Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by extremeenigma02

First published 20th of June, 2020

You all know the story of The Elements of Harmony and the six ponies who represent them. What you might not know is that there is not just six elements, there are seven. This is the story of Storm Shield, the seventh Element of Harmony

Have you ever wondered how different the story of My Little Pony would have gone if there was another Element of Harmony?

Storm Shield was your average everyday unicorn stallion who never truly saw himself as a hero. He attended Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns which is where he met a very studious mare by the name of Twilight Sparkle. Though their relationship got off to a rocky start in the beginning, they soon became the best of friends. Aside from Storm, Twilight never truly cared much for making other friends. That is until one day when the Princess assigns Twilight and Storm to travel to Ponyville and from there, the adventure of a lifetime began.

This story is a recreation of the Friendship is Magic series but with an added OC to the story. This will continue all the way up until the final season

Prologue

When the ponies reflect on Equestria’s history, all the way back to the fall of Nightmare Moon, there is one thing engraved in all their minds: the Elements of Harmony.

Every pony knew of the six most powerful elements in the universe: Kindness, Loyalty, Generosity, Honesty, Laughter, and Magic. The very foundation of friendship itself. But what ponies may not know that history has clouded over one very important, very crucial factor:

There wasn’t just ‘six’ elements… There were ‘seven’.

And how would this truth be known? Because I was there… I was there where the real story begins… My story…

My name is Storm Shield, and any pony who ever met me knows I’m a very outgoing, friendly unicorn. They remembered the colt with the tan-beige colored coat, the jet black mane with red streaks, and eyes consisting of the most beautiful shade of teal any pony has ever seen. My family and I grew up in Canterlot for as long as I could remember. My parents own and operate a flower shop, where I, along with my sister, Rose Gold, often worked. Despite living in the biggest capital in all Equestria, living a fairly modest life, I always believed there was something bigger, something better out there in the wide open landscape.

As I grew older, my magical abilities evolved with me. I spent years conjuring spells and enchantments far beyond the level most colts my age could reach, that certainly drew a ton of attention. Then one day, I received a letter inviting me with an opportunity to enroll in Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. The only thing I needed to do, to be fully welcome at this most prestigious school, was to pass an entrance exam… Just one. In which case, I had to do one thing: Hatch a Phoenix egg. Sounds easy, right? Well… Not exactly.

At first, it was a difficult process, to hatch an egg with my magic alone. But soon enough, I dug deep within my very soul and eventually a gigantic burst of magic was released, striking the egg. I remember that moment… A newborn Phoenix, free of its shell, flapping its tiny wings before perching itself on my back. Needless to say, the teachers there were rather impressed by such a display of power.

Once the exam was over, I was asked to stay and observe the next exam, to take some notes. I could’ve simply just walked out after already completing my task, but I decided to stay and watch perhaps to learn something. Otherwise, I had nothing better to do the rest of the day. So, I agreed, and took a seat waiting for the next pony to enter the room. When I turned to the open doorway, I remember how far my jaw dropped, how wide my eyes grew.

She was the most beautiful unicorn I’ve ever seen in my life. I remember her very well: Her mane and tail with such a lovely shade of magenta and purple, and her eyes… Those beautiful lavender eyes. The teachers introduced her as Twilight Sparkle, a fitting name for her. I remember sitting there, staring dreamily at the unicorn like a living work of art. She began her exam, in her case hatching a dragon egg. She tried so hard, with all her ability, but for whatever reason the magic refused to ignite. She seemed so sad; I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

Then it happened, just as she was about to walk away, there was an explosion… A massive rainbow shook the very Earth itself. In a single instance, I witnessed the little unicorn’s magic going haywire, blasting everything in sight. I saw her parents turn to plants, the egg hatched releasing the baby dragon, only to make it grow a near fifty feet at least. It was complete mayhem, I barely got through it unscathed.

I barely remember what I was doing or why I did it, but in that moment, I leapt into action. Not even bothering to consider my own welfare, I used my own magic to deflect the magical bolts so as not to cause any further harm. I was able to conjure a magical shield, big and strong enough to deflect the beams before rushing toward Twilight and encasing her in my own red magical aura. A sudden sense of calmness washed over her; I could see it in her eyes watching as her magic eventually ceased. I recall the very first time she looked up to the young colt who helped her, the teal eyes looking into her lavender gaze.

Suddenly, a blinding white light engulfed the room and it cleared, there she was: Princess Celestia, the Goddess of the Sun and Ruler of Equestria, standing in the middle of the room. We witnessed her use her great power to turn everything back to normal before approaching the two young unicorns, one with a guilty look on her face… Not that I was any better.

However, rather than a stern lecture, the Princess made an offer: For the two of us to serve as her personal proteges at the school. To say I was completely taken aback is an understatement, but there I was… Staring at her in surprise. Twilight, meanwhile, leapt into the air and cheered excitedly. As if that wasn’t enough, the Princess indicated to our flanks and when we looked back… I remember smiling as excitedly as her. Twilight’s cutie mark was a magical pink star, whereas I had a silver shield with a golden star on the front covering two crossed swords. This day truly proved to be the greatest day of our lives. I never truly saw myself as one of Princess Celestia’s prized students or anypony truly destined for the greatness that awaited, but it certainly offered one of the craziest adventures of my entire life

If this article is ever found, understand that from that moment on: Neither one of us were ever prepared for the future that awaited us… How this experience would forever change Twilight Sparkle… As it did… For me…

Friendship is Magic: Part 1

It begins with a book sitting on the grass, a brown cover with various symbols along the corners. A symbol of a golden unicorn with green eyes is perched along the center. It is here the book opens itself to a single page containing four familiar words. And it is here, where it all began…

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria…

The scene shifts to the magical land of Equestria itself, as the clouds roll to the side revealing it’s beautiful landscape. A magnificent castle sat perched along the mountains, as a waterfall fell to the surface below. Overlooking this castle was a city perched along a set of clouds, a rainbow streaming to several sides. Below these structures, there was a tiny village with several streams of river flowing across. Equestria, a wondrous world inhabited by the dominant species of this awe-inspiring land: The ponies. Speaking of which…

There were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land.

The two figures in questions were unlike any equine like creatures any creature had ever seen. While they resembled the size of horses, they had feather wing appendages sticking from their backs and spiral horns protruding from their foreheads. Whereas the creature on the left had a white coat with a pink mane, tail, and wings, the equine on the opposite end of the cloud had a dark bluish coat with light blue wings, tail, and mane. They were known… As the alicorns, the most powerful race in all of Ponykind and the sole rulers and protectors of this world.

To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.

A display of their powers is shown, the elder pony using her magic to raise the sun to single the start of a brand new day, helping the crops to grow, and provide warmth during the summer. And every night, the youngest would lift the moon to signal the end of the day, even to help the oceans rise on occasion. Though different in terms of how they used their magic, these two ponies, sisters, represented the yin-and-yang of this land. For every day, there must always be night just as after every night there comes a moment to pave way to the dawn. And it’s been like that for generations to come… But this cycle would not last…

But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.

Indeed, as the younger sister looked down upon her subjects, she noticed the difference that day and night brought upon her subjects. Every pony seemed busy during the day, harvesting their crops, managing their daily business, or simply playing together out on the fields. But when the night came, the moon in full view and the stars illuminating the night sky like a picture on a dark canvas, they would just lie there in either their homes or outside sleeping away. Seeing this happen for a lengthy period of time, it not only made the young sister very sad… It infuriated her.

One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn.

On that day, while the land was still dark and the subjects were afraid that they’d never see the light of day, a confrontation took place between the two sisters, the two rulers they looked up to for guidance and leadership. The eldest tried to employ her sister to reconsider her actions, but as it appears… It was already too late. For it seemed that the younger sister had lost faith in her subjects and the respect towards her elder sibling. But what the elder sister did not know was that it only got worse…

The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.

Through magical enchantment and terrible smoke, a terrible transformation took place. The young sister’s eyes turned demon-like, a chest plate and helmet appeared on her body, and her mane shifted into an everflowing display. The once proud younger ruler would become an infamous creature of the night, the stuff of nightmares for all the ponies during that period in time.

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night.

Seeing all her subjects helpless and afraid, fearing what this terrible power would do to Equestria should this continue, the elder sister had only one choice… One that she would come to regret for the rest of her life.

Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponydom: the Elements of Harmony.

Yes, the Elements of Harmony. Six of the most powerful gemstones in six shades of color: Red, orange, green, blue, pink, and violet. Hidden deep within the castle, they laid to rest and were only to be called upon in the event of an emergency. In which case, the elder sister needed these crystals, these very elements, to combat her own sister and save Equestria.

Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon.

And so, it happened: Wearing a tiara upon her brow, one of the elements embedded in the center, she used the combined power of the elements themselves to overcome the creature known as Nightmare Moon, the pony formerly who sister. After a great conjuring of magic, all that remained of Nightmare Moon was her face implanted upon the surface of the moon, a shining symbol of her defeat.

Ever since that faithful day, the elder sister now assumed a throne just for herself. Using her power to raise both the sun and the moon, all by herself, each day passing turning to weeks, weeks turning to months, and months turning to years… And eventually, generations.

The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

<>

As the page rests on where the story ends, a single figure had been reading the contents of that very book. A unicorn laying on her stomach along the grass, near a crystal clear lake in the Canterlot Castle gardens. Her moderate violet eyes skim the pages, her dark sapphire blue mane with moderate purple and brilliant raspberry streaks hung over her pale, light grayish mulberry coat. Her most notable feature is a cutie mark of a sparkling purple star surrounded by tiny white stars, five of them, along her flanks.

For some time, Twilight had gone over the ancient tome she found in the library, thinking to herself about what she just read.

“Hmm… Elements of Harmony. I know I’ve heard of those before… But where?”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y_Ps4ETwo0

Meanwhile, a gentle breeze flowed through his mane, as a unicorn stallion sat along the courtyards of Canterlot Castle. His name is Storm Shield, who kept his eyes closed tightly so his mind could deeply focus on his latest spell. Six giant boulders were entrapped in his magical aura, suspended perfectly still in mid-air. It had been almost half an hour since he had been like this, his goal overall was to hold them completely still for as long as his magic could hold them. For he knew, it takes one single lapse in concentration, just one, and the entire spell would…

“Hey Storm!”

Storm’s green eyes instantly snapped open, as the boulders fell back to the ground with a thunderous crash.

… Fail.

Storm groaned in dissatisfaction, as he slowly turned his head to see none other than his old classmate, Twilight Sparkle, standing next to him.

“Oh, come on, Twi,” Storm groaned. “Did you not notice I was in the middle of a spell?”

“Sorry Storm, but we’ve got something big to work on,” Twilight said, urgently.

“… Now?”

“Now.”

Storm rolled his eyes over his best friend’s words… Well, ‘best friend’ was putting it lightly. When it comes to Twilight, it’s only when something urgent comes up does she require his immediate attention. It didn’t matter how big or small the task was, she wouldn’t let it go until the matter is dealt with. Plus, she didn’t really have a ton of ‘friends’ in Canterlot, not even when they went to school together, but she usually called on him because the tan coated unicorn with the red-and-black striped mane wouldn’t say ‘no’.

Storm begrudgingly got on his hooves, following the lavender mare off to Celestia only knows what. Despite whatever the case might be, a small smile formed on Storm’s face when Twilight wasn’t looking. Maybe it was just by chance, but for Twilight to call on him and not any other pony she knows for a favor… He kind of felt there must’ve been something special about him she noticed, if it wasn’t his cutie mark of a shield with a star, with two swords crossed. Besides, it’s not often they hang out, so Storm wanted to make the best of this.

As they stroll down the path, they soon found themselves blocked by the only other friends they had in Canterlot: Minuette, Lemon Heart, and Twinkleshine.

“There you are, Twilight!” Twinkleshine said. “Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

“Is it today?” Storm Shield asked, smiling. “I almost forgot! Don’t worry, we’ll be there for sure.”

“Oh sorry, girls,” Twilight replied gently. “I’ve got a lot of studying to catch on. Plus, Storm and I are busy today… All day.”

Storm turned to his friend with a glare, but again ‘friend’ was probably not the best choice. Every time some pony would ask to hang out or do something fun, like with the girls, Twilight always shot them down. She always preferred studying over bonding with friends any day.

The only other pony she seemed to spend any time with is Storm. But even then, they never really talked or had ice cream, she’d have her face buried in a book while Storm was mostly around to jot down notes. Before Storm could say anything, Twilight zipped past the girls and galloped down the path as all four ponies stared after her.

“Twilight!” Storm called out, turning to the stunned girls sheepishly. “Um… Could you excuse me please? I’ll be right back.”

The girls just stood there as Storm dashed after Twilight Sparkle, barely catching up. But clearly, the three friends looked indignant as they watched both unicorns disappear.

“Does that pony do anything except study?” Twinkleshine remarked, with a sigh. “I think she’s more interested in books than friends.”

“How does Storm put up with her?” Lemon Heart added.

The two other unicorns just shrug silently.

<>

Far along the courtyard, Twilight busily dashed about the grounds at high speed, with Storm following close behind. They just crossed a bridge when Lyra Heartstrings waved to Twilight, but the latter zipped by without noticing. Storm skidded to a stop to greet Lyra.

“Hey Lyra,” Storm said, quickly. “Sorry, can’t talk. Need to stop Twilight from skipping another party; can you tell the others we’re going to be late? Great, see ya!”

Storm took off at high speed once more, nearly blowing Lyra and the pony beside her away with a huge gust of wind, disappearing into the distance. It wasn’t long before he finally caught up to Twilight, running beside the purple pony and not exactly happy.

“Twilight Sparkle, we need to…”

“I know I’ve heard the Elements of Harmony,” She said aloud.

Storm rolled his eyes, as they continue to run back towards a tall, golden tower representing both her home and her research lab. But Storm, quite frankly, was losing patience with the mare.

“Do you ever listen to me?!” He bellowed.

Sadly, his words fell on deaf ears the moment they arrived at the entrance. Since Twilight was so determined to uncover what she searched for, she didn’t know until too late that a tiny reptilian creature was making his way out of the tower with a package in his claws. She bashed him out of the way the instant she opened the front door.

“Ow!” Spike groaned.

Storm had rushed past Twilight and noticed the figure rubbing his head from the pain. It was a tiny little dragon with Moderate pistachio eyes, moderate harlequin spikes, light mulberry scales with a light spring budish gray underbelly and light lime green ear fronds. This was Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s assistant… Correction, her number one assistant. Nonetheless, Storm helped him to his feet.

“You alright, little buddy?” Storm asked, concerned.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Spike answered.

“Spike! Spi-ike!” Twilight called. “Spike?”

She climbed up the steps to the research department of her home, not realizing she almost ran over her number one assistant, who only groaned in response.

“Down here! Thanks for asking!” Storm called out, in frustration.

“There you are!” Twilight called out. “Quick, find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies.”

It was then Twilight eventually noticed, while Storm and Spike climbed the stairs, that a bashed package was stuck to the end of Spike’s tail.

“What’s that for?” She asked.

“It was a gift for Moon Dancer, but…”

Spike yelped as the gift was set aside, as Storm looked down.

“Oh, how cute… You bought her a teddy bear.”

“Well, giving it away mostly… Considering I’ve grown out of it.”

“Oh boys, you know we don’t have time for that sort of thing,” Twilight frowned.

“When exactly do we ever have time for anything?” Storm asked. “You’ve been cooped up in this library since last week; you work too much.”

“Exactly, we’re on a break!” Spike added.

Twilight just ignored the two, as she used her magic, a pale, light grayish orchid aura, summoning a number of books before her, quickly looking them over one by one.

“No, no, no… No, no, no!”

Twilight grunted in frustration, seeing none of these titles showed the information she needed. Storm rolled his eyes, sighing while shaking his head.

“Spike!”

Spike just sighed, as he effortlessly heads toward another tall ladder, scanning another bookshelf before grabbing the book with ease.

“It’s over here!” Spike called out, the book in his arms.

Just then, the book and the dragon were pulled towards Twilight. Storm noticed Spike quickly plummeting towards the floor and rushed forward catching Spike on his back before he hit the floor.

“Ah! Elements, Elements…” Twilight said aloud, searching the pages.

“Do you not even care that poor Spike almost face-planted on the ground?” Storm asked, in disbelief.

Once again, Twilight refused to acknowledge his question. She skimmed over the contents of the book, in deep concentration.

“E… E… E… Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?”

Spike and Storm just sighed. Not only was their day-off ruined, now they were left cleaning up Twilight’s mess… Again. As a matter of fact, this wasn’t the first time she left the two boys on cleaning duty, specifically putting the books back in their proper place. The glares on their faces showed just how annoyed they were about it.

“Mare in the Moon?” Spike pondered.

“What does that old ponies’ tale have to do with anything?” Storm asked.

“Mare… Mare… Aha!” Twilight exclaimed, finding what she was looking for.

“The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!”

“Spike, Storm! Do you know what this means?” Twilight asked.

Of course, Spike was fighting not to lose balance on Storm’s back as the two tried to balance themselves on a dangerously wobbling ladder. Storm tried to keep the ladder steady, but the number of books and Spike’s own wobbling made the task very difficult.

“No… Whoa! OW!”

Spike tumbled once more, but this time Twilight caught him with ease. Storm just looked from atop the ladder, relieved that Spike was alright but turned towards Twilight rather glumly.

“We’re not going to Moon Dancer’s party, are we?” He asked, in a bored tone.

“Take a note please, to the Princess,” Twilight asked Spike.

“Okie-dokie!” Spike said.

He grabbed a quill and some paper, hopping off Twilight’s back, and got ready to write. Suffice to say, Spike had gotten good at writing as fast as Twilight could speak. Storm could do the same, but his penmanship was rather… Sub-par.

“My dearest teacher,” Twilight began, pacing about the room. “My continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!”

“Hold on,” Spike interrupts.

While Spike was a fast writer, sometimes Twilight had a tendency of using words far too… Complex for his caliber.

“Preci… Preci…”

“Threshold,” Twilight proposed instead.

“Threh…”

“Storm, are you going to help him out?” Twilight asked, annoyed.

“You could say please once in a while,” Storm points out.

Of course, Storm was good at multiple tasks, but if he hadn’t acknowledged by now, he wasn’t good at ‘everything’…

“Uh brink?” Twilight proposed.

Spike was still struggling until Twilight grunted impatiently.

“Ugh, that something really bad is about to happen!”

That was more than enough for Spike, as he continued writing along. As Storm shook his head, he could’ve sworn he saw the image of a malicious looking mare on the hourglass in the room, completely unnoticed by Twilight Sparkle. He rubbed his eyes while she talked, but the image just disappeared. Perhaps it was a trickle of light or perhaps… Something else.

“For you see, the mythical ‘Mare in the Moon’ is in fact ‘Nightmare Moon’, and she’s about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student…”

“Ahem,” Storm coughed.

While Twilight did most of the work on this particular research project, she always forgets to credit Storm Shield for everything else they’d do together. He could only forego being left out so many times and this was it.

“Fine… Faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield,” Twilight added, with an eyeroll, while staring out her large glass window wall.

“Twilight Sparkle and Storm,” Spike replied slowly. “Got it!”

“Great! Send it!” Twilight replied excitedly.

“Now?”

“Of course!”

Spike was about to send it when he realized something important.

“Uh, I dunno, Twilight,” Spike replied, holding the letter. “Princess Celestia’s a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration. And it’s like, the day after tomorrow.”

“That’s just it, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, in his face. “The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration! It’s imperative that the Princess is told right away!”

“Impera… Impera…”

“Important!” Twilight bellowed.

“Whoa!” Spike exclaimed.

The little dragon tumbled backwards toward a bookshelf. Luckily, Storm caught the little guy in a magic bubble before the impact. Spike sighed in relief, turning toward Storm.

“Thanks man.”

Storm smiled with a nod, before turning back to Twilight and regained his frown.

“You really need to take it easy, Twilight,” Storm suggests. “Let’s just calm down, think this over for a sec…”

“NOW!”

“Okay, okay!” Spike retorted.

Taking a deep breath, Spike blew a green flame over the letter as it magically disappeared into the sky.

“There, it’s on its way. But I wouldn’t hold your breath…”

“Oh, I’m not worried, Spike,” Twilight replied, confidently. “The Princess trusts me completely. In all my years she’s been my… Er, Storm and I’s… mentor, she’s never once doubted me.”

“You know Twi, there’s more to life than studying all the time,” Storm points out. “Take me for example! I hardly ever studied when it comes to magic and I turned out just fine.”

“True, but you are good at different things,” Spike said.

“Exactly! The little guy knows what I’m talking about.”

BELCH!

All of a sudden, Spike let out a loud belch and another letter magically appeared before them.

“See?” Twilight replied with a smile. “I knew she would want to take immediate action.”

“I knew she would take immediate action,” Storm mocked, silently. “Ooh boy…”

While the two ponies bickered behind each other’s flanks, Spike opens the letter and cleared his throat.

“My dearest, most faithful students, Twilight and Storm,” Spike read, mimicking a regal tone. “You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely…”

“Mm-hm!” Twilight nodded smugly, as Storm rolled his eyes beside her.

“… but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Spike finished.

Twilight gasped, as Storm chuckled to himself.

“Called it!” He said, proudly.

<>

Soon enough, the two ponies and Spike were on a flying chariot pulled by two strong royal Pegasus pony guards. The two guards were assigned to carry them towards their mission above the clouds. Storm clearly enjoyed the ride, while Twilight kept pouting while leaning over the edge of the chariot. Along the way, Spike continued to read the letter Celestia sent.

“My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony’s life than studying, so I’m sending you and Storm to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year’s location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete… Make some friends!”

Twilight sighed to herself, not looking forward to the mission at all. Specifically, the second half. Storm, on the other hoof, was much more enthusiastic.

“Well, under the circumstances,” Storm spoke to Twilight. “I always said we needed to get out of Canterlot. I could use a nice change of scenery myself.”

“True,” Spike added. “Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“Yes, yes it does,” Twilight said, now smiling. “You know why? Because I’m right! I’ll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon’s return.”

“Then… When will you make friends, like the Princess said?” Spike asked.

“Yeah Twi,” Storm added. “Don’t get me wrong; I’ll help anyway I can. You’re not the only one whose sensing trouble. But the rest of us, maybe we’d like some time to actually make some friends… For once!”

“She said to check on the preparations,” Twilight retorted. “I’m her student, and I’ll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me, or us, making friends.”

As they talked, the chariot descended into what appears to be an open street right in the middle of the town called ‘Ponyville’.

“Yeah? Well, I’m her student too you know?” Storm argued. “Least I’m willing to put down the books and make an effort at this friendship gig.”

Storm didn’t argue any further when he heard the two royal guards give a horse-like whinny.

“Thank you, sirs,” Twilight replied.

“Thanks for the smooth ride fellas,” Storm added, taking out a bag of bits. “Here’s some bits for the road back; buy yourself something nice.

The two stallions huffed in appreciation, as the two ponies and little dragon scanned about the town. Just then, a particularly pink pony with cotton candy style mane and tail, with balloons for a cutie mark on her flanks, approached them.

“Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about,” Spike suggested. “Come on, Twilight, just try!”

“Sure, go ahead!” Storm added. “Some pony came to greet us; it be rude if we didn’t say hello.”

Twilight noticed the pink pony standing in front of her, trying her best to smile.

“Um… Hello?” She said, slowly.

“The name’s Storm, Storm Shield,” Storm introduced himself. “And you are?”

GASP!

The pink pony gasped in utter surprise, before zipping away at top speed. If Twilight and Storm hadn’t ducked, she’d have collided with their heads, and took them clean off.

“Well, that was interesting all right,” Twilight said, unamused.

“Random too,” Storm added, nodding.

<>

Eventually, the motley little group walked through an entire crop of Apple trees before eventually winding upon a large farm. Spike proceeds to take out the long checklist and began reading it off.

“Summer Sun Celebration official overseer’s checklist,” Spike read aloud. “Number One – Banquet Preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.”

“YEEHAW!”

The group turns noticing an orange pony, with a blonde mane and tail tied into ponytails. She also had a brown Stetson hat on her head and a cutie mark of three apples on her flanks. The pony proceeds to knock apples from a tree, by bucking the tree with her hind legs with incredible strength.

“Whoa!” Storm exclaimed, clearly impressed.

“Let’s get this over with,” Twilight sighed.

They made their way towards the orange pony, who was admiring her work, all the apples she bucked neatly stacked in barrels.

“Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle—”

Just then, Twilight was caught off-guard as the orange pony began to roughly shake her hoof.

“Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight,” The orange pony greets, with a thick country accent. “A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance. I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends!”

“Pleased to meet you, Applejack,” Storm added, trying to introduce himself. “The name’s Storm Shield.”

“Friends?” Twilight replied. “Actually, I… Er… We…”

“So, what can I do you two for?” Applejack asked.

Poor Twilight’s hoof still shook about, so Storm had to grab it with his magic to make her stop. Spike just snickered until Twilight glared at him, before clearing her throat.

“Well, we are in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight explained.

“And, from what we understand, you’re in charge of the food?” Storm finished.

“We sure as sugar are!” Applejack said, proudly. “Would you care to sample some?”

“Well, I am a little hungry,” Storm smiled.

“As long as it doesn’t take too long,” Twilight added.

Storm turned to Twilight, glaring at her. But before either could say anything, they heard a triangle ring.

“Soup’s on, every pony!” Applejack called out.

“Soup?” Storm asked.

Suddenly, they heard a loud thumping as Storm, Twilight, and Spike were whisked away by a huge mass of ponies and brought before a round table with a green checked colored cloth. All three felt rather frazzled, until Applejack sat nearby.

“Now, why don’t I introduce y’all to the Apple Family?” Applejack proposed.

“Thanks, but we really need to hurry—” Twilight began.

“This here is Apple Fritter—” Applejack began

She proceeds to introduce each family member, who each brought an apple treat to the table.

“—Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicous, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp..."

Applejack took a deep breath to regain some air.

“… Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith.”

On the last name, the trio turns to an elderly pony sleeping on a rocking chair. She had a light gray mane and a light lime green coat. She wore an orange scarf with white lacing around the edges with red apples for the design. On her flank is a cutie mark resembling a pie. This was Granny Smith, who unbeknownst to Twilight and her two companions is the patriarch of the Apple Family… And more.

“Up’n’attem, Granny Smith, we got guests!” Applejack called out.

The elderly pony woke from her slumber with a loud snort.

“Wha…? Soup’s on?” She retorted. “I’m up, and here I come, ah’m comin’…”

As Granny Smith slowly joins the family, her ankles cracking with each step, Applejack turns over to the family as they surround the three newcomers. It was then Storm noticed a green apple shoved into Twilight’s mouth, making him chuckle a bit.

“Why, I’d say you’re already part of the family,” Applejack declared.

Storm and Spike both smiled widely and happily, even began to speak to several of the Apple Family. Twilight, meanwhile, spat the now chewed apple from her mouth and gave a nervous laugh.

“Okay, well,” She replied slowly. “I can see the food situation has been handled. So, we’ll be on our way…”

Twilight had just turned to leave when a small yellow filly with a red mane and big pink bow walk shyly up to her. Storm remembered her name being Apple Bloom.

“Aren’t you gonna say for brunch?” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

She gave Twilight and Storm the cutest little puppy dog eyes any pony had ever seen.

“Aw… How can we say no to that face?” Storm smirked.

In all honesty, he wasn’t in a big hurry to leave. But Twilight, on the other hoof…

“Sorry,” Twilight said, trying to minimize the damage. “But we have an awful lot to do…”

Every pony gave a long, disappointed sigh, until Storm stepped up and took the lead.

“Now hold up, every pony,” Storm spoke up. “Pay no mind to what she said. Why we’d be honored to share brunch with you all, as a gesture of friendship.”

