https://youtu.be/tkbgtVFlyCQ

( Recap so far )

So we got back to town to explain everything that's happened so far. Honestly, they took it really well, when we were coming back I half expected pitchforks and torches. Luna was taken back that she was forgiven just like that. Twilight decided to stay at the library to stay with her friends and teach me some magic. Before Luna left with Celestia, she gave me a lantern that was able to transport letters to her and vice versa. I decided to take AJ up on her offer to house me, for manual labor in return of course. Rainbow came by twice a week to give me flying lessons. They sucked for the most part, but I have begun to improve. Twilight came by after my flying lessons to show me magic, now I know illusions, fire, ice, and finally teleportation by slicing through the air. It's been three weeks since then, now I'm in the fields of Sweet Apple Acres working alongside Big Mac.

End recap

" So, Mac, what kind of bet did you get involved in again?" Mac and I were bucking or in my case punching tree's to harvest the apples. Mac made a bet with AJ and he somehow roped me into it.

" The bet was that we each have a section of trees to harvest, and the one to finish first wins."

" Yeah I get that part, but the part I'm asking about is what happens to the loser?"

" Ah, well. The loser has to wear a corset and run through town. And you might have to do the same since Twilight's helping AppleJack, hee hee."

" WHAT." Oh hell no, I ain't wearing no corset. I dropped the basket I was holding and shot off into the air. I climbed forty feet into the air before diving right back down. On the way down I made for a ground pound slam. When I finally landed, I smashedthe ground with my fists. What came next was what one might call a large tremor. The trees within a 200-yard radius all started to shake, and then all the apples dropped into the baskets below them.

Mac stood there with his jaw slacked. " At a loss for words buddy. Well, how about we start gathering these baskets before we have to wear a corset and sing Yankee doodle dandy down the streets." For the next twenty minutes, we gathered the baskets and put them inside the barn for storage. From the looks of it, it seems that AJ will have to wear the corset. Shudder oh that's going to be an awesome sight.

I was going to head over to AJ to tell her the bet was in the bag until the lantern at my side started to glow with a blue flame, seems I got some mail. The lantern sprouted a blue flame, and out of the flames, a letter with Luna's insignia.

Dearest Joseph

Inscribed on this parchment is an invite to this year's Grand Galloping Gala. Inside you will find a ticket to the Gala, as well as a dress code requirement. I would also like to inquire as to if you would be so kind as to escort us when you arrive. On another note, we will be arriving with our sister to enjoy a small party. We will commence a trial for thee to see how far your abilities have come along.

From Princess Luna.

Well, my day has been made. Better go tell AJ and Twi. I wondered over to the section of the orchard that they were meant to be at. I searched the rows for five minutes before I spotted AJ, Spike, and Twi walking through the fields, though Spike was sitting on Twilight's back tossing apples out of her basket.

" Thank ya for the help Twilight, it would have been near impossible to get this done before Joe and Big Mac do." Oh AJ, prepare to eat your words.

" It was no problem AppleJack, it was our pleasure, right Spike?"

" Yeeess syrup is better than jelly." What the hell.

" Well, whatever as long as we get this done quickly that would be great. I forgot to eat breakfast this morning."

" Sure thing Twi, let's just get these last five trees and we'll be as golden as a golden delicious. And we better hurry before-"

" Before either I or Mac come up here and tell you that we finished half an hour ago, or that you guys need to get ready for a nice sing-along?" The girls stared at me with shock and surprise.

" What in tarnation, how did you finish so fast?"

I looked at Spike. " Hey Spike, remember that comic I showed you with the Hulk?" He nodded vigorously at that. " And remember how he made an earthquake form by slamming his fist in the ground?"

" Wait, are you say that you slammed the ground causing all the apples to fall?" Spike looked very excited about such a feat.

" Within a radius of 200 yards. But really who's keeping score?" I gave them a cheeky smile. " Oh, and before I forget, Luna sent me this letter saying that I'm invited to something called the Grand Galloping Gala. So I got that going for me."

Before anyone could respond, Spike belched up a letter for Twilight. Geez, I wonder what that could be. I decided to leave them to their own devices. I'm sure that I'll hear about it later though.

