Sunset Shimmer slept soundly in the hollowed out cocoon that Chrysalis had prepared for her. Despite only being in a white tank-top and a pair of white underpants, with the perfect warmth and humidity inside the cave, it seemed as if she could sleep like that all day.

Just then, a black pony-like creature with a similar structure to Chrysalis, although with a smaller, smoother horn, blue, beady eyes, and a dark blue plating on its back, ran in through one of the caverns, a nervous and frightened look on its face.

“My queen!” it shouted in a raspy, treble voice. “My queen!”

Chrysalis, who had been sleeping in a larger hole high within the cavern, woke up alert, the other pony-like creatures stirring out of sleep as well. Sunset Shimmer herself writhed out of bed, wondering what the matter was. She watched as the creature stopped before Chrysalis as she hopped down from her hole towards it.

“What has happened, my changeling messenger?” she spoke. “Why have you awoken us?”

“Humans,” the changeling panted. “Nine humans from Earth… have arrived in Ponyville.”

Immediately, Sunset Shimmer stood to her feet, shocked by the news.

“Was this the only reason you woke me?” snarled Chrysalis. “Because nine humans have arrived in Equestria?”

“He has every right to be concerned,” Sunset Shimmer shouted.

Chrysalis looked over her messenger to see Sunset Shimmer walking up towards her.

“Sunset,” hissed Chrysalis. “What do you know of these humans? Furthermore, how do you know of these humans”

“It’s simple really,” Sunset responded. “You told me a year ago about how Twilight and her friends went to this world to assist the humans in a war they were losing. My Maneuver Gear had to have belonged to one of them, right?”

“Yes… from that human girl that Luna brought back with her after they won.”

“If that’s true, those humans that are in Ponyville are not just some harmless tourists; they have to be trained soldiers.”

Chrysalis raised her eyebrows, intrigued by Sunset Shimmer’s reasoning.

“Twilight and her friends had allied themselves with and more than likely befriended the men and women of that army,” continued Sunset Shimmer. “If this is true, then the only humans Celestia would ever be able to trust entering Equestria are the soldiers that Twilight and her friends had befriended on that other world.

“The Summer Sun Celebration is in three days, and it can’t be coincidence that they’d be brought to Equestria just to spend time with their friends. This means that the humans will be attending the Summer Sun Celebration, and that their presence in Canterlot could put our plan in high risk.”

Chrysalis huffed, both slightly impressed and humored by her comrade’s logic.

“I don’t find your find your assumptions that the humans being soldiers are baseless,” Chrysalis said, “or even far from possibility. However, do you really think that these humans will be present at the Summer Sun Celebration, with the means to stop either of us, no less?”

“We shouldn’t rule it out,” Sunset Shimmer answered. “Our plan already has had insubstantial planning due to our… distances, and we have only these last three days to finalize everything. With the arrival of these humans, a major wrench has been thrown into the plan and threatens to ruin everything. For all extents and purposes, we should treat these humans as if they were alicorns as powerful as Celestia herself.”

Chrysalis continued to look into Sunset Shimmer’s expectant and foreboding glare. With a nod, she acknowledged Sunset Shimmer’s sage advice.

“Very well,” Chrysalis spoke, turning around from her and beginning to walk towards a cavern entrance. “Put on your clothes and Maneuver Gear and practice however you will. But next time, choose a better metaphor for those humans. I shouldn’t need to fear someone whom I had defeated once before.”

Sunset Shimmer huffed and smirked, gladdened both for Chrysalis’s trust and support, but also the knowledge that they both had enough power and wits to make the plan work, with or without the humans’ appearances.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Twilight, Armin, Hanji, Levi, Petra, and Spike, sat around a rectangular table inside Twilight’s study, teacups and saucers in front of each of them and a teapot in the middle of the table. On the back half of the study was another collection of books on shelves carved from the walls. On the front half as a desk that was neatly organized with papers and an inkwell with a quill already inside.

The next floor merely consisted of a small bedroom with yet another shelf of books a large bed, and a small basket with a blanket inside. As Twilight reached for the teapot with her magic and poured herself some more tea, Armin continued to go on about his adventures with his friends and the Scouting Legion.

“We continued traveling south,” spoke Armin, “and we eventually reached a really sandy area, and water as far as the eye could see!”

“None of us have ever seen so much water in our lives!” Hanji spoke.

“But not only that,” Armin said, “the water was really salty. I had told Eren when we were children about the oceans, and that the salt inside of them could never be depleted because it was so vast, but he would never believe me! Just imagine the look on his face when he discovered it himself!”

Twilight and Spike laughed, being able to imagine it clearly in his head. Twilight took a nostalgic smile, remembering Armin’s absent friends fondly.

“That reminds me,” Twilight said, “how are Eren and the others?”

“Last we checked,” Levi answered, “they went off to find the others. I wonder if we’ll ever even see them again.”

Hanji sighed despondently, unable to find humor in Levi’s sardonic joke.

“Well,” Twilight mentioned, “my friends and I are meeting at a café in town to discuss our plans for the Summer Sun Celebration. I’m almost certain they’ll bring them with.”

“Yeah,” Spike said, his voice hinting the irony, “now Rarity’s going to have nine others to pay for dinner tonight.”

“That’s not going to happen, Spike. If we’re going to all dine together, like I’m going to front Rarity with a bill like that, generosity or not.”

“Well,” Levi responded, “it’s kind of difficult to pay our own way when our currency is probably worth shit here.”

