“And that’s when I said, “if you’re gonna use butter, don’t stuff it up there all at once!” laughed out loud Daring’s grandfather to a listening seventeen year old Humble Pie in a baby blue tux and black bowtie as they sat in the former’s living room waiting for Daring to put on her outfit for prom as a bouqet of flowers sat on a coffee table.

“I, uh, didn’t know dairy products could fit there,” chuckled Humble nervously as he quickly checked the grandfather clock in the corner. “So, uh, how’s the business been doing?”

“Oh, the M.I.T?” said Daring's grandfather as he ate a cracker. “Pretty good, pretty good, we just got a new cappuccino machine in the Fillydelphia branch headquarters.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” said Humble stretching his neck to see if Dazzle was coming down yet only to hear  the sound of the doorbell ring. “That must be Coil.”

“I’ll get it!” said Arrowhead as she came downstairs in a green and yellow dress that had a v shaped dip in the front. “How do I look?”

“Like a watermelon,” said Ace as he trotted past her.

“Ace!” said Arrowhead as she fretted over the dress.

“Ace!” said Dazzle’s grandfather. “Don’t listen to him honey, you look like the most beautiful melon ever.”

“Thanks grandpa,” said Arrowhead as she opened the front door to a black tux and bowtie wearing Coil with flowers in his hoofs.

“Hiya Arrowhead!” said Coil holding the flowers out for Arrowhead. “My mom said you would like these!”

“Aww, that’s so sweet,” said Arrowhead taking the flowers. “I’ll go put these with the rest, do come in,” she said gently putting them into a closet with the sign, “gifts from colts” on it.

“Hiya Coil,” said Daring’s grandfather who Coil waved back.

“Hi Coil,” said Humble as Coil sat down on a couch. “So how was your mom with the news of you going to prom?”

“Oh, she reacted ok,” said Coil. “But she did insist on me taking this bottle of apple juice and only having it to drink,” said Coil taking a sip out of it. “Mmmm, apples.”

“Well then, how about you boys talk while I check on Artemis, kay?” said Daring’s grandfather before a gentle hoof came down upon his shoulder.

“How about I check on her grandpa?” said Arrowhead with a smile. “I think this is more of a sisterly job,” she said trotting up the stairs.

“Hmm, ok,” said Daring’s grandpa sitting down. “How about I tell you boys about the time I put hot sauce in the one of our factories water coolers?”

Meanwhile in Daring's room,

“And done!” said Daring as she finished putting on her eyeshadow and pouted her lips in the mirror.

“Nicely done,” said Arrowhead startling Daring, causing her to fall to the floor with her sapphire blue dress. “Hahahaha!”

“Shut up!” said Daring throwing a pillow from her bed at Arrowhead who dodged real quickly.

“Whoah! Watch out sis.”

“What are you even doing up here?” said Daring checking to see if her combed mane was ruined. “Isn’t Coil coming soon?”

“The guy’s downstairs with gramps...you alright?” said Arrowhead slightly concerned.

“Yeah, why?” said Daring as she drew a heart breaking in the mirror with lipstick. “Why would you think something’s wrong?”

“Umm, how about we talk for a sec?” said Arrowhead trotting over to the bed and climbing ontop of it.

“Sure,” said Daring trotting over to her sister. “What ya wanna talk about?”

“Come on Dazzle,” said Arrowhead chuckling. “Isn’t it obvious? You're having a problematic romantic oh my.”

“A what in the who now?” said Daring with a tilted head.

“Or P.R.O.M,” said Arrowhead.

A few seconds passed in silence.

“Gramps gave me a acronym book,” said Arrowhead with a shrug. “I had a doctor appointment and nothing else to read.”

“Oh, well I can tell you Arrow I don’t have any “P.R.O.M” problems,” said Daring folding her arms. “I’m just concerned with my appearance is all. Does my mane look good?”

“It’s grayscale like always,” said Arrowhead ruffling Daring’s mane till Daring pushed her away.

“Arrow stop, do you know how long it took to get my mane like this?”

“Too long,” said Arrowhead with a smirk before seeing Daring’s face turn downward. “Aw, come on I was only joking.”