" Hey, guys I'm heading over to town for lunch, AJ I'll see you at dinner." I left down the road towards town, though more specifically Sugar cube corner. Lately, I've been craving a chocolate caramel cake with peanut butter frosting. It's the wolf in me that wanted the peanut butter.

When I finally got there, Pinkie was waiting for me behind the counter with that big smile of hers. " Joey." Dammit, I told her not to do that.

" Pinkie how many times have I told you, don't call me Joey, ok it's Joe alright?"

" But it's so fun to say. I mean listen, Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Jo-" Yeah I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed a handful of cotton candy hair and chucked her out the front door. Nobody was worried of course, cause they saw the pink pony survive much worse. I turn around to see Mrs. Cakebehind the counter with an annoyed frown on her face.

" Joe, did you have to do that?"

" Have to? No. Want to? very much so." I looked over the stuff in the counter to see if they had what I wanted, if so then I could get what I wanted at a reduced price. Sadly, that was not meant to be. " Alright, I'll take two slices of chocolate caramel cake with peanut butter frosting, and a large strawberry milkshake." She went to go make my order while I took a seat at one of the booths. While I waited I decided to play a little music to pass the time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ew_bfFvros

While I listened to the music I heard a pony take a seat on the other side of me. This particular pony happened to be familiar to me. Miss Cheerilee. She's the local school teacher for Ponyville and one of my close friends outside the six girls I meet to stop Luna.

" Hello mister Huffstutler, how have you been doing?" Always so polite.

" Just grabbing a bite, same as you I'm guessing?"

" Well, yes and no. You see I was wondering if you would come by the school once a week and teach the children something about your world."

I'll admit, the thought had crossed my mind to teach Apple Bloom a couple of things about my world, hell I'm already teaching spike some comic book knowledge, what's the harm in teaching a few kids some human culture.

" Alright, but I get to teach my way. Don't worry, I won't show or teach or show them anything that will scare them, or give them weird ideas."

" Wonderful, when should I schedule you in?"

" I believe Friday would be best for that, you know a treat at the end of the week sort of thing."

" That'll work just fine, thank you, Joe." At that point, my order finally got here. I offered the other slice to Cheerilee, which she gladly accepted. We talked about how our days have been so far. She told me about one of her students that's been acting up. I told her about the invite to the Gala, and she nearly flipped out. After about twenty minutes I left to head over to the library to see about the daring doo book that Twilight suggested to me. I had to run over there because it started to rain.

I finally got to the library and was about to open the door when suddenly I heard singing and animal sounds inside. I opened the door to see a twisted version of Snow White's whistle while you work. Inside, Fluttershy and her pets were going around cleaning and tidying up.

" Hey, Fluttershy."

" Eeep." Gods this woman needs some backbone. " Oh, Joe it's just you. I thought you might have been Twilight."

" You were waiting for Twilight? What for?"

She went on to explain how she and the other girls have been trying to gain Twilight's favor so they could get the other ticket Celestia sent her. Well, now I know what was in the letter. She told me how she was going to win the ticket by cleaning the library.

" Okay, one that has to be the most manipulative thing I ever heard. Second, why would you even care to go to the Gala, I thought you didn't like events like that anyway."

" Well, it's not the Gala I really care about. But, the Gala is right next to the royal gardens, where the most incredible plants and animals are."

" Ah, say no more." It didn't take a genius to know that Fluttershy was a reincarnated Steve Irwin. " But seriously why would you go to such lengths for that? I mean, aren't the gardens open to the public?" I would have gone into more detail but the door suddenly burst inwards and in came Twi and Spike. " Hey Twilight, where you been?"

" Oh, you know just running for my life because of this stupid ticket. I mean seriously, who would think a piece of gold paper would make ponies so crazy."

" Obviously you've never seen Charlie and the chocolate factory."

" Whatever. Wait, what are you doing here?"

" Well, I came by for that book you recommended." I pointed over to Fluttershy. " She came over to butter you up by cleaning the place." I gave Fluttershy the stink eye, which she backed away from. I took another look at Twilight, and she looked like Hell. " What happened to you? You look like you went through a stunt course on a unicycle with a broken tire."

" Well, there was AppleJack and Dash having a hoof-wrestling contest over the ticket, then Pinkie slammed into me while I was-"

" Let me stop you there, um, I kind of threw Pinkie out the door and that probably led to the slamming into you." She looked a little pissed at me, but I expected that.