The last word he growled quietly towards Twilight Sparkle, as he shot her a glare. Twilight glared back, as the two ended up in a standoff for the next few seconds. They kept their gaze locked, waiting for one of them to crack, until Twilight finally blinked and looked away with a huff.

“… Fine,” Twilight conceded.

Storm smirked in victory, while the Apple family cheered and invited their guests to the table to eat.

<>

A couple hours passed before Twilight and the boys finally left. Suffice to say, Spike and Storm felt very satisfied.

“Food’s all taken care of,” Spike said. “Next is the weather.”

“I say all the food was awesome,” Storm replied, happily. “If I didn’t love apples before, I’m starting to now! What do you say, Twi?”

Twilight Sparkle, needless to say, lagged behind the both of them and moaned. Her stomach bulged greatly.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned. “I ate too much pie…”

“Told you so,” Storm pointed out. “Sampling means taking ‘small’ amounts of everything. Not devouring everything shoved at you. But did you listen? No! Still, you always had the appetite of a horse.”

Twilight just grunted angrily, while Storm smirked for teasing her, as they kept moving. While they bickered, Spike examined a few clouds hanging over the sky.

“Hmm… There’s supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” Spike pondered.

“Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight pointed out.

Suddenly, a blue Pegasus pony with a rainbow mane and tail came crashing down on both Storm and Twilight. It should also be noted there was a cloud shooting a rainbow-colored lightning bolt cutie mark along her flanks. The initial impact sent Twilight and Storm flying into a giant patch of mud. They moaned angrily, coated badly in mud. The blue pony just laughed sheepishly.

“Uh… ‘scuse me?” She replied.

As the Pegasus hovered about, Storm and Twilight both gave a death glare while she just laughed.

“Lemme help you,” The blue pony offered.

She grabs a nearby rain cloud and made it downpour with her hooves hopping on the cloud. The rainwater soaked the two ponies, while the blue pony, from above the cloud, laughed sheepishly once more.

“Oops, I guess I over did it,” She remarked.

“Oh, you don’t say,” Storm retorted. “Might as well just throw us in a lake.”

“Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Bow Dry!”

She created a large wind tunnel around the two unicorns, drying them both off quickly.

“No, no. Don’t thank me,” The blue pony replied, before facing the two. “You’re quite welcome.”

It was then the Pegasus saw that her trick worked a little too well. While both unicorns were dry, their manes and tails were now frizzy and poofy. Storm resembled a disco pony, while Twilight was in no better condition. The sight was too much, and both the Pegasus and Spike burst out laughing, falling onto their backs. Storm and Twilight just stood and glare.

“Let me guess,” Twilight retorted. “You’re Rainbow Dash.”

The Pegasus, hearing her name, stopped laughing and quickly got up, knocking Spike aside.

“The one and only. Why, you’ve heard of me?”

“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear,” Twilight remarked with a sigh. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and this here is Storm Shield, and the Princess sent us to check on the weather.”

Suffice to say, Rainbow Dash had made herself comfortable on a cloud above them. She didn’t seem the least bit motivated to actually do the job.

“Yeah, yeah, that’ll be a snap,” Rainbow waved off. “I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I’m done practicing.”

“What kind of practice can a pony accomplish lazing about on a cloud?” Storm asked, confused.

“The Wonderbolts!” Rainbow Dash said, excitedly.

She motions toward a nearby poster showing what appears to be a bunch of Pegasus ponies dressed in flight suits, which feature a shade of gold and aquamarine along with a ‘winged bolt’ logo.

“They’re gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff!”

“The… Wonderbolts?” Twilight asked, with a smirk.

“Yep!”

“The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?”

“That’s them!”

“Pfft! Please! They’d never accept a Pegasus who can’t even keep the sky clear for one measly day.”

“Or crash lands into other ponies!” Storm added.

When the two unicorns started talking, Rainbow Dash was very cross over their choice of words.

“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow retorted.

“Prove it!” Twilight and Storm challenged.

The latter pulled out a stopwatch and the moment he pushed the button, Rainbow zoomed high into the sky, bucking off the remaining clouds in a rapid session. Both Storm and Twilight were agape, as Rainbow returned with a whoosh.

“Loop-de-loop around, and wham!” Rainbow Dash said, finishing up. “What’d I say? Ten… Seconds… Flat. I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”

Twilight, Storm, and Spike stared with their jaws dropped. All that moved was Storm’s eyes, as he turned down at the stopwatch… And when he stopped the clock, it was exactly ten seconds. The blue Pegasus wasn’t exaggerating, she meant it. Speaking of which, she laughed at their initial shock as she flew around them.

“You should see the looks on your faces,” Rainbow laughed. “Ha! You’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. You too Storm Shield! I can’t wait to hang out some more.”

By the time Storm Shield shook himself out of shock, Rainbow Dash zoomed away.

“Maybe don’t slam us into the ground next time, and we’re good!” Storm called out.

“Wow, she’s amazing!” Spike said, with a laugh.

“… Yeah, you’re right,” Storm admitted.

It was then Storm turned and noticed Spike playing with Twilight’s still puffy mane. Twilight growled at the fact her mane was still a mess when she felt two eyes watching her. With a roll of her eyes, she turns to Storm.

“What?!”

“You know Twi,” Storm said. “I always find frizzy manes beautiful.”

Twilight sent a heated glare towards her friend, before walking off. Storm, on the other hoof, just smiled.

“I meant what I said,” He replied, softly.

<>

Their next leg of the trip lead the trio into a large building with a round dome. It was apparently supposed to be where the main ceremony would take place later tonight.

“Decorations,” Spike said, in awe. “Beautiful…”

“Yes, the décor is coming along nicely,” Twilight nodded. “This ought’a be quick. I’ll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed.”

“Not the décor,” Spike said, clearly dazed. “Her!”

Storm and Twilight turn ahead and before their eyes was a marshmallow-coated unicorn, with a beautiful curled dark purple mane and tail. Along her flank appear to be three blue gemstones on each side. She was apparently deep in thought, shuffling through some ribbons with her magic.

“No, no, no, oh!” She exclaimed. “Goodness no.”

“How are my spines?” Spike asked, worried. “Are they straight?”

“You’re fine, little buddy,” Storm said, patting the dragon’s back.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, before stepping forward.

“Good afternoon—” Twilight tried to address.

However, the other unicorn seemed far too focused to acknowledge the newcomer.

“Just a moment, please!” The Unicorn replied, continuing her work. “I’m in the zone, as it were. Oh yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help up-AAAH! Oh, my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!”

Puzzled, Twilight looked up at her mane. Storm’s eyes were already locked onto hers, after Rarity said that. He had studied Prench back in Canterlot High and that was one word he knew.

“Oh, you mean my mane?” Twilight clarified. “Well, it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the decorations, and then I’ll be out of your hair!”

“Out of my hair?” Rarity exclaimed. “What about your hair?”

Rarity began pushing Twilight out the building from the flank.

“Wait! Where are we going?!” Twilight called out. “Help!”

Storm just casually walked beside her, while Spike was too mesmerized to be of any help.

“I think she’s taking us to that building there,” Storm pointed out. “Is that a boutique?”

“That would be right dear,” Rarity replied. “My humble abode, I own and operate the place myself.”

It was then Rarity realized something as she pushed Twilight along.

“Oh dear, I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch your name.”

“Storm’s the name, Miss Rarity,” Storm said, bowing. “Storm Shield. But you may call me ‘Storm’.”

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you,” Rarity smiled. “Ah, here we are!”

It wasn’t long before Twilight stood in the center of what was indeed a clothing boutique Storm had visited plenty of boutiques in Canterlot, when the other girls would drag him along for one of their shopping weekends. And of course, being the only guy in the group, guess who carried the bags? But something about this particular boutique carried a certain charm, as Storm looked around. All the while, Rarity shuffled through various outfits for Twilight.

“No, no, uh-uh,” Rarity said to herself. “Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… Shiny…”

“Considering how bright the sun is,” Storm said. “What good’s a dress if it blinds every pony who looks at you?”

“Storm!” Twilight sneered.

“What? I’m just saying!” Storm replied, innocently. “You hang out with Lemon Heart like I do; you learn a thing or two about fine couture.”

Just then, Twilight was garbed in some form of cyan-colored dress with a large emerald up front, as Rarity proceeds to tie the back straps, roughly pulling them against Twilight’s chest.

“Now go on, my dears,” She continued. “You were telling me where you’re both from.”

Twilight strained to answer, since the dress was a tad tight from all the tugging, but she did her best.

“I’ve… That is we… Were sent… From Canterlot… To—”

“Huh?” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity suddenly released the straps, sending Twilight tumbling forward.

“Canterlot!? Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I…”

Rarity held Twilight close, though the latter was uncomfortable. Suddenly, Rarity noticed the broach on the dress.

“Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!”

Rarity dashed away, as Twilight used a nearby screen to quickly remove the dress.

“Quick!” Twilight called out. “Before she decides to dye my coat a new color!”

“Spike was too dazed, but somehow used his smitten feelings to hover with his tail, as Twilight scooped him up and dashed away. Storm, meanwhile, was still in deep thought.

“Rubies might actually work with Twilight,” He pondered aloud. “Especially if they are more pinkish like salmon. Personally, I consider myself an amethyst guy… WHOA!!!”

Storm’s thoughts were interrupted as Twilight used her aura to drag him out of the boutique. By that point, all three were outside the shop and continued their way down the path.

“Wasn’t she wonderful?” Spike asked, out of the blue.

Storm turned to Spike and smirked, he could tell the purple dragon had been struck with Cupid’s arrow. He knew that feeling very well.

“Focus Casanova,” Twilight joked, sarcastically. “What’s next on the list?”

Spike quickly recomposed himself, before checking the list.

“Oh, uh, music!” He answered. “It’s the last one!”

It was then they heard a multitude of birds singing. Hiding in a bush, they saw all the birds gathered into a large tree and apparently conducted by a yellow Pegasus with a soft pink mane and tail, complete with butterfly cutie marks on her flanks. During this mesmerizing rehearsal, something caught her attention.

“Oh my,” She said, very softly. “Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a ‘teeny-tiny’ bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one-two-three—”

“Hello!”

Twilight called out at the worst possible time. All the birds were startled and flew away, even the yellow Pegasus gave a frightened yelp before turning around. From the look on her face, Twilight soon realized her mistake.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry,” Twilight apologized. “I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. We’re just here to check up on the music and it’s sounding beautiful.”

The yellow Pegasus said nothing, but turn away shyly, rubbing a hoof upon the ground. Storm couldn’t resist a smile; he was always a sucker for shy girls.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight continued. “And this is Storm Shield.”

“Afternoon,” Storm greeted.

Again, the yellow Pegasus said nothing. She seemed to grow more shy with each passing day.

“And… What’s your name?” Storm asked, trying to be friendly.

“Um… I’m Fluttershy,” The Pegasus replied.

Of course, her voice was so quiet, Storm was surprised even ‘he’ could hear her name. All the same, the name suited her perfectly.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Twilight asked, unable to hear.

“Um… My name is Fluttershy,” She replied again, more softly.

“Didn’t quite catch that,” Twilight added, feeling awkward.

“She said Fluttershy!” Storm shouted.

Fluttershy just squeaked as the rest of the birds returned to the tree. Storm meant to apologize for the sudden outburst when Twilight interrupted him.

“Well, um, it looks like your birds are back. So, I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.”

Fluttershy only squeaked again. This time, Storm knew it was Twilight who startled her.

“Oookay…” Twilight replied uneasily, turning to Spike and Storm. “Well, that was easy.”

The moment Spike appeared Fluttershy instantly turned around, wide eyed and smiling.

“A baby dragon!” Fluttershy exclaimed, more audibly.

Her sudden outburst made the birds fly away as she raced towards Spike, bucking Twilight out of the way.

“Oh, I’ve never seen a baby dragon before. He’s sooo cute!”

“Well, well, well…!” Spike smiled.

Twilight glared over being pushed, as Storm went over to help her.

“You alright, Twi?” He asked.

“What do you think?” Twilight grumbled.

“Oh my, he talks!” Fluttershy exclaimed again. “I didn’t know dragons could talk. That’s just so incredibly wonderful, I, I just don’t even know what to say!”

By then, Twilight used her magic to scoop Spike onto her back and started walking.

“Well, in that case, we’d better be going,” Twilight said.

The unicorns started walking back to town for the library, when Fluttershy started to follow them.

“Wait, wait! What’s his name?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m Spike,” Spike replied.

“Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?”

“Well, what do you wanna know?”

“Absolutely everything…”

Twilight groaned, as she continued her way towards the library with the rest following close behind.

“Well… I started out as a cute little purple and green egg…” Spike began.

<>

It was sunset, even then Fluttershy and Spike were still in conversation, while Twilight’s mood couldn’t get any more sour. Storm had purposely lagged behind to hear the conversation, even adding his own two bits once in a while. All the while, Fluttershy listened attentively.

“…And that’s the story of my whole entire life!” Spike concluded.

By then, they finally arrived at the front of a grand oak tree that marked the town’s library.

“Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Fluttershy replied happily.

Just then, Spike was startled when Twilight did a fast one eighty.

“I’m so sorry, how did we get here so fast?” Twilight said plainly. “This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.”

“No, I don’t… WHOA!”

Spike was taken aback again, as Twilight sent him flying off her back and onto the ground with a thud.

“Aww, wook at dat,” Twilight said in baby talk. “He’s so sweepy, he can’t even keep his widdle bawance!”

Storm Shield rolled his eyes, while Spike glared. But somehow, Fluttershy actually believed Twilight.

“Poor thing,” She replied, scooping him up. “You simply must get into bed…”

Fluttershy opened the door to tuck him in, but Twilight interrupts and shoves Fluttershy out. Storm just watched this entire scenario in complete shock.

“Yes, yes,” Twilight replied quickly. “We’ll get right on that. Well, g-night!”

Twilight then pulls Storm inside, slamming the door behind them.

“Huh, rude much?” Spike pointed out, with a glare.

“I’ll say,” Storm added.

Even in pitch darkness, Storm’s bitter look could be seen in the dark.

“Sorry guys, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time!” Twilight replied.

Once again, Storm groaned and rolled his eyes.

“You’re seriously still hung up on all this, Twi? You’ve already sent your letter to the Princess, who I believe wrote back to tell you to, oh I don’t know… Chill out and make some friends!”

“Right,” Twilight added. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where’s the light?”

Before Storm could say more, the lights turned on and the trio found themselves surrounded by numerous ponies. The place itself was heavily decorated. And they all jumped as a honk went off.

“SURPRISE!!!” The ponies shouted, blowing kazoos.

Twilight just groaned, while Spike and Storm were still in shock.

“SURPRISE!”

Before the trio was the pink pony they just met, before taking off earlier that day.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh-huh-huh?”

“Looks like some pony had her fair share of sugar today…” Storm thought to himself.

“Very surprised,” Twilight said. “Libraries are supposed to be quiet.”

“Well, that’s silly!” Pinkie Pie answered. “What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y’see, I saw you when you two first got here, remember? You were all “hello” and I was all (GASP), remember? Y’see I’ve never saw you two before and if I’ve never saw you before that meant that you’re both new, ‘cause I know every pony, and I mean every pony in Ponvyille!”

“O-kay…” Storm said, uneasily.

Twilight just groaned, as she approached a table with all the cups and sodas for a quick drink.

“And if you’re new,” Pinkie Pie continued. “That meant you haven’t met anyone yet, and if you haven’t met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that’s why I went (GASP)! I must throw you a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!”

Storm had a tough time keeping track of what Pinkie Pie said, but soon noticed the five other girls he and Twilight met today. As he went over to converse with them, Twilight seemed to tune them all out and sipped her drink. Suddenly, she lifts her head, turned around, and her cheeks puffed out as her face went deep red.

“Are you all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

Twilight said nothing, as flames erupted from her mane, tail, and her mouth before she rushed off. Once the flames fizzled out, she dashed upstairs without another word.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Storm rolled his eyes, as Spike examined the soda bottle Twilight drank from.

“Hot sauce,” Spike read on the label. Storm just sighed with a head shake.

“What in Equestria is that doing with the soda?” He asked.

Just then Pinkie Pie dumped a large dollop of it atop a cupcake and gobbled it up. Storm and the others made faces.

“Ooh…!” Pinkie Pie remarked, as she ate it. “What?” It’s good!”

“If… You… Say so…” Storm said, with a face hoof.

Losing his appetite, Storm looks up sadly toward the staircase leading to what was apparently Twilight’s bedroom. Rarity noticed his body language and stood beside him.

“You seem worried about Twilight,” Rarity observed. “Why not go check up on her?”

“Eh… I don’t know what good it will do…” Storm said. “Twilight’s not exactly the most social pony, and I speak from experience.”

“Well, why don’t you tell us more about yourself, sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“Me? Well, sure! I’m an open book. You can ask me ‘anything’ that pops in your head, while I get to know you girls a bit.”

The girls beckon Storm to join the party as he began to share parts of his part with them. While he had to do his best to make things interesting, seeing the girls intrigued by his story made him feel slightly better. Either way, for the first time in a while, Storm Shield enjoyed himself.

<>

It was well into the night when he and Spike finally decided to visit Twilight. Twilight groaned from all the noise and loud music downstairs, practically burying her head underneath a large pillow as she sat in her bed. Suddenly, the doors burst open as Storm and Spike came in. The little dragon had a nightshade over his head.

“Hey Twilight!” Spike called out. “Pinkie Pie’s starting ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’! Wanna play?”

“Yeah, come on down and have a little fun,” Storm urged. “I did a killer singing duet with Rarity, tried some awesome candy from this Bon Bon mare, and just won my first dance contest! And all I had to do was perform the limbo by staying exactly one inch from the ground leaning back. The girls had to pin Rainbow Dash down since she kept demanding a rematch. Yeesh… Not like losing’s the end of the world, you know?”

That sounded hypocritical, since Storm hated losing too. But he ignored the feeling. Twilight, on the other hoof, was clearly irritated.

“NO!” Twilight barked. “All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!”

“It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Celebrtation,” Spike answered. “Every pony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party!”

“You really should lighten up, Twilight,” Twilight imitated, mockingly. “It is a party!”

Spike just left, while Storm stood on the rails with his hoofs folded, a disappointed look on his face. Storm finally had enough of her attitude today and decided something had to be said.

“Twilight, in all seriousness, you’re really missing out on all the fun,” Storm states. “Celestia did say we were to make friends. I’ve already made five since we’ve been here, and there could be more since every pony here enjoys chatting with me. Spike and I are having a great time, but I really hoped you’d join in. But if you’d rather sit here and pout the whole night, go right ahead. Just don’t ask me to watch.”

Twilight still remained silent, neither saying a word nor turning to him. Storm Shield just sighed, before closing the door, with one last look to her before turning around to join in on the party games. Twilight just stared at the ceiling, hugging her pillow close.

“Ugh, here I thought I’d have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!”

And yet, despite all the frustration, Twilight couldn’t stop remembering the last thing she read.

“Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night.”

“I hope the Princess was right…” Twilight said, worried. “I hope it really is just an old pony tale…”

It wasn’t long before Storm walked back into the room, with Spike on his back.

“C’mon, Twilight!” Spike called out. “It’s time to watch the sunrise!”

Twilight looked toward the moon one last time, the silhouette of Nightmare Moon’s face remained on the surface and several stars shined around it, but nothing seemed to change. She crawled off the bed and found Storm Shield waiting for her. While his face remained stern, he still offered her a hoof. Twilight just stares at him before placing her hoof on top. Storm smiles approvingly, before escorting her out the library towards the main building for the ceremony.

The building itself wasn’t particularly large, but somehow it fit every pony who came to see the sunrise, with plenty of room to spare. Twilight was still worried as she stood beside Storm waiting for the ceremony to begin. Just then, Pinkie Pie swooped in from nearby.

“Isn’t this exciting?” She asked, out of the blue. “Are you excited, ‘cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited—well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went (GASP) but I mean really, who can top that?”

Twilight just gave Storm a curious, yet annoyed look.

“If you drank five bottles of soda and a bottle of hot sauce, you’d be hyper too,” Storm whispered.

Twilight just rolled her eyes when a cream-colored mare with a whitish mane, tail, a scroll tied in a blue ribbon for a cutie mark, and glasses upon her nose appeared. This was the Mayor of Ponyville known as… Well, ‘Mayor Mare’. Storm had a chance to speak to her during the party, and while she did give him a funny look for some reason, they did share a friendly chat. As soon as Fluttershy’s birds performed their opening number, she took center stage.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” She announced proudly. “As Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.”

All the ponies cheered proudly, stomping their hooves at the start of the upcoming arty. But while she spoke, Twilight looked up and saw the stars approach the moon and the Mare in the Moon’s silhouette disappeared from the moon’s surface. This made her rather nervous, as the Mayor continued on completely blissfully.

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria…”

“Ready?” Fluttershy asked her birds, who simply nods.

“… Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare announced.

A spotlight appears where the Princess is set to arrive, and Rarity opens the curtains… But she wasn’t there.

“Huh?” Rarity said, shocked.

The rest of the ponies chattered quietly and nervously in the background.

“This can’t be good,” Twilight said.

“Spike, please tell me Celestia’s just handling our warning,” Storm added, hopefully.

“Maybe… She’s running a little late?” Spike asked, nervously.

“Remain calm, every pony,” Mayor Mare replied, keeping the peace. “There must be a reasonable explanation!”

“Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Is she hiding?”

Rarity searched the area where Celestia was supposed to be, but all she could say is…

“She’s gone!”

Every pony gasped, the news of Celestia’s disappearance hitting them like a boulder to the chest.

“Ooh, she’s good!” Pinkie Pie remarked.

Just then, she gave a great yelp as every pony gasped once more. Only this time, a dark, cloudy mist entered the hall. They all watched fearfully, as the mist slowly took form, morphing into the shape of a tall, dark alicorn in light blue armor.

“Oh no…” Twilight panicked, quietly.

“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight and Storm said, in unison.

Spike was so shocked, he practically fainted, falling off the seat of Storm’s back. Nightmare Moon laughed menacingly before the ponies surrounding her.

“Oh, my beloved subjects,” She said, boldly. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

For the moment, most ponies were afraid to say a word. They did nothing but look at her fearfully. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof…

“What did you do with our Princess?!” She demanded angrily.

The Pegasus tried to confront Nightmare Moon herself, only for a certain cow pony to hold her back by the tail.

“Whoa there, Nelly…” Applejack muffled.

Nightmare Moon chuckled at the gesture, but then her expression quickly changed.

“Why, am I not royal enough for you?” She asked angrily. “Don’t you know who I am?”

The dread silence and blank expression on every pony’s faces showed they clearly didn’t. Even Storm Shield himself felt uncomfortable know that no pony else, minus Twilight and himself, knew exactly who she was.

“Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!” Pinkie remarked excitedly. “Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty…”

Pinkie Pie was quickly shushed, as an apple cupcake was shoved down her throat. Suffice to say, Nightmare Moon was furious. She glared angrily, first to Fluttershy, who couldn’t look her in the eye, and eventually turned to Rarity.

“Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She demanded. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”

“We did.”

Nightmare Moon turned as Storm Shield stepped forward, followed by Twilight Sparkle.

“And I know who you are,” Twilight said. “You’re the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!”

All the other ponies gasped, knowing that an ancient story they’ve been told as foals and colts was suddenly real. And a once mythical figure now stood before their eyes.

“Well, well, well,” Nightmare Moon said. “Some ponies who remember me. Then you two also know why I’m here.”

“You’re here to… To…” Twilight gulped.

Either she had forgotten, or she was afraid that the next thing she’d say would make it worse for all the town ponies. Either way, she felt a twinge of regret.

“You’re here to snuff out the light forever,” Storm growled. “And bring about eternal darkness…”

Nightmare Moon just chuckled, all that was on her mind was that she had successfully made a triumphant return.

“Remember this day, little ponies,” Nightmare Moon declared. “For it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”

Nightmare Moon laughed manically, as the thunder clashed alongside her. Every pony, especially Twilight and Storm, could only watch in pure horror. Nightmare Moon had returned and the only pony who can stand to her, the princess they all need the most, had vanished. But even after all of that, even after an age old prophecy had been fulfilled, the worst was still to come.

To be continued…

Friendship is Magic: Part 2

Nightmare Moon cackled amongst the gather of frightened ponies before her. She stood high and mighty, believing she had won over her subjects. The only pony brave enough to speak up was Mayor Mare.

“Seize her!” Mayor Mare shouted. “Only she knows where the Princess is!”

A group of Pegasus guards flew toward Nightmare Moon, in an effort to prevent her escape.

“Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare Moon laughed.

Generating gigantic thunderbolts, Nightmare Moon knocks the guards back. Seeing the guards crash upon the grounds, amidst the frightened ponies, made Storm Shield furrow his brow angrily. Without thinking, the unicorn charges toward Nightmare Moon.

“Hey Queen Meanie!” He called out. “Over here!”

“Aww, he used my nickname!” Pinkie giggled, behind a fallen table.

Completely disregarding his own safety, Storm Shield galloped ahead at full speed. He conjures his magic, charging up a huge ball of red energy before hurling it toward Nightmare Moon. But Nightmare Moon easily swat the magic aside and shot a beam which sends Storm flying backward crashing toward the wall with a ‘THUD!’. Dazed, Storm could only watch as Nightmare Moon shifts into a dark blue mist, slipping out of the building with ease..

“Ergh…” Applejack groaned.

In the meantime, Applejack had tried to hold Rainbow Dash back. But eventually, the blue Pegasus finally broke free, sending Applejack flying backward as Rainbow tried to pursue the released Mare in the Moon. But the mist proved too fast, disappearing into the night.

“Come back here!” Rainbow panted.

It was then that she allowed Nightmare Moon’s words to sink in, realizing what she meant.

“Nighttime? Forever?”

Just then, before Rainbow had more time to think, she spots Twilight Sparkle dashing out the building as fast as her hooves could take her. Storm, still dazed and woozy, wobbled out of the building, kneeling along the railings.

“Twi, wait for me!”

Before Rainbow Dash knew it, she watched him gallop away at incredible speed as if he had just made a remarkable recovery. This stunned the speedy Pegasus, but then remembered her train of thought.

“Where’re they going?” She demanded from above. “Hmph… They know something!”

<>

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle had just arrived back at the library by the time Storm Shield entered through the doors. She had just put Spike to bed, the baby dragon completely oblivious to the situation as he slept.

“Uh… We gotta stop Nightmare…”

But it wasn’t long before the young dragon conked out again, falling fast asleep. Twilight smiled warmly, as she tucked Spike into his basket for the night.

“You’ve been up all night, Spike,” Twilight pointed out, as he slept. “You are a baby dragon after all.”

Once she turned off the light, Twilight quickly searched the library, tossing books around. Just then, she heard an ‘OW!’ when she noticed one of the books hit an already stunned Storm Shield in the face. It wasn’t enough that he had a rough landing against Nightmare Moon, but it annoyed him more that his so called ‘best friend’ didn’t even ask if he was okay. She just kept going while he rubbed his muzzle, trying and failing to dodge the barrage of books.

“Storm, where have you been?!” Twilight asked, unattentively.

“Aside from a little landing on my… OW!” Storm retorted, as a book hit his face. “I’m doing… OW!... Great! Thanks for OW… Oh, forget it!”

Storm used his magic, at the last moment, to stop a book from flying toward him. He drops it on the ground angrily, as he made toward another shelf searching for the book Twilight was desperate to find.

“Elements, elements, elements…” Twilight said frantically. “Ugh! How can we stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony? Storm, can you…?”

Twilight didn’t finish when a certain blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail flew right into Twilight’s face, forcing the unicorn to back away nervously.

“And just what are the Elements of Harmony?” Rainbow demanded. “And how do you and Storm know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you two spies? Whoa!”