“It’s not that,” signed Daring as she trotted back over towards the mirror.

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Nothing like a certain coltfriend?” said Arrowhead trotting over to Daring who didn’t respond. “Is that what this is about? A colt?”

“Hey, he’s a stallion!” said Daring.

“Oh? And how would you know?” said Arrowhead smirking.

“Well-wait not like that!” said Daring lighting up like a volcano. “I-I-mean his age, umm.”

“Relax,” said Arrowhead slapping Daring on the head. “I know you and Humble wouldn’t do anything like that, you’re not daring enough. So how about you tell me what’s on your mind?”

“What if he laughs!” said Daring burying her muzzle into a pillow.

“At that piece of celery on your teeth?”

“What celery!?” said Daring rushing to the mirror to find the wayward vegetable.

“Joking! But seriously, what do you mean if he laughs?” said Arrowhead before starting to brush Daring’s hair into a nice style.

“You know,” said Daring looking around to see if anypony would hear them. “That I can’t... dance,” she whispered softly.

“Pfffft, please Dazzle,” said Arrowhead tying Daring’s mane into a nice bundle with a black mane clipper. “Do you really think Humble, the colt-” she said before a nasty look from Daring stopped her. “-Stallion that utterly adores you and most likely restraining himself to worship you at your hooves, cares that you can’t dance?”

“Well, yes,” said Daring as Arrowhead finished. “I mean weren’t you nervous when you went to prom with your date?”

“Yeah, but my date was just a stupid old crush, your’s I can tell is much more.”

“You think so?” said Daring as Arrowhead nuzzled her.

“Yes, when Humble sees you tonight he won’t be examining your dance skills, he’ll just be enjoying spending time with you.”

“Thanks sis,” said Daring nuzzling Arrowhead.

“Course he might just wanna get into your stable too,” said Arrowhead with a chuckle as Daring just expressed a flat face. “Kidding, kidding.”

“Why can’t you just let us have a special sister to sister moment?” said Daring as she playfully punched Arrowhead who just giggled.

“Now where would the fun be in that?”

“Dazzle! Dazzle’s sister! Can we please get going now? I promised my mom I would be home in two hours!” said Coil from the bottom of the stairs.

“Coming Coil!” said Daring before looking back at Arrowhead. “By the way Arrow, thanks for agreeing to take Coil as a date.”

“No prob, I understand the little guy needs some popularity boosting,” said Arrowhead with a shrug. “Might be a good lay too.”

“Arrow! He’s too naive and young for you to take advantage of him like that!”

“Sheesh, you and Humble act like parents to him when he’s around other ponies. I was only joking,” said Arrowhead smiling. “Course when he gets older-”

“Arrow!” said Daring with a frown. “Don’t have “that” with Coil!”

“Joking! lets get going, I wanna have some non spiked punch,” said Arrowhead as she and Daring left the room and headed downstairs.

“And that’s why milk is now available to everypony,” said Daring’s grandfather as he finished his story.

“That’s...nice,” said Humble as he saw Daring coming downstairs. “Wow, Dazzle you look am-amazing.”

“Hehehe,” giggled Daring as she blushed from the compliment. “You look nice too Humble.”

A few moments passed before Humble spoke.

“Oh! I, umm, g-got this for y-you,” stammered Humble giving Daring the bouquet of flowers.

“Oh, they’re love-what’s this?” said Daring noticing what appeared to be a golden stem before closer inspection revealed itself to be a golden pen with the words “It’s always an adventure with you” inscribed onto it. “Oh Humble, it’s beautiful,” said Daring as she kept back a sniffle and blushed when Arrowhead winked at her.

“Told ya he’s a keeper,” whispered Arrowhead.

“Well then,” said Daring’s grandpa getting up. “I think it’s-bringggg! Bringgggg!”

“Bringggg!”

“Huh!?” said Daring as she shot up from the guest bed to the sound of the alarm clock on the nightstand going off. “Oh, it was only a dream,” she said hitting the snooze button.

“What’s in the dream silly?” said Pinkie from under the bed.

