Shining Armor walked through Ponyville, his parents following not far behind. The three of them trotted through town, heading toward Sugarcube Corner.

"I never asked," Shining Armor said as he turned to look at his parents. "How did you get into the library? I mean I'm pretty sure we locked the door."

"Pinkie Pie let us in," his mother answered.

"Pinkie Pie? I thought that she came with you from the train station?"

"She did" Shining's father responded. His pace began to slow down. "It was actually odd now that I think about it. She was right behind us all the way until we were in front of the library. Then just before your mother knocked, she opened the door from the inside. I didn't even notice when she vanished."

Shining Armor gave a nod then turned to look ahead again. That left the question of how did Pinkie get into the library. He would have to ask her about that. Since they were going to Sugarcube Corner, it was possible that he would see her and get to ask.

"Here it is," he said as they reached the gingerbread style shop.

"How cute," his mother said as she looked at it.

"Yeah." His father licked his lips. "I hope their food tastes as good as their building looks."

"Night," the mare scolded, "we just finished talking over breakfast."

"And then we walked here. I'd say that was enough to work off the meal. Besides, it is after noon, which means lunch time." Grinning, the older stallion took the lead, heading toward the shop. His wife gave a shake of her head and trotted after him. Shining Armor stood where he was a moment, letting out a small laugh before following.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner," Mrs. Cake said before seeing who it was. "Oh, Shining Armor. Hello. These must be your parents then."

"Yes ma'am," the young stallion said as he moved forward. "Mom, Dad, this is Mrs. Cake. Her and her husband own and operate Sugarcube Corner."

"Nice to meet you," Mrs. Cake said.

"You as well," Shining's mother replied. "I hope that Twilight wasn't too much trouble."

"Well there was a little awkwardness when she met my son, but no real trouble. She's been helping Pinkie and Pumpkin in the kitchen with some baking. A little obsessive about getting the measurements exact it seems."

"Yes. Twilight has always been a very precise filly."

"Twilight!" Mrs. Cake called out toward the kitchen. "Your brother and parents are here."

At the call, the young purple filly came running out from the door to the kitchen, skidding to a stop in front of them then leaping to wrap her front legs around her parents. Pinkie Pie bounced in behind her, carrying a box tied with string in her teeth. She was followed by Pumpkin.

"Did you have fun?" Twilight's mom asked.

"Yeah," Twilight responded. "Pumpkin and I helped Pinkie make a cake, and brownies, and muffins. Ooh, we also made something called lemon squares, and the cakes are letting me have the whole batch as payment."

"And here they are," Pinkie said before setting down the bakery box.

"I already tried one," Twilight continued, "and they're really good. Who knew something so sour could make something so delicious."

"That was very nice of them," Twilight's mother said before turning to Mrs. Cake. "Are you sure it's okay though?"

"It's fine," Mrs. Cake assured her. "She worked hard on them and was very proud. Besides, Pinkie Pie eats more than that during her shift, and Pinkie did say Twilight could have some for helping."

"Alright. Thank you." Twilight's mother then turned to look at Pumpkin. "And who's this? Did you make a new friend?"

"This is Pumpkin Cake," Twilight answered. "I don't know if you would call us friends yet, though. I kind of made her mad because I was really curious about her brother."

"Hello ma'am," Pumpkin said. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Twilight's mother responded.

"So, what's going on?" the unicorn filly asked.

"Well," Shining answered, "Mom and Dad would like to get a tour of the town and to meet the others. I thought that we would go to Sweet Apple Acres next."

The filly jumped up, letting out a small gasp.

"Do you think Apple Bloom will be there?"

"Probab-" was as far as Shining Armor got in response before the young filly was up and running for the door. Her parents blinked in surprise then took off after her. Grinning, Shining Armor turned to begin following.

"Wait!" Pinkie called out, making him jump. "Don't forget this." She held up the box of lemon squares.

"Oh, Right." He took a hold of them and set them safely on his back. "Thanks."

"No problem Shiny-hiny."

"Uhm... you didn't say that in front of my parents, did you?"

"Nope."

Shining let out a sigh of relief then turned to leave, following after his sister and parents.