Rainbow was pulled back just as Applejack appeared. The male unicorn watched as the cow pony tugged the blue Pegasus away by the tail, letting her go at a safe distance from the two visitors.

“So much for being friends,” Storm thought, scratching the back of his neck.

“Simmer down, Sally,” Applejack remarked. “She and Storm are no spies. But they sure knows what’s going on. Don’t you, Twilight? Storm?”

Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity arrived close behind, clearly sharing the same train of thought as their faces showed. Twilight looked at them one by one, hesitant to answer. Storm stood beside her, motioning her to talk.

“I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon,” Twilight explained. “Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don’t know what they are, where to find them; I don’t even know what they do!”

Pinkie Pie merely walked over to a nearby shelf, examining a rather old book.

“’The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide’,” She read aloud.

Hearing the title, Twilight zipped over and pushed her out of the way.

“How did you find that?!” Twilight asked.

“It was under ‘E’,” Pinkie said, in a sing-song voice.

Storm slapped a hoof over his face; Twilight felt rather silly as well.

“Of course!” Storm Shield muttered.

“Oh…” Twilight remarked.

Regardless, Twilight Sparkle was quick to recompose herself before reading the contents of the book.

“There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters.”

It was during this time a mysterious black mist returned, floating as if it were watching the seven ponies from outside the window. Having heard enough, the mist zips away unnoticed by the group.

“I’m going to regret asking this,” Storm spoke. “But… Exactly where does the book say we can find the castle?”

“It is located in what is now—” Twilight read.

<>

“THE EVERFREE FOREST!” The ponies said in unison.

Ominous music is heard, as if the melody rushed into the dark marsh that stood before them. A short time had passed since they read for where to find the castle, where the Elements are said to be secured. But the overall dread remained as the only way to find the castle was to enter the very mysterious, very frightening Everfree Forest.

“So… The only way to find the castle and get the elements is to enter the deepest darkest forest, risk being attacked by monsters, and possibly being hopelessly lost in an endless maze of trees and ravines?” Storm asked, for clarification.

“Yep,” Twilight answered, short and simple.

“… Okay then.”

“Whee!” Pinkie cried eagerly. “Let’s go!”

Pinkie Pie bounced forward to the entrance of the forest when Twilight Sparkle ran in front of her stopping the party pony in her tracks.

“Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but… Storm and I can handle this on our own…”

But Storm Shield shook his head rapidly, mouthing ‘No, we can’t’. But whether Twilight Sparkle saw his lips move or not, at least some ponies wouldn’t be brushed off that easily.

“No can do, sugarcube,” Applejack said firmly. “We sure ain’t lettin’ any friends of ours go into that creepy place alone. We’re stickin’ to you like caramel on a candy apple.”

The rest of the girls agreed with a ‘Hmph’, as they ventured forward. Even Fluttershy, the most nervous of the group, trotted with the group of eager ponies. The only one who didn’t go in with them was Pinkie Pie.

“Especially if there’s candy apples in there,” Pinkie Pie said.

But her rambling earned some stares from both Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“What? Those things are good.”

Twilight Sparkle just sighed heavily, while Storm shield stifled a chuckle. The young unicorn had to admit that Pinkie’s wacky sense of humor had grown on him. They wasted no time following the group of ponies close behind, venturing into the deep dark wood in search for the legendary Elements of Harmony.

<>

The trek through the Everfree Forest was quiet… Perhaps too quiet. Apart from a slight breeze brushing against the trees, the forest was as inactive as the starry night sky as the moon cascades over the area. As they walked, Twilight Sparkle turned towards Storm Shield who kept a lookout as if expecting an ambush.

“So… Are you okay?” Twilight asked, breaking the silence.

At first, Storm didn’t answer or didn’t seem to hear her. Course, it was hard to tell from his expression as Twilight tried to observe him. She released a sigh before she pressed on.

“Look… I’m sorry I didn’t ask earlier. It’s just… It’s been overwhelming with all this, you know?”

“Eh, I’m fine,” Storm shrugged it off. “I’ve had worse. Actually… There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“What’s that?”

“I was doing some additional reading about the elements, trying to find some more clues. I actually discovered something.”

“What did it say?”

“According to the passage in the book and I quote, ‘When the sixth element is revealed, a special seventh element, the most powerful of them all, will emerge’. It seems this element is supposed to serve as the heart that binds the six elements together. But no pony, not even the royal sisters, ever uncovered this… Seventh Element. What do you think it means?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure,” Twilight answered. “But the sooner we find the other six, the better. Maybe this seventh element might help us.”

“I sure hope so,” Storm sighed.

Eventually, the two Canterlot ponies managed to catch up with the rest of the group. When things got quiet again, Twilight once more spoke up.

“So, none of you have been in here before?” Twilight asked.

“Ugh, heavens no!” Rarity answered, surveying the marsh. “Just look at it – it’s dreadful!”

“I’m not going to argue with that one,” Storm nodded.

The ponies approached a large cliffside overlooking the entire forest. It was then the dark mist appeared, creeping into the cracks of the ground beneath them.

“And it ain’t natural,” Applejack added. “Folks say it don’t work the same as Equestria.”

“Funny, I’ve been reading about that too,” Storm replied. "Course, I always thought they were just rumors to keep fillies and colts from wandering into the forest."

As they walked through the dark brush of the wood, he couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous over this whole endeavor. But never once did his belief falter nor his courage waver.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight asked Applejack.

“Nopony knows…” Rainbow said.

The way she lowered her voice, Rainbow Dash made it sound as if she were about to tell a scary ghost story. It was more than enough for Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy to shiver nervously.

“You know why?”

“Rainbow, quit it!” Applejack scolded.

The cow pony knew exactly what the blue Pegasus was trying to do, and she did not like it, not one bit.

“’Cause everypony who’s ever come in has never come out!” Rainbow Dash concluded.

The three mares flinched quietly, but Storm Shield snorted as he stood behind Rainbow.

“Please…” He said confidently. “I’m pretty sure this forest is nothing ‘we’ can’t handle.”

Suddenly, there was a loud crash, as the ground beneath their hooves gave away. Every pony screamed as they slid along the steep slope. Only Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were able to avoid the drop, but saw their friends were in danger.

“Fluttershy! Quick!” Rainbow shouted, swooping down.

“Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!” Fluttershy panicked, before joining Rainbow.

Both Twilight Sparkle and Rarity screamed their lungs out, trying to slow their descent down the slope, which ended at a very large drop off. Storm fought hard, scratching the Earth with his hooves, but was unable to slow down. Applejack managed to clamp her feet on a root to stop sliding. Rainbow scooped up Pinkie Pie, while Fluttershy grabbed Rarity’s tail slowing her down.

Poor Twilight was losing ground fast and soon dangled over the edge of the cliff. Storm tried to hold on, but part of the cliff he held onto suddenly broke away.

“TWIIIIIIIIII-LIIIIIIIIIIIGGHHHHHHHT!!!” Storm cried, midfall.

“STORM!!!” Twilight cried out, as her grip slipped.

Soon, Storm was falling very quickly, very fast, the ground just inches away. He was certain this was the end of him; many thoughts raced in his head.

“I’m never going to see my family again; I should’ve gone to the party with my Canterlot friends! All the years growing up with my studies, my loyal companion…”

Just then, Storm’s eyes widened as if he had an epiphany.

“WAIT A MINUTE… I’M SMART!” Storm shouted.

Storm took a deep breath and released a loud, shrill whistle which echoed through the entire forest. Suddenly, a loud screech met his ears as he looked out toward a great bird flying rapidly in his direction. The bird had a blend of red, orange, and yellow feathers making it look like it was on fire. But this was no ordinary bird. This was his loyal companion and childhood friend, Blaze the Phoenix.

“Over here, Blaze!” Storm shouted.

Blaze screeched again, seeing his master quickly descending to the ground, flying at a rapid pace. Using his amazing strength, Blaze caught Storm in his talons, floating themselves down to safety. Storm released a huge sigh of relief once back on the ground, as Blaze landed gracefully on his back.

“Thanks for the help, old buddy,” Storm thanked the phoenix.

Blaze gave a soft chittering, rubbing his feathery head against Storm’s cheek. Storm looks back toward the cliff, seeing the others struggling to hold on. But his eyes were on Twilight who was in a precarious situation.

“Hold on!” Applejack called out. “Ah’m a-comin’!”

Applejack let go of the branch, gently making her way towards Twilight. She grabs her front legs, preventing the unicorn from falling.

“Applejack! What do I do?” Twilight asked, frightened.

Applejack just held Twilight tightly, before she looked up and saw something. She then turns toward Twilight Sparkle.

“Let go,” Applejack said, plainly.

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight retorted.

“No ah ain’t,” Applejack assured. “Ah promise you’ll be safe.”

But the frightened look on Twilight’s face proved she wasn’t convinced.

“That’s not true!” Twilight proted.

“Now listen here,” Applejack said firmly. “What ah’m sayin’ to yah is the honest truth. Let go, and you’ll be safe.”

Twilight Sparkle hesitated for a moment, before she eventually lets go.

“YAAAAAAAAAH!!!”

Twilight screamed before she felt her fall stop midway. She turns from side to side, realizing both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy caught her in the air.

“Phew!” Twilight replied, with relief. “WAH!!!”

They dropped suddenly, but soon stabilized their flight again as the two Pegasus ponies slowly brought Twilight to the bottom of the drop off. Rarity and Pinkie Pie were already there.

“Sorry girls,” Fluttershy apologized. “I’m not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two.”

In the meantime, Twilight watched Applejack hop her way down and smile, grateful she could trust this pony. Just then, she realized something.

“Storm!” Twilight cried, fearing the worst. “Where is he?!”

“Over here!”

Twilight Sparkle turned, as Storm walked alongside the girls with Blaze on his back.

“I was just talking to my little friend about—”

“STORM!!!”

Seeing Storm was okay, Twilight quickly ran up to him and threw her arms around him with a very tight hug. Storm was slightly taken aback, but he hugged her in return.

“I thought I lost you,” Twilight choked out.

Storm gives her a reassuring pat on the back with hoof, as he backs away to look into her eyes.

“You’ll never lose me, Twi,” He smiled.

Twilight Sparkle smiled before acknowledging the large Phoenix perched on his back.

“Hi Blaze!” Twilight greeted.

Blaze chittered again, as Twilight gave his head a pat.

“Thank you for saving Storm.”

“Good thing Phoenix’s make loyal companions,” Storm remarked. “Else I’d never survive that fall.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” Twilight said.

The two unicorns smile toward each other, sharing a tender moment… Until Twilight quickly jabs Storm in the front shoulder.

“OW!!!” Storm cried, clutching his right shoulder.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again!” Twilight shouted, before walking ahead.

"She digs me," Storm said, to himself.

Rubbing his front shoulder, Storm Shield follows as the ponies head out. Little did they know, the purple mist swooped about the forest before approaching a creature, its contact made it utter a mighty roar.

<>

“So, tell me, Storm,” Rainbow rambled, pointing at Blaze. “Is that really a Phoenix?”

“Sure is,” Storm answered simply.

“That is so cool!” Rainbow practically squealed.

“Oh, you must tell me all about him!” Fluttershy spoke excitedly.

“Maybe after this whole adventure is over,” Storm suggested.

It was for the best, as he knew Twilight would keep moving even if there was a chance to talk. As they ventured through the forest, Rainbow couldn’t stop bragging about herself.

“And once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, and Storm was caught by Blaze,” Rainbow spoke, excitedly. “Whoosh… Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you in the nick of time.”

Twilight looked indignant, or at least ‘tried’ to be. Suffice to same, Storm shared the same thoughts as he grew tired of all the bragging. Even Blaze got sick of it, as he chittered in Storm’s ear.

“Get used to it buddy,” Storm said, with a headshake. “She does this… A lot.”

“Yes Rainbow, I was there,” Twilight replied simply, before smiling. “And I’m very grateful, but we gotta—”

Suddenly, to every pony’s surprise, a creature pounced before them. Twilight gasped, as before her eyes stood a hybrid between a lion and a scorpion.

“A MANTICORE!!!” Twilight cried, as it roared. “We’ve gotta get past him!”

The creature tried to attack, with a swipe of his paws. But Rarity gave him a good buck in the face, forcing him to jump back.

“Take that, you ruffian!” Rarity called out confidently.

The manticore responds with a mighty roar, the intense breeze messed up Rarity’s mane, making it poofy and messy.

“My hair!” Rarity cried out, before noticing the Manticore’s glare. “Woop—”

Rarity just barely missed getting swiped, dashing off to the side.

“Wait,” Fluttershy said, softly.

“You say something, Fluttershy?” Storm asked.

But the Manticore’s roar knocks him onto his back, as he stares face-to-face with the vicious beast. The Manticore raises its paw to strike, the pony holds his hooves up in defense… When Applejack lands atop the creature.

“YEE-HAW!” Git along, little dogie!” Applejack called out.

Storm Shield recovers to his feet, as he watched Applejack ride the beast like a wild bull at a rodeo.

“Wait,” Fluttershy repeated.

But firm as she could, her voice was still too soft no pony could hear her. Storm charges his magic, ready to hurl a massive beam at the monster. But just then, he’s interrupted when he sees Applejack tossed off with a ‘WHOA!’. Storm Shield comically runs around, reaching his hooves out trying to catch her.

“Don’t worry A.J., I got you!” Storm shouts.

‘CRASH!’

As the dust settles, Applejack had landed directly on top of Storm Shield, his hooves spread out as a groan erupts beneath her. Her Stetson hat floats softly back onto Applejack’s head as Rainbow Dash flew above them.

“All… Yours…” Storm groaned.

“I’m on it!” Rainbow said, diving towards it.

“Wait!” Fluttershy called out, louder.

Rainbow Dash soared round and round the Manticore, trying to distract him. But the monster’s roar blows the Pegasus away, making her scream.

“Rainbow!” Twilight called out.

The beast’s grunt gestures the group toward them, as Applejack helped Storm Shield back on his hooves. Soon, all the ponies, minus Fluttershy, leapt into battle. Twilight snorts with determination, bucking her hooves.

"CHARGE!!!" Storm called out.

The five girls and Storm charge at him at once…

Well ‘four’, since Pinkie bounced toward the manticore…

Anyways, the ponies were just within attacking range until…

“WAIT!!!” Fluttershy called out.

The beast and the ponies stopped charging, though the creature still growled. Fluttershy simply approached the Manticore, who raised its paw to attack. The others flinched nervously, anxiously assuming the worst.

“Shh… It’s okay.”

The ponies open their eyes as Fluttershy kindly nuzzled the Manticore’s other front paw. The creature extends it, revealing a very thick thorn in his paw.

“Oh, you poor, poor little baby,” Fluttershy cooed.

“Little?” Rainbow replied, stunned.

“Baby?!” Storm spoke, eyes widen.

The others watch with interest, as the Manticore faced the kind yellow Pegasus with a rather sad look.

“Now this might hurt for just a second,” She told him gently.

The Pegasus quickly used her mouth to pull the thorn out. The beast roared, scooping Fluttershy towards his mouth quickly.

“Fluttershy!” The others cried out.

But what really made all their jaws drop in shock… The manticore wasn’t going to eat her. Instead, he just licks her, clearly grateful that this pony removed the thorn from his paw, practically purring even. Everyone smiled, as Storm breathed a sigh of relief.

“Aw, you’re just a little ol baby kitty, aren’t you?” Fluttershy replied sweetly. “Yes you are, yes you are.”

The manticore continued licking her mane, before setting her down. By then, her pink mane stuck upward like a Rockstar. Every pony gave her a cheer, as the Manticore went on his way. Of all the ponies, Twilight Sparkle was the most impressed.

“How did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked.

“I didn’t,” Fluttershy replied, as she walked by. “Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness.”

Twilight just smiled as Fluttershy moved on, before noticing Storm smiling with his hooves folded.

“What’re you smiling about?” Twilight asked.

“Honestly, I’m just amazed she was able to calm him for simply being nice,” Storm replied.

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, as the two followed the ponies deep into the Marsh, missing the fact that the thorn shifted back into the mist as it followed them.

<>

The march through the marsh continued for this rag tag group of ponies. But the forest seemed to go on forever, they felt like they weren’t getting any closer.

“No,” Rarity groan. “My eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!”

All at once, every pony’s vision went black as darkness casted over the forest.

“Well, I didn’t mean that literally.”

“That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn’t even know it,” Twilight pointed out.

“Don’t you just hate those situations?” Storm remarked.

It was so dark in fact, Rarity bumped right into Twilight Sparkle.

“I didn’t see you there, my apologies,” Rarity remarked.

“Right here… Guh…” Rainbow remarked but bumped into Storm.

“Watch it, will ya?!” Storm snapped.

Rainbow merely growled in annoyance.

“Oh wait,” Applejack paused, raising her hoof. “I think I stepped in somethin’.”

Fluttershy suddenly screamed, but Applejack was indifferent.

“It’s just mud,” Applejack reassured.

Suddenly, there was an ominous growl from one of the trees. Then another, another, and soon, they were all surrounded. On each tree, they seemed to make a scary face at the ponies with large eyes and razor-sharp teeth. They all screamed, while Storm guarded the girls trying to hide his fear toward the growling trees.

“D-D-D-Don’t worry, girls,” Storm stuttered. “I’ll protect—”

Suddenly, they heard Pinkie Pie… Laughing?! Surprised, all the ponies noticed how Pinkie was busily laughing and making goofy faces toward one of the scary trees.

"--you?" Storm finished, confused.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?!” Twilight asked fearfully. “Run!”

“Oh girls, don’t you see?” Pinkie Pie asked.

And all at once, before any pony knew it, Pinkie Pie… Started singing…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ2f6lFH5cg

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
When I was a little filly,
And the sun was going doo-ow-ow-n!

“You’re kidding me,” Storm replied with dread.

“Tell me she’s not…” Twilight added.

But she never finished when Pinkie popped up from above them, upside down.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
The darkness and the shadows,
They would always make me froo-ow-ow-n!

“She is,” Rarity replied.

“Oy ve,” Storm muttered.

Meanwhile, Pinkie kept singing while bouncing around the group.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I’d hide under my pillow,
From what I thought I saw.
But Granny Pie said that wasn’t the way
To deal with fears at all!

“Then what is?” Rainbow asked, as Pinkie got in her face.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
She said, “Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears.
You’ll see that they can’t hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear.”

Ha! Ha! Ha!

As if by magic, the once scary tree turned normal, no face on it whatsoever. Even the darkness surrounding the tree disappeared, much to the ponies surprise.

“Well…” Storm began, with a smile. “In that case…”

Pinkie & Storm (Sings):
So… Giggle at the ghostly,
Guffaw at the grossly.
Crack up at the creepy,
Whoop it up with the weepy.
Chortly at the kooky,
Snortle at the spooky.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
And tell that big dumb scary face
To take a hike and leave you alone
And if he thinks he can scare you
Then he's got another thing coming
And the very idea of such a thing
Just makes you wanna... Ha-ha-ha-ha...

“Pinkie…” Storm interrupts, tapping his hoofs.

“Heh…” Pinkie sighs.

Pinkie (Sings):
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!

Soon, with a little help from her friends, all the scary trees disappeared. The rest of the ponies rolled on their backs, laughing themselves silly. Storm Shield, especially, was most impressed.

“Where was that all my life?” Storm thought. “Sure could have used that lesson when I was younger.”

“Sometimes we learn when we are ready,” Pinkie replied, before zipping away.

Storm looked bugged out for a second, before shaking his head. A giggly grin forms on his face.

“I’ll never understand that pony,” Storm thought to himself.

<>

As they continue to laugh and hop merrily on their way, Pinkie Pie came to a sudden stop causing every pony to collide with each other. Before they could say anything, they noticed before their eyes was a wide stream dividing the forest. While it appears rather shallow, the water was actually raging violently.

“How are we gonna cross this?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Hmm…” Storm muttered, studying the stream. “Too strong to swim across, and no bridge to cross. Guess we can say we’re…”

“Don’t… Even… Say it!” Rainbow warned.

Storm held his tongue and kept silent as the ponies looked on… But only for a few seconds.

“Up a creek without a paddle,” Storm finished.

“YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Before Rainbow could charge at Storm, they suddenly heard crying in the distance. Confused, they turn towards a rather large, yet very lanky sea serpent weeping himself in the middle of the water. His elongated figure wiggling so fast, the rapids were building. They also noted one half of his orange mustaches, which matches his orange hair, looked torn as if it were chopped off.

“What a world,” He sobbed dramatically. “What a world!”

“Excuse me, sir,” Twilight called out, trying to be polite. “Why are you crying?”

“Well, I don’t know,” The Serpent replied, facing the seven ponies. “I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid!”

The serpent wailed as he slammed back into the water, creating a massive wave toward the ponies.

“Shields…”

SLOOOOOSH!!!

“… up…” Storm muttered.

In an attempt to raise a large barrier over the other girls, sadly Storm Shield was too late. For the shield went up after they were already drenched, and all the ponies turned to him rather annoyed. Storm looked indignant, as he lowered the shield.

“Oh, give me a break,” Rainbow muttered annoyingly.

“That’s what all the fuss is about?” Applejack asked, in disbelief.

Suffice to say, Rarity felt indignant of the situation.

“Why, of course it is!” Rarity replied, stepping forward. “How can you be so insensitive?”

“Rarity actually has a point,” Storm added, in agreement. “Any pony would feel subconscious if they had to be out in public, only to have a bad or messy mane… Or in this case, a mustache.”

Storm and Rarity walk side by side toward the sorrowful serpent.

“Precisely,” Rarity nodded. “Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales.”

“I know,” Storm nodded. “And that expertly coiffed mane.”

“Oh I know, I know,” The serpent replied, running his fingers through it.

“Your fabulous manicure,” Rarity pressed on.

In the meanwhile, Storm watched her with interest. Course, it was hard to tell if Rarity was genuinely cheering him up or buttering up his vain ego. Either way, he allowed her to keep talking.

“It’s so true!” The serpent answered, looking at his fingers.

“All ruined without your beautiful mustache,” Rarity finished, sympathetically.

“It’s true, I’m hideous!” The serpent cried dramatically.

As over the top as the serpent was acting, Storm Shield too felt sympathetic for him. Something needed to be done to cheer up this poor creature, but ‘how’ to do it was another matter. Luckily, Rarity was already a step ahead of him.

“I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!” She declared.

Before the serpent or Storm could say any further, the determined mare pulled off one of the serpent’s scales, making him yelp.

“What did you do that for?” He asked.

Rarity said nothing, as she held the round part of his scale in her mouth. The sharp end gleams in the moonlight, as she raised it in the air. The rest of the ponies were stunned, unsure what she was about to do.

“Rarity, what are you—”

SWIPE!!!

Every pony’s eyes shrunk with shock, as the serpent fainted. Fortunately, he neither splashed them with water and neither was he severely hurt. Instead, Rarity’s now long, beautiful tail was cut off, leaving just a short remainder of purple hair. Using her magic, she levitates the cut tail and carefully ties it with the remains of the serpent’s sliced mustache. When he awoke, he saw that his mustaches had been restored… To some degree.

“Oh-hohohoho!” The serpent exclaimed, gleefully. “My mustache. How wonderful.”

“You look smashing,” Rarity said, returning to her friends.

“Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail…” Twilight said sadly.

Rarity looks upon her now short tail sadly yet still smiling.

“Oh. It’s fine, my dear,” Rarity said bravely. “Short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.”

“So would the mustache,” Rainbow muttered on the side.

“Right, right,” Storm said, hearing Rainbow. “Tell you what: Next time that awesome mane of yours gets a buzz cut, I’ll be sure to remind you, ‘It’ll grow back’. What do you say?”

Rainbow nervously put a hoof on her mane, as the others chuckled to each other.

“Heh, heh… No thanks!” Rainbow replied, chuckling. “I’m good.”

Just then, Twilight Sparkle looks ahead and gasped as the water before them was shallow again.

“We can cross now,” Twilight informed, walking through the water. “Let’s go. Ah!”

Twilight was startled when she found herself upon the hump of the serpent’s elongated body.

“Allow me,” He offered.

And so, the serpent creates a set of hump platforms with his body for all the ponies to cross to the other side.

“Hmm… What a gentleman,” Storm replied, jumping across. “Thank you, good sir.”

One by one, the rest of the ponies jump across and follows Storm Shield as their journey to recover the elements continues.

<>

It wasn’t long, during their travels, when Twilight Sparkle recognized the site which they had been searching for.

“There it is!” Twilight said, excitedly. “The ruins that hold The Elements of Harmony. We made it!”

“Well, what are we waiting for?!” Storm asked, rhetorically.

Twilight and Storm proceed to take off, with the rest of the girls following in hot pursuit.

“Twilight! Storm!” Applejack called out. “Wait for us!”

“We’re almost there!” Twilight called back. “Whoa!”

In her hurry, Twilight Sparkle nearly tumbled down a large gap but managed to dig her front hooves against the cliff side preventing herself from falling. Storm Shield, however, took a larger step and nearly fell. Reacting quickly, he twists his body to grab the edge of the cliff at the last second using his hind legs to comically boost himself back to safety rolling forward from the edge. Thankfully, Blaze, who had flown overhead earlier, swooped down quickly, and snatched Twilight, drawing her back to safety.

“What’s with you and falling off cliffs today?” Rainbow joked.

“Oh… Shut up!” Storm Shield muttered, annoyed.

Twilight Sparkle, on the other hoof, was too shell-shocked for a retort. She merely breathed a sigh of relief, before turning to Blaze.

“Thanks again, Blaze,” Twilight spoke.

The Phoenix chittered again before resting atop of Storm’s back.

“Now what?” Pinkie sighed.

“Duh,” Rainbow remarked, flapping her wings into the air.

“Oh yeah,” Pinkie chuckled.

Taking to the skies, Rainbow searched for the rope holding the boards to the bridge in place. Finding them through the mist, she flies back toward the opposite end intending to tie the bridge together.

“Rainbow…”

A mysterious voice caught the blue Pegasus’ attention, dropping the rope before she could tie it.

“Who’s there?” Rainbow asked.

“Rainbow…”

She stood upon her upright hoofs, using her wings to stay balanced. She placed her front hooves in front of herself in case the mysterious figure had malicious intent.

“I ain’t scared of you!” Rainbow said bravely. “Show yourself!”

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria,” The voice spoke, deviously persuasive.

“Who?” Rainbow asked curiously.

“Why, you, of course.”

“Really?! I mean… Oh yeah, me,” Rainbow stuttered. “Hey, uh, you wouldn’t mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? ‘cause I’ve been trying to get into that group for like, ever.”

“No, Rainbow Dash…”

Before Rainbow’s very eyes, three Pegasus ponies, wearing dark blue-and-black flight suits and goggles, appeared before her. While two of the ponies were silent, the leader, a woman, did the talking.

“We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts. We’re the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain.”

The lead pony began to fly around Rainbow Dash, stroking her ego more and more.

“The most magnificent—”

“Yep,” Rainbow agreed.

“Swiftest—”

“Yes.”

“Bravest flyer in all the land.”

“Yes,” Rainbow chuckled. “It’s all true.”

“We need… You,” The leader offered.

“WOOHOO!” Rainbow shouted excitedly. “Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge ‘real’ quick and then we have a deal.”

Rainbow grabbed the rope in her mouth, proceeding to tie it to the post. Suddenly, the leader charged next to her, making the blue Pegasus drop the rope.

“No!” She barked. “It’s them or us!”

Rainbow suddenly felt as if she was in a tight spot. On one hoof, Rainbow needed to get the bridge tied so their friends can cross and help find the missing elements. But on the other hoof, if she turned down this offer to join a real flight team, word of this will surely get out and Rainbow may never get accepted into ‘any’ flight team. She won’t get another chance if she refused now.

“Rainbow, what’s taking so long?” Twilight called out.