“Oh, just the time I got my golden pen,” said Daring as she headed over to the mirror to get ready for the day. “...Ahhhhhhh!” she screamed so loud that it made the house shook.

“What’s wrong!” said Carrot and Cup Cake as they slammed the door open while still in their pajamas.

“Why is she in here!?” said Daring pointing to Pinkie who was waving.

“Pinkie what are you doing in miss Yearling’s room?” said Cup Cake. “You know it’s not polite to watch ponies when they’re sleeping.”

“But why do you do it with Poundcake and Pumpkin then?” said Pinkie bouncing around the room.

“Well, umm, because their foals?” said Carrot.

“And they sleep like babies?” said Pinkie.

“I guess so.”

“Then I was watching Daring because she was sleeping like a baby!” said Pinkie as she dropped her logic bomb upon the group.

“Well she’s got a point there,” said Carrot before glares from Cup Cake and Daring made him reconsider his direction of talking.

“Anyway, why were you really spying on me?” said Daring, narrowing her eyes at Pinkie.

“I wasn’t spying silly,” said Pinkie patting Daring on the head to her chagrin. “I was about to wake you up when the alarm went off.”

“Okay, and the fact that you were under my bed?”

“I wanted to surprise you!” said Pinkie while Daring facehoofed.

“Listen kid, I appreciate the thought-wait a second. What time is it?” said Daring as she a terrifying thought dawned upon her.

“Oh it’s eight-thirty,” said Carrot checking the alarm clock.

“.......”

“We’re gonna be late for the train!” said Pinkie as she too realized the problem. “We have to get going!” she said before racing to the bathroom with an equally fast Daring behind her as they brushed their teeth, combed their manes, got packed, brushed Gummy and Slit’s teeth all under three seconds and while Daring rushed to eat breakfast, Pinkie decided to say goodbye to the Cakes.

“Hngggg!” said Carrot and Cup Cake as Pinkie hugged them. “Pinkie-”

“I’ll miss you so much! Tell Poundcake and Pumpkin I’ll miss them too when they wake up.”

“Pinkie!” said Cup Cake as the couple got out of the hold. “It’s only eight-thirty. Some guards came by and told us the train won't leave till nine-thirty because they’re making sure it’s safe for Twilight.”

“They are?” said Daring as she gulped down some oats. “But we need to get too Manehatten now! I’m heading to the station, you coming kid?” she said marching out the store.

“Yep!” said Pinkie as she got the luggage, Slit, and Gummy. “Lets go! Bye Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” she said as she bounced along Daring as they headed over to find the others.

“Have a good time in Manehattan Pinkie!” said Cup Cake as she and Carrot waved goodbye.

“Bring me back a t-shirt!” said Carrot before getting a confused look from his wife. “What? I want people to know I heart Manehattan...sorta.”

Meanwhile at Carousel Boutique,

“Alalalallalalaa!” sung Rarity as she washed her mane before the sound of the bathroom’s clock interrupted her singing. “Oh my, I must hurry if I wanna join the girls on time!” she said getting out the shower and setting the blow dryer to fast mode. “Aww, much better,” she said combing her mane and coat before checking to see if there was any pre plague in her pearly white teeth. “Perfect! Now just to put on my make up on,” Rarity said as she pointed the brush towards her eyelashes with the aiming of a master archer. “Careful, careful, and t-”

“Rarity!” said Sweetie Belle bursting into the bathroom door.

“Sweetie Belle!” said Rarity putting away away the makeup. “How many times have I told you to knock before entering, it’s a good thing I’m used to it or I would have eyeliner down my face.”

“Sorry,” said Sweetie Belle rubbing her neck. “But I was wondering if I could borrow some of your makeup.”

“Now Sweetie Belle you know I only let ponies borrow my beauty products if it’s only an emergency,” said Rarity rubbing her lipsticks from the griffon territories like they were a baby in need of soothing.

“But it is an emergency,” said Sweetie Belle getting onto the ground at Rarity’s hooves. “Please?”

“Now what emergency is so great-wait a second what are those behind your ears?” said Rarity as she plucked two plastic cards from Sweetie Belle’s ears.

