, she hadn’t gotten the whole “whispering” thing down yet.

Applejack chuckled and whispered to the Princess and Pip, “Zap Apple Pie”

Pip who had already tried some of Granny Smiths famous zap apple jam was instantly excited while Princess Luna had no idea.

“I can’t wait to try it when it is done.” Replied Luna, pip bouncing behind her unsure if he could keep his excitement a secret.

******************************************

The lunch competition passed by, with Pip trying such things as hoof shaped crescents with special blend of nut butter, a hot sandwich with cheese drizzled on it that was amazing, and some spicy nachos that after seeming spicy would cool down your mouth and freshen your breath.

Then the pair of friends noticed the Cake’s at the competition preparing a batch of their Very special cupcakes that made popping noises in your mouth. Pip ran up to the couple who noticed and remembered him from his many times at sugar cube corner, always ordering something different.

“Hi there, what are you doing in Canterlot? We didn’t expect to see you this far away from ponyvile.” said Mr. Cake.

“I’m up here living with the princess’ right now,” almost as if on cue Princess Luna walked up behind Pip. The cakes bowed, albeit shocked and mildly scared.

Noticing the Baker’s fear of her Luna Tried to calm them, “No need for such frivolities now, you have a contest to compete for, where is Miss Pinkie?” she noted.

Quickly getting used to the situation at hand it was Mr. Cake who recovered first. “we couldn’t bring the Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake all the way to Canterlot so we are having Pinkie Pie watch them for us while we are up here.”

“Oh, I would imagine that she would be great with children,” remarked Luna remembering her leading the pack of screaming children on nightmare night.

“She is, the twins love her,” Mrs. Cake chimed in.

“Would you mind if me an’ the Princess try some of your cupcakes?” Pip asked, his mouth watering at the sight of a chocolate-drizzled cupcake with a doughnut cut to fit in it, topped with cookie crumbs and smelling of cinnamon.

“Sure, we would love you to have some, we made plenty and it’s only fitting that a regular customer of ours gets the first taste.” said Mr. Cake with a smile, handing a cupcake to Pipsqueak and then one to Princess Luna.

The taste was spectacular; the Doughnut was fresh and moist with a light honeyed glaze. Once they bit into the top of the cupcake itself a plethora of flavors flooded, all blending seamlessly, a rich creamy chocolate, crunchy peanut brittle and cookie crumbles, finished off by a blend of ginger and cinnamon. The taste brought Princess Luna to tears at the final taste that filled her, being an alicorn she could recognize a kind of magic, the final taste was the magic of love, baked into each bite.

“Are you alright Princess?” Mrs. Cake asked clearly worried.

“Y-y-yes, I am fine, and I thank you for the confection, it was magnificent,” and then Luna, adding in one last thing, “your children are very lucky indeed.”

***********************************************

The Snack round went off well, Princess Celestia herself giving the first place ribbon to the Cakes. Applejack came in second, followed by an incredibly miffed griffon in a chef’s hat. The Prizes were passed out and the Cakes being the first place winners would be invited back next year to help judge the event.

“Wow so many things to try, hey princess?” asked Pipsqueak.

“Yes?” asked Luna quizzically.

“You know more about the things in the dinner rounds dishes, you pick where we go.” Smiled Pipsqueak.

Luna, taken aback by the request, just picked a random stall… and immediately wished she hadn’t. The Unicorn was pompous, with a graying mane and a long handlebar mustache, who refused Pip a sample until he saw the Princess come up soon behind him. He nervously handed both of them what he said was his “Special cauliflower croquette”.

“It most certainly is… special,” replied the Princess when the unicorn inquired to the flavor.

Pip was a little more honest when, with a dissatisfied face, “is crocket another word for mud filled veggies?”

All the princess could do was laugh at the young pony’s honesty, while the would-be chef’s cheeks got red. The merry duo went off to another stand, one that Luna saw that was serving her own favorite food. The stand was owned by an elderly mare with a smile, she noticed the princess coming and went to bow, but was interrupted.

“Please, don’t, you haven’t any need, my mother always taught my sister and I, that a seasoned chef in their kitchen is royalty through profession.” Luna said, secretly though she was just embarrassed by all the attention she was getting.

“I must still thank you for gracing my presence Princess,” the elderly earth pony did what could be considered a courtesy, at her old age. “Would you like to sample some stuffed buns?”

“Yes very much,” replied Luna, barely holding in her anticipation, it had been a millennia since she had last tasted this dish.

“Princess, what is a stuffed bun?” Pip asked; clearly never even hearing of the dish.

The old mare answered before the Princess had a chance, “stuffed buns are an old dish, said to be older than equestria itself, no pony knows if it was the unicorns, pegasi or earth ponies, but everyone can agree that they were what common folk and nobles alike ate. They are a roll, filled with different foods, cooked and seasoned differently, each batch having many different kinds of filling, that way each time you bit into a new one it was a surprise. In fact ponies used to say that they were one of the princess’ favorite foods.”

“Wow, can I try one?” asked the young colt happily accepting the new dish.

“May I?” asked the Princess.

“Of course,” said the old chef as she gave Luna one of the buns.

Luna was taken back by the flavor of the first bite, it was cabbage seasoned with mild vinegar, with a strong crisp taste. She savored the bite, quickly finishing it up. Looking back at the old mare in the stand who without a word gave a nod, and she carefully lifted another one up with her magic and took a large bite with a true smile. The aroma of broccoli, black eyed peas and carrots was amazing, a bun filled with all kinds of mixed vegetables, each cooked to complement the other and at the same time bring out the greatest flavor from each. She finished the second bun feeling full and sighed contently.

Pipsqueak on the other hand was still trying to down his first, only half way through a buttery cauliflower and broccoli bun. Luna couldn’t help but giggle as the small pony tried to eat a dish half his size.

After Pip gave up about 3 fourths of the way through he remarked, “Wow, that WAS really good, thank you very much!”

“Yes thank you, it was a pleasure, Ms…?” added Luna.

“Cookie Dough” added the old mare, showing off a cutie mark in the shape of a rolling pin and dough. “And you are very welcome your majesty, welcome back.”

And with that the unlikely duo of princess and pirate lover walked off to browse the rest of the food, even though they were full it was still a site to see all of it. And then they watched the ceremony of the prizes for the dinner competition.

“Where is Cookie Dough?” asked Pip. And he was right; the elderly pony was nowhere to be seen.

“I don’t know, wasn’t she in the competition?” even Princess Luna was puzzled.

Cookie Dough wasn’t listed in the competitors, nor was she listed in the competition at all when they later checked. Luna decided to look into the matter later and told Pip, “I guess she was just here advertising for her store or something.” Which honestly was her best guess at the current point.

Author's Note

this is the first part of my 2 part chapter and i thank everyone for reading

and a special thanks to my new proofreader: http://www.fimfiction.net/user/epreeses1