From the other side, the other ponies were waiting for Rainbow Dash to tie the bridge. Storm Shield quickly saw the Shadowbolts and silently pointed them out to Twilight Sparkle.

“Oh no,” Twilight gasped. “Rainbow!”

The Shadowbolt leader’s eyes glowed, creating a thick fog drowning Twilight out.

“Don’t listen to them!” Twilight called out.

But it was all for naught, her cries were muted by the fog. Twilight tried to shout again when Storm raised his hoofs over his mouth. From the other side, Rainbow was unsure what to do while the mysterious flight team waited for her answer.

“Well?” The leader asked.

“Rainbow!” Storm shouted. “I know how much you want to be the best flyer; I know this has been your dream! Don’t worry about us, we’ll find the elements and save Equestria. Just know whatever you decide, we’ll always support you no matter what. Even if this means goodbye… I won’t be disappointed in you; I promise.”

Rainbow Dash hesitated for another second, until a decision was finally made.

“You…”

The three Pegasus ponies seemed satisfied with her answer, when she suddenly took the rope to secure the bridge, much to their shock.

“Thank you! For the offer, I mean,” Rainbow clarified. “But I’m afraid I have to say no.”

Rainbow zipped away, as the leader and her two cohorts grit their teeth before turning back into the dark mist and floated away. The rest of the ponies cheered as Rainbow Dash flew back to the other side, as they began to cross the bridge.

“See?” Rainbow told Twilight. “I’d never leave my friends hangin’.”

Twilight Sparkle just smiled, as Rainbow zipped just above Storm Shield’s ear.

“Thanks for the support,” She whispered. “It made the decision easier.”

Storm smiled, giving her a nod as they all crossed the bridge together.

<>

It wasn’t long before our heroes found themselves in the ruins of the Castle of the Royal Sisters. As they explored the ancient castle, they pause before a large stone structure, which held several orbs around it. In a way, it reminded the ponies of something out of a planetarium.

“Whoa!” Twilight and Storm gasped, in unison.

“Come on, Twilight and Storm,” Applejack said. “Isn’t this what you’ve been waitin’ for?”

“The Elements of Harmony,” Twilight said, gapping at the statue.

“The legends are true,” Storm added. “We’ve found them!”

Slowly but surely, Rainbow and Fluttershy brought down the orbs one at a time.

“Careful, careful!” Twilight warned.

But fortunately, all the orbs were set in place before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“One, two, three, four… There’s only five!” Pinkie pointed out.

“Where’s the sixth?” Rainbow asked.

“The book said,” Twilight explained. “When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.”

“And don’t forget,” Storm points out. “When the six elements come together, another element will appear. It serves as the center that will bind the power of the six elements together… The seventh element…”

“What the hay is that supposed to mean?” Applejack asked curiously.

“I’m not sure,” Twilight admits. “But I have an idea. Stand back. I don’t know what will happen. Storm, can you give me a hoof, please?”

Hearing the word ‘please’ was a first for Storm Shield, especially from Twilight Sparkle. He almost didn’t hear her right.

“You want… My help?” Storm asked, before straightening up. “I mean… Why yes! With pleasure.”

Both unicorns kneel forward, channeling their horns to glow, focusing their magic upon the orbs before them.

“Come on now, y’all,” Applejack said, guiding every pony out. “They need to concentrate.”

As Twilight and Storm concentrated, the dark mist soon arrived and encircled the elements, all while they tried to generate a magical spark. Soon, they both open their eyes and witnessed a huge blue cyclone before them. Twilight and Storm gasped, realizing what was happening.

“Aah!” They both shouted.

“Twilight! Storm!” Every pony shouted.

“The Elements!” Twilight shouted.

“We must stop her!” Storm added.

The two unicorns dove into the funnel of the cyclone, as it magically disappeared along with them. The other five ponies looked around, talking amongst each other.

“Twilight?!” Fluttershy called out. “Storm?”

“What?!” Applejack exclaimed.

“Where did they go?” Rarity asked.

“What happened?” Pinkie asked.

“What’s going on?!” Rainbow Dash finished.

All of them, minus Applejack, dashed about, wondering where their two friends disappeared to.

“Twilight, Storm, where are you?” Applejack asked, worried.

“Look!” Rarity called out.

They turned toward where Rarity was pointing, as a nearby rundown ruin glowed nearby.

“Come on!” Applejack called.

Together, all the ponies rushed out as fast as they could to reach their friends.

<>

Meanwhile, the blackish blue mist transported Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield toward a new location, the two unicorns coughed and sputtered from all the dust. Before them was Nightmare Moon herself, laughing evilly over the Elements. Twilight gasped, before she and Storm glared sternly, preparing to charge.

“You’re kidding,” Nightmare mocked. “You’re kidding, right?”

“You wish…” Storm replied.

Twilight just glared, before she and Storm charged toward her and Nightmare Moon came right at them. At the last possible moment, just when their horns were about to make contact, Twilight conjured her magic to instantly vanish and reappear in the middle of the elements. Storm Shield sidestepped Nightmare Moon at high speed, zipping over the Mare in the Moon, her horn barely scratching off bits of his mane before he dove toward the center of the elements besides Twilight.

Slightly woozy, since Twilight wasn’t used to teleportation, she, along with Storm Shield, ignited their horns once more trying to generate life back into the elements.

“Just one spark,” She groaned. “Come on, come on!”

“Spark…” Storm grunted. “Spark!”

Nightmare Moon quickly turned back into mist, sending an electric blast propelling the unicorns backwards and onto their backs. However, the elements seemingly charged back to life.

“No, no!” Nightmare Moon cried out.

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield smiled triumphantly… Until the charge fizzled out, leaving them agape.

“But… Where’s the sixth element?!” Twilight cried out.

Nightmare Moon laughed sinisterly, lifting her front hooves, and stomped around the orbs, causing them to shatter into a billion pieces. Twilight and Storm stood in shock, their only weapon against her… Destroyed before their very eyes.

“Oh no…” Storm groaned. “What will we do? What’ll we do? What are we going to do?!”

“You little foals!” Nightmare Moon laughed. “Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your precious, or your sun! The nightwill last forever!”

Nightmare Moon cackled evilly, generating a great dark blue storm above her. Twilight and Storm felt that it was all over, their efforts to prevent Nightmare Moon’s take over were in vain. Suddenly, familiar sounds caused them to turn behind, as a group of shadows approached talking over each other.

“Don’t worry Twilight, we’re here!” Pinkie called out.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be there!” Applejack added.

As they waited for their arrival, something clicked between Twilight and Storm. A special spark suddenly appear in both their eyes. Exchanging looks, they give each other a quick smirk silently realizing what this means. They turned around to face Nightmare Moon, their expressions shifting to fierce confidence.

“You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that?” Twilight challenged, as Storm stood beside her. “Well, you’re wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here.”

As if they rehearsed this moment, all five mares stood around Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.

“What?” Nightmare Moon exclaimed.

Before Nightmare Moon’s eyes, several shards suddenly rose from the broken elements, surrounding the mares one by one as Twilight spoke.

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of… Honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of… Kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of… Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of… Generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart’s desire, represents the spirit of… Loyalty! These five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us.”

“But you still don’t have the sixth element!” Nightmare Moon protested. “The spark didn’t work!”

“But it did!” Twilight corrected, facing the five ponies. “A different kind of spark. I felt it at the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you.”

Twilight smiled, as a single pair of tears escaped her eyes.

“The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… Were my friends!”

Upon Twilight Sparkle’s epiphany, a light glowed around the unicorn as all eyes watch it descend before her. It did not take long for Twilight Sparkle to realize what it all meant.

“You see, Nightmare Moon,” Twilight continued. “When those Elements are ignited by the… The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: The element of… Magic!”

It was then the sixth orb appeared, revealing the sixth element as it descends above Twilight. The shards of the other elements restored themselves, creating special gold necklaces with each element residing in the center. Twilight’s element was more special, a tiara with the element of magic shining triumphantly on her head. Storm Shield smiled proudly, watching the six ponies wielding the elements.

“My dearest friend, Storm,” Twilight said sweetly, her eyes closed. “Did you think I’ve forgotten you?”

Slightly stunned, Storm suddenly felt a magical aura lift him high into the air.

“When the six elements join together,” Twilight said aloud. “Another element will appear; the seventh.”

“Impossible!” Nightmare Moon said. “That element is a myth; pure fantasy!”

“No… It is not. That element represents the combination of all six elements, an element that’s been with him this entire time.”

“Me?!” Storm said, stunned.

“Storm,” Twilight continued. “Ever since I’ve met you, you’ve shown the core values of friendship: Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, and loyalty. You’ve shown to me and my friends you understood the magic of friendship long before I ever did.”

Every element began to glow, a piece of each floating around Storm Shield, who looked at each one nervously. But the power he felt brought peace to his mind, body, and soul, smiling as he embraced the magic within. The shards circled around him, converging into his body, emanating a blinding radiance. When Storm Shield reappeared, he floated effortlessly in the air, his coat and mane glowing a golden yellow. Strapped to his chest was a special golden chest plate, a shield and two swords in the center, and all the colors of the six elements surrounding it.

“Storm Shield, my most faithful companion, represents the magic that deems the Elements of Harmony so powerful,” Twilight announced. “The element of… Bravery!”

A bright light surrounds the ponies, as the seven elements converge with Storm in the center of what was raw power.

“TASTE THE RAINBOW, NIGHTMARE MOON!!!” Storm Shield bellowed.

Using his element, emanating from his horn, Storm directs the energy, a large and powerful rainbow, toward Nightmare Moon, engulfing her in a multicolored cyclone.

“Nooo!” Nightmare Moon screamed. “Nooo!”

As the rainbow’s power consumed the Mare in the Moon, the elements themselves glowed brighter until Twilight Sparkle opens her eyes, which glowed as well. The brightness consumed them all, filling the entire room with radiance. Eventually, the bright light faded, leaving every pony laying on the ground, clearly spent from the exposure to all that power.

“Ugh, my head,” Rainbow groaned, sitting up.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked, as the rest got back on their hooves.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity cried.

All the ponies turned as the fashionista looked behind herself. Apparently, the magic of the elements was so powerful, it restored her beautiful tail to its former glory.

“Why Rarity, it’s so lovely,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“I know!” Rarity said, cuddling her tail. “I’ll never part with it again.”

“No, your necklace,” Fluttershy corrected. “It looks just like your cutie mark.”

Rarity finally noticed her gold necklace, noting how the purple diamond in the center matched her cutie mark swimmingly.

“What? Ohh!” Rarity exclaimed. “So does yours!”

Fluttershy looked upon her own necklace, smiling warmly. All the other ponies acknowledged their new jewelry bestowed upon them by the elements’ power.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Aw yeah!” Rainbow said proudly, admiring her own.

“Hey girls, check out mine!” Storm said, tapping his chest plate. “Not to brag, but I think mine’s the best one! It’s got a little of every element on it.”

“Let’s not go that far, Storm,” Rainbow smirked.

All the ponies ‘oohed’ and ‘awed’ at their elements, as Twilight admired her tiara with a big smile.

“Gee, Twilight!” Applejack spoke. “I thought you two were just spoutin’ a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship.

“Indeed you do…”

A majestic voice draws the group toward the window, as the sun returns, and a warm light enters the castle ruins. As the familiar golden orb of hope and light ignited the dark sky, another made its way before the ponies. And there, standing majestically before them, was Princess Celestia herself, towering before her subjects. All, minus Twilight and Storm, bowed before their mighty ruler. The two ponies in question were all too happy to see her again.

“Princess Celestia!” Storm and Twilight gasped.

The unicorns rushed towards their mentor, sharing a warm embrace.

“Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, my faithful students,” Celestia said proudly. “I knew you could do it.”

“But… You told me it was all an old pony-tale,” Twilight pointed out.

“I told you and Storm that you needed to make some friends, nothing more,” Celestia corrected.

As the other ponies stood up, minus Fluttershy given her shy nature, Celestia continued as it all became clear for her students.

“I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon’s return, and I knew it was you both who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.”

Celestia’s words spoke directly to Twilight Sparkle, given she was the one who not only discovered how her friends represented the elements, but that Storm Shield was destined to be the seventh. Twilight turned toward the other ponies, offering a grateful smile.

“Now if only another will as well,” Princess Celestia said.

The seven ponies turned as Princess Celestia made her way towards what remained of Nightmare Moon, or rather her true form…

“Princess Luna!”

There, sitting upon the remains of now useless pebbles and shards, a lighter blue alicorn, with an even lighter mane and tail, met their gaze. The paleness of her coat and mane a sign she had been drained of her magical power, the alicorn much smaller in size compared to the white-coated Princess Celestia. She gasped upon hearing her name, one she hadn’t heard in so long, as she looked toward Princess Celestia fearfully.

“It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this,” Princess Celestia said. “Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

Every ponies’ jaws dropped upon that startling twist.

“Sister?” Twilight, Storm, and Rainbow said at once.

“Will you accept my friendship?” Celestia offered, extending a hoof.

The other ponies leaned forward with interest, anxiously waiting to see how Luna would answer. Pinkie Pie, however, learned too far forward.

“Whoa!” She called, losing her balance.

After a brief moment, Princess Luna burst into tears and raced to embrace her older sister.

“I’m so sorry!” Luna sobbed. “I missed you so much, big sister!”

Tears formed on the bottom of Celestia’s eyes, holding Luna close.

“I’ve missed you, too,” Princess Celestia said, tearfully.

That was when Pinkie Pie burst into tears, sobbing… For a few seconds, before blowing her nose.

“Hey, you know what this calls for?” She asked.

<>

“A party!”

It wasn’t long before the seven ponies, and the two princesses, returned to Ponyville, as the entire town cheered for the princesses’ return, as the celebrations began. Amongst the crowd, Spike appeared giving both Twilight and Storm a warm welcome. Princess Luna, unsure about being there, was suddenly approached by two young Pegasus foals presenting her with a beautiful necklace of roses, as she gave Celestia a teary smile. All of Ponyville was happy… Except two.

Despite their success, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield exchanged sad faces with one another, assuming this is how it all ends.

“Why so glum, my faithful students?” Princess Celestia asked gently. “Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?”

Exchanging looks once more, Twilight and Storm turned toward their friends, who seemed sad that they were about to leave.

“That’s just it,” Twilight spoke. “Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, we have to leave them.”

“I really don’t want to, your highness,” Storm added. “I’m not sure why, but I somehow feel as if I fit in around here more than I ever felt back in Canterlot. Truth be told I was hoping to request a transfer, to find my own place, and maybe continue my studies here… Just for me. But…”
Storm Shield paused before turning toward Twilight Sparkle, looking her straight in the eyes.

“… I realized that no matter where I go or what I choose to do, I don’t want to be without my best friend. Twilight and I are a team; I need her as much as she needs me… Maybe way more. It wouldn’t make sense for one to go off without the other, so… Wherever Twilight goes, even if she drives me crazy, I always want to be by her side no matter what.”

Twilight Sparkle gave Storm Shield a warm hug, as they exchange smiles. Princess Celestia smiled, understandingly.

“Spike take a note please,” She commanded.

On command, a quill and parchment in hand, Spike took notes as Princess Celestia made an announcement before all the ponies in Ponyville.

“I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorns, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. They must continue to study the magic of friendship. They must report to me their findings from their new home in Ponyville.”

Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield smile excitedly, as the rest of the ponies cheered, and their new friends gathered around them for a group hug.

“Oh thank you, Princess Celestia!” Twilight said happily. “We’ll study harder than ever before!”

Storm Shield nodded in agreement, as all of Ponyville cheered once more. As Storm Shield looked around, to all their friends gathered together, he had to admit… What started as a simple research project would evolve into a brand-new adventure. He may not know where their journey will take them, what dangers they may encounter, or how this entire experience will forever affect his life. But come what may, Storm Shield couldn’t wait to get started.

“Isn’t this exciting?” Pinkie Pie popped out. “Are you excited, cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went *DEEP GASP* but I mean really—”

“Okay, okay,” Storm spoke, pushing Pinkie aside. “That’s enough for today; nothing to see. That’s all folks! Hmm… You know, I kind of like the sound of that.”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b9434BoGkNQ

“Th-th-th-that’s all folks!” Storm Shield announces, as the scene fades to black.

The Ticketmaster

It was a beautiful sunny morning at Sweet Apple Acres, as Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield spent the day helping Applejack around the farm. They had both been working hard gathering basket after basket of apples gathered from the orchard. Spike was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight’s back, apparently entertaining himself by separating the fresh apples from the… Not-so-fresh apples.

“No, nope, nope…” Spike muttered, tossing apples from Twilight’s basket.

“Thanks for allowing us to help on the farm today,” Storm Shield thanked.

“Thank you kindly, Twilight, for helping me out,” Applejack said. “I bet Big MacIntosh that I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he’s gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny’s girdles.”

Hearing the silly idea, Storm cracked up as a picture of Big MacIntosh walking around town in one of Granny Smith’s girdles played in his head.

“Boy, I’ll tell you what,” Storm chuckled. “I’d pay every bit in my saddlebag to see that.”

“No problem at all, Applejack,” Twilight said. “I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.”

“I know, right?” Spike asked.

A tossed apple hits Twilight along the head. She turns around with a glare, as Spike smiled apologetically.

“Puh-lease, Spike,” She groaned. “You’ve been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!”

Just then, Storm Shield approaches Applejack hauling several four-wheeled wooden freight cars, each loaded to the brim with the remaining Apples she needed. Twilight and Spike’s mouths hung agape as he came to a complete stop, swatting the sweat off his brow with one hoof.

“Phew! This should seal that bet for ya, A.J.!” Storm declared.

“Yee-haw!” Applejack replied excitedly. “Now that’s wut I’m talkin’ about! But uh… How’d y’all manage tah gather up that many apples?”

“Oh, well that’s a little tricky. You see, back when Twilight and I still lived in Canterlot, I worked pretty closely with Princess Celestia for the last few days testing a difficult duplication spell. Eventually, I became good enough to duplicate myself as many times as I see fit. Basically, I made multiple copies of myself to buck as many trees as possible.”

This caused Twilight to snap her head in his direction, a shocked expression plastered on her face.

“Since when did you and the Princess start doing duplication lessons?” She asked.

“Uh… About a week or two ago?” Storm responded.

Twilight narrowed her eyes toward her best friend, trying to figure out if what he said was true.

“I don’t believe it,” She said skeptically.

Storm just gave a mischievous smirk, as he ignited his horn with his magic. Within a few flashes of bright red light, Storm stood amongst a small group of other Storm replicas.

“How do you like them apples?” All the Storms said in unison.

Twilight’s jaw dropped, as her eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks. Spike waved his claw in front of her face, trying to snap her out of it. But she remained in a daze, while Applejack and Storm shared a good laugh while exchanging a high hoof. He ignites his magic again, making all the duplicates disappear, and continued hauling the freight cars to the barn. Once Twilight finally snapped back to reality, she too let out a laugh.

“Now why can’t you be creative like Storm?” Twilight asked Spike. “We’re all working hard.”

“Exactly!” Spike said, missing her point. “You three were taking so long, I missed snack-time.”

Twilight was about to retort when her stomach grumbled loudly. She just laughed nervously.

“Eh, I guess we better get some food,” Twilight replied.

In the meantime, Spike kept digging into her basket searching for a good apple.

“Nope,” He mumbled. “Worm… A-ha!”

Spike pulled out a large sparkling, shiny red apple. Twilight could feel her mouth water at the very sight of the fruit in Spike’s claws.

“Oh Spike, that looks delicious,” Twilight said, eager for a bite.

Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth much to Twilight’s shock.

“Spike!” She called out, annoyed and disappointed.

You know, if that had been Storm, he’d have surrendered it to Twilight without a second thought!

Totally agree on that, man!

“What?” Spike asked, innocently.

Just then, he gave out a large belch. Twilight ducked as a green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the two girls.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight gasped.

Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it.

“Hear ye, hear ye,” He read aloud. “Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, and one guest.”

Applejack and Twilight just smile and gasp excitedly.

“The Grand Galloping Gala!”

Meanwhile, Storm Shield had just finished stashing away all the apples, got plenty of grumbling from Big Mac, and had just arrived back when he found the girls hopping up and down excitedly with Spike between them. Looking to one side rather puzzled, Storm Shield joins up with the girls and proceeds to hop along beside them.

“Hiya girls,” Storm replied, mid bounce. “What’s up?”

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” They cheered.

“Whoo-hoo!” Applejack added.

“Hooray! The Grand Galloping Gala!” Storm smiled, confused. “What about the Gala?”

While the three ponies were hopping about, Spike just looked indignant. He stuck a finger in his mouth until he burped again, as another scroll appears.

“Look, three tickets!” Storm said.

Storm Shield stopped bouncing long enough to catch the one ticket addressed to him.

“Sweet!” He exclaimed, holding the ticket with his magic.

“Wow, great!” Twilight said. “I’ve never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?”

“No, and I plan to keep it that way,” Spike said. “I don’t want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.”

“Now, hold on!” Storm replied. “I’ll have you know us boys like going to these events too, Spike.”

The next part Storm Shield speaks softly.

“Plus, it’s a great opportunity to ask some pony for a date…”

Storm smiled to himself as Twilight Sparkle spoke up.

“Aw, come on Spike,” Twilight said. “A dance would be nice.”

“I’d share a dance with you,” Storm said, up front. “I have been taking lessons.”

“Well, of course you would,” Twilight replied, looking at him. “You’re my best friend. I’d be happy to share a dance with you while the night is young.”

“Best friend?” Storm thought. “Of course!”

By now, the cow pony had just gotten the giggles out of her system and overheard her friends’ conversation.

“Nice?” Applejack said. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’ve love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin’ our tasty vittles ‘til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres?”

“Hmm?” Storm Shield thought, scratching his chin.

<>

Sure enough, as Applejack spoke, a dream sequence displayed a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came together with bags of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods the cow pony could sell.

“You could make bank, as the old term goes,” Storm answered.

“Exactly,” Applejack said. “Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin’ up ‘round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big MacIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.”

Visions of run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean as a whistle. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until ‘POOF!’ her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly repaired hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again.

<>

Storm Shield nodded his head, lost in his thoughts as Applejack continued.

“Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala,” Applejack finished.

Twilight and Storm exchanged quick smiles to each other, before nodding with approval.

“Oh, well in that case,” Twilight began. “Would you like to—”

“Whoa!”

“Huh?” Storm turned. “OOOOMPH!!!”

Just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, a certain blue Pegasus, from out of the blue, crashed upon all three of them. The impact knocked all the apples Applejack and Twilight had in their baskets onto the ground. Storm Shield grumbled as he got to his hooves and brushed the dirt off his coat.

“Rainbow Dash, do you have anything better to do than dive bombing us?” Storm asked.

“Ugh,” Rainbow groaned.

It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to quickly hop back into the air, while the others were still crouched onto the ground.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?”

“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin’?”

“No, I was busy napping,” Rainbow Dash replied.

It was then Storm noticed a pillow and blanket conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and how they never noticed was beyond him.

“Hmm… Sure you were,” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes.

“And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?” Rainbow finished.

“Yeah, but—”

“YES!!!” Rainbow cut off Twilight. “This is soawesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…

“Three… Two… One…” Storm replied.

<>

A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky.

“Everyone would be watching the sky,” Rainbow explained, between scenes. “Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!”

Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies.

“I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut,” Rainbow continued. “Then I would mesmerize ‘em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!”

In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash performed all those maneuvers perfectly, although the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for her wildly and even the three Wonderbolts’ jaws dropped.

“The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.”

By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow Dash shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky.

<>

By which time, the thought across Storm Shield’s mind made his eyes roll. True, he supported her dream as much as any pony. Add to the fact that he’d want nothing more than to see her make the team someday. But deep down, he knew she needed some serious work on perfecting those ‘maneuvers’ of hers. Less dive-bombs upon him and Twilight, and she especially needed to quit bragging… Or else that was going to get her in trouble.

“Don’t you see, guys?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “This could be my one chance to show ‘em my stuff. You gotta take me!”

Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground.

“Hold on just one pony pickin’ minute here,” Applejack said, with a hard spit. “I asked for that ticket first!”

“So?” Rainbow shot back. “That doesn’t mean you own it.”

“Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.”

The two ponies find a nearby stump and began to groan loudly trying to out-stretch each other. This didn’t go on for long when Twilight shoved them apart.

“Girls, these are my… Er… our… tickets,” Twilight said firmly. “We’ll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don’t you think?”

Twilight Sparkle turned towards Storm Shield on that last sentence.

“Sounds reasonable to me,” Storm Shield nodded, with a smile. “All right girls. What’s your proposal?”

“Drummin’ up business for the farm?” Applejack proposed.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow proposed.

“Money t’ fix Granny’s hip,” Applejack added.

“Living the dream,” Rainbow added.

Hearing all those reasons at once, Twilight and Storm just exchanged nervous looks.

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” She concluded, turning to Storm.

“Yeah… More than I thought,” Storm replied slowly.

Just then, both their stomachs start to rumble. The two unicorns chuckle toward each other.

“Listen to that, I am starving,” Twilight said, as Spike climbed on her back. “And Storm appears to be hungry as well, aren’t you?”

“Totally! I didn’t even have breakfast,” Storm nodded.

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach.”

“Agreed, a full belly leads to a clear mind,” Storm replied, turning to the girls. “So we’ll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get back to you two, okay?”

“Plus I really need to speak to Twilight about the Gala… Alone…” He thought to himself.

“Okay,” Applejack and Rainbow said sadly.

Once Storm and Twilight left the farm, the Earth Pony and Pegasus glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to arm wrestle once more, determined to prove who’s the best.

<>

Meanwhile, the two Unicorns and Spike had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just nearing a building known in Ponyville as ‘Sugarcube Corner’.

“So, who are you gonna give the tickets to, you guys?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know Spike,” Twilight admitted. “But I really can’t think straight when I’m hungry, so where should we eat?”

“Well,” Storm pondered. “I was talking to the Mayor just the other day, and she referred to this sweet little café just down the…”

CRASH!!!

“OOMPH!”

Suddenly, something only Storm would describe as ‘the pink blur’ barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike’s hands and landed right on Pinkie’s nose.

“GAH!” Pinkie shouted, dashing about. “Bats! Bats on my face! Help!”

In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie came to a stop when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely.

“Wait, these aren’t… tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!”

“Oh no…” Storm muttered, rolling his eyes. “Here we go again!”

<>

This time, they were all drawn into Pinkie’s mind, as she imagined the Grand Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine.

“It’s the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I’ve always, always, always wanted to go!”

As if that wasn’t enough, Pinkie began singing.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Hip hip
Hooray!
It’s the best place for me,
For Pinkie…

And the party pony kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would:

“With the decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!”

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
‘Cause it’s the most galarrific superbly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy!
Wheee!!

<>

Storm Shield just stared blankly towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number, which he felt coming from a mile away. Meanwhile, Spike picked up the tickets.

“I’m going to tell her,” Storm stated bluntly.

“Don’t you dare!” Twilight scolds.

“Oh thank you, Twilight and Storm,” Pinkie said happily. “It’s the most wonderful-est gift ever.”

“Um, actually—” Twilight tried to explain.

“GASP!”

A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was just Rarity the fashionista from the Carousel Boutique.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Pinkie answered. “Twilight and Storm are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.”

“The gala?!” Rarity exclaimed. “I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I’ve never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet him.”

That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone.

“Him!” Pinkie copied her tone, appearing puzzled. “Who?”

“Him…”

<>

Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful golden yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching the regal Princess Celestia in all her glory.

“I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, ‘Who is that mysterious mare?’. They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville.”

Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with the display.

“Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself,” Rarity continued. “And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to ‘him’, her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot.”