“Umm, nothing?” chuckled Sweetie Belle nervously.

“Ponystop cards?” said Rarity reading the words on the card. “Good for thirty bits worth of products? Now why would you have-oh!” she said as realization dawned upon her while Sweetie Belle coughed and blushed. “I see,” Rarity said with a smirk. “You want to look good for Button don’t you?”

“Maybe,” said Sweetie Belle pawing gently at the floor. “I thought with Apple Bloom being grounded and Scootaloo resting that I thought, I don’t know, say hi to Button?”

“Awww,” said Rarity pinching Sweetie Belle’s cheeks. “That’s adorable.

Meanwhile back at Twilight’s castle,

“Hmmm,” said Spike as Twilight was packing their stuff for the train.

“What’s wrong Spike?” said Twilight. “Did I forget your toothbrush?”

“No. I just have the strangest feeling Rarity was pinching cheek that’s not mine...also why are you packing?” said Spike confused.

“Oh, yeah,” said Twilight remembering that she forgot to tell Spike about what had happened. “Umm, Well you see Humble got foalnapped-”

“What?!”

Back at Rarity’s,

“Did you hear that?” said Sweetie Belle. “I think I heard Spike shout what.”

“Must be a bird,” said Rarity waving it off. “Anyway Button huh? Ok Sweetie Belle, as your big sister it is my responsibility to help you with your crushes so go ahead and take the makeup you need.”

“You're the best!” said Sweetie Belle rushing over to the drawers. “Oh! Can I try red!?”

“No,” said Rarity darkly. “It’s not your color, how about a light pink?”

“Ok!”

After  doing a heavy design makeover project the new and improved Sweetie Belle stared slack jawed at her appearance.

“I’m beautiful!” said Sweetie Belle admiring herself. “And to think all you did was a tiny bit of blush!”

“No job is too small for me,” said Rarity with her hoof to her chest. “Now you be good for mom and dad while I’m gone, ok?”

“ I can’t come with you after saying hi to Button?” said Sweetie Belle confused. “But you said that I could go with you on your next adventure!”

“I’m sorry Sweetie Belle but you’re far too young to go with me. Besides, it’s not an adventure just a trip-wait a second, didn’t mom and dad ground you for two days for fighting?” said Rarity with a glare. “Are you even allowed to be here?”

“Umm, well you see,” said Sweetie Belle nervously. “it’s funny because I, umm, please don’t make me go home!” she said begging at Rarity’s hooves. “I don't get that much free time away from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to even say hi to Button!”

“I’m sorry Sweetie Belle,” said Rarity shaking her off. “But I just can’t let that happen,” she said turning around briefly to zip open her first vanity luggage. “Now head ho-huh?” she said noticing a note where Sweetie Belle was.

“Dear Rarity,

Pinkie taught me how to write super fast a few weeks ago and I’ve decided to test my skills along with my vocabulary book you got me for hearth warming eve by saying that YOU CAN”T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!

love, Sweetie Belle

P.S red is my color!”

“Ugh,” groaned Rarity as she put the note in a drawer. “That filly needs to learn that there is more to life than silly things like colts,” she said returning to her packing before gasping. “She took my red lipsticks!” Rarity cried. “Noooooo!”

As Rarity cried over her missing beauty products,Rainbow Dash was getting ready for the day just as carefully,

“Ehhhh!” Rainbow Dash yawned getting out of her bed and heading to the bathroom to get ready. “Meh,” she said looking into a reflection of her frazzled mane and crust covered eyes. “Good enough,” she said getting some breakfast.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was setting up the arrangements for her animals while gone,

“And Harry the bear likes it when you hug him from the side and then turn softly to the front,” said Fluttershy to a list reading Bulk Biceps.

“Yeah!” said Bulk Biceps.

“Good, now you be good for Bulk Biceps Angel,” said Fluttershy nuzzling the frowning rabbit. “Well I’m all packed, thank you again Bulk,” said Fluttershy as she flew out with small bag of luggage.