" There was also the rain, the dress-up with Rarity, and now this. I mean what else could go wrong." Here comes Murphy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYwAHURPQ-s

And Murphy has a party blower.

After the noisemaker went off, a pair of pink hooves grabbed Twilight and me out of the library. Suddenly we were being tossed into the air while Pinkie was singing how Twilight is her best friend in all of Equestria.

" Twilight, word of advice. Never ask what else could go wrong!" This kept going till Pinkie slipped that Twilight had an extra ticket to the Gala. Suddenly we were surrounded by ponies who kept offering Twilight goods and services. It got so bad that we were running out of room to move. " Twilight, I think it's time we" I grabbed Twilight's tail and jumped into the air "Ruuuuun."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg

We ran in no particular direction, we just tried to shake off the crowd. We got to one of the bridges that span's over the small river. We made our way under the bridge just as the mob ran over to the other side. We would have stayed longer but a troll tolled us to hit the road. The damn thing looked like Moe Szyslak. When we got topside one of the ponies spotted us and we were off again.

Our next hiding spot was a conveniently placed cart filled to the brim with apple treats. Bonzai. Again, the mob passed us and again we were off to somewhere else. Though I took a couple of fritters with me. The next hiding spot was inside a window display. The mob passed by without noticing me or Twi. " Why do I have to wear a clown costume?"

" Would you prefer the hula girl?" I started having flashbacks to that one scene from the Lion King.

" You will never catch me in drag, understand!" Unfortunately, my outburst got the attention of the mob of ticket grubbing ponies. " Time to go."

We were on the run for the fourth time in less than an hour. Unfortunately, we ended up at a dead-end at the end of an alley. The crowd seemed to have us trapped, there was nowhere to run, and the sky was filled with pegasi so flying was out. What to do, oh yeah, teleport.

" Stand back." I spread my wings out wide to give us some room. Then I concentrated on my right hand and it quickly became a claw. With a little magic, I sliced the air in front of us and a portal was opened that showed the front of the library. I grabbed Twilight around her barrel and jumped through. Once we made it to the other side the portal closed so no one could follow.

" Well, that was fun. We should do it again sometime." I was joking, of course, that was anything but fun. " So listen, I'm going to head home cause this really isn't my problem. But, if I may." Twilight looked to me. " How about you write a letter to Celestia explaining that you would like more tickets for your friends? I mean they did help with Luna and they are element bearers, it seems the least she could do, don't you think?"

" I suppose, but what if she says no?" I lifted an eyebrow at that. " You're right she wouldn't do that. I'll see you around Joe."

" Alright, see you around. Hey if you see AJ, tell her to be home by six or granny will have my hide." I know couldn't really hurt me, but I've always been told to respect the elderly.

" I'll do that." She headed inside while I headed for the farm.

A few hours later I was setting the table with Apple Bloom telling her about the day I had. She laughed when I told her about Twilight suggesting I wear a grass skirt and a coconut bra. I set the last plate down when I heard Jackie walk through the door, with a ticket no less.

" So I can assume things turned out okay?"

" Eeyup, Twilight was able to get all of us tickets to the Gala. So I was wondering if you wanted to be my 'date'? What do ya say, Joe?" Is she hitting on me, or just teasing?

" Well I kind of was already asked to be Luna's escort, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind you tagging along." She seemed a little taken back from this news. " Hey if you don't want to then we can-"

" Sure." Now it was my turn to look shocked.

" Um, okay. Well, we'll have to get some new threads, and of course, I'll bring us some transportation. I gotta see if Celestia will show me how to go back to my wor-" Smooch.

Stunned. Stunned was all that could be said about this situation. AppleJack just gave me a peck on the cheek.

" Make sure to wear something black sugar cube, you always look good in black." She went over to the table and sat down. All the other Apples came to the table to eat. I just stood there dumbly staring off into space. Eventually Granny pulled me back to reality.

" Hey young whippersnapper, you coming to dinner or what?"

" Yeah, of course." I sat down at the table and dug into my dinner. What am I going to do now? One step at a time I guess.

Author's Notes:

Okay, so that happened. So quick question? AJ, Luna, or both. To be honest, it's probably the latter. Clip time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMRk4zx1vY8