As Celestia stepped aside, there beside her was the ‘eligible unicorn stallion’. With alluring light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and matching blue bow tie along the light grayish coat, with a compass rose for a Cutie Mark. Indeed, the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life.

The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of the high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ever crafted for a mare of such flare.

“Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt,” Rarity said dreamily. “Our courtship would be ‘magnificent’! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, ‘Yes!’”

The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the altar, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness to holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and her perfect groom.

“We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…” Rarity giggled. “… What I would become upon marrying ‘him’, the stallion of my dreams.”

<>

“Oh please,” Storm mumbled, under his breath. “Blueblood’s not that amazing.”

“You know who she’s talking about?” Twilight asked, overhearing him.

“Prince Blueblood? The ‘great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great…’ Phew, a lot of greats… ‘great-great nephew’ on Celestia’s and Luna’s mother side, 52 times removed, roughly speaking… Yeah, I know all about that pompous jerk.”

“What did he do that was so bad?” Twilight asked, curiously.

“Well… At first, it was nothing,” Storm explained. “I met him during one of Celestia’s royal gatherings. The princess asked me to converse with him, I guess she figured we’d be good friends or something. But the moment I start talking with him, and no pony else was looking, he used his magic to make my mouth disappear.”

Twilight and Spike covered their mouths to hide their snickering.

“Yeah, yeah… Yuck it up,” Storm frowned, folding his hooves.

“Well, I’m sure he was just teasing, darling,” Rarity assured.

“Maybe…”

“But Storm, and Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can… party and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.”

Rarity turned her head with a huff. Before Twilight and Storm could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws.

“Hey!” Spike called out.

But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards… Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her ‘GASP’.

“Angel, these are perfect,” Fluttershy replied softly.

Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie shot dirty glares at each other. Well, mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a beach ball.

“Uh, listen you guys,” Twilight said. “We haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.”

“You haven’t?” Rarity and Pinkie retorted together.

“Trust me when I tell you this Rarity,” Storm warned. “You’re better off marrying a Windigo than Blueblood.”

Rarity gasped loudly, looking quite offended by his remark. Before she could retort, however, Fluttershy approaches them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight, Storm,” Fluttershy said, gently. “I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…”

“You?” Rarity exclaimed, knowing what the Pegasus was asking. “You want to go to the gala?”

“Oh, no,” Fluttershy replied.

That answer received a swift jab from Angel Bunny insisting on the Yellow Pegasus to go on.

“I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…”

A sigh escapes Storm Shield’s lips, as he points his hoof to the side signaling for a scene change.

<>

A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. Not to mention the assortment of wondrous critters that appeared and gathered all around the shy Yellow Pegasus.

“… It’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance,” Fluttershy explained. “The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom…. And that’s just the flora! Don’t get me started on the fauna. There’s loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays, and pink flamingos!”

<>

The scene shifts back as Fluttershy hovered happily before Storm and Twilight, as she cuddled Angel in her arms.

“Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds… beautiful…?” Twilight asked, unsure of herself.

“Actually, the gardens are beautiful,” Storm replied. “I’d go there a few times when I needed a study break.”

“Oh! Do you know if everything I said is there?” Fluttershy asked excitedly.

“The flora, yes. But all the fauna… Well…”

“Wait, just a minute!”

A familiar raspy voice made Twilight and Storm look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the roof top of a nearby house.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight retorted angrily, as the blue Pegasus flew toward them.

“Have you been following us all day?” Storm asked, in the same tone.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe…” Rainbow stumbled. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two…”

“Excuse me?” Storm retorted, offended.

“… giving that ticket away to just anybody,” Rainbow finished, ignoring Storm’s glare.

“Wait just another minute,” Applejack called out, approaching Twilight.

“Applejack,” Twilight replied sternly. “Were you following us too?”

“Are you following us too?” Storm asked, heated.

“No,” She replied quickly.

“Thank goodness…”

“I was followin’ this one,” Applejack motioned to Rainbow Dash. “To make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.”

“Your ticket?” Rainbow retorted.

“But Twilight and Storm are taking me!” Pinkie shot back.

Before Storm or Twilight could protest, all the other ponies started arguing over each other. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns before Twilight and Storm finally had enough.

"QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!" They both screamed as they stood on their hind legs.

“And then I said, “Oatmeal, are you craz—”

“AHEM!” Storm cleared his throat.

Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realizing that the arguing had stopped.

“Oh…” Pinkie said sheepishly.

“Girls, there’s no use in arguing,” Twilight pointed out.

“But Twilight…” Rarity tried to protest.

“Zip it!” Storm hissed, holding a hoof to her mouth. “This is our decision; we’re gonna make it on our own.”

“And we certainly can’t think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added.

Just then, both stomachs of Twilight and Storm’s grumbled loudly.

“Not to mention hunger,” Storm grumbled.

“Now go on, shoo!” Twilight finished.

“And no more fighting with each other,” Storm added.

The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves.

“And don’t worry, we’ll figure this out…” Twilight added.

But the mares had already disappeared, leaving Twilight alone with Spike somewhere to the side, out of sight, and Storm Shield, who merely sighed.

“… Somehow…” Storm added quietly.

He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Storm gives her a side hug.

“Come on,” Storm ushered. “Let’s grab some lunch, my treat.”

Twilight just gave a small smile as he guided her… And Spike, who had caught up and was about to climb upon Twilight.

“Take my back for a change, Spike,” Storm offered. “Twi needs to rest.”

Shrugging his shoulders, Spike did just so as they headed towards the café Storm recommended.

<>

Upon arrival, neither Twilight nor Storm could relax, not with the most important decision on their minds. Twilight was slouching on her seat, while Storm sat next to her with his front legs bent as if he had elbows on the table.

“Oh Spike, what are we gonna do?” Twilight asked worried. “All five of our best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.”

“Best friends?” Storm asked, sitting up. “We’ve really gotten that close that quickly? Or… Maybe it’s just you girls…”

“Of course we’ve gotten that close!” Twilight answered. “And don’t say that. That includes you too. Why wouldn’t you be included?”

Storm felt a tad flustered as he answered.

“Uh… Well, I… Uh…” Storm stammered. “I’m a guy?”

“Being a boy doesn’t matter, you’re part of our group. Which makes you my best friend too.”

Storm Shield nodded, as Twilight put her train of thought on her other friends. Using her magic, she pulls the petals off one of the table flowers.

“But who do we choose? Applejack, or Rainbow dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity… Oh, who should go with us?”

Twilight’s stomach grumbled again, as she used her tongue to eat up the petals. Storm just watched her as their waiter, Savior Fare, approached the table.

“Have you made your decision?” He asked, with a French accent.

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” She bellowed.

Every pony turned and stared at the unicorn sitting straight up, her hooves in the air. Storm face-hoofed himself, hiding from the embarrassment.

“Twilight, he just wants to take your order,” Spike points out, toward the menu.

Twilight blinked a few times before recomposing herself.

“Oh,” She replied, calmly. “I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

“I’ll take the toasted hay burger on sourdough please,” Storm requested.

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked.

The only response from the Professional waiter was an indignant glare.

“No? Okay…” Spike sighed, tossing the menu behind him. “… I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy.”

Savior Fare was already walking away before Spike finished placing his order. As Savior Fare went back inside, the group had a brief moment to talk.

“What do you think, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I think we have to try another restaurant,” Spike answered. “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?”

“Spike, only you can eat gemstones,” Storm answered. “Ponies can’t; it would break their teeth. They prefer them for currency… And in Rarity’s case… fine couture…”

“I mean about the gala and the ticket and who I should take!” Twilight snapped.

“Oh, you’re still on that?” Spike asked annoyed.

“Spike, listen,” Twilight insisted.

She leans toward him on the table with her front hooves, knocking the flower vase off the table.

“How do we choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at us? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies.”

“Even if I gave up my ticket, we’d still have two disappointed ponies to deal with,” Storm added. “There’s no good solution with this!”

“What if we…”

Just then, Twilight was cut off when Savior Fare reappeared with their order.

“Ah, your food,” He replied, setting the plates on the table.

Spike was already munching away, while Twilight and Storm smiled at their food.

“Merci,” Storm said.

“Oh thank you,” Twilight sighed. “This looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once we eat.”

“Down the hatch!” Storm nodded in agreement.

They both use their magic to lift the sandwiches to their mouths when the other ponies galloped passed them and into the indoor section of the café. The two unicorns drop their sandwiches back on their plates, turning in confusion.

“Em, madam, monsieur?” Savior Fare replied, concerned. “Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?”

“It’s not raining…” Twilight replied.

BOOM!

A thunderclap caused the trio to look around, noticing how everywhere, minus their table, was getting a large downpour.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“Okay, which weather-pony goofed and brought this over here?” Storm demanded.

It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a very familiar blue Pegasus appeared. The moment he saw her, Storm gave her a stern glare.

“Hi there, best friends forever I’ve ever had!” Rainbow said, sweetly. “Enjoying the sunny weather?”

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked suspiciously.

“Whaddya mean?” Rainbow replied innocently. “I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that’s all.”

Storm and Twilight shifted looks from Rainbow, the surrounding rain, their food, to each other, and at Rainbow once more.

“Rainbow, you’re not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?” Twilight asked.

“You’re not the type to swallow your pride like that,” Storm added slowly.

“Me?” Rainbow chuckled. “No-no-no, of course not.”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight said.

“Sure…” Storm added.

Suffice to say, neither pony believed her.

“Seriously, I’d do it for anypony,” Rainbow added.

Just then, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The two unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the seen exposed her bluff.

“Heh, heh, eh…” Rainbow gulped.

“Rainbow Dash, we’re not comfortable accepting unwanted favors,” Storm told her.

“So, I’d appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight added.

“Ugh, fine,” Rainbow said.

The cyan blue Pegasus quickly zipped the hole. Storm just groaned, turning to Twilight indignantly.

“That’s better,” Twilight sighed, pleased with herself.

“Uh hey, Twi,” Storm spoke up. “There’s one more thing I wanted to ask you while we were here.”

“What is it Storm?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Well you see, in regard to the Grand Galloping Gala, I wanted to know if…”

Two seconds later, Storm, Twilight, and their sandwiches were soaked from the oncoming downpour. Both Twilight and Storm groaned in agitation.

“Moment ruined,” Storm thought.

Spike covered his mouth trying not to laugh, having already finished his food. Just then, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella.

“Twilight! Storm! It’s raining,” She said plainly.

“No, really?” Twilight retorted sarcastically.

“And we thought someone was dumping the world’s largest bucket of water all over us,” Storm added, in the same tone.

“Come with me before you catch a cold,” Rarity said.

The fashionista pulls Twilight away, as Storm watched the two girls disappear.

“Whelp! Guess I’m the one catching a… WHOA!!!”

Rarity drags him with her magic toward shelter within Carousel Boutique.

<>

As soon as they were both inside, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield shook the water off their coats and mane. Once dry, they looked as sharp as ever…. Except for Rarity, who got soaked to the bone from all the shaking about and glared at the two.

“Heh-heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said apologetically.

“Yeah…” Storm chuckled timidly. “We probably should’ve just asked for a towel.”

“Oh no, it’s quite all right,” Rarity replied. “After all, we are…”

Suddenly, Rarity was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight’s side.

“… The best friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?”

“Uh…”

Based on their expression, both Twilight and Storm were afraid to find out.

“Makeovers!” Rarity exclaimed.

Rarity shoved a dressing screen in front of her and Twilight, knocking Storm and Spike aside as Rarity roughly dressed up Twilight.

“Ugh, Rarity, ow!” Twilight groaned. “This really isn’t fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that’s too tight!”

As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitted in a glittery little dress.

I don’t know… Looks more like a fancy saddle for horse shows…

Oh, what do you know about fashion?

I don’t.

“There,” Rarity said. “Oh, you’re simply darling.”

Twilight looked at the dress and smiled.

“Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn’t it?” She replied.

“You look very pretty in it,” Storm added, with a sly smile.

Twilight just blushed and smiled back. Spike made a face, sticking his finger in his mouth. Rarity rushed into him, causing him to stick his entire claw inside his mouth.

“And you,” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.”

Storm snickered, wondering what Rarity had in mind.

“I didn’t forget you, handsome.”

Storm stopped laughing, before he and Spike were shoved behind a screen.

“D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike yelped.

“Oh, hey, ouch, oomph, too tight, ye-ow!” Storm screamed. “Use a shoehorn next time!”

Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wig. Storm was in a similar suit, albeit being dark red with a white powdered upper-class wig and some boots clearly too tight for his hooves. They both stood indignant and embarrassed.

“Oh, Spike… Storm…” Twilight giggled.

“Now you just need a hat,” Rarity said, plopping it on Spike’s head.

“Ugh, I told you, I don’t want any part of this girly gala gunk,” Spike whined. “See you back at the library!”

The baby dragon quickly dashed right out of his clothes and out the boutique.

“Oh, who needs him anyway,” Rarity said, with a laugh.

As the fashionista brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently. Storm just looked rather miserable since Rarity added a matching hat to his attire.

“This is all about you, and how fabulous you two will look at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Storm and Twilight both blinked at one another in realization.

“Wait, the Grand—” They said together.

“And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!” Rarity explained.

The way she went on, Storm and Twilight knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do.

“I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T…”

Rarity soon held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before the fashionista took full dominance of the reflection.

“We would be the bells of the ball, you and I… Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!”

Rarity had stars in her eyes, until she turned toward Twilight and Storm, who gave her death glares.

“Ah,” Rarity laughed nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield, of course.”

“I see what’s going on,” Twilight said angrily.

“You’re just trying to butter us up, so we’d give you the extra ticket!” Storm added.

“Well, it’s not going to work,” Twilight said.

The two unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance.

“You’re going to have to wait for our decision just like everyone else.”

“And no offense, I mean really no offense,” Storm added. “I prefer a nice tux like any other chap. Something modern chic not… Old traditional.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me, we’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said firmly.

They just turned to the open-door Spike left through, when suddenly.

“Did somepony say lunch?”

Some pony grabbed Twilight and dragged her outside. Storm stood there indignant.

“Three… Two… WHOA!!!”

Though slightly off, the voice grabbed him too. He and Twilight soon landed in front of a wooden wagon loaded with various apple treats.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s Day One of Ponyville all over again!” Storm grimaced.

It was then their culprit appeared before them: Applejack.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple Brown Betty,” She listed, showing off the last-mentioned dessert. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friends?”

Storm and Twilight stomachs grumbled, as they could feel their tempers slip and Storm’s eye twitched.

“Is that a yes?” Applejack asked.

“No, no!” Twilight snapped, making Applejack drop the last dish. “We don’t know who we’re giving the ticket to.”

“And all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide!” Storm yelled. “In fact…”

“We’re less sure now than we were this morning!” They shouted together.

Groaning, the two unicorns high tail out of there. Applejack just looked stunned as they took off.

“So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack could only say.

<>

It was a short while before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield had a moment to calm down. At least enough to get back to the Grand Oak Library. But it was clear both ponies were frustrated and stressed out after a long day.

“What will we do? What’ll we do?” Storm asked, to no pony. “What are we going to do?!”

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating!” Twilight retorted angrily.

Then they will REALLY hate cosplay conventions.

Storm nodded in agreement, as Twilight opened the door. Before her eyes, various animals dusted and cleaned the interior of the library. They heard a familiar yellow Pegasus humming a sweet tune (The first few notes to the show’s theme song), as she dusted the bookshelves.

“Seriously?!” Storm said aloud.

“Fluttershy, not you too?” Twilight gasped.

“Oh, well, hello Twilight,” Fluttershy greeted. “I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you.”

“It’s summer,” Storm and Twilight said, matter-of-factly.

“Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy replied, flying next to them. “It was Angel’s idea.”

The little bunny smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby.

“You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked, getting to the point.

“Oh no, I’m doing this because you’re my very best friends,” Fluttershy assured. “Right Angel?”

The little bunny just gave her a glare, which said otherwise.

“Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.”

Storm’s jaw dropped completely to the floor, as Angel offered the salad.

“Unbelievable!” He remarked.

“No, no, no!” Twilight said firmly. “Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but we’re not accepting any extra favors until we’ve made our final decision, so we’re going to have to ask you to leave.”

Twilight opened the door when a huge burst of confetti blasted through the door.

“SURPRISE!!!”

Between shouts from the ponies and the trumpets blowing outside, Storm knew what was coming.

“STOP!” Storm shouted.

As if the scene was on a freeze-frame, Storm Shield walks over to Twilight Sparkle and wraps a foreleg around her. Suffice to say, Twilight looked puzzled.

“Go,” Storm said plainly.

The scene resumes, as they were both whisked away and tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie began to sing… Again.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Twilight and Storm are my bestest friends
Whoopie, whoopie!

“Pinkie…” Storm and Twilight said together.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’re the cutest, smartest, all around best ponies, ponies!

“Pinkie…” They repeated.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

“Pinkie!” They said louder.

Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They’ll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me!

“PIIIIIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!”

The two unicorns shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent them landing hard on the ground. Well… Storm landed on the ground, on his stomach, and Twilight lands on his back.

“Why am I always the fall guy?!” Storm groaned painfully. “Why?! WHY?!”

Truth be told: Twilight Sparkle wasn’t very heavy. Still, she did land pretty hard on his back.

“Yes, Twilight? Storm?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket,” Twilight said, as she got off Storm’s back.

“Boy that hurts,” Storm groaned. “I think I’ll just lay here for a while…”

“Wait, what ticket?” A pony named Drizzle asked. “What Gala?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” Pinkie replied.

His eyes widen, Storm crosses a hoof over his throat several times and claps his hoofs together.

“Pinkie, shush, shush, shush!” Storm pleaded under his breath. “ZIP IT! PLEEASE!!!”

But the party pony was completely clueless to Storm’s pleas, much to his chagrin.

“Twilight and Storm have an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie finished.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The nearby ponies exclaimed.

“We’re doomed…” Storm squeaked.

Storm and Twilight suddenly looked very uneasy as they were swamped by dozens of ponies. Ironically, they were all mares.

“Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?!”

“I’ll wash your dishes!”

Soon they began suggesting favors left-and-right, as Spike managed to swoop in and help the two unicorns slip out the crowd. Unfortunately, they were stopped by some pony named ‘Daisy’.

“Would you like help with our gardening?”

“We don’t have one!” Storm answered quickly.

They tried to get away again before they were stopped again.

“I have a cartload of extra carrots,” A pony named Shoeshine proposed.

Soon the crowd had swamped the two again, shouting favor after favor.

“What are we gonna do?” Spike asked.

Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly; Storm and Twilight found themselves ready to panic.

“We’re…”

“… Gonna…”

"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!" Storm and Twilight shouted.

The unicorns jumped high in the air, dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit.

*Deploy Benny Hill Theme here*

On cue, some Benny-Hill style music plays as Twilight and Storm ran for dear life trying to escape the crowd, while Spike held onto Twilight from behind. Storm panicked so badly he actually ran on just his hind legs. They tried just about everything just to get away.

First, they behind the cart with all the apple treats. They watch the mob rush past while they hid, only to be spotted by a pony from the window and another pony popping out of the cart. Soon, they were running again as the mob raced after them, even knocking one towns-pony aside.

A passing elderly couple with a stroller slowly walks down the street as the mob of ponies dashed past them. But it turns out to be Twilight dressed in a blue cloak and Storm dressed like an elderly pony with a cane and giant beard over his face and Spike… Dressed as a baby, with a binky in his mouth. Suddenly, Storm felt the mustache part of his disguise tickling his nostrils as he tried not to sneeze.

“Ah… Ah… AH-CHOO!!!”

Storm sneezed so wildly, that his disguise flew off his face. It was so loud one of the girl ponies turns and points toward the group, forcing them to run away again. They quickly hide under a bridge by the canal, trying to hold onto the bottom. Just as they raced past them, Spike swiped a claw and sighed… Only to accidentally fall into the canal with a ‘SPLASH!’ exposing their hiding spot.

The mob kept racing after the group passing a window to a shop, where mannequins stood in a pose. But it turns out to be two ponies and a Dragon in Disguise: Twilight like a circus clown, Spike like a hula dancer (A girl one), and Storm dressed like a Christmas elf with a beard… A lot of beards.

Technically, the ponies don’t celebrate ‘Christmas’ in Equestria…

Details, buddy… Details…

Bottom line: Nothing worked for this trio. Soon, they ran until they were backed into a corner, as all the ponies approached shouting favor after favor at them. The only favor Storm heard clearly was:

“I’ll do your taxes!”

Storm tried to get in front of Twilight to defend her.

“HALT!” Storm held a hoof up.

But the approaching crowd started to make him nervous, so much that his legs quivered.

“Um… Please?”

But the pressure became so unbearable, for both Storm and Twilight, their horns began to glow brightly and they, along with Spike, disappeared. All the other ponies looked around, exclaiming shock and confusion.

“Where is she? Where’d she go? She’s disappeared? Where’s the handsome pony?”

<>

Fortunately, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle didn’t get very far, as they had triggered a simple teleportation spell, which landed them right back inside the Grand Oaks Library. Both were quite frazzled from the trip and poor Spike was slightly fried.

“Ugh… Warn me next time you two are donna do that,” He groaned dizzily.

“I didn’t even know it was gonna happen,” Twilight protested.

“That’s the trouble with magical surges,” Storm added. “You never know when they happen or what they’ll do. They just trigger under moments of extreme stress.”

“Never mind the lesson,” Twilight snapped, standing upright with her arms spread out. “Now quick, lock the doors!”

Storm put his magic to good use, as the three quickly closed all the doors, locking the bolts, and shut off all the lights. They breathed a sigh of relief, slumping to the floor after finishing the job. Storm and Twilight even shook their hooves up and down.

Suddenly, a light came back on… They look up…

And their five best friends stared down at them, all smiles on their faces, near a high window. Storm and Twilight couldn’t take it anymore.

"YAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Storm and Twilight screamed.

“I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!” Storm screamed, tugging his mane.

“We can’t decide!” Twilight retorted frantically. “We just can’t decide!”

“We know it’s important to all of you and we can’t stand disappointing any of you,” Storm added. “And giving us gifts and doing us favors won’t make any difference.”

“Because you’re all our friends and we wanna make you all happy and we just can’t! We just CAN’T!” They said together.

The two unicorns crunch into the floor, their front hooves covering their heads. The five mares didn’t take long to realize how upset Storm and Twilight felt. In fact, a pair of tears trickled down Storm’s eyes as Applejack walked up to them. She pats a forehoof on Twilight’s back, but still spoke to both of them.

“Twilight, Storm, sugars,” Applejack said gently. “I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on the two of you, and if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad, I promise.”

“Me too,” Fluttershy added. “I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful.”

“And me too,” Pinkie Pie cut in. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.”

“Twilight, Storm,” Rarity joined in. “It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did.”

“Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!” Rainbow said, before singing and dancing in midair. “I got the ticket; I got the ticket—”

Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, and especially Storm shot her a dirty look. Twilight only looked up. Yet both unicorns were still crouched and their forehooves still covered their heads.

“You know,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.”

“We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn’t see how un-gun-ho we were making you,” Applejack pointed out.

“We’re sorry, Storm and Twilight,” The five mares said, in unison.

Storm and Twilight, slightly better, exchanged smiles and a single nod.

“Spike take down a note,” Twilight instructed.

Spike grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic.

Dear Princess Celestia,
We’ve learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there’s not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

“What?!” The other five mares exclaimed, in shock.

“If my friends can’t all go,” Storm concluded for Twilight. “We don’t wanna go either.”

The other ponies, still in shock over the decision, felt worse about everything.

“Storm, Twilight, you don’t have to do that,” Applejack protested.

“Nope, we’ve made up our mind,” Twilight said, as Storm gave a firm nod. “Spike, you can send the letter now.”

Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it on its way.

“Now you won’t get to go to the gala either,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“Forget about it, Flutters,” Storm brushed off. “It’s just a dumb party anyway.”

“It’s okay, girls,” Twilight assured. “We couldn’t possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us.”

“So, we would rather not go at all,” Storm added, with a smile.

The other mares shared a group hug together, chuckling with each other. Applejack gives Storm a one-on-one hug, leaning against his ear.

“I know yer just thinking about us, sugarcube,” She said to him. “But I know you’re disappointed you won’t take Twilight to the Gala as your date.”

Hearing her say this, Storm’s eyes went wide as a mad blush formed on his cheeks.

“Um—uh---wha---uh—” Storm stammered nervously. “What are you talking about?”

“Aw come on, sugarcube,” Applejack giggled. “Ah’ve seen the way y’all look at Twilight. Ah knew it was only a matter ah time before y’all asked her.”

“Yeah… But it’s just been so crazy today, trying to decide who to take with us, I’ve never got the chance to ask her.”

Applejack gave him a reassuring pat on the back with her hoof.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, Storm. It’ll happen, one way or the other.”

"Hhg… hgh… urk… urk…”

Applejack turns as Spike began making faces as if he were grossed out. At least, that’s how Applejack interpreted his grunts.

“Well wallop my withers, Spike,” Applejack said, approaching the dragon. “Isn’t that just like a boy? Can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.”

“Hey, leave me out of this,” Storm retorted indignantly. “I’ll have you know I like hugs, expressing my feelings, and I’m not afraid to cry… DUCK!!!”

BURP!!!

“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed.

She barely missed getting singed by the green flame Spike spat out between her golden mane and Stenson hat. The flame turns into another letter.

“A letter from the princess?” Twilight said surprised. “That was fast.”

“Guess Celestia must have had time to sort her mail today,” Storm replied.

Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud.

“My faithful students, Twilight and Storm, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?”

And low and behold, a familiar site met their eyes… But ten times greater.

“Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike announced.

All the ponies in the room gasped, excitedly.

“Now we can all go,” Twilight declared happily.

Amazed, Storm turns back toward Applejack, who gestures with her hoof to do what he needs to do. Taking a deep breath and nodding his head, he approached Twilight from behind.

“Uh, hey… Twi?” Storm said, tapping her back.

“Yeah, Storm?” Twilight asked, turning around.

Storm closed his eyes, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. His heart raced a million miles an hour; his breathing becoming labored. Finally, after a moment, he finally spoke:

“Howwouldyouliketogotothegrandgallopinggalawithme?” He blurted our rapidly.

Twilight just stared at him, clearly confused.

“What?”

Storm shook his head quickly, taking deep breaths before finally standing to his full height, looking at Twilight straight in the eyes.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Storm spoke, slower. “Would you like to be my date to the Grand Galloping Gala?”

After finally asking, Storm waited in anticipation expecting Twilight to turn him down. Already prepared for the inevitable heartbreak, he vowed to be a true stallion and accept it maturely.

“I’ve love to!”

His teal blue eyes widened to the size of tea saucers and he actually did a double take to make sure what she just said was actually true.

“Wait, what?”

Twilight just giggled, blushing before responding.

“I said I’d be happy to be your date to the Gala,” She smiled.

Storm released a breath, not realizing he had been holding it in. Storm Shield felt a thousand times lighter, smiling brightly and giddily that she actually agreed. As if everything felt right with the world.

“Of course, seeing as we’re both going to the Gala anyway, it only makes sense we might as well go as friends.”

Suddenly, that good feeling was sucked away instantly as Storm’s happy and giddy smile faded. However, seeing as how there were still five other mares and a little dragon looking at him, he quickly put a kind smile back on his face.

“Why yes! Of course! Yeah, just two best friends hanging out together and dancing. Just what I was thinking.”

Just then, his and Twilight’s stomachs growled. Twilight laughed nervously, while Storm snapped out of his current state.

“Allow us to treat you both to dinner,” Rarity offered.

“What a great way to apologize,” Rainbow declared.

Each pony collected their ticket, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house.

Even if the recipient wasn’t a unicorn…

Yeah, I still don’t get how it works…

“And to celebrate!” Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. “Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!”