“Yeah!” said Bulk Biceps from the porch as Big Mac passed by on his morning trot and headed back to the farmhouse to find Applejack eating at the kitchen table.

“So Big Mac while I’m gone helping find Humble, I need you to make sure Apple Bloom stays inside unless she’s doing chores alright?” said Applejack bitting some leftover apple cobbler from last night.

“Eyeup,” said Big Mac getting a slice of toast.

“Good, speaking of Apple Bloom, where is she?”

Just then the sound of one of the upstair’s door opening and shutting rang throughout the house along with the sound of hoovesteps down the staircase till the appearance of a flat faced Apple Bloom still in her pajamas appeared.

“Morning Apple Bloom,” said Applejack only to receive a silent reply. “So I’m going today.”

“What’s going on?” said Apple Bloom.

“Well-”

“Big Mac what’s going on?” said Apple Bloom with a hmph while Applejack just rolled her eyes.

“They’re going to rescue that Humble feller from being foalnapped to Manehattan,” said Big Mac as he  put some butter on his dry toast while Apple Bloom and Applejack stood with their jaws wide open.

“What!?” said Applebloom shocked at the news. “What do you mean-”

“Humble got foalnapped!?” said Sweetie Belle poking her head inside the kitchen window. “How did that happen!?”

“Darn it Big Mac, I didn’t want them worrying about this!” growled Applejack. “And Sweetie Belle what in tarnation are you doing outside the kitchen window?”

“I was heading to see Button but then I wanted to see if Apple Bloom knew where you and Rarity are all going since she won’t tell me,”  explained Sweetie Belle as Apple Bloom helped her inside. “But I didn’t think Humble was foalnapped!”

“Is he okay? Can we come and help?!” said Apple Bloom to Applejack before remembering that she was giving her the silent treatment. “I mean, hmph!”

“Huh?” said Sweetie Belle confused. “Why are you-”

“He’s been rustled,” interrupted Applejack. “And that’s why ya’ll are staying here. I’m not letting my baby sister getting foalnapped while we go rescue Humble who is going to be perfectly fine.”

“You never let me go on your adventures,” muttered Apple Bloom.

“Now ah gotta head to the train station,” said Applejack putting on her saddle bags. “Now give me a hug goodbye.”

“Hmph!” said Apple Bloom looking away with her arms crossed.

“Ah, come on Bloom,” said Applejack getting close to her sisters face. “Does my little sis not want her hug?” she said nuzzling Apple Bloom who was desperately trying to get away.

“No!” said Apple Bloom pushing Applejack away.

“Fine, but don’t you be trouble for Big Mac or granny,” said Applejack as she started walking out the door. “Sweetie Belle you can have my cobbler,” she said trotting out the door. “Bye everypony!”

“Bye Applejack!” said Sweetie Belle with her mouth stuffed with cobbler.

“Hmph!” said Apple Bloom again.

“Eyeup,” said Big Mac trotting over to get an apple while Apple Bloom watched him till he left the room to go do his chores.

“Pssst!” said Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle who was drinking some apple juice. “Sweetie Belle!”

“Yeah?” said Sweetie Belle looking up. “Is somthing wrong?”

“No, well maybe, I don’t know,” signed Apple Bloom. “It’s just Applejack!” she said throwing her hooves up into the air.

“What’s wrong with you two? You always hug Applejack when she goes on a trip.”

“Ugh, she grounded me for fighting Diamond Tiara even after she found out what she said about Dinky’s dad! Can ya believe that?”

“Tell me about it,” said Sweetie Belle putting away her dish. “My parents grounded me for two days-”

“Two days?!” shouted Apple Bloom. “Applejack grounded me for a week and called me immature!”

“What!?” said Sweetie Belle shocked. “But you’re the most mature of us all!”

“I know right? I mean even Scootaloo didn’t go into chimera infested swamps!”

“Hey!” said Scootaloo from outside the window with a bandage on her head where she had bled. “I could if I wanted too, but I was too busy distracting Applejack!”

“Scootaloo what are you doing here?” said Sweetie Belle helping her in. “I thought you’d be in bed from yesterday.”