“Levi,” Twilight cooed, “I know that you have a certain way of… wording things, but could you please refrain from using that kind of language here. I think there’s certain things from the human vernacular that should be left unknown to the rest of the ponies here.”

Levi looked into Twilight, sensing that it would be wise to heed her advice. However…

“Well, damn,” he spoke without a hint of sarcasm. “Pardon me.”

Petra huffed through her nose, the slightest of smiles appearing on her face. Twilight however rolled her eyes, barely accepting Levi’s dry response.

“But wait,” Spike spoke, “what about all that gold that Celestia gave you from when we were here?”

“Didn’t think to bring it,” Levi said. “Besides, gold is probably more valuable there than it is here. I wouldn’t see Celestia being so unhesitant to send the amount she did way back then otherwise.”

“Levi’s right,” Twilight told Spike. “A dinner at Au Clopin is usually at least twenty bits by itself, and that’s without tip.”

“Well,” added Petra, “we feel bad about having either of you pay for us.”

“You shouldn’t. I’m certain Celestia or Luna will reimburse us.”

“Oh… well, that’s assuring.”

“What time will we even need to leave?” asked Armin.

“Oh, not for a while,” Twilight responded. “We still have most of the day to spend with each other. In fact, since we’re at the library, I’d thought you might want to read some of the books that we have, if you’d like, of course.”

“Really?” Hanji exclaimed, standing from her chair and leaning over the table.

“You’d let us do that?” Armin responded.

“Why not? I trust you’ll be careful with them.”

“Thank you!” Hanji gasped, already making her way to the stairs that would lead her down into the library.

“You…” Armin asked, reluctantly standing from his seat as well, “really don’t mind, do you?”

Twilight chuckled, putting Armin even more at ease.

“Go right ahead,” she encouraged.

With a nod, Armin walked to the stairs, leaving Twilight and Spike alone with Levi and Petra.

“So,” Spike asked, “how was the rest of your mission?”

Levi glanced down at his cup, seeing only a few sips left inside.

“Twilight,” Levi requested, “could you pass the tea here?”

“Certainly,” Twilight said, lifting the teapot over to Levi.

Setting it down, Levi carefully picked the teapot up himself and slowly poured a refill. Putting it back down, he grabbed his cup by the rim and took a greedy sip. There was still much to their story yet, and he’d be spending a lot of time trying to condense it.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Applejack opened the short, closed door on the left entrance of her home, Mikasa and the three fillies following her inside, Mikasa removing her Stetson and holding it at her side. From the next room on their right, the sound of frying and the smell of sweet pastry wafted through the air.

“Applejack?” called a high-pitched, aged female voice from the room. “Is that you dear?”

“Sure is, Granny Smith,” Applejack answered.

“That’s good, because I’m just makin’ yer’ breakfast!”

“Well, you might as well add another, ‘cause you ain’t gonna’ believe who I picked up!”

“You have a guest? Well, let me see ‘em, then.”

Applejack led Mikasa and the fillies into the kitchen, where a lime-green elderly-looking mare stood at the stove. Her skin was sagging, but her flank, where a whole apple pie in a tin was emblazoned, still looked well-kept.

Her white mane and tail were both tied into large buns with loose ends sticking out. Tied around her neck was an orange bandana with red-apples decorated all over it. Turning her head to face Mikasa and Applejack, Mikasa could see the perpetual droop of the mare’s ears, her half closed eyes, and her pruny mouth along with her wrinkled face. Upon seeing the human in her kitchen, Granny Smith cackled loudly and approached her.

“We-he-hell,” she chuckled, “is this your old friend from that far-away place, er… what was it called again?”

“It’s Earth, Granny Smith,” Applejack answered, running to the stove and flipping the pancakes that were inside of it. “And yes, this is Mikasa.”

“Well,” she said to the human, “yer’ purtier than I imagined you’d be.”

“Thanks,” Mikasa spoke awkwardly as Granny Smith touched her abs with her hoof.

“Thick as stone,” she complimented before standing to her hind legs and supporting herself on Mikasa’s shoulders. “And them arms,” she observed, moving them down, forcing Mikasa to stretch them out and continue supporting the nag as she felt her out, “so lean and well-toned. Yer’ quite the strong one, Mikasa.”

“Again,” Mikasa nervously giggled, setting Granny Smith back down, “thank you.”

“Well, I imagine breakfast’s almost ready for you and Mikasa. Go ahead and grab seat. I’m sure you’ll meet Big Mac soon enough. Hehe. He’s gonna’ get a kick out of you.”

As Granny Smith, walked towards the kitchen’s exit, Mikasa looked to a small table off to the right side, going over and sitting at one of the two chairs, placing her hat on her lap. A jar of butter and a boat of syrup was already out. Applejack walked over with a plate in her teeth, containing a small stack of two pancakes, placing it on the table before Applejack.

“Go ahead and eat,” egged Applejack. “I already ate on the train. Then I’d like you to help Big Mac and I with something.”

“Aw, come on,” begged Apple Bloom, who wore devastated faces along with her two other friends. “We want to play with Mikasa some more.”

“Apple Bloom,” cooed Mikasa. “It’s alright. I haven’t seen Applejack in quite some time and I’d like to spend some time with her if I could.”

“Aww,” the three fillies whined, drooping their heads down.

“It’s okay girls,” Applejack assured them. “Mikasa won’t be leaving here too soon. You can play with her some more tomorrow.”

“But tomorrow’s school…” Scootaloo moaned.

Applejack put her hoof to her chin, thinking of an alternate solution. Her face brightened up upon

“How about this?” asked Applejack. “Mikasa can take all y’all to school. How does that sound?”

Instantly, the sad faces of the fillies lit up bright, happy of the idea.

“That sounds like a great idea!” Sweetie Belle said.

“Hehe,” chuckled Applejack, “I’m glad we agree. Now, run along, girls. You have a busy day of crusading to do.”

“Okay!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shouted out before running out.

“Bye, Mikasa!” called Apple Bloom. “See you tomorrow!”

Before Mikasa could wave goodbye, Apple Bloom had already left. Applejack shook her head, amused by their playful spirit. She then looked to Mikasa’s plate, which hadn’t looked at all touched.

“Come on, Mikasa,” encouraged Applejack. “Don’t let yer’ hotcakes get cold!”

Truth be told, Mikasa had already eaten filling provisions earlier that morning on earth. While not entirely hungry, she couldn’t bring herself to turn down her friend’s meal. Reaching for her knife, she scooped a pat of butter and began to spread it over the top pancake.
________________________________________________________________________________________

On the floor above the Sugarcube Corner shop, the two foals were asleep in their beds, softly nuzzling their covers over themselves. Conny, peering at them through the crack in the door, silently shut it, leaving the two to nap once again.

“Wow,” Pinkie Pie whispered as they made themselves to an upstairs staircase, “I never knew how good you are with children.”

“I had a little baby brother before I left for the Military,” explained Conny. “I was always taking care of him. It seemed I was the only one he liked.”

“Then you must be really good with kids.”

“It’s really not all that hard. Kids love fun, and I’m just chock full of that.”

“That you are!”

Pinkie Pie and Conny made it to the top of the stairs, leading to a rather large bedroom. Much of the furniture, which included a queen-sized bed, a wardrobe, a blue couch, and a table with a record player on it, was pushed off to the edge of the room, leaving a lot of space in the middle. Left of the stairway was yet another staircase that led to a pink wrap-around walkway inside the room. On the right of it was a nice fireplace with a stone platform before it.

“Wow,” Conny sighed, looking up. “This is your room?”

“The long and short of it!” responded Pinkie Pie. “Even though it’s not really long or short. Or maybe tall and short. Is this room really that tall?”

As Pinkie Pie went on her rant. Conny looked to see a small, light-green alligator sleeping on Pinkie Pie’s bed, curled up much like a cat. Conny curiously approached it, sticking its finger towards it.

“Well, hey little guy,” whispered Conny, reaching the base of its neck.

As quick as lightning, the creature’s large, purple eyes shot open. Jumping up and opening its pink, fleshy mouth, the gator bit down on Conny’s hand. Although it lacked any teeth, the quick actions of the reptile scared Conny horrendously, making him run around the room and screaming, the gator keeping his mouth clamped on.

“Ah!” he shouted. “Get it off! Get it off!”

The commotion was enough for Pinkie Pie to end her previous rant, seeing what was wrong with her friend.

“Oh,” she nervously chuckled, seeing the gator biting her friend, “looks like you’ve met Gummy.”

Conny could not hear Pinkie Pie past his terrified screams.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Applejack and Mikasa, her hat back on her head, walked out from the double doors of the barn, heading out towards the orchards. Mikasa’s hand was placed over her stomach, feeling the strain from two breakfasts.

“So,” Mikasa said, “what is it that you needed my help with?”

“I was going to sell some apples in town tomorrow to have a little extra cash in Canterlot for the Summer Sun Celebration,” explained Applejack. “The more apples I can buck, the more money I stand to make. I’ll need someone to carry the buckets back to the barn, and that’s where I’d like you to help. I’ll even pay you a cut of whatever I make tomorrow.”

“Thank you, but there’s no need for that.”

“Well, I certainly ain’t letting you work for free. I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

Mikasa wanted to speak, but seeing as how her friend was already doing so much for her, she knew that refusing would be fighting a losing battle.

“Alright,” she quietly relented. “That sounds fair.”

“Hey!” exclaimed Applejack. “There’s Big Mac now!”

Over the hill, Mikasa’s eyes met upon a muscular red stallion with a short orange mane and tail. The front of a halved green apple that covered his entire flank served as his cutie mark. His hooves were light-yellow in color from use, tufts of fur hanging just above them. Over his neck was a large, wooden yoke. Hanging from his mouth was a long piece of wheat which he twiddled to both sides of his mouth.

Facing an apple tree with three empty wooden buckets along the bottom next to the trunk, he quickly turned around, and tucked his back legs in, bucking them out and striking the tree. To Mikasa’s amazement, each apple that hung from the branch not only fell off the tree, but perfectly landed in one of the three buckets, filling each one full.

“Mmhm,” he proudly huffed.

“Big Mac!” called Applejack, allowing him to turn around, his face and body stunned upon seeing Mikasa with her as they came near. “Big Macintosh! I’d like you to meet my friend Mikasa, all the way from Earth.”

“Well, howdy,” gushed the blushing Big Mac. “My sister’s told me so much about y’all and your friends. It’s an honor to finally meet you at last.”

Big Macintosh reached his large hoof forwards, which Mikasa had to take in both hands to shake.

“Mikasa’s going to help us on some yardwork so I can do some selling tomorrow,” Applejack said. “Mikasa, would you mind putting some baskets around one of these trees for us?”

“Certainly,” Mikasa said.

Walking around, Big Macintosh, petting his strong neck and confusing him, she lifted three buckets from a stack and walked to the next closest three, placing them each within a third apart from each other. As Applejack went towards the prepared tree, Mikasa stood before it in a fighting stance.

“Mikasa?” asked Applejack. “What are you doing?”

“The way you gather the apples,” explained Mikasa. “It looks interesting. I want to give it a try.”

“Mikasa, it takes a lot of strength to clean a tree like me or Big Mac can. You should probably lea–”

“I said I want to give it a try,” Mikasa hissed, glaring at the tree.

Immediately, Applejack and Big Mac took a step back, frightened by Mikasa’s resolve.

“Is she really…” whispered Applejack to Big Mac.

“Eeyup,” he said.

“Do you really think she can?”

“Nnope.”

Mikasa stared at the perfect point for striking the bark: right at the center, and two to three inches above that. Running at the tree, she leapt up and tucked her legs in. At the right moment, she thrust her right foot out and hit the trunk with a loud shout, making the whole tree quiver.

Gravity pulled her back down, but Mikasa managed to land on her feet and back away from the tree, doing her best to hide the slight limp in her foot. Mikasa, Applejack, and Big Mac looked at the tree, awaiting the results. At that moment, all of the apples plucked themselves from the branches and fell into the bucket, almost as flawlessly as Big Mac had done.

Mikasa let out a content sight and turned to face Applejack and Big Mac. The both of them stood with mouths agape, the piece of straw dropping from Big Mac’s mouth. Mikasa merely turned back and picked up one of the buckets, turning towards the barn and walking back.

“Could you help me with those other two buckets?” asked Mikasa.

As Mikasa passed them, Applejack continued to stare at her. Big Mac however, smitten with her modesty and hidden strength, smiled warmly and chuckled, his ears drooped down in reverence.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Jean and Fluttershy sat out in the small field behind the latter’s house upon a large red-and-white checkered blanket. Between them was a picnic basket that was filled with a bag of crumbs, a bag of assorted nuts, shaved whole carrots, and a collection of various flowers.

Surrounding the blanket were a variety of different animals. Along with the average woodland critters, such as squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks, there were also ferrets, beavers, otters, and an assortment of birds, including ducks, hummingbirds, jays, and robins. While many seemed happy in the presence of the kind yellow pegasus, some of the animals looked strangely at Jean, unsure what he was and why he was in Fluttershy’s company. However, as Jean carefully passed animals a carrot or a handful of nuts, the animals found themselves less wary, accepting Jean’s treat with happy chirps and gracious nods.

“This is unbelievable,” Jean said with a relaxed smile. “The animals on Earth don’t act like this at all.”

“Really?” asked Fluttershy. “Because many of the birds that lived in the trees around your headquarters were very nice. Perhaps I just have a way with words.”

“Perhaps…”

Jean reached into the basket, grabbing a handful of feed. Holding it out in front of him, several small birds gathered onto Jean’s hand and picked generously. Jean massaged the neck of a blue jay with the back of the joint on his free index finger, the bird nuzzling its neck into Jean’s finger, making him chuckle.

“What about you?” asked Fluttershy. “Did you see any kinds of animals along your journey?”

“In all honesty,” spoke Jean, “a lot of the animals that we came across were no different than the ones that still lived within the walls. However, the ones we did see… oh, goodness,” he sighed, running his fingers through his hair, “I can’t even remember what they were called. I’m certain you would have been very valuable to have along for our journey.”

“That’s so kind of you, Jean.”

By now, Jean’s hand had no traces of feed upon his hand, allowing the birds to leave and let Jean put his hand down.

“In fact,” Jean admitted with a slight blush, “every time we came across a new animal, I couldn’t help but think of you, and how much I wished you’d have been there to tell us what it was. It really reminded the rest of us how much we missed you and the others.”

The animals that listened in on Jean’s confession wore touched smiles, many of the squirrels and ferrets clasping their hands together. Fluttershy then leaned over and tilted Jean’s head up with her hoof, allowing him to face her, seeing her accepting smile.

“Well, we’re here now,” she said, “so you don’t need to feel sad anymore.”

Jean tenderly clasped his hand around Fluttershy’s hoof, savoring the soft touch on his palm and the serenity he felt from it. Unbeknownst to him, a large, bulky mass of fur approached him from behind. Fluttershy’s face brightened upon seeing it, much like she would for the arrival of a good friend.

“Hello, Mr. Bear,” greeted Fluttershy. “You haven’t met Jean yet, have you?”

Jean, feeling the creature’s breathing on the back of his neck, turned around to see a large brown bear looking at him inquisitively. Jean, seeing the creature’s teeth, shouted loud and jumped back, nearly landing atop Fluttershy. Jean’s sudden reaction, forced many of the smaller mammals and birds back away in fright.

“Holy shit!” shouted Jean. “That’s a bear!”

Fluttershy looked nervously at her terrified friend, and then to the bear, who stood hunched on his hind legs, wringing his paws shamefully, unsure of what he did wrong.

“Oh,” cooed Fluttershy, trotting to him and petting the side of his thigh, “don’t be sad, Mr. Bear, my friend Jean has never seen a bear up close before, and you must have given him quite the fright. I’m sure if you’re nice to him, he won’t be as scared anymore.”

Rolling back on his fours, the bear stood over Jean, who didn’t dare make any more moves as the massive animal looked down at him. Jean closed his eyes and shuddered as the bear’s head dipped down, sniffing the bare skin on his neck. Seeing that he didn’t mean any harm, the bear smiled, licking Jean from the base of the neck to his ear, coating it with saliva.

Jean continued to tremble as the bear nuzzled the side of his face into Jean’s wet neck. Fluttershy, finding the event cute, approached Jean and lied on her stomach, reaching underneath the bear and rubbing Jean’s stomach.

“See?” Fluttershy softly asked him. “He’s nice. You just have to trust him, is all.”

Jean, trusting his friend’s judgment, managed to pick up his arms and gently wrap them around the bear’s neck in a hug. The bear, now facing Jean, gave another happy lick up Jean’s face. Jean hid his disdain for his slimed head through a forced chuckle. Nonetheless, Fluttershy closed her eyes and smiled, thankful for the confrontation to end on a good note.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Rarity flipped a switch on the wall, shining light all about the circular room from four lamps that were connected to the wall at equal distances. With the room now properly lit, Sasha and Rarity could see that they were standing in a blueberry-colored, dome-shaped room supported on the sides by white-and-lavender checkered pillars.

The front-right half of the room appeared to be work-related, seeing a desk with a red sewing machine and a shelf filled with different colors of fabrics organized inside of it. On the other side of the widow, there were six pony mannequins, each one with six simple, but colorful dresses on each one. The rest of the room left of the door consisted of a red with red-velvet sheets and a fuchsia canopy, and a cabinet. Immediately, Sasha’s eyes were drawn towards the six dresses.

“Wow,” Sasha gasped, “these are beautiful.”

“Really?” Rarity wondered. “Because honestly, they’re far from finished.”

“Are you joking? If I were a pony, I’d wear this and never want to take it off.”

“Oh, you’re too kind, Sasha, but these dresses are for my friends, and I want to have them finished by tonight.”

“Tonight? Why would you need these dresses tonight?”

“Oh, you see, these dresses are for the Summer Sun Celebration ball in a few days, and I wanted to get their opinions before I take these with to Canterlot, so we’re meeting at a café for dinner to meet up.”

Sasha, hearing the word “dinner,” perked up.

“Can I come?” asked Sasha.

“But of course, darling! I’m certain the others would love to see you again.”

“Me too…”

Rarity used the moment of silence that followed to look at the six dresses upon the mannequins. Rarity’s face slowly began to brighten, formulating an idea.

“Sasha,” wondered Rarity, “I know this may sound like a personal question...”

“Yes?” Sasha responded.

“Could I measure you?”

“Measure me? What for?”

“Since I’m making dresses for my friends, I just thought I could make some outfits for you and your friends.”

“What? Rarity, that’s very nice, but you don’t need to go through all that.”

“But I must! The Summer Sun Celebration ball is a very formal gathering of Equestria’s upper class, and I want you all looking your absolute best.”

“But… all that work–”

“That’s not a problem. With Coco’s help, I’ll get them all done in a jiffy.”

Sasha still had many questions with her, but Rarity’s excited smile told Sasha that they’d be rebuffed before she could fully ask her.

“Alright,” Sasha replied. “I’ll trust that you’ll do your best.”

“Wonderful! Now, if you could please remove your clothing.”

Sasha squeaked in apprehension and hugged her chest defensively.

“You need me to undress?” Sasha exclaimed.

“It’s quite alright,” Rarity assured her. “We’re both ladies here. Besides, I’m not wearing cloths right now and you don’t see me having a fuss.”

Sasha, feeling trumped by Rarity’s logic, began to unbutton her vest, a more relaxed smile on her face. Rarity, happy for Sasha’s compliance, levitated a rolled up measuring tape from her desk.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Eren flew just behind Rainbow Dash and Gilda inside a tall, misty canyon. His Element of Harmony was equipped to his sides and his Military boots were firmly on his feet. His sword handles were in his hand, but the blades looked as if they were missing.

The three of them approached a wall of brambles and thorny vines. Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash and Gilda flew inside. Eren gasped at their bravery, but huffed soon afterwards, unable to allow them to make a fool of him.

Eren flew through the gaps, hardly able to see Gilda or Rainbow Dash through the dangerous foliage. Leaping from vine to vine on his feet, Eren managed to see every gap and hop through it, still managing to keep his distance. More often than not, the thorns would snag Eren’s clothes and hands, cutting them lightly. Despite this, Eren ignored it and pressed on.

Gilda and Rainbow Dash flew from the bramble field, not a scratch on either of them. Eren emerged soon after, his skin broken and his clothes torn. Rainbow Dash looked back and chuckled, both in amusement of Eren’s cuts, and in respect for his ability to keep up.

“Nice job, Eren!” called Rainbow Dash, “but let’s see how you can get past the quarray eels!”

“Huh?” Eren gasped.

Rainbow Dash and Gilda flew deeper into the canyon, passing by several large holes within the rock face. As the two of them flew out in front of one, a large, red, serpentine creature with a purple underbelly emerged from it, biting down at them and crashing its face into the other side of the canyon.

Eren shuddered in shock, having never seen anything like this thing before. More came out of their holes as Rainbow Dash and Gilda flew past and irked them, staying out to await the oncoming Eren. Eren squeezed the handles of his blade, flying faster than ever before.

Zipping in between two of the eels’ heads, Eren found himself flying in between the jaws of another. Eren flipped his body forwards and facing down, allowing the eel’s bite to miss him. Looking down, Rainbow Dash and Gilda were nowhere to be seen. Completing his flip and looking up, Rainbow Dash and Gilda were still not there.

Keeping close to the wall and flying next to the intact spaces of the wall in between the eels’ holes, Eren avoided the eels and continued looking about. Suddenly, he saw Rainbow Dash and Gilda carefully dodging the eels in the center of the canyon, seeing himself at a neck-and-neck tie with both of them. As they did with the brambles, the two of them looked to be managing themselves well.

With a relieved smirk, Eren continued flying along his path, passing the last hole and moving out towards the center of the canyon. Rainbow Dash and Gilda, flying past the last one, saw Eren out in front of her, frightening the latter.

“Nuh-uh!” Rainbow Dash shouted, picking up her speed and flying alongside Eren. “I ain’t losing to you again!”

Rainbow Dash flapped her wings as hard as she could, finally overtaking Eren. Eren chuckling as the end of the canyon came close, squeezed the handles of his bladeless swords, coming close behind Rainbow Dash. The edge quickly came up, and Eren and Rainbow Dash’s heads were right at the same level. Passing the top of the canyon, Eren and Rainbow Dash let off their speed, shooting up into the air and falling back towards the ground.

“I totally beat you that time!” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“No way!” Eren protested. “I got faster than you!”

“Not a chance!”

While Rainbow Dash fluttered down with her wings, Eren hovered down using the magic of his element, still continuing their argument.

“Maybe if you didn’t cheat!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Cheated?” Eren laughed. “I passed through those eel things fair and square!”

“Hey, hey!” shouted Gilda, landing besides them. “Hasn’t anyone ever heard of a tie?”

“Tie-schmie!” Rainbow Dash. “I want a rematch!”

“No,” Eren said, “I have a better idea.”

“What’s that?”

With no other warning, Eren wrapped his arm around Rainbow Dash’s neck, leaning back and pulling her down. Eren laughed as he tried to roll over and pin her down. Rainbow Dash, finding more fun in their little wrestle, playfully pushed and rolled away from Eren as she too tried to pin Eren down. Gilda could only watch with a slight smile as Eren and Rainbow Dash played together like children
________________________________________________________________________________________

Outside from a large café with green supports set under the orange afternoon sky, Rarity and Sasha sat along a row of giant, purple mushrooms, serving as tables, with a long stretch of hay bales serving as the seats atop the sandy-colored ground. Many ponies sat at similarly shaped tables, either talking or imbibing the drinks or dining off the simple plates of food before them. While Rarity sat calm and composed, reading a menu, Rarity clicked her knees together, looking around for no one in particular.

“Dear me,” Rarity exclaimed, “I didn’t think everypony was going to be this late with getting here. Sasha, would you like me to order you something to drink.”

“No,” sighed Sasha pertly, “I’ll wait for the others to get here.”

“Suit yourself…”

As Rarity put her menu back in front of her face, Sasha continued searching outside the café area. Looking amongst the ponies that walked by the restaurant, she finally saw a human figure with a shaved head walking beside a hopping pink pony. Recognizing them instantly, Sasha shot out of her seat, waving her arms at her two friends.

“Conny!” she shouted, nearly scaring Rarity out of her own seat. “Pinkie Pie!”

Pinkie Pie spotted the erratic Sasha within the outdoor seating of the café, her face brightening upon seeing her and Rarity together.

“Look, Conny!” chirped Pinkie Pie, pointing her hoof out. “It’s Sasha! Come on! Let’s go say hi!”

Pinkie Pie galloped out towards Sasha and Rarity, Conny having to run out to catch up. Pinkie Pie’s giddy smile brought another smile to Sasha’s face, especially and Pinkie Pie ran towards her and hugged her tight.

“Hi, Sasha!” Pinkie Pie greeted. “Long time no see!”

“Yeah,” agreed Sasha, rubbing Pinkie Pie’s back affectionately. “Hi, Pinkie Pie!”

As Conny began to take a seat for himself, Twilight, Spike, Armin, Levi, Petra, and Hanji came from around a corner and walked into the café, spotting Sasha and Conny inside.

“Hello, Conny,” spoke Twilight, offering her hoof to Conny, which he shook. “Good to see you again.”

“Yeah, you too,” agreed Conny.

“Ooh, Levi!” Rarity called out, standing from her seat and walking up to him.

“Rarity,” said Levi, acknowledging her with a clasp of her hoof in both of his hands.

“It’s such a pleasure to see you again, darling.”

“Likewise…”

“Hanji!” cheered Pinkie Pie, leaping with joy upon seeing her.

“Pinkie!” Hanji cried happily.

Pinkie Pie hopped into Hanji’s arms as she spun her around like a child with her doll. Approaching the café with Mikasa was Applejack, who looked delighted to see Armin.

“Howdy, Armin!” she called out. “How’s it going?”

“Applejack!” Armin exclaimed.

Applejack greeted Armin back with a wrap-around hug and a pat on his back, setting herself back down to greet the others. Mikasa then approached Armin.

“You haven’t seen Eren around, have you?” she asked.

“No, I haven’t,” Armin responded.

“Then perhaps you need to look a bit harder,” spoke Eren’s voice.

Armin and Mikasa looked to the side to see Eren standing about ten feet away from them. However, Rainbow Dash was already soaring towards the both of them, wrapping her arms around both of their necks and pulling them towards her in a group hug.

“Wow!” she exclaimed. “Everybody’s really here!”

“Hi, Rainbow Dash!” greeted Armin, patting her lower back with his hand.

As Rainbow Dash continued hugging two of her oldest human friends, Eren turned to see Applejack galloping towards him, draping her arms over his shoulders and snuggling her face into the side of his head. The force nearly knocked Eren back, but was able to keep standing with two recoiling steps.

“Eren!” Applejack gleefully shouted. “It’s so great to see you.”

“Haha,” giggled Eren, hugging Applejack tight. “It’s great to see you too, Applejack.”

Rainbow Dash flew about, looking for the next of her friends to greet, only to see Conny greeting Jean and Fluttershy, who had arrived down below. Conny, noticing her through the corner of his eye, smiled as he blocked the setting sun with his hand.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!” called Conny.

“Conny!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash, swooping down and giving him a hug. “What’s up?”

By now, most of the outdoor area was filled with humans reuniting with their Equestrian friends and the chatter of greetings and laughs they had begun to share. The other ponies around them and dining could not look away. Nonetheless, they were happy to see everyone going about in such high spirits.

“Everyone!” called Rarity, picking up a small, flowered water vase with her magic, clinking a fork against it. “Could we all please sit down?!”

Levi and Petra had already began to sit down next to Rarity, while Jean and Fluttershy took seats across from them. The others moved about and began to take their seats, sitting next to their partners and friends while still continuing their friendly conversations.

“I do have to say,” Rarity began, getting the others to silence themselves, “it was certainly a pleasant surprise to have all of you come here, albeit unannounced. However, you couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Summer Sun Celebration just days away, I can speak for all of us that we couldn’t be happier that you’ll be celebrating it with us.”

“Well,” added Armin, “it was nice of the princesses to bring us.”

“That it was. However, there is something I’d like to ask the humans, and do not take this the wrong way.”

Immediately, the humans’ looks of pleasantness became one of awkward confusion.

“It’s alright,” Sasha vouched. “She only wants to measure us!”

“Measure us?” asked Eren.

“What for?” wondered Jean, as if almost offended.

“You see,” Rarity explained. “On the night of the Summer Sun Celebration, there is a lavish ball that is held, and everypony will be dressed in their best suits and gowns. I assume that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would like you to attend, but I can’t imagine that you brought such formal attire with you.”

“Of course not,” Levi responded. “All we were told was that we would be going to Canterlot.”

“That’s all well and good, but I still don’t think I would be able to allow you to attend such an important party dressed as… casually as you all are. That is why, after dinner, I would like you to follow me back to Carousel Boutique so I can measure you all, in complete privacy, of course, and present you with proper attire for the ball.”

As usual, the humans, especially the men, looked rather uncomfortable about Rarity’s question.

“It’s okay, everybody,” Sasha assured them. “She only wants to help us out. Plus, I managed to see the ones she was already working on for the rest of you,” she said, directing her voice to the ponies. “I know she’ll do a good job. Come on, guys. Give her a chance!”

The other humans looked to each other, as if waiting for one of them to commit for the rest. However, one finally broke the silence.

“I’ll do it,” spoke Hanji. “I’ve never considered myself a dressy person, but if it will make you and the others happy, I’ll gladly volunteer.”

The other humans, seeing Hanji’s offer, relaxed as they prepared their answer.

“I suppose if we can dress like the citizens from the inner districts,” said Conny.

“Come to think of it,” mentioned Jean, “that doesn’t sound too bad.”

“You’re right,” agreed Petra. “I think we can manage.”

“I might as well,” Levi relented with a sigh. “I’ll need to have these clothes cleaned of hay anyways.”

“I’ll give you my permission as well,” spoke Mikasa.

“So will I,” answered Armin.”

Eren looked about, seeing himself as the last man out. However, if his friends were all up to it, it seemed that his hands were tied.

“Alright,” Eren answered. “I’ll come too.”

“Wonderful!” chirped Rarity. “Sasha and I will lead you over to my house after dinner.”

“But what about our dresses?” asked Pinkie Pie. “I had set of precious time in my calendar to be able to see them!”

“It’s okay, Pinkie,” Twilight told her. “I’m sure Rarity hasn’t forgotten.”

“Indeed I haven’t!” responded Rarity. “Since I will need to make more outfits, I will need a bit more time to finish yours. However, I thought it would be a lot more fun if we could all see everyone’s outfits tomorrow. How does that sound?”

“Actually,” Applejack said, smugly smiling at Rarity’s ingenuity, “that ain’t a half-bad idea, Rarity!”

“Probably because that’s not a bad idea at all!” Pinkie Pie agreed.

“Then it’s settled,” declared Rarity. “The big reveal will be tomorrow!”

The others nodded in agreement, chattering about what surprise tomorrow would hold

“Hello?” piped a meek voice from the front end of the table.

Standing at the end of the table was a happy bluish-grey pegasus mare with a choppy, blonde mane and tail. Seven tiny bubbles were what comprised her cutie mark, but the most remarkable feature of all were her golden yellow eyes, one of which would constantly look off in the opposite direction from the other. The others looked felt odd about her condition, but did their best to not alienate her for it.

“Um…” responded Armin, still perplexed about the pegasus’ condition. “Hello there.”

“Hi!” she greeted, he voice sounding squeaky and slightly slurred. “I’m Derpy Hooves, and I have a message for you guys!”

Derpy? Eren thought. Someone was really cruel enough to name someone like that?

“What is it?” asked Twilight in response to Derpy Hooves’s statement.

“Well, you guys kind of showed up out of the blue, and the ponies who sent me over wanted to know…”

Derpy Hooves’s words trailed off as she spotted Eren looking at her pitifully.

“Hey,” asked Derpy Hooves, sounding somewhat hurt, “why is he looking at me like that?”

Twilight and Applejack both turned to look at Eren, whose face made them feel sick with embarrassment, only adding to Eren’s confusion and pressure.

“I’m sorry,” Eren defended sincerely. “I’m just curious why your eyes are jumbled up like that.”

“Eren!” scolded Twilight. “Don’t be so insensitive!”

“It’s okay,” sighed Derpy Hooves, looking a touch despondent. “I was born with the condition. It’s okay, though! I can see just fine!”

“Well…” Eren said nervously, “I’m glad to hear that.”

Derpy Hooves, accepting the compliment as an apology, closed her eyes and gave Eren a loving smile.

“Anyways,” interrupted Twilight, still sounding a touch irate, “what did you want to tell us?”

“Oh, that’s right!” Derpy Hooves exclaimed, clunking her head with her hoof. “Silly of me to forget. I was sent by the folks at the Ponyville Hostel if you humans needed a place to sleep tonight and tomorrow. Well?”

“That’s awful kind of ya’,” responded Applejack. “However, I was planning on letting Mikasa stay with me overnight.”

“Eh,” Twilight spoke, “that could be a problem for me.”

“Huh?” wondered Hanji. “Why’s that?”

“I only have my bed upstairs, and that won’t be nearly enough to fit four of you, even if I sleep on the floor.”

“And even if I did have the room,” added Rainbow Dash, “I don’t think Eren can walk on clouds like pegasi can.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be a problem,” Applejack said. “There’s plenty of space at Sweet Apple Acres for a whole bunch of you. How does that sound.”

“Well,” asked Petra, “how many can you allow?”

“Well, I already have Mikasa, and I can take you, Levi, Hanji, Armin, and Eren. That is, if you don’t mind sharing beds.”

“That’s fine,” Petra responded, holding Levi’s left hand, “we won’t mind.”

Levi looked to Petra, who merely gave him a toothy smile that they both know he couldn’t deny.

“I’ll come to,” he responded.

“If you’re really up for it,” Hanji said. “I’ll come too.”

“Plus,” Armin spoke, standing up and coming in between Eren and Mikasa, placing his hands on their shoulders, “we’ll get to be together.”

“Yeah,” Eren sighed, relieved by this aspect. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash.”

“Ah, it’s cool,” she spoke with a wave of her hoof. “We got the rest of your stay to hang out some more.”

“What about the rest of you?” asked Twilight.

“Oh, it’s okay,” responded Fluttershy. “I’ll let Jean have my bed.”

“And Sasha can have mine. I can move my things down to the studio and work there with Coco for the night.”

“And you don’t mind sleeping with your good pal Pinkie, would you?” Pinkie Pie asked to Conny, hugging him.

“Sure,” he wheezed, feeling the wind being crushed from him.

“So,” Derpy wondered, looking about the ponies and humans, “you’re all set then?”

“Afraid so,” Twilight responded, “but thank you very much for the message, Derpy.”

“Well, that’s good!” Derpy Hooves responded. “I’ll be sure to let the hostel know!”

Derpy Hooves turned away from the table and began to exit the café, letting the others resume their reunion meal. Unbeknownst to Derpy Hooves, Twilight pulled down on Eren’s ear, scolding him for his behavior.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Derpy Hooves walked about Ponyville, the sun soon beginning to dip past the hills to the west and the streets becoming more vacant. Looking out at a single upcoming alley, she spotted a mint-green tail with a white streak flick out from the end of it, signaling her over. Derpy Hooves moved into a quick trot and slid inside the alley, finding Lyra inside.

Coming deeper into the alley, Lyra gave Derpy Hooves an expectant and firm nod. Instantly, Derpy Hooves’s light, bubbly smile changed into that of equal seriousness and determination. However, her eyes remained in their abnormal positions.

“Did the humans accept?” Lyra asked her.

“No, they didn’t,” responded Derpy Hooves, her voice much more controlled and fluent. “It seems that they will be spending the night with their friends. Several of them are going to Sweet Apple Acres, on the count of Twilight not having any more room and Rainbow Dash being unable to house a human in her cloud home.”

“I see. It’ll be much harder to keep our eyes on them, then. No offense, that is…”

“None taken…”

As Derpy Hooves paced around, Lyra couldn’t help but note the hostile tone to her voice at her last two words.

“What happened?” asked Lyra.

“That Eren one. He made a crack about my eyes.”

“Hey, Derpy, I’m sure he didn’t mean that. We were told that he is a bit rash, both on and off the battlefield.”

“I’ll show him a rash, alright…”

“Derpy, now’s not the time to start something. Come on, let’s go send our report, grab a shake, and call it a night. Deal?”

Derpy Hooves, realizing herself being worked up, took a deep, relaxing sigh and looked to her partner with a smirk, gladdened by the prospect of a refreshing frost beverage.

“Alright,” she answered. “Let’s get going.”

Walking side by side, Lyra and Derpy Hooves made their way to the other end of the alley towards the town, Derpy Hooves reforming into her happy and blithe façade.