“I’ll be right out!” Storm called out.

As all the girls walk out of the room, Storm turned for a moment to let a disappointed frown form on his muzzle. Needless to say, the whole ‘Asking Twilight to be his date to the Grand Galloping Gala’ didn’t exactly go as expected. As he turns back, Twilight looked over her shoulder toward him and gave a happy smile as a slight blush came to her cheeks. This made a small smile form on Storm’s face again.

“Well, even if we are going to the Gala as friends,” Storm thought. “At least that’s a start.”

Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike’s head and floated above hers.

“How come I don’t get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly.

HURK! BURP!

Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia.

“And one for you Spike,” He read.

Spike giggled happily as he held his ticket and left the library. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face.

“I mean, gross, I have to go too?” He remarked.

Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled, as she went to catch up with the rest of their friends. Who knows what made Spike change his mind? But in the end, with the Grand Galloping Gala only months away…

That night would be something they could alllook forward to.

Applebuck Season

Another beautiful morning dawned over the town of Ponyville. In this case, the early morning sun shone above Sweet Apple Acres. On this particular day, Applejack and Big Mac were surveying a large, vast orchard, where every single tree was loaded by the tree trunk with juicy, delicious apples. And yet there was one slight detail to note, specifically from the big red pony.

“Boy howdy!” Applejack said, surveying the trees. “I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o’ apples I ever laid eyes on.”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac said. “Too big for you to handle on your own.”

“Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. I haven’t met an apple orchard yet that I can’t handle…”

Applejack accidently poked the white bandage, making Big Mac cringe. He turns toward his sister, giving her a death glare.

“… Oops, sorry,” Applejack apologized, sheepishly. “I’ll take a bite out of this job by day’s end.”

“Biting off more than you can chew is just what I’m afraid of,” Big Mac said calmly.

“Are you sayin’ my mouth is makin’ promises my legs can’t keep?” Applejack retorted indignantly.

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied, plain and simple.

“Why of all the… This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalist of friends and the most dependable of ponies?”

“But still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds o’ apple trees just doesn’t add up to…”

“Don’t you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue!” Applejack interrupts, angrily. “I said I could handle the harvest and I’m gonna prove it to you. I’m gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself.”

Yet despite her determination, Applejack just gulped. She truly did have her work cut out for her.

*Deploy Theme Song here*

It wasn’t long before Big Mac let Applejack be, seeing as how there was no talking her out of this. During which time, Applejack made her way toward the apple orchards, looking around.

“Well I better get kickin’,” Applejack said to herself. “These apples aren’t gonna shake themselves outta the trees.”

It was then the ground began to rumble, an apple fell out of a tree, and bonks her square on the head.

“Hey!” Applejack shouts, realizing. “Oh no…”

<>

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was searching for the source of the rumbling. She spots the source from the distance: A herd of mooing cows… Heading straight for Ponyville!”

“STAMPEDE!!!” Rainbow shouted.

All at once, the town ponies began to panic and dashed about.

“Stampede!” A pony named Bon-Bon shouted.

Most of the ponies had already shut their windows, closed their doors, and even pulled the welcome mats inside.

Like that was going to matter…

Anyways, despite all this chaos, Pinkie Pie was bouncing along and giggling to herself.

“H-h-h-h-h-h-hey-y-y-y-y-y…! Th-th-th-this-s-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-m-makes-s-s-s-s m-m-m-m-my-y-y-y-y v-v-v-v-voice s-s-s-sound s-s-s-s-silly-y-y-y-y!” Pinkie remarked, her voice vibrating.

“Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?!” Twilight retorted, while dashing about. “Run!”

Amongst the crowd, Storm Shield dashed frantically before pulling to stop behind the Mayor. The poor pony tried so hard to keep the peace.

“Everypony calm down,” Mayor Mare said. “There is no need to panic.

“R-r-right,” Storm said, uneasily. “No need to panic; first thing we do is not to panic, heh-heh… We gotta do something!”

“But Mayor, whatever shall we do?” Rarity asked worriedly.

It was then Rainbow Dash’s eyes spotted something in the distance.

“Look there!” Rainbow called out.

Amongst the cows, a familiar orange pony and her faithful dog, whose name is Winona, charged beside the stampeding herd.

“YEEHAW!” Applejack chanted.

The ponies stopped running about the moment they saw and heard the cow pony. They give out a loud cheer.

“Move aside, Winona!” Applejack called out. “Put ‘em up, girl!”

Winona barked excitedly, as she ran alongside Applejack. Rarity just moaned, as she and a few other ponies watch the cowpony in action.

“This is the best rodeo show I’ve ever seen!” Pinkie exclaimed, while eating popcorn.

“Yeah… Sure it is, Pinkie,” Storm shook his head.

Twilight Sparkle merely rolled her eyes at Pinkie’s remark. In the meantime, Applejack continued to keep pace with the runaway cows. She gives one cow a bit of a shoulder bump, trying to coarse the cow to move but to no avail.

“Come on, little doggies! Turn!” Applejack called out.

Seeing as how this wasn’t working, Applejack knew she needed a different approach. She gives a shrill whistle toward her canine companion.

“Winona, put ‘em up!”

Winona barked, while giving a light nudge from the other side of the stampede.

“Ha-hah! Gotcha!” Applejack called out.

As Applejack tried to redirect the cows, Winona gave another bark to aid her. The cows were just yards away from the bridge leading to Ponyville when Applejack and Winona successfully got the cows to turn to the side. The herd rushes toward the other side of the river, away from the Ponyville town square.

“Attagirl!” Applejack said, with a grunt. “Yee Haw!”

Once the cows start to slow down, Applejack manages to get ahead of the herd.

“Whoaaa!” Applejack commanded, halting the cows. “Hooie! Now what was that all about?”

One cow, named DaisyJo, moos in response… Before she coughs to clear her throat.

“Oh my! Begging your pardon, Applejack,” DaisyJo apologized. “But Moo-riella here saw one of those nasty snakes…”

The other cows made startled expressions in agreement.

“… And it just gave us all the willies, don’tcha know.”

Applejack merely smiled in sympathy.

“I completely understand,” Applejack replied gently. “Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville.”

“We certainly will, Applejack,” DaisyJo answered. “So long, Winona!”

The dog barked in reply. And as the cows made their way back towards the farm, all the ponies watching continued to cheer excitedly, chanting Applejack’s name.

“Yee Haw!” Applejack shouted, striking a pose.

“Yee Haw!” Pinkie added, hopping about like a cattle-ranching pony. “Ride ‘em, cowpony!”

Some other ponies merely watched Pinkie, while she just hopped around and tried to mimic Applejack’s pose. But otherwise, they said nothing.

“Huh… That’s actually not a bad imitation,” Storm replied.

Mayor Mare was most impressed… But with Applejack, not of Pinkie’s impression of the farm pony.

“Applejack was just… just…”

“Appletastic!” Pinkie said, from above.

Storm looked up and was visibly shock by Pinkie’s gravity defying moment… Until gravity itself reminds her she couldn’t stay in the air and he watched her fall on her back.

“Exactly,” Mayor Mare replied. “We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town.”

“I know,” Pinkie said, laying on the ground.

Storm smiled, knowing exactly what Pinkie was going to suggest.

“3… 2… 1…” Storm counted.

<>

“A party!” Pinkie called out.

Within a few minutes, all the ponies of Ponyville had town square loaded with decorations, balloons, and party streamers of all kinds. It wasn’t long before Twilight and Spike arrived, just as Rarity tied a beautiful red bow onto a nearby tree.

“We all ready?” Twilight asked.

“Just one last thing,” Rarity said.

Using her magic, she lifts a large gold-colored banner, with an apple on the center, and placed it above the stage where Applejack would come to claim her special prize: A trophy crafted just for her.

“Now we’re ready.”

“Is Applejack all set?” Twilight asked Rarity.

“Actually, I haven’t seen her all week,” Rainbow said, landing beside Rarity.

“Not since the stampede,” Pinkie added, hopping beside the three ponies.

“But she’ll be here for sure,” Rainbow assured. “Applejack is never late.”

Storm Shield suddenly felt concerned as he approached Twilight, while the other girls applied the finishing touch for today’s celebration.

“I should head on over to Sweet Apple Acres and go get her,” Storm suggested.

“Oh, would you please darling?” Rarity asked sweetly.

“No problem, Rarity. I’ll be back with Applejack faster than you can say ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’!”

The girls just turned to each other, with a great deal of confusions before facing Storm. The stallion himself merely chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

“I’m gonna get Applejack now,” He said quickly.

“Please do,” Twilight nodded.

Before long, Storm Shield trots off toward the outskirts of town to Sweet Apple Acres while Twilight Sparkle looks on.

<>

Later that day, all the townponies gathered around the stage, just as Twilight Sparkle made her way towards the podium. She carries a large stage of messily stacked note cards for the occasion. Once she arrives, she used her magic to straighten her cards, holding the first one up to recite her speech.

“Welcome, everypony!” Twilight began. “Today we are here to honor a pony who we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to—”

All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash flies right in front of Twilight, causing her note cards to scatter about.

Did you see Applejack’s slick moves out there?” Rainbow interjected. “What an athlete! This week she’s gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it’s gonna be so awesome!”

“Exactly,” Twilight said, shoving Rainbow aside. “And…”

“This week, I get to run Sugarcube Corner for the first time,” Pinkie jumped in, right in front of Twilight.

“What does that have to do with Applejack?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me,” Pinkie answered. “Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!”

The other ponies cheered until Twilight shoved Pinkie off the stage.

“Oh-kay, that’s great,” Twilight remarked. “Now if I could just make a point without being inter—”

“Twilight?” A familiar yellow Pegasus said, appearing from the left side of the podium.

“—rupted!” Twilight remarked, glaring at Fluttershy.

“Twilight, I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy replied. “But I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She’s gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills.”

Twilight just rolled her eyes, her patience thinning. She gives Fluttershy one dirty glare, before the Pegasus slowly removes herself from the podium.

“Anypony else?” Twilight asked, irritated. “Anyone? No?”

No pony dared make eye contact with her, until she finally settled down.

“Well then, as I was trying to say—”

Then Mayor Mare appears with a toothy grin, a clear sign Twilight had to wrap the speech up. The timing pushed Twilight’s patience to the limit.

“URGH! Never mind!” Twilight barked.

Twilight Sparkle stomped away angrily, letting her cards scatter all over the podium. Mayor Mare just smiled as she approached the podium.

“Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado,” Mayor Mare continued. “It is my pleasure to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!”

The ponies cheer as the curtain opens to reveal… No pony. Soon the cheering turns into a murmur.

“Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome! I mean—”

Spike soon realized just how off timing his personal cheer was, especially with Twilight Sparkle glaring at him.

“Heh…”

Soon, there was nothing but silence apart from Mayor Mare clearing her throat. She stood there hoping for something to happen or at least some pony to speak up. But… Nothing.

“Awkward…” Spike whispered, as the rest of their friends agreed.

“I’m here… I’m here…”

All of ponyville turned after hearing the familiar country voice, followed by a yawn and a sigh. There was Applejack, carrying some baskets overloaded with apples, some of them falling to the ground as she made her way through the crowds. Her eyes were so drowsy, there were bags under them. From behind, Storm Shield quietly approached his friends without saying a word.

“Sorry I’m late,” Applejack apologized tiredly. “Whoa—I was just—whoa. Did I get your tail? Miss Mayor. Thank you kindly for this here… award thingy…”

Yawning again, Applejack peers at her face in the reflection against the trophy.

“… It’s so bright and shiny and, heh, heh-heh, I sure do look funny, heh. Ooo-ooo!”

Applejack began leaning back and forth at her reflection with a woozy smirk on her face. Pinkie Pie even joined her.

“Woo-ooo/Ooo-ooo!” They chanted together.

“Okay,” Twilight said nervously, reaching the stage. “Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede, and always being there for everypony.”

“Yeah, I like helping the ponyfolks and… *yawn*… and stuff…”

Applejack suddenly dozed off while standing… For two seconds before shooting up with a snort and shook her head.

“… Oh, uh, yeah. Uh, thanks!”

Applejack grabbed the handle of the trophy by the mouth, dragging it offstage, going down the exact path she came from but walking backwards. The other ponies stayed quiet, as Applejack took her leave.

“Was it just me?” Twilight asked, out of the blue. “Or did Applejack seem a little—”

“Tired?” Rainbow proposed.

“Messy?” Rarity added.

Rarity’s answer received some funny looks from her friends.

“Well, did you see her mane?”

“So what?” Storm remarked quietly. “She’s still pretty.”

“She seemed fine to me,” Pinkie said. “Woo! Woo! Wo—”

But Storm Shield placed a hoof over Pinkie’s mouth before she went on.

“Pinkie, I like you but… Please stop?” Storm asked quietly. “Thank you.”

Twilight Sparkle turned toward him, noticing how his tone seemed rather dreary.

“Storm, what happened?” Twilight asked.

Storm turned to her with a rather sad look on his face.

“Well, I found Applejack working in the orchards,” Storm explained. “She seemed pretty worn out, so much I had to tell her ‘twice’ about the party to get her to stop working. So she followed me, though I saw she was walking very slowly. I tried to offer some help, being a gentleman and all… Then she yelled at my face.”

“What?!” Twilight retorted in surprise.

“That’s what I was thinking! She just explodes at me, telling me to leave her alone and insisted she’d get there herself. I stuck around, only for her to yell at me again, telling me to leave! So, I figured I’d just linger back and give her some breathing room.”

Storm Shield released a sigh, the look of frustration saying it all. Twilight approaches her friend, placing a comforting hoof on his back.

“You okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, totally,” Storm assured. “Don’t worry about me, I’m an adult. I’m not upset… Just never seen Applejack blow up like that before.”

Twilight could only look at him sadly. She knows Storm is the type of stallion to hardly let things get to him, he said he was all right. But she also knows even Storm can get a bit hurt. As Storm looked down, he feels a pair of hooves wrap around him and he turns to see Pinkie Pie, smiling at him. Storm rolled his eyes and smiled.

“Thanks Pinkie,” Storm chuckled.

“It’s what I do,” Pinkie replied.

“So… Is there anything we can do to help her?” Storm asked Twilight.

“Hmm…” Twilight wondered.

<>

It wasn’t much longer before Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was busily working hard trying to collect as many apples as she could. As tired and exhausted as she was, she breathed rather heavily while bucking a couple more apple trees.

“Phew!” She muttered.

At times, Applejack nearly fell asleep but caught herself and got back to work. She tried bucking another tree, but it was so far away her rear legs hit air.

“O-oah!”

Applejack stumbled before trying to recompose herself. Twilight and Storm were not too far away when they saw her working.

“What on Earth is that pony doing?” Twilight asked herself.

“Harvesting apples?” Storm proposed, as it was rather obvious.

“I meant that!” Twilight retorted.

Sure enough Applejack mumbled to herself, as she kicked an apple basket over.

“Whoops,” Applejack remarked, cleaning the mess.

“Point made,” Storm nodded. “Come on, then.

Storm and Twilight made their way towards their country-pony friend.

“Hey Applejack!” Twilight called out.

But by then, Applejack had fallen asleep while standing up… again.

“Applejack!” Storm called out, a tad louder.

The orange pony continued to snore.

“Applejack!” Twilight called out.

Storm taps Twilight on the shoulder and silently gestures a count. At three hoof waves, they shout together:

“APPLEJACK!!!”

The orange pony awoke with a start, noticing the two friends standing nearby.

“Oh, howdy, Twilight,” She greeted, trying to sound normal. “Howdy, Storm.”

“What is all this?” Twilight asked curiously.

As they talk, Applejack continues her way and went to buck another tree.

“It’s Applebuck season,” Applejack replied, nearly losing her balance. “Whoa!”

Twilight and Storm used their horns to teleport towards her. By now, they could handle short distances without getting too dizzy.

“Applewhat season?” Twilight asked.

“Neh!” Applejack answered, not bothering to correct her. “It’s what the Apple family calls harvestin’ time. We gather all the apples from the trees so we can sell ‘em.”

Applejack ventured forward, as Storm and Twilight teleported back in front of her once more.

“But why are you doing it all alone?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“’Cause Big MacIntosh hurt himself,” Applejack replied simplied.

“How did he--?” Storm began to ask.

“Ya don’t wanna know,” Applejack answered bluntly.

“Fair enough.”

“What about all those relatives we’ve met when we first came to Ponyville?” Twilight wondered.

“Yeah, I must’ve counted more than a dozen of those ponies,” Storm recalled. “Where are they anyway? Wouldn’t they love to help?”

“They were just here for the Apple family reunion,” Applejack sighed. “They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin’ their own orchards. So, uh, I’m on my own. Which means, I should really get back to work.”

But Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle refused to move, as if they were still trying to process the situation.

“Ahem!” Applejack cleared her throat. “Hint, hint? Get back to work?”

Storm and Twilight just glared.

“Fine,” They answered, with a snooty demeanor.

The two unicorns move out of the way to let her pass. But Applejack just stood still, wobbling a bit from side to side.

“Could you step aside, Twilight? Storm?” She asked woozily.

“We just did,” Twilight answered.

Applejack looked at Twilight, though her vision looked rather fuzzy as Twilight continued to speak.

“Applejack, you don’t look so good.”

Applejack just shook her head again to refocus.

“Eh, don’t any of you six worry none,” Applejack retorted. “I’m just fine and dandy. Whoa!”

Applejack nearly lost her balance again, when Twilight stepped in front of her with Storm doing the same thing.

“Do you… want some help?” Twilight asked.

“Remember how helpful my duplication spell was last time?” Storm reminded her. “We’d be more than happy to help harvest the apples—”

“Help?” Applejack retorted, cutting Storm off. “No way, no how!”

“But there’s no way you can do it all on your own,” Twilight protested.

“I agree with Twilight on this one,” Storm nodded.

“Is that a challenge?” Applejack demanded, getting in their faces.

“This is exactly what I had to put up with earlier today,” Storm warned Twilight.

Suffice to say, Twilight Sparkle felt a little nervous.

“Uhm… no?” Twilight said timidly.

“Well, I’m gonna prove to you both that I can do it!” Applejack snapped. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got apples to buck.”

Storm and Twilight just watched her walk away in a huff.

“Man, that girl is as stubborn as a yak!” Storm grumbled.

“Just don’t let anyone from Yakyakistan hear you say that Storm,” Twilight warned.

“Eh, I’m sure it won’t come back to haunt me… Or will it?”

<>

The next day, Rainbow Dash stood upon a support post of a nearby fence waiting for Applejack to arrive. She tapped one of her front hooves impatiently when her friend finally arrived.

“There you are!” Rainbow exclaimed impatiently.

“I’m a mite sorry, Rainbow,” Applejack yawned. “I was busy applebuckin’ and I guess ah, I closed my eyes for a second and, when I woke up, I was late. Now, what’s this new trick a’ yours?”

“See this contraption?” Rainbow pointed out.

Just a few yards away, a tall platform with a teeter-totter like mechanism nearby stood before them.

“Uh… Yeah?” Applejack answered.

Rainbow began to explain the plan, mentally drawing she wanted Applejack to do.

“Well, I’m gonna stand on one end, then you’re gonna jump down from that platform, launching me into the air faster than I can take off on my own. Once I’m in the air, I’m gonna do some amazing flips and spins that are sure to impress the Wonderbolts.”

“Isn’t that a mite dangerous?” Applejack asked, not fully comprehending the plan.

“Pfft, heh, not for a pony who can fly,” Rainbow said, confidently.

Rainbow zooms about the sky, while Applejack just smiled.

“Well, all right-y then,” Applejack nodded.

A while later, Applejack makes her way to the top of the platform. As she gazed down from the platform, she started feeling a bit nervous. Whether it was her lack of sleep or a sudden case of vertigo, Applejack had trouble focusing on her landing point. Rainbow just sat quietly on her end of the teeter-totter.

“Oh my…”

“Ready?” Rainbow called out. “One… two… THREE!!!”

Applejack made her jump… But landed beside the landing point with a ‘PLOP!’.

“Umm… maybe I wasn’t clear,” Rainbow said slowly. “You’re supposed to land on the other end.”

At that moment, Storm Shield had decided to take a little stroll around town hoping to clear his head. It was then he noticed Rainbow and Applejack in the distance. Rather than draw attention to himself, he decided to watch how things turned out from a few yards away. Luckily, neither pony noticed his presence.

“Got it,” Applejack said, trying again.

Each time, Applejack missed the platform. First landing on her stomach, than her flank, and even on her head. And each time, Storm flinched and groaned watching her miss. Poor Rainbow was losing her patience.

“Applejack, what the hay is going on?” Rainbow demanded. “I mean, I thought I was working with Ponyville’s best athlete!”

Applejack shook her head, trying to recompose herself. Storm was just shaking his head indignantly in the distance.

“You are,” Applejack replied. “I’m okay. Really. I-I have an idea. Watch this.”

Applejack groaned as she pulled the other side of the teeter-totter and sat squarely on it.

“Ta da!”

Rainbow just glared, clearly unamused.

“Oh… Maybe not,” Applejack said sheepishly. “Okay, one more try. I’m sure to get it this time.”

Applejack crawled off, causing Rainbow’s end to slap back down to the ground.

“Ugh!” Rainbow groaned, slightly dazed.

Storm worriedly watched as Applejack climbed back to the top of the platform, struggling to vision her target.

“Oh no, what is she up to?” Storm asked to himself.

“Heh-heh… Here I go!” Applejack said.

Storm watched as Applejack backed up, preparing to make the jump. Storm’s eyes shrunk.

“What'll I do? What’ll I do?” Storm asked himself. “What AM I going to do?!”

With no time to think, Storm dashed right up to Rainbow, grabbing her from behind.

“WE GOTTA GO NOW!!!” Storm cried out, trying to pull her off. “ABORT! ABORT! ABORT!”

Rainbow was taken by surprise, as she tried to push him off.

“Storm, what are you…?!”

Just then, Applejack took off for a belly flop and only then did Rainbow realized why Storm was there.

“Wait…!”

Too late. Applejack stuck her landing perfectly, sending both Rainbow and Storm into the air at high speed.

“APPPLEJAAAAAACK…!”

“AAAAAAAH-HOOOO-HOOOO-WHEEEEE…!”

Rainbow and Storm screamed their lungs out, as they went airborne and out of sight.

“You’re welcome!” Applejack said.

Feeling she did her job, Applejack proceeds to head back to the orchard.

<>

A few seconds later, while Twilight was enjoying a book from her bedroom balcony, she heard a set of screams and saw Rainbow hurling toward the front railing. Storm, who was still holding onto her, lost his grip when she hit the railing. The impact sent him flying over Twilight and tumbling head over heels into the library.

“Can I help you?” Twilight asked plainly.

“I think somepony else needs your help,” Rainbow replied wearily.

“Applejack?” Twilight replied.

“Yep,” Rainbow said, lowering her head.

Twilight just felt indignant until she heard a groan from behind her. Storm had landed upside down, his eyes swirling in a dazed manner.

“And how did you get mixed up in all this?” Twilight asked. “You said you were going for a walk.”

“I’m okay…” Storm replied, in a dorky tone. “I’m fluffy.”

Twilight just blinked before rolling her eyes. She knew she needed to speak to Applejack again. But this time… She decided to do it alone.

<>

By now, Applejack was back on the farm resuming her work. The fatigue continued to take its toll on her. She bent down to pick up some apples, only to hit a low branch underneath her head.

“Ow!” She exclaimed.

Applejack rubs the back of her head when Twilight just arrived.

“Applejack, can we talk?” She asked.

Apparently, the impact did a number on Applejack’s hearing. For she was having a difficult time comprehending what Twilight was saying.

“Applejack, can we talk?” Twilight repeated.

But all Applejack could see was Twilight moving her lips and barely hearing what was being said.

“Can bees squawk?” Applejack said loudly. “I don’t think so.”

“No. Can we talk?” Twilight said firmly.

“Twenty stalks? Applejack replied in the same tone. “Bean or celery?”

“No! I need to talk to you!” Twilight snapped, raising her voice.

“You need to talk to the zoo?” Applejack said loudly, more confused than ever. “Well, who’s stoppin’ you?”

“I need to talk to you!” Twilight yelled.

“Oh! Well why didn’t you say?” Applejack said, denying her hearing problems. “What you wanna talk about?”

“Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today.”

“That’s quite neighborly of her.”

“Yes, except that she and Storm crashed onto my balcony after you launched them into the air!” Twilight said indignantly. “And I think Storm may have landed on his head cause he’s claiming he’s the prettiest girl at the gala and singing songs back from magic kindergarten!”

Applejack just blinked before turning her head in shame.

“Oh, yeah,” Applejack said, in her normal voice. “I wasn’t feeling quite like myself this morning.”

“Because you’re working too hard and you need help!” Twilight snapped, approaching her.

But Applejack had been dozing off until her ears shot up.

“What? Kelp? I don’t need kelp,” Applejack retorted. “I don’t even like seaweed!”

“HELP!” Twilight shouted. “You need HELP!”

“Nothin’ doin’, Twilight,” Applejack shot back. “I’m gonna prove to you, t’everypony, that I can do this on my own!”

Applejack turned to leave, only to collide forehead first into that same low branch.

“Ow!” She exclaimed, looking dazed. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve gotta help Pinkie Pie.”

“Ugh!” was all Twilight could say, as Applejack wobbled away. But seeing as she couldn’t get through to her, Twilight decided to head back to the library. She could only hope Storm had stopped singing when she got back.

<>

A short time later, Saffron Cake, the wife of Carrot Cake and co-proprietor of the sweetest and most delicious bakery in Ponyville, Sugarcube Corner, was double-checking things with their assistant/apprentice, Pinkie Pie.

“Now Pinkie Pie,” Mrs. Cake spoke. “Are you sureyou’re up for baking the muffins and running the store this afternoon?”

It wasn’t that they didn’t trust Pinkie Pie, but the pink pony’s randomness often times made ponies question if she could handle serious responsibility. Pinkie didn’t seem to mind these opinions, as she was ready to prove herself.

“Yes siree bob, Mrs. Cake,” Pinkie answered. “Plus, I have Ponyville’s prized pony to help me out. Why she’s the best baker ever. Right, Applejack?”

Applejack just gave a rough shake of her head since she was trying not to doze off. Plus, instead of not hearing ponies, everything Applejack washearing felt as if she were underwater or moving in slow motion.

“No?” Mr. Cake asked puzzled. “You’re not the best baker ever?”

“WHAT?” Applejack exclaimed, waking up. “Oh no! I mean, don’t you fret. I can bake anything from fritters to pies in the blink of an eye.”

Mrs. Cake still didn’t feel sure about this, but she and Mr. Cake really needed to leave for an errand outside the shop and these two ponies were the only help they got.

“All right,” Mrs. Cake sighed. “Well, see you later, girls!”

Mrs. Cake then made her way out of the shop once all was settled. Applejack still shook her head trying to stay away when Pinkie grabbed for her.

“Stop with the shakin’,” Pinkie said. “It’s time to get bakin’!”

Soon, Pinkie Pie had the recipe book open and Applejack stood across the table with the mixing bowl before her.

“All right-y,” Pinkie said. “I’ll get the sugar and the eggs. Can you get me some chocolate chips?”

Poor Applejack was still zoning out, and still having hearing trouble as much as she tried to deny it.

“Eh, uh, whu, what was that?” Applejack asked.

“Chocolate chips,” Pinkie repeated.

“Chips… got it!” Applejack replied, grabbing a bag off the shelf. “Tater chips, a little salty and dry, okie-dokie. What next?”

“Baking soda,” Pinkie said next.

“Soda,” Applejack repeated, grabbing a bottle from the fridge. “Perfect. That’ll get the tater chips nice and wet. Now what?”

“A cup of flour.”

“A cup o’ sour? Well, lemons are sure sour. One cup o’ sour, comin’ up. Anything else, Pinkie?”

“One last thing. Wheat germ.”

“Wheat worms?” Applejack repeated, making a face. “Oh, that must be fancy talk for earthworms.”

Applejack went outside and dig up some earthworms to dump in the bowl with all the other ingredients. Pinkie by this time just dumped the sugar and eggs without looking at the bowl.

“Now that’s gonna be delicious,” Pinkie said excitedly.

“If you say so,” Applejack said.

Either Applejack trusted Pinkie’s judgment or Pinkie put too much trust in Applejack. In any case, had any pony actually saw what’s inside the bowl, they’d be noticing a different story.

<>

Regardless of the mixture, once the muffins were cooked, they were placed on a tray before a group of ponies waiting excitedly to try a free sample.

“Free muffin sample spectacular!” Pinkie shouted excitedly.

“Mmm, muffins!” The ponies said excitedly.

One by one, pony after pony grabbed a muffin to eat.

“Yeah! Muffin Spectacles!” Applejack added. “Get ‘em while their hot.”

Whether Applejack’s lack of sleep and hearing was to blame, or the fact Pinkie didn’t bother to double check the batter was the cause, no one knows but the consequences would be disastrous. One pony obliviously walked into the scene, Storm Shield, slightly normal, was strolling through town with a hoof over his head. He was just passing through when a whiff of the muffins brushed along his muzzle.

“Hmm… That’s an interesting scent,” Storm replied.

Just then, Pinkie Pie zipped right beside him with two muffins.

“HIYA, Stormy!” Pinkie greeted cheerfully. “Gee, you feeling all right? You don’t look too good.”

“Eh, just going through a light headache,” Storm groaned. “Otherwise, I’ll live.”

“Aw, I hope so. Here, have a muffin! Always makes me feel better.”

“Oh, well if you insist…”

Storm Shield picks up a muffin and takes a big bite out of the pastry. His taste buds start doing the mumbo as he chews the bits of the muffin slowly, he starts making faces as he detects some rather interesting flavors.

“Mmm… I’m detecting a salty-caramel texture…” Storm listed, smacking his lips. “Yet tarty and… savory? Pinkie, what kind of muffin is this?”

“Aren’t they delicious?” Pinkie asked, biting the other muffin. “Just baked them fresh out of the oven. Applejack was more than nice enough to help me out, even though she’s been acting funny.”

“Oh yeah, Applejack is really… Applejack?”

Storm’s eyes widen the moment that name came up. Slowly, he peers his eyes toward the muffin noticing something sticking out of the muffin… A half a worm wiggling. Storm then turns his eyes as Pinkie Pie was eating the very same muffin, along with all the other ponies near Sugarcube Corner. By the time Storm realized what was going on, he had already swallowed the muffin he just ate.

“Oh no…” Storm spoke grimly.

<>

It wasn’t long before Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrived at what appeared to be a temporary hospital.

“We came as soon as we heard,” Twilight said.

“Oh thank you, Twilight,” A white pony named Nurse Redheart said. “We need all the help we can get.”

Twilight Sparkle gasped as the sight of dozens of ponies, looking very sick and moaning, caught her attention. But what really drew her eyes is a very sickly, Storm Shield, just emptying his lunch in a bucket. By the time he lifted his head, he was all green in the face like all the others, even Pinkie Pie.

“Nurse… A little help?” Storm asked, moaning. “I think I need a new bucket!”

“Oh no! Storm!” Twilight yelled, approaching him.

As Twilight checked on her friend, Spike took a muffin and began to sniff it out.

“What happened?” Twilight asked. “Are you okay?”

“It’s a long story, I’m hoping it’s not contagious,” Storm answered worriedly. “I don’t know any germ-shield spells, ugh…”

“No, no,” Nurse Redheart said. “It was a mishap with some baked goods.”

“No, not baked goods,” Pinkie groaned. “Baked bads.”

Pinkie groaned again, as Storm flinched uncomfortably and turned back towards Twilight.

“Storm, why would you eat a bad muffin?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know…” Storm moaned. “Why don’t you ask Applejack? She had a hoof in baking these monstrosities!”

“Applejack,” Twilight sneered.

“Want one?” Spike asked.

Spike was chomping what was apparently the bad muffins that had been made. Twilight and Storm just made a face when Storm reeled back down and puked in his bucket while Twilight flinched. She turned to the horizon glaring indignantly to find a certain farm pony once again.

<>

Speaking of which, Applejack was already back at the farm. She was so exhausted to even get all the apples into the baskets and was using a single cart to carry them all. She continues to grunt and snore as she tried to keep herself from falling asleep. Then she reached for a larger basket to dump her apples into it, only to end up tilting the kart too far back and ended up stuck in the harness… Upside down… And now asleep. That was when Twilight Sparkle, and a remarkably recovered Storm Shield, arrived.

“Applejack, we need to talk,” Twilight said.

“What? Huh?”

Applejack was startled when she noticed the pair, all while she was still upside down.

“Oh, it’s you Twilight… Storm…” Applejack yawned. “… I know what you two are gonna say, but the answer is still no.”

“Not to upset your apple cart,” Twilight said. “But you need help.”

“You’re upside down like an acrobat for crying out loud,” Storm added.

“Hardy har!” Applejack groaned. “And no I don’t.”

“Here, let us help,” Twilight offered.

“Help? No thanks,” Applejack rebutted.

With a groan, Applejack tried to get herself and the cart upright.

“A little more… Little… There…”

Storm and Twilight just groaned, even though Applejack did succeed in getting herself upright.

“That was sad,” Storm remarked.

“I’ll prove that this here apple can handle theseapples. Come on… apples… fall off!”

Applejack grunted and bucked, she used one and eventually both hind legs trying to buck the apples off the tree.

“A.J., you’re beating a dead… tree,” Twilight pointed out.

Applejack turned and found that not only was the tree fruitless, but only a few leaves had fallen off.

“I knew that,” Applejack said plainly.

As the cowgirl walked away, Twilight and Storm followed close behind.

“Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about,” Twilight spoke. “Storm and I just came back from Urgent Care—"

“You know, I’m a little busy to get lectured right now!” Applejack said.

By now, the poor girl was losing her patience and was unwilling to admit she messed up… yet again.

“Too busy to even know that I’m still lying in a hospital bed and puking carrots in agony?!” Storm asked, irritated. “I haven’t even eaten carrots!”

“What are ya talkin’ about?” Applejack asked, confused. “Ya look just fine ta me.”

“Applejack, this is one of his clones you’re talking to,” Twilight corrected. “I insisted for Storm to stay in bed and he only agreed if a part of him goes.”

“… Prove it.”

“The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side,” Storm Shield recited.

“Which is completely wrong, not even the ‘real’ Storm would say that!” Twilight added. ''If you'd just let us help--"

“Urgh! No, no, NO!” Applejack retorted angrily. “How many times do I gotta say it? I don’t need no help from nopony!”

Applejack didn’t get very far when she bumped noses with… another Storm Shield. She turns back and forth, but this time her vision isn’t messing with her. There were two Storm Shields and the one in front of her was very cross.

“Storm is willing to duplicate himself a few more times, since he's your best friend!” The Duplicate Storm snapped. “Need we remind you that we helped you win that bet with Big Mac?”

“He’s right, you know?” The other Storm spoke.

“I said NO!” Applejack yelled.

“Fine!” The Duplicate yelled. “But the ‘real’ Storm asked that we send you a message and I quote, ‘A.J., do us all a favor: Focus on the apples and stop trying to help the other ponies! Your ‘help’ isn’t helping anypony at all!’… End quote.”

Applejack got right into the duplicate’s face, as if she could stare through its eyes and see the ‘real’ Storm Shield watching from a distance.

“Don’t… Tell… Me… What… To… Do!!!” Applejack said, in a low voice.

Angrily, Applejack stomped away leaving Twilight Sparkle and the duplicates in the dust. To say the second Duplicate was furious would be an understatement. He was so mad, literal steam erupts from his ears and the duplicate blew up in a puff of smoke. Twilight was visibly upset, not only because of how Applejack reacted but how the duplicate’s disappear made the other woozy.

“Sorry Twilight,” Storm spoke, through his duplicate. “Lost my concentration for a moment; sometimes your friend really rubs me the wrong way.”

“I know, Storm,” Twilight sighed. “Ugh! That pony is stubborn as a mule.”

“You said it,” Duplicate Storm agreed, angrily.

A familiar neighing was heard causing the two to turn, with an apologetic smile.

“No offense,” Twilight spoke.

“None taken,” The mule said.

How he showed up out of the blue was any pony’s guess.

<>

Later, Applejack was with Fluttershy in an area just outside Ponyville. This particular spot was loaded to the brim with bunnies of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

“Oh Applejack!” Fluttershy said happily. “Thank you so much for offering your herding skills for the annual rabbit roundup.”

“Ugh!” Applejack groaned, irritated. “Why are we doin’ this?”

“Well, lots of new baby bunnies have been born,” Fluttershy explained. “So it’s my job to get a count of all the new families.”

“Fine!” Applejack snapped. “Can we just get on with it?”

“Certainly,” Fluttershy replied, oblivious to Applejack’s sour mood. “But remember, these are bunnies we’re dealing with, not cows. They’re a timid bunch and need to be treated gently.”

“I do NOT need any direction on corallin’ critters,” Applejack snapped. “Right, Winona?”

Her faithful dog barked excitedly.

“Okay, little bunnies!” Fluttershy called out. “I need you to all gather here in the middle.”

All of a sudden, Applejack charged forward and began rounding them up her own way, completely ignoring Fluttershy’s advice.

“That’s right! Let’s go, bunnies. In the center. Hop to it.”

Obviously, Applejack’s way wasn’t very effective. In fact, some of the bunnies ran away from her.

“Swell. Just swell. Put ‘em up, Winona!”

Winona barked on command, as they chased the bunnies about.

“Applejack! Winona! Stop!” Fluttershy cried out. “You’re scaring them!”

“We know what we’re doin’,” Applejack retorted. “Get along, little bunnies.”

After some effort, Applejack and Winona were able to successfully gather the bunnies into the middle area that Fluttershy wanted. Unfortunately, the poor bunnies were trembling and terrified. A worried Fluttershy knew what would happen next.

“Oh no,” Fluttershy said softly.

And it wasn’t long before the bunnies were overwhelmed, as they charged between Applejack and Winona towards Ponyville.

<>

Once again, another earthquake-like rumble was heard and felt by the man ponies in town. Rainbow Dash took to the air and began surveying the land. She soon saw the smoke cloud approaching.

“STAMPEDE!” She called out.

Unlike last time, while all the ponies locked their doors and shut the windows, there was no stopping the bunnies from charging over the bridge and into the town. Near the temporary hospital tent, a slightly weak Storm Shield pushed the flaps open and looked out.

“What is going on out here?!” Storm called out.

“Stamped!” Daisy called out, before yelping.

Confused, Storm looked ahead, and his eyes went wide. For right before him, the rampaging bunnies were hopping through the town.

“THE RABBITS ARE FIGHTING BACK!!!” Storm screamed, closing the flap.

All the other ponies were screaming, desperately seeking some place to hide. One pony, Lily Valley by name, saw the bunnies hopping madly toward her. She was so frightened, the poor mare passed out on the street. And yet, all the bunnies did was run around her and kept going.

<>

A couple minutes later, Twilight Sparkle was enjoying a nice little walk. After the heated confrontation with Applejack and shortly before disappearing, Storm Shield’s duplicate suggested for Twilight to take a nice relaxing walk through Ponyville to clear her mind. Twilight agreed and soon found herself in good spirits, humming a merry tune as she reached the town square. But all at once, she gasped after finding Lily Valley, Rose, and Daisy laying on the ground, looking traumatized.

“The horror, the horror,” Rose said, dramatically.

“It was awful,” Lily Valley added.

“A disaster,” Daisy cried. “A horrible, horribledisaster.”

Twilight Sparkle had a blank look on her face, when she saw the ‘real’ Storm Shield trot pass the fallen ponies.

“I don’t get it,” Twilight told Storm.

“Honestly, me neither,” Storm said. “I barely saw anything that would be…”

“Our gardens, destroyed,” Lily Valley pointed out.

“Every last flower, devoured,” Rose added, showing her ruined garden.

“By… by… THEM!” Daisy finished.

Twilight and Storm turned to Daisy pointed hoof and sure enough discovered a large collection of bunnies literally nibbling and chewing everything in sight.

“Oh my. Oh… Please stop, little bunnies,” Fluttershy pleaded. “Oh no! Please, let’s go home! Oh my goodness!”

The two unicorns can only watch as Fluttershy was having a difficult time. Her pleas falling on dear ears, long ears that is. The moment Storm fully saw the extent of the damage he could feel his blood boil as he had a pretty good idea of what happened.

“Where was Applejack when all this happened?” He asked, through his teeth.

“She… never showed up,” Rose answered sadly.

Storm and Twilight both look at each other, before glaring fiercely.

“All right,” Twilight declared. “Enough is enough.”

“You said it,” Storm agreed. “How could Applejack let all these bunnies rampage since she obviously went to help Fluttershy? That’s irresponsible! I swear that pony’s stubborn nature is gonna bring Ponyville to the ground. Something must be done!”

“Right!” Twilight nodded, before glaring at Storm. “And put that rope away.”

Storm Shield was twirling a rope using his horn, ready to tie Applejack down to make her surrender.

“But we’ve already tried being reasonable,” Storm argued.

One glare from Twilight was the only answer he got.

“Fine!” Storm pouted, making the rope disappear.

The two begin walking to Sweet Apple Acres, before Twilight froze in place and sighed.

“And you can send Blaze home, so he won’t hoist Applejack in his talons until she listens.”

Storm and Blaze, who showed up out of nowhere, just stared at Twilight wondering how she knew. Nevertheless, Storm groaned and turned to his faithful friend.

“Sorry buddy, maybe next time.”

Blaze gave a few chitters and nuzzle Storm’s cheek before flying back to the library. Now, Twilight and Storm were on their way to confront Applejack.

<>

Just as Storm and Twilight expected, Applejack returned to work. But now, she was so worn out she couldn’t even buck the tree at all.

“Must… keep… buckin’…” Applejack panted heavily. “Just… a few… more. Must finish harvestin’.”

The two unicorns approached Applejack and this time they were determined to stand their ground.

“All right Applejack,” Twilight spoke sternly. “Your applebucking hasn’t just caused you problems, it’s over-propelled Pegasus’…

“And me!” Storm added.

“Practically poisoned plenty of ponies…”

“And me!”

“And terrorized bushels of brand new bouncing baby bunnies.”

“Yeah, you really are terrifying sometimes.”

“I don’t care what you say,” Twilight continued. “You… Need… Help.”

“And you need it now!” Storm added.

“Ha! No, I don’t!” Applejack grunted.

By the time Twilight and Storm finished their statement, Applejack had just finished collecting the apples from the tree she tried to buck.

“Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d’ya like them apples?”

Applejack gave them a prideful look, as she showed them the entire area of empty trees. Storm and Twilight just glared, while shifting their eyes in another direction. Big Mac mysteriously appears beside her, having heard everything.

“Um, how do you like them apples?” He told his sister.

Big Mac tilts his head in the other direction, Applejack turns, and her eyes went wide with a loud gasp. Apparently, she had only done half the field, possibly two-thirds, but either way she still had work to be done.

“Where’d all the apple…?”

Applejack mumbled for a few seconds, as her eyes crossed before fainting. Fortunately, she wasn’t out for long and as she opened her eyes, Twilight Sparkle stood before her.

“Applejack,” Twilight spoke. “Applejack.”

“Huh?” Applejack mumbled.

Sure enough, Applejack found herself laying on the ground. Storm Shield wasn’t far, having collected the spilled apples and took them straight to the barn with the rest.

“Oh good, you’re okay,” Twilight sighed. “Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You’re always there to help anypony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your stubborn pride aside and allow your friends to help you.”

As Twilight spoke, and by the time Storm Shield returned, Applejack’s eyes shifted from the two ponies to the remaining portion of the orchard. Seeing her eyes big as saucers, Storm couldn’t tell if Applejack was going to scream or cry. Instead, she just released a long sigh.

“Okay Twilight,” Applejack said, defeated. “Okay Storm.”

“We’re not taking ‘no’ for an answer—” Twilight continued, then stopped. “What?”

“Did you say… okay?” Storm asked, equally shocked.

“Yes, Twilight,” Applejack replied. “Yes, Storm… please. I could really use your help.”

The poor pony placed her front hooves together, as if practically begging or pleading. The two unicorns chuckled, releasing a sigh of relief.

“Alright A.J.,” Storm nodded. “Come on, let’s get you back on your hooves.”

Applejack allowed Storm Shield to help her sit up, but her exhaustion made her so woozy Storm had to help her keep balance. Storm used his magic to place her on his back before beginning his approach to the house.

“A nice nap will do you some good,” Storm said. “We can handle the rest of the apples… Um, Applejack?”

He turned his head to find that not only Applejack conceded but was already fast asleep on his back. Storm and Twilight just chuckled to themselves, as he took Applejack back to the house where he laid her on the couch to nap. He takes a large, quilted sheet and folds it over the cowgirl.

“Sleep well, Applejack,” Storm smiled. “You silly pony.”

Once that was settled, Storm Shield quietly exits the house and softly shut the door behind him. Once he was far from the house, he turns to the side and shouts:

“Okay, boys! Break’s over!”

Turns out, Storm Shield had managed to conjure up some extra duplicates of himself for Twilight and the others to use. This particular group were sitting under some apple trees, playing a game of cards when they turned toward Storm. They groan, muttering as they toss the cards aside and get straight to work. While Applejack took a well earned rest, Storm and the duplicates returned to help Twilight, along with the rest of their friends, and used their abilities to officially finished the harvest.

During all this time, Twilight had written a letter shortly before they started applebucking.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight recited. “My friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she’s always there to help any pony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it’s also accepting what our friends have to offer.

“Your faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield.”

Just as they collected a large amount of apples, Applejack returned fully rejuvenated and better than ever. She pushes a metal serving cart with drinks that had straws and then placed the drinks onto a wooden table.

“How about y’all take a little break?” Applejack proposed. “I got some fine apple juice waitin’ for ya!”

The others gathered around her, to enjoy their drinks. As they all settled down, Applejack released a sigh.

“Girls, Storm,” Applejack said slowly. “I can’t thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bitstubborn…”

“A bit?” Twilight and Storm replied, with smirks.

“Okay,” Applejack corrected. “A mite stubborn, and I’m awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you six as my friends.”

“I’ll sip to that!” Storm replied.

Every pony agreed to that statement as they took a quick drink.

“Phew!” Rainbow sighed. “That applebucking sure made me hungry.”

“And I’ve got the perfect treat,” Spike replied.

The little dragon holds out a plate of… the bad muffins.

“Eeew… Spike, I threw all those away!” Pinkie exclaimed, leaning away. “Where’d you get them?”

“From the trash,” Spike answered.

“EW!” All seven ponies said in unison.

The whole group left the table in disgust. Spike, not seeing the big deal, tried to catch up with the group.

“Just a little nibble?” Spike offered. “Come on.”

“Ew! Gross!” The seven ponies remarked, before they all returned to work.

Griffon The Brush Off

One afternoon, Twilight Sparkle sat upon a bench at the park enjoying her book. Storm Shield, on the other hoof, merely sat upon the lawn basking under the sun’s rays with black shades to shield his eyes and a metal reflector in his hooves. Now why would he sit on the grass, rather than sharing the bench with Twilight? Mostly because Twilight claimed the entire bench for herself, but he didn’t mind one bit.

It was a peaceful day at the park, and they wanted to enjoy the moment together… at least, it was peaceful for a while. Recently, a certain cotton candy pink pony had since shown up and had been rambling about, talking endless over a certain rainbow-maned cyan-coated Pegasus.

“Hoof-biting action overload!” Pinkie exclaimed. “She was like a stunt superstar, flying higher and higher, and then Rainbow Dash swooped down—swoosh!—and right before she hit the ground—shoom!—she pulled up—vrrrmmm!”

“Uh-huh,” Twilight replied, continuing to read.

“I see,” Storm added.

As a matter of fact, that’s pretty much all the two ponies had to say over Pinkie’s ramblings. Of course, the pink pony didn’t seem too discouraged about it.

“And then she looped around and around like whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo-whoo!” Pinkie continued.

“Uh huh.”

“I see.”

It was then that the Pegasus in question flied high in the sky, over the three ponies. Pinkie Pie quickly dashed after her.

“Phew!” Twilight sighed.

“Finally!” Storm added. “I like her, I really do. But I thought I was going to go bonkers!”

Grateful for the peace and quiet, Twilight turns the page of her book while Storm adjusts himself on the grass with a sigh.

In the meantime, Rainbow Dash was just keeping herself occupied with her flying when she heard a familiar shout.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash looks down, seeing Pinkie Pie trot after her.

“Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow grunted. “Not again.”

Apparently, the pink pony had been following Rainbow Dash for the past couple of days and she was trying very hard to go about her business.

“Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie called out again.

“Not now, Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow shouted annoyingly.

“But, but Rainbow Dash—“

“I’m in the middle of something.”

“But—”

“I said not now—”

CRASH!!!

Poor Rainbow Dash was so busy trying to avoid Pinkie Pie, she wasn’t paying attention to where she flew and smacked herself along the side of a mountain. She slowly slide down the slope, coming to a stop right in front of Pinkie.

“I was gonna tell you to look out for that mountain,” Pinkie said innocently.

Rainbow Dash just grumbled to herself, preferring not to get up as Pinkie Pie stood over her.

*Deploy theme here*

The next day, Rainbow Dash lazily reclined on her own little fluffy cloud high above Ponyville. But all the chatter from below was not helping her already sour mood. Growling with irritation, Rainbow grabbed some bits of cloud and stuffed it in her ears. It was then a familiar pink pony arrived, humming to herself and approaching a group of ponies near a vendor.

“Hi, I’m looking for Rainbow Dash,” Pinkie said. “Have you seen her?”

She then approached another group of ponies.

“Hi there, have you seen Rainbow Dash? Okay, thanks anyway.”

By now, Rainbow desperately tried to bury herself in her cloud to hide from Pinkie Pie. The latter then caught sight of Twilight and Storm and quickly approached them.

“Twilight! Storm! Have you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?” She asked.

“Isn’t she right up there?” Twilight replied, motioning towards a nearby cloud.

“If there’s a single cloud floating about, you’ll find Rainbow,” Storm added, looking up.

Rainbow Dash had her head stuck in the cloud, her rear end sticking out like an ostrich. She secretly prayed that Pinkie Pie wouldn’t notice her.

“Rainbow Dash!!!” Pinkie exclaimed.

Rainbow grunts before taking off at high speed, taking the cloud with her. Pinkie just hopped after her, while Twilight and Storm looked on.

“Good luck trying to lose her, Rainbow!” Storm called out. “Once Pinkie sets her target, it’s impossible to shake her off!”

“Let’s hope Rainbow doesn’t lose her temper over it,” Twilight said. “It’s always sad seeing Pinkie cry.”

“Boy, do I know it,” Storm nodded, looking at the ground.

Regrettably, Storm Shield lost his temper with Pinkie Pie one day when she tracked him all over Equestria. Things had settled between the two since, but if there’s pet peeve for Storm Shield it’s that he dislikes being reminded of his own mistakes.

<>

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could toward Sweet Apple Acres, hiding herself behind the barn. Rainbow breathed heavily, as she peeked from behind the side of the barn wall.

“Phew!” Rainbow sighed in relief. “That was close.”

Rainbow Dash was safe… for about two seconds.

“Hi!” Pinkie greeted.

Rainbow did a fast 180, discovering the pink pony right behind her.

“Aah!” Rainbow screamed.

The Pegasus took off as fast as her wings could carry her, while Pinkie casually hopped after her. Rainbow did her best to change directions as often as she could, before ducking inside the branches of the Great Oak Library. She quickly peeked over the top before settling into her new hiding place. She panted to regain her breath… when the pink pony poked her head from underneath her.

“Hi again!”

“AAH!”

Rainbow took off even faster, zipping awards towards the right, while Pinkie casually bounced after her once again. As Pinkie made her way down a hill, Rainbow pops out of the cloud above, tip-toed away in the air, and zipped as fast as she could to shake off Pinkie Pie. She makes an exhausted landing toward the edge of a nearby pony when… guess who… surfaced from the water wearing a snorkel.

Pinkie spits the water from her mouth before getting straight to the point.

“I need a favor, Rainbow Dash.”

“Waaa~”

Rainbow jumped and prepared to take off again, but landed belly-first on the ground.

“—oh, forget it!” Rainbow sighed, defeated.

“I totally promise it’ll be totally fun!” Pinkie assured from the water.

“Okay,” Rainbow sighed, exhausted.

<>

A short while later, Rainbow clutched a small cloud just outside Town Hall. Apparently, Pinkie Pie was instructing Rainbow where to position it.

“Over to the right,” Pinkie remarked. “No, no, a little to the left. Oh wait, back to the right. Now a little leftish while staying rightly. Stop. Hmm… maybe a few inches to the south. Now a couple centimeters north. Okay. One more smidgimeter to the…”

Rainbow was rapidly losing patience over Pinkie’s indecisiveness.

“Pinkie Pie!”

“Uh, I mean, perfect,” Pinkie answered. “Now wait for my signal.”

Annoyed, Rainbow nevertheless waited. It was then Spike came out carrying a large number of scrolls in his arms, humming a merry tune. Pinkie makes a gesture and Rainbow kicks the cloud, causing it to give out a clash of thunder.

“D-aah!” Spike jumped frightfully, dropping the scrolls.

(hiccup)(hiccup)

Once the hiccups began to come out, Pinkie Pie started laughing.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Spike into getting the hiccups!”

As Pinkie continues to laugh, Rainbow found herself chuckling. Even Spike chuckled to himself.

“Good one Pinkie (hiccup) Pie,” Spike replied, being a good sport. “You’re always pulling a fast one (hiccup) on me. (hiccup) Nnaa—”

As Spike reached for another scroll, his hiccup burned it up instead… sending it directly towards Princess Celestia. In the meantime, a look of concern crossed the ponies’ faces.

“Oh no, you’re not hurt are you?” Pinkie asked worriedly.

“Ne-(hiccup)-eh, don’t be (hiccup) silly,” Spike replied. “Dragons are (hiccup) fireproof.”

“Oh, okay good.”

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash exchanged looks, before falling on their backs laughing. Spike kept trying to pick up the dropped scrolls, but every time he tried, he’d hiccup and burn up a scroll.

“I wish the same thing (hiccup) true with scrolls,” Spike remarked.

<>

Little did the Dragon know, all the burnt-up scrolls headed straight toward Princess Celestia. Soon the Princess was bombarded with tons of scrolls all at once.

<>

Back in Ponyville, as Spike continued to hiccup and burn all the scrolls, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were left in stitches.

“Have you ever seen anything more hilarious?” Pinkie laughed.

“I can think of one thing,” Rainbow said slyly.

Rainbow gave the cloud another kick, causing it to thunder again.

“Aah!” Pinkie screamed, now having the hiccups.

Realizing she had been pranked, Pinkie laughed and hiccups to herself. Rainbow laughed as well, as she flew back down.

“I didn’t take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow admitted.

“Are you (hiccup) kidding?” Pinkie replied, between hiccups. “(hiccup) I love to pull pranks. It’s all (hiccup) in good fun, and Pinkie Pie lo—(hiccup)—oves to have (hiccup) fun! (hiccup)”

“You know Pinkie Pie, you’re not as annoying as I thought.”

Pinkie merely replied with a smile… and a hiccup.

“You wanna hangout?” Rainbow offered.

“(hiccup) That’d be (hiccup) I’d really (hiccup) When do (hiccup) I mean (hiccup) When would you (hiccup)…”

Pinkie’s hiccups caused her to bounce about uncontrollably. Rainbow grew annoyed until Pinkie bounced straight for her and Rainbow caught the bouncy pony with her hoof clutched to her mouth and nose.

“A simple nod would do,” Rainbow replied.

“Mmm-hmm,” Pinkie nodded with puffed-up cheeks.

<>

Soon they made their way out of Ponyville’s very own joke shop, carrying buckets loaded with pranks and jokes galore. The two friends were eager to get started, as they head towards the Carousel Boutique. They quickly ring the doorbell, before ducking behind some bushes.

“Is she even home?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know,” Pinkie said. “This is going to be gold.”

“There she is!” Rainbow pointed.

They both snicker behind the bushes, as Rarity opened the door and discovered a vase loaded with beautiful flowers.

“Ooo…” Rarity replied.

She gives the flowers a nice long sniff, but reels back as some power was stuck on her nose… causing her to sneeze. Rarity heard snickering a few yards away, spotting Rainbow and Pinkie with a powder vial. It didn’t take long for her to realize they put ‘sneezing powder’ in the flowers. Rainbow took her leave as Pinkie kept laughing, when she dropped the powder and a huge dust cloud came out.

“Aaa-choo!”

Pinkie sneeze so hard, she flew away from Rarity towards Rainbow’s direction. Rarity just smirked as the two disappeared.

<>

At the Grand Oak Library, Twilight Sparkle busily prepared a new potion with a sheet of paper to take notes. She puts two mixtures together and quickly jots down her research. She proceeds toward another mixture only to find her paper was blank.

“Hmm?” She mumbled puzzled.

She didn’t have time to reason why the notes she wrote vanished, when her mixture suddenly exploded behind her and she heard snickering. She looks outside her window, spotting Rainbow and Pinkie laughing outside. The former held a jar of… disappearing ink. Twilight glares, as she went to clean up her failed experiment. The other two ponies kept laughing amongst the branches.

<>

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack just left her family’s barn when she froze in place.

“Land sakes!” She gasped.

Several of the apples on the trees were now in multiple colors and designs. She turned her head and found Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, wearing berets, holding artist palettes, and paint brushes. They snickered to each other until Applejack hurled the painted apples at them. The two ponies take off as one apple landed inside a water-filled barrel. Applejack was angry until she looked at the apple in the barrel, seeing the pain wash clean off and the apple still unharmed. Applejack chuckled to herself in relief.

<>

Back in town, Storm Shield lead his clones to carry supplies through the streets. Earlier that day, he offered to deliver some inventory goods straight from Filthy Rich’s warehouse. Since the lad was far ahead of schedule, he decided to run a more leisurely pace, waving ‘hello’ to the nearby ponies as he and his duplicates pass by. He comes to a stop at a crossing, where the vendors from the market moved their produce carts across the street.

Nearby, there was a bush containing Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, the latter holding a special microphone. The two snickered to each other as they chat inside the bush.

“So Twilight,” Pinkie said casually. “Tell me again what you think about Storm.”

Rainbow snickered, before using the microphone.

“Well… he’s… actually cute and very handsome,” Rainbow answered.

The microphone she got made her voice resemble any pony she pleased, in this case Twilight Sparkle. It was enough to draw Storm’s attention, as a wide smile spread across his face.

“So… would you say you like him?” Pinkie asked. “I mean ‘like’ like him?”

“Oh yes, I totally like him,” Rainbow/Twilight answered. “The next time I find him, I’ll walk up to him and give him a big kiss!”

Storm’s grin grew until it completely consumed his face, hearts were seen rising from his head. The girls could see the guy was well past lovesick. Rainbow fought hard to stay calm, even Pinkie had to cover her mouth. Then, they go for the big whammy.

“There he is!” Rainbow/Twilight exclaimed, as Storm turned.

“Twilight?!” He exclaimed excitedly.

SPLAT!!!

Storm got a custard pie square in the face; his eyes poke out through the whipped cream and custard. Rainbow and Pinkie laughed at him, as Storm indignantly wiped the goop from his face. Removing the harness pulling his cart, Storm walked toward them as he noticed the microphone in Rainbow’s hoof. The two ponies stopped laughing and merely smiled, while the clones stood silent with awkward expressions.

“Rainbow…” Storm said blankly.

“Storm…” She replied innocently.

Storm smacked his lips as he could still taste the pie in his mouth.

“Why did you hit me in the face with a coconut custard pie with whipped cream?”

“… Wow, I’m surprised he figured out the recipe that quickly,” Pinkie replied to Dash.

One look from Storm toward Pinkie Pie and the party pony smiled with a ‘squee’ before turning away. He then turns back toward Rainbow Dash, staring blankly, his eyebrows furrowed… and then he smiles.

“I never knew you felt that way about me,” Storm smirked.

Rainbow’s eyes shrunk; her face became a pale shade of blue. The mike in her hoof dropped to the ground.

“Wuh?” She exclaimed.

Storm Shield merely gave her a sly smile, as he fixed the top of his mane.

“You know, if you wanted a kiss, all you had to do was ask.”

Rainbow was now feeling flustered, her cheeks blushing a light pink.

“I… I… I…” Rainbow stuttered, as Storm approached her.

The stallion and the mare’s faces were just inches apart, before Storm leans slowly and whispers two words into Rainbow’s ear:

“Got ya!”

Rainbow’s eyes bugged out and her jaw dropped, as Storm Shield laughed while backing away.

“You should see the look on your face!” Storm chuckled, reattaching the harness. “I hope that teaches you two lessons: One, never prank a pony in love. And two… never try to prank a prankster!”

Rainbow was too dumbstruck to say anything, as Storm and his duplicates laugh out loud. By now, his path had cleared as Storm and his army went on their way.

“Later Dashie!” All the clones teased.

One of the clones motioned with a hoof mouthing ‘call me!’ as he followed the others down the street. Rainbow Dash stared toward the group before relaxing with a smirk upon her face.

“Well played, Storm,” She said quietly. “Well played…”

<>

It was late afternoon when Fluttershy busily tended to the animals at one end of the lake. A squeaky toy floats slowly towards the yellow Pegasus, held in place by a long wire. On the other side, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were cleverly hidden. Pinkie held a squeeze trigger in her mouth, as Rainbow watched Fluttershy from a distance using a telescope. Because Rainbow Dash had the telescope, Pinkie couldn’t see who Rainbow was spying on.

“Is someone over there?” Pinkie asked, her voice muffled by the squeezer. “Who’re we gonna squirt? Who’re we gonna squirt?”

“Fluttershy,” Rainbow chuckled.

Suddenly, Pinkie’s eyes bugged out.

“WHAT!?” Pinkie snapped, spitting out the squeezer. “Nononononono, we can’t prank Fluttershy, I mean, she’s so sensitive. It’ll hurt her feelings, even our most harmless prank."

Rainbow didn’t need to think twice to know Pinkie was right. Out of every pony in town, she knew Fluttershy’s personality the best.

You’ll see soon enough…

“Yeah, you’re right,” Rainbow replied.

The cyan Pegasus pulled away from the telescope, releasing a loud raspberry.

“Huh. We need another victim whose made of tougher stuff. So, who’s it gonna be?”

“Oh, I’ve got someone in mind,” Pinkie chuckled. “The toughest around.”

“Oh, awesome! Who? Who?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “Do I know them?”

“Oh, yes,” Pinkie giggled, pointing at the water. “You’re very close.”

It was then that Rainbow noticed that by putting her eye on the telescope, she had earned a black ring around it.

“Good one, Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow chuckled. “Ridiculous!”

As Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie shared a good laugh, none of them noticed Fluttershy had found the floating toy in the lake. She just timidly poked at it, as the sun began to set behind her. Poor Fluttershy actually thought the toy was a real animal.

<>

The next morning, Pinkie Pie was on the road out of town leading to Rainbow’s personal ‘Cloudominium’. Since Rainbow loved flying, it only made sense that her home would be in the clouds… so to speak. On this day, Pinkie wore a comedy arrow on her head while blowing a party hooter in her mouth.

“Rise and shine Rainbow!” Pinkie called out. “It’s a brand-new day and we’ve got a lot of pranking to—Ooh!”

Pinkie was caught off guard by the sight of a feathered creature peeking out from the clouds, giving her the eagle eye. Rainbow soon appears right after, from above the creature.

“Mornin’, Pinks!” Rainbow said, turning to the creature. ‘Gilda, this is my gal pal, Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie Pie had a good look at the creature. She appeared to have the head, wings and feet of an eagle and the body and tail of a lion. Her head feathers form a fringe hanging ahead of her face. Her light brilliant amber eyes gleam in the sun light, as the sun basked over her moderate gamboge coat. Her head had white features with pale, light grayish heliotrope edges while her wings were moderate gamboge. And her talons brilliant gold.

“Hey,” Gilda responded, gruffly. “What’s up?”

“Pinkie, this is my griffon friend, Gilda,” Rainbow introduced.

Pinkie removed her funny gear, as she watched Rainbow and Gilda share a secret handshake with each other.

“What’s a griffon?” Pinkie asked curiously.

“She’s half-eagle, half-lion—” Rainbow explained.

Gilda makes her landing beside the Pegasus.

“And all awesome. Raa!” Gilda said smugly. “Heh-haa! Yeah, that’s right.”

“Gilda’s my best friend from my days at Junior Speedster flight camp,” Rainbow added, turning to Gilda. “Hey, remember the chant?”

“Sha, they made us recite it every morning,” Gilda remarked. “I’ll never get that lame thing out of my head.”

“Soo…” Rainbow proposed, smiling.

Gilda just rolled her eyes.

“Ugh… Only for you, Dash,” She replied reluctantly.

They both flew up into he sky and performed the chant. While Rainbow put enthusiasm into what she said, Gilda just looked bored and irritated.

Rainbow & Gilda (Chants):
Junior Speedsters are our lives,
Sky-bound soars and daring dives.
Junior Speedsters, it’s our quest,
To someday be the very best!

Once they landed, Pinkie started laughing as the two tried to act cool. Once Pinkie settled down, she puts her funny gear back on.

“Oh, that was awesome!” Pinkie replied. “And it gave me a great idea for a prank. Gilda, you game?”

“Huh. Well, I groove on a good prank as much as the next griffon,” She replied. “But Dash, you promised me we’d get in a flying session in this morning.”

“Yeah, uh, well,” Rainbow said, as Gilda took off. “Pinkie Pie, you don’t mind, do you? Gilda just got here. We’ll catch up with you later.”

“Oh. Um, well sure, no problem,” Pinkie said, as Rainbow took off. “Have fun you guys, I’ll, uh, just catch up with you—later.”

Pinkie gave a sad sigh and a half-hearted blow of her party hooter, as Rainbow and Gilda flew away leaving her all alone.

<>

A short time later, Rainbow Dash and Gilda sped through the skies. Rainbow made a loop-de-loop as she flew by, while Gilda copied her maneuver. Along the way, Rainbow had the lead before Gilda caught up and passed her. Rainbow tried catching up, but the griffon was already on a cloud. Rainbow dove into it and they both laughed. The two share a quick hoof/fist bump.

“Whoa, that was sweet!” Gilda said. “Just like old times.”

“Yeah, only faster,” Rainbow added. “So now what?”

“Hey there!” Pinkie said, popping her head in the middle of them.

“Huh?”

Gilda and Rainbow noticed the hole in the cloud, as Pinkie continuously poked her head out of it. Apparently, she found herself a giant trampoline and used it to reach the cloud the other two stood on.

“It’s later,” She replied between bounces. “And I caught up!”

“Pinkie Pie, you are so random,” Rainbow remarked, chuckling.

Irritation formed on Gilda’s face, but she soon covered it up with a smirk.

“Hey Dash, think you got enough gas left to beat me to that cloud?” Gilda proposed.

“A race?” Rainbow smirked. “You are so on.”

“One, two, three, go!” Gilda called out.

The two quickly take off, leaving Pinkie Pie behind.

“Hey!” Pinkie called out.

It didn’t take long for the two flyers to reach the other cloud and land.

“I win!” Rainbow called.

“As if, I won, dude!” Gilda retorted.

“No way!”

“Yes way!”

“Oh, come on, I was way ahead of you.”

“Uh, I don’t think so.”

“Oh Geez, dream on.”

“Remember back in camp? I—”

“There is no way you beat me.”

“Whatever.”

Get a room, you two!!!

“Wow guys!”

A familiar voice drew the pair’s attention. Pinkie managed to collect and inflate a large number of balloons, floating her way towards the cloud Rainbow and Gilda landed on. The two flyers’ eyes bugged out when they saw her floating nearby.

“That was really close,” Pinkie added. “But I think Rainbow Dash beat you by a teeny-weeny itty-bitty hair, or a teeny-weeny itty-bitty feather.”

“Hah, see?” Rainbow said, pointing at the pink pony. “Good thing Pinkie Pie’s here to keep you honest, G.”

Gilda grit her teeth, balling her fist for a second, before regaining her composure.

“Okay…” She huffed. “Dash, last one to that cloud up there is a gnarly dragon egg. Go!”

A huge cloud of dust/fluff appeared as they took off. But only Rainbow had taken off, as Gilda stayed behind.

“I think the high altitude is making you dizzy,” She remarked at Pinkie.

The griffon proceeds to pop just enough balloons to make Pinkie descend slowly to the ground.

“Wait, guys!” Pinkie called out.

As Pinkie began to float down, Gilda managed to catch up to Rainbow. They barely made their way to the higher cloud when Pinkie reappeared in what appeared to be a pedal-powered helicopter…

Or at least, the equivalent of one.

“Oh, wow, you guys almost got away from me that time,” Pinkie replied, as she pedaled towards them.

Rainbow chuckled to herself, while Gilda gave a quick death glare. Still, she tried to keep her irritation with Pinkie in check.

“So, Dash, got any new moves in your tricktionary, or are you 100% old school?” Gilda asked.

“New moves?” Rainbow replied cockily. “Heh, sit back G, this is gonna take a while.”

Rainbow zoomed off in the sky, as Pinkie watched and pedaled at the same time.

“Hey Pinkie,” Gilda said, using one of her fingers. “C’mere.”

“Yeah?”

Pinkie scoots closer as Gilda roughly grabbed her contraption by the pole.

“Don’t you know how to take get lost for an answer?” Gilda sneered, with a dirty look. “Dash doesn’t need to hang with a dweeb like you now that I’m around. You’re dorkin’ up the skies, Stinkie Pie, so make like a bee and BUZZ OFF!”

Gilda grabs the propeller, causing Pinkie to spiral around, spinning back down to the ground.

“Whaaa-aaa-!” Pinkie gasped.

Gilda smirks triumphantly just as Rainbow arrived back on the cloud.

“Try matching that,” Rainbow said, noticing some pony missing. “Hey, where’s Pinkie Pie and her crazy contraption?”

“Eh, she left,” Gilda remarked, dismissively. “Something about being as busy as a bee.”

The griffon smirked saying that, but Rainbow didn’t notice the meaning.

Back on the ground, Pinkie Pie stood amongst the debris of her now damaged helicopter. Pinkie wasn’t hurt… at least not physically, as she looked back up toward the clouds.

“Hmph!”

<>

Rather than trying again, Pinkie Pie made her way back to Twilight’s house. Like before, Twilight Sparkle was just reading a book while Pinkie Ranted. Storm Shield was reading too, but unlike Twilight, he actually listened. Spike was also reading his own book while sitting at the foot of the stairs.

“So Pinkie Pie, are you sure that this friend of Rainbow Dash is really so mean?” Twilight asked.

“Um yeah,” Pinkie retorted bitterly. “She keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she pops my balloons, and she told me to buzz off! I’ve never met a griffon this mean. Well, actually, I’ve never met a griffon at all, but I bet if I had, she wouldn’t have been as mean and grumpy as Gilda.”

She don’t know them very well at all.

Mmm-mmm-mmm.

Pinkie Pie paced around the floor behind Twilight as she spoke. By the point, Storm paused with his reading and listened more attentively once he heard Pinkie’s description. But he didn’t turn his head, so as not to be too obvious.

“You know what I think, Pinkie Pie,” Twilight spoke once Pinkie finished.

“Hmm?” Pinkie asked.

“Well, I think… you’re jealous,” Twilight concluded.

Pinkie was left visibly stunned, even Storm felt shocked over Twilight’s answer.

“Jealous?” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Green with envy,” Spike added. “Well, in your case, pink with envy.”

Though storm felt irritated over Twilight’s response, he kept his back turned.

“Well, yes, jealous,” Twilight agreed. “Listen Pinkie, I don’t want to upset you, but just because Rainbow Dash has another friend doesn’t make Gilda a grump. I mean, perhaps it’s you, Pinkie Pie, who needs to improve her attitude.”

“Are you…” Storm muttered to himself.

Storm Shield’s blood boiled, as if his pressure were spiking. On one hoof, he agreed that no pony should keep their friends to themselves, that wasn’t the problem. But the way Twilight dismissed Pinkie for being the problem when this Gilda character, even though he only just heard about her today, was the one being mean to one of her friends just didn’t sit right in his stomach. Speaking of her friends, Pinkie Pie was beyond offended.

“Improve my attitude?” Pinkie retorted indignantly. “But I… D… B… It’s Gilda that… D… Are you seri…”

Screaming in frustration, Pinkie stormed out of the library and slammed the door as she left. Twilight just sighed, as she and Spike resumed their reading.

SLAM!

A noise drew their attention toward Storm Shield, who shut his own book loudly before placing it on the counter and gets up to leave.

“Finished already?” She asked surprised.

“I’m going out!” Storm snapped, slamming the door behind him.

Twilight just looked towards the door puzzled.

“What’s his deal?” She asked herself.

<>

A few minutes later, Pinkie Pie stomped about in the park, feeling very angry and upset.

“Maybe Twilight is right,” Pinkie sighed to herself. “Maybe Gilda isn’t a big meanie grumpy mean-meanie-pants. Maybe I’m just a big jealous judgmental jealous-jealousy-pants.”

“Maybe…”

A voice caused Pinkie to turn and find Storm Shield a mere few feet away.

“But I feel there’s something bigger going on here,” Storm added, with a soft smile.

“So… you don’t think I’m a big jealous-jealousy pants?” She asked.

“Can’t really say for sure. All I know is that one of my best friends was dismissed unfairly and I didn’t like that one bit.”

“But Twilight said…”

“Twilight thinks she knows everything, and there’s no denying she’s smart. But the truth is: Twilight Sparkle is still new at this whole ‘friendship’ process and she’s just as clueless as any pony else. Growing up in Canterlot, I’ve had my share of bullies over the years and I knowwhat trouble they are.”

“But Gilda isn’t a bully,” Pinkie protested. “She was just… a meanie… at least to me.”

Storm nodded understandingly as he sat next to her. But the stern expression on his face made it clear this was business.

“Pinkie, if I’m going to help you, I need to know more about her,” Storm said. “I propose we do a little recon.”

“Like you and me on a super-secret spy mission?!” Pinkie asked excitedly.

“You got it, Pinkster!” Storm smiled.

Pinkie squealed gleefully, as she hugged him so tightly his eyes bulged out.

“Now come on!” Pinkie said.

“WHOA!” Storm yelped, as Pinkie literally carried him away.

<>

Outside Sugarcube Corner, Storm Shield and Pinkie Pie sat at a table with an umbrella on top of it. Like a gentlecolt, Storm treated Pinkie to a milkshake. Pinkie got the strawberry while he got the chocolate. Surprisingly, Storm expected Pinkie to talk his ears off, maybe even drive him a little crazy. But instead, she just sat quietly and taking tiny sips of her shake peacefully. As much as Storm enjoyed some peace and quiet, he wasn’t used to Pinkie being so reserved. Actually, he discovered he was missing her bubbly personality.

“Aw, come on Pinkie,” Storm said, pushing his shake aside. “Do cheer up. You keep making those frowny faces, it’ll get stuck that way.”

It was then they both herd loud whooshing in the sky, followed by some laughter. Startled, Pinkie nearly knocked her milkshake over. Storm managed to hold his in place as Pinkie stood behind him. Gilda and Rainbow soared about the sky, making their landing on the opposite side of the street.

“That was sweet!” Rainbow laughed. “Ugh, I gotta take care of a few weather jobs around here. Shouldn’t take long. Just, uh, hang out in town and I’ll come find ya.”

“That’s cool, I guess,” Guild said. “I’m gonna go chow down.”

“Later!” Rainbow said, taking off into the sky.

Storm and Pinkie silently watch as Gilda headed towards the stands to browse around. At one of these stands she spotted Granny Smith, who was busy shopping. Suddenly, Gilda’s tail hovers in front of her face, she sniffed it and her eyes bugged out.

“Aaah! A rattler, a rattler!” She shouted. “Run for the hills! Everybody forsake yourselves!”

Granny dashed off… or more like walked awaywith a frightened look on her face. Gilda smirked as she lifted her head, feeling a tomato with her tail and turned to the vendor pony.

“This stuff ain’t fresh, dude,” Gilda remarked.

Storm and Pinkie watch as Gilda stomped away, leaving the vendor pony looking indignant.

“Aw, poor Granny Smith,” Pinkie said. “She didn’t know it wasn’t a joke!”

“Tell me about it,” Storm observed. “That wasn’t just mean, that was just rude!”

“… No, no, I can’t misjudge her,” Pinkie sighed. “It was kind of a funny prank, I guess.”

“I don’t know about that, Pinkie.”

As they watch, Gilda strolled casually and grabbed an apple from another stand. She quickly shoved the whole thing in her mouth and walked away without a care.

“I did misjudge her!” Pinkie gasped. “She’s not only a meanie mean-pants…”

“She’s also a thief!” Storm finished, looking around. “Why isn’t there a police-pony in this town?”

“Nonononono, she might give it back. It’s just a joke.”

“Pinkie, she just ate an apple without paying! Stealing isn’t a…”

Before Storm could finish, Fluttershy suddenly appeared. She was guiding some ducks across the street while walking backwards.

“All right little ones, this way, this way,” She said sweetly. “Mama duck, you’re free and clear.”

Storm felt his heart sink, as Gilda purposely stood behind Fluttershy, causing her to bump into the griffon.

“She better not—” Storm growled.

“Hey!” Gilda exclaimed.

“Please excuse me,” Fluttershy said politely.

“I’m walkin’ here!” Gilda pointed out rudely.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry,” Fluttershy apologized. “I-I-I was just trying to…”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Gilda repeated mockingly. “Why don’t you just watch where you’re going, doofus?”

“B-b-b-but I… I…”

Before Fluttershy could find her words, Gilda unleashed a loud roar right in Fluttershy’s face. Fluttershy squeaked in fear, before running off sobbing and flew away.

“Ugh, please, all these lame ponies are driving me buggy,” Gilda remarked openly. “I gotta bail.”

Gilda took off without another word, to a sea of glares from all the other ponies. Storm was so furious, his left eyelid twitched rapidly while Pinkie was in no better condition.

“She’s a grump, and a thief, and a bully!” Pinkie retorted angrily. “The meanest kind of mean-meanie pants there is! I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy like that. No. One. This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style! Right Storm? Storm?”

Pinkie Pie turned around and found Storm was no longer at the table. She turns the other way and gasps, as Storm walked quickly toward Gilda’s direction. The angriest expression was implanted on Storm’s face, his eyes burned bright orange in rage, and his horn started flaring with sparks. He didn’t get very far when Pinkie quickly ran in front of him.

“Stormy, wait!” She said. “Where you going?”

“Step aside, Pinkie!” Storm said bluntly, not hiding his anger. “I’m going to find that griffon who hurt Fluttershy and demand an explanation!”

“Don’t!” Pinkie said sternly. “Let me handle her.”

“Pinkie, you were right about Gilda all along. She’s a mean-meanie… whatever it was you called her. I’m not sitting on my flank and letting some bird treat my friends so shamefully. Now move!”

“I said no!” Pinkie stomped her hoof. “Look, I have a plan to deal with Gilda… and I need your help. Please?”

Pinkie gave him a pleading look, as Storm kept his burning eyes as he looked toward his pink party friend. But somehow, that pleading expression somehow managed to calm him down as his eyes revert to their regular teal.

“How is it you always make me give in to you?” He asked annoyed.

“Cause you love me,” Pinkie replied, batting her eyelashes.

Storm just rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out. Pinkie merely smiled, as she guides Storm back to Sugarcube Corner. But the moment he saw the building, the plan was already coming together before she even told him.

You’ve read enough to know what Pinkie planned…

Shh… Don’t tell any pony! Let them…

Pinkie… I’m just about to. Read the script.

Oh… Yeah… Hee-hee… Carry on!

<>

Pinkie Pie had set up a huge party.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome!” Pinkie greeted to every pony.

All the ponies in town gathered together for an impromptu party. Storm Shield was slightly annoyed that this was the plan, but still he was more than excited to show off his baking skills. To say Pinkie was impressed was an understatement. She even offered him a job as her baking assistant, which he only didn’t accept because he would need to rework his schedule at his current job at the library and that would take up too much time.

For now, Storm and Pinkie shared a fun time together making sure everything was ready. Now Storm Shield was busily greeting all the rest of the ponies, including his close friends, as they began to mingle with each other.

“Who’s this Gilda I’ve heard nothing about?” Applejack asked Rarity.

“I hear she’s an old friend of Rainbow Dash,” Rarity answered. “A griffon, so rare.”

They walked off as Twilight Sparkle spoke with Fluttershy, who was keeping to herself.

“You’ve met Gilda, right?” Twilight asked eagerly. “What’s she like?”

“Oh, um, well…” Fluttershy mumbled quietly. “I’ll tell you later, Twilight.”

Fluttershy clearly didn’t want to be there and Storm couldn’t blame her one bit. It surprised him though that she’d even show up anyway. He assumed Pinkie had told Fluttershy about their plan and ‘possibly’ that was the reason why Fluttershy even showed up in the first place. Still, he made sure she was okay, offering a brotherly hug just to make her feel better. Soon Fluttershy approaches Pinkie just as she finished greeting all the guests.

“Um, Pinkie Pie, about this party for Gilda,” Fluttershy spoke concerned. “Um… do you really think it’s a good idea? I mean—”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about mean old Gilda,” Pinkie replied, patting her friend’s head. “Your auntie Pinkie Pie’s got it all taken care of.”

Fluttershy was indignant as Pinkie bounced away.

“I’m a year older than you,” Fluttershy remarked.

“Gilda!” Pinkie cried happily.

Fluttershy’s jaw dropped when the griffon in question made her way inside.

“I’m so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties,” Pinkie Pie continued. “And I really, truly, sincerely, hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony folk.”

Pinkie stuck out a hoof to shake her claw. Gilda went to return the gesture…

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Gilda was given the shock of her life, as she grunted and collapsed onto the floor. Pinkie and the other ponies laughed.

“Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer,” Rainbow chuckled. “You are a scream.”

“You can say that again,” Storm muttered to himself.

“Yeah,” Gilda replied, recomposing herself. “Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie.”

“Come on G,” Rainbow said, once Gilda calmed down. “I’ll introduce you to some of my friends.”

“Right behind you, Dash!”

When the Pegasus was far away, Gilda turned towards Pinkie with an icy glare.

“I know what you’re up to,” Gilda warned.

“Great,” Pinkie smiled.

The fact Pinkie didn’t even cower really made Gilda’s blood boil.

“Rrrh… I know what you’re planning!” She warned again.

If Gilda hoped to get a reaction from the pink pony, all she gave Gilda were giggles.

“Well, I hope so. This wasn’t supposed to be a surprise party.”

“I mean, I’ve got my eye on you,” Gilda snarled, shoving her beak into Pinkie’s face.

“And I, got my eye on you,” Pinkie replied, bulging her eyes into Gilda’s.

Before Gilda could respond