“Well my parents wanted me to stay inside because they didn’t think it was “safe” for me outside because of my concussion so I snuck out Apple Bloom,” said Scootaloo frowning.

“I’m Sweetie Belle.”

“Oh yeah, so why are you here Sweetie Belle?”

“You won’t believe this! I came here to find out why Rarity and the others are going on  trip  when Big Mac said Humble got foalnapped and taken to Manehattan!” said Sweetie Belle freaking out.

“What?” said Scootaloo freaking out as well. “Humble got foalnapped and Big Mac spoke!?”

“Eyeup,” said Apple Bloom. “And she who not will be named is going off to rescue him.”

“She who not will be named?” said Scootaloo confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Applejack! She thinks I’m immature because I got into a fight with Diamond Tiara!”

“Even after she heard the stuff that snob said?”

“Even then!” said Apple Bloom putting away her dishes. “She just doesn’t understand, even after I did the whole pie cart thing she still thinks I’m immature and both her and Rarity think me and Sweetie Belle  are too young to go on their adventures!”

“Tell me about it,” said Scootaloo sitting down at the table. “Everytime I ask Rainbow Dash to with her on her adventures she either laughs it off or tells me I’m too young.”

“If only their was a way to convince them that we are mature and perfectly capable of going with them,” said Sweetie Belle hitting the table.

“Wait a second! That’s it!” said Apple Bloom perking up. “I know how we can get them off our backs!”

“How?” said Scootaloo putting her head down on the table. “Nopony will even let us leave our houses.”

“I’ll explain on the way,” said Apple Bloom washing her hooves.

“Where are we going?” said Sweetie Belle as Apple Bloom stood in the doorway.

“We’re going,” said Apple Bloom with devious grin. “To Manehattan.”

As the two other fillies widened their eyes, Daring had arrived at the train station to find her attempt to hit the two guard leaders halted by the most dreaded thing ever: the press.

“Miss Yearling!” said a stallion with a feather topped hat as Daring waded past the mob of paparazzi who saw her as she and Pinkie trotted towards the train station. “Is it true that you know Humble Pie?”

“Miss Yearling!” said a mare with a camera. "Is this a publicity stunt for your new book?”

“Please stay away from me,” growled Yearling as she pushed past the crowd with Pinkie posing for the pictures every step of the way till they came to a guard who was standing at the foot of the platform. “Excuse me, but I’m here for the train to Manehattan.”

“Sorry miss, but the train station is being inspected by security,” replied the guard stoically.

“Ugh!” groaned Daring. “Are you kidding me!”

Just then the crowd of ponies started taking pictures in a different direction.

“Hey where’s everypony going?” said Pinkie as she balanced on ball. “You haven’t seen me balance plates!”

“Princess Twilight!” said the same stallion from earlier. “Has there been any new evidence to suggest that Humble Pie and a Mister Time Turner are connected?”

“I can assure everypony,” said Twilight as she and Spike moved through the crowd. “That we are doing our best to find the connection on why somepony would hurt Mister Time Turner and foalnap Humble Pie,” she said reaching Pinkie and Daring. "Now please clear so the other passengers can board please.

As the press left, Daring watched as Twilight sighed with relief.

“So,” said Daring getting up. “Are we going now?”

“Not yet, we still have to wait for the girls. Oh, there they are now!”

“And I had to buy a whole new set of lipstick!” said Rarity as she trotted along with Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack.

“We know,” groaned Rainbow Dash. “You made us wait twenty minutes so you could find the right shade.”

“Howdy Twilight, Pinkie, Spike, and Miss Yearling,” said Applejack as they approached them. “How did ya’ll sleep?”

“Like a baby,” said Daring flatly. “Can we go now?”

“Hold your carriage Miss Yearling,” said Night Comet as she trotted out of the train. “We still have to make sure everything is ready, besides we’re still loading Miss Rarity’s fainting couch.”

“And my music equipment,” said Vinyl as she and Octavia came forward pulling a cart full of their stuff. “I’m gonna need to have the right tech if I wanna beat those snooty east coast Manehattan djs.”

“Um, what are you talking about?” said Rainbow Dash. “You guys aren’t coming.”

“What!?” said Octavie as Vinyl spat her soda out. “But I was the one who fou-saw the foalnappers and helped Wave talk with us!”

“I think what Rainbow Dash is trying to say is that we appreciate your help Octavia, you too Vinyl,” said Twilight trotting over to them. “But we can handle it from here.”

“But why is Yearling going then?”

“Well, umm, we know Miss Yearling can handle herself,” said Twilight remembering who Daring was. “But we can’t allow, umm, normal citizen like yourselfs with no combat experience come along with us.”

“Aww, we can handle ourselves,” said Vinyl hitting a wall. “Ouch!”

“But-” said OCtavia.

“Don’t worry, Humble is going to be fine,” said Fluttershy with a smile.

“Speaking of hooves,” said Cloud coming out of the train. “Lets move them, we’re getting ready to leave and the other passengers have boarded already on the other side of the train.”

“Well I guess it’s time to go, come on everypony,” said Applejack as she trotted inside with the other’s following her.

“Bye everypony!” said Pinkie as Slit and Gummy waddled behind her.

“Don’t worry, we’re the guards. We’ll handle it,” said Midnight to Octavia and Vinyl before closing the door.

“Well I guess we gotta go-what are you doing?” said Vinyl as Octavia trotted behind the train.

“Sneaking onto a train,” said Octavia as she climbed the ladder to the roof.

“Cool! Help me up!”

“Vinyl, you can’t come,” said Octavia with a sigh. “It’s much to dangerous for you.”

“But-”

“This is not open for discussion!” said Octavia form the top of the caboose. “I’m sorry but go home!”

    “But-you know what? Fine!” said Vinyl with a frown. “I didn’t want to go on your stupid adventure anyway,” she said turning around and trotting away.

“Vinyl-” But by the time Octavia turned around after opening a ceiling latch, the disc jockey was gone. “She just has to be so complicated,” she grumbled before jumping into the hatch and into an empty crate. “Well might as well get comfortable, It’s gonna be a long trip.”

Meanwhile outside the train,

“So can you tell us about your plan to get us to Manehattan now?” said Scootaloo as Sweetie Belle trotted behind her with Apple Bloom at the front.

“It’s simple, we’re gonna board the train, arrive in Manehattan, and find Humble before anypony else does! That will make everypony believe we're mature and able to take care of ourselves.”

“That’s great!” said Sweetie Belle.

“Why thank you Sweetie Belle, and it only took me three secon-”

“Oh no, the plan is flawed, what I mean is that’s great!” said Sweetie Belle pointing at Button who was playing with his gamecolt on a bench. “Button!”

“Huh?” he said looking up. “Hi Sweetie Belle!”

“Oh no,” said Scootaloo facehooving. “They’re gonna slow us down with their mushy talk!”

“Sweetie Belle we don’t have time for Button right now!” said Apple Bloom. “We gotta go.”

“Where are you guys going?” sid Button.

“To Manehattan, wanna come?” said Sweetie Belle with a smile.

“Sweetie Belle!” shouted Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. “Don’t tell him where we’re going!”

“Sure!” said Button causing Sweetie Belle to beam while ignoring her friends. “We can see Gamecon when we get there! Mom won’t take me since she got banned from it when she got into a fight with the creator of Only one Left over the ending to the game.”

“I’m still conflicted over that,” said Sweetie Belle with her head down.

“Um, Sweetie Belle?” said Apple Bloom. “Can we talk with ya for a sec? Alone?”

“Ok, one sec mashy!” said Sweetie Belle trotting over to her friends while Scootaloo slightly threw up in her mouth. “What is it?”

“You told him where we’re going! Now we have to bring him or else he’ll tell...everypony,” said Apple Bloom as she realized what was going on. “You told him on our purpose!” she hissed.

“This is because of the no boys rule for the Cutie Mark Crusaders isn’t it!?” said Scootaloo. “I won that case their and square!”

“First off you bribed Pinkie with cookies and Miss Derpy with muffins, second we're taking him!”

“Fine!” said Apple Bloom. “But he better not slow us down!”

“Button you can come!” said Sweetie Belle to a nose picking  Button.

“Ok!” he said getting up. “So, um, how are we getting there?”

“Yeah I’m wondering that too,” said Scootaloo.

“Just follow my lead and let me do the talking,” said Apple Bloom as they came to the stallion guarding the train.

“Halt!” said the stallion. “What are you four doing here?”

“Oh, you weren’t told?” said Apple Bloom with faux surprise. “Our parents are on the train already.”

“But my mom’s at ho-ouch!” said Button as Sweetie Belle pinched him.

“Sorry mashy,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Hmm, well how about you take me to them?” said the stallion as he led the four to the section of the train filled with the regular passengers. “Where are they?”

“Uhhh, there!” said Apple Bloom pointing at a couple in the corner of the cabin.

“I should probably tell them I found you-”

“No!” said Apple Bloom halting the guard. “They, umm, have blindmutieeitis?”

“Yeah! If you tell them we were outside being young, they’re gonna go blind and mute for ten hours!” said Scootaloo.

The guard stood there for a minute before finally signing.

“Yeah, my cousin has that too. Alright, well be safe,” said the guard exiting the train.

“Huh, that was easier-oh for Celestia's sake they’re playing video games while sitting next to each other!” said Scootaloo while Button and Sweetie Belle ignored her. "You guys are in public!"

“Get used to it,” said Apple Bloom as she took a seat. “It’s gonna be a long ride,” she said feeling the train’s whistle and the jolt of it starting it’s journey as Ponyville left their view.

Humble sat thinking of a way to escape with a growling stomach and  sleepy eyes from having rested  on the cold floor of the floor after Stale and Lemon had come back from the diner and gone to bed without feeding him. But try as he might nothing came too him.

“I still can’t believe that a cup of coffee cost five bits from that place last night,” said Stale coming out of the cabin, startling Humble from his thinking. “That’s just plain riverway robbery!”

“Well maybe you should’ve read the prices better,” replied Lemon as he started the engine. “I’m gonna go adjust my tech, you keep watch,” he said heading back into the cabin.

“Yeah, yeah,” said Stale looking out into the river as he lifted the anchor and started sailing down the river again. “Ehhh,” he signed taking out a old soap pipe he had “borrowed from Filthy when he wasn’t looking but instead of putting liquid lavender inside the pipe he instead took out a small bottle filled with a dark green liquid he had acquired while doing a job in Prance. Pouring the mysterious emerald colored water into his pipe he lit a match and started smoking it.

“Yeah!” Stale said puffing out a small green cloud. “That’s the stuff!” he said as Humble listened with curiosity before the sound of the river drowned out any further investigation.

“Wonder what he’s so excited about,” said Humble taking one last look at his surroundings before wondering how he could get out. “Hmmm, think Humble. What would Coil do?”

“Butter yourself up!” said a image of Coil in Humble’s mind.

“Don’t have any butter, how about Pinkie?”

“Use your imagination silly!” said a image of Pinkie.

“Hmm, ok. Con Colt what would you do?”

“Convince them it’s fun to be tied on up,” said a image Con Colt.

“Well even though they do look like they might have that kind of fetish, I don’t think they’ll fall for it,” said Humble  before thinking again. “Think Humble, think! Ohhh-Aghh!” he shouted tripping over a barrel. “Ouch!” he cried out in pain. “ How can I not see that-wait a second, that’s it!” Humble said looking at the rooms walls. “I’ll sneak out and lock the door behind them when they come in, but wait then how do I escape the boat? I’ll be spotted by anypony-not unless I use the barrels!” he said getting under one. “I think this will work quite nicely.”

So Humble sat still in the barrel hearing the sound of the river and the occasional swearing from Stale till after hours of sitting a slimmer of light came from the porthole.

“Huh?” Humble said getting out of the stick container and dragging himself over to the window. “Wha-eh!” he said as a gleam of light blinded him. “What is that?” Humble said looking off into the distance to see the shining tip of the head of Manehattan reflecting the light of the morning sun. "Well I guess I'm home," he said as the door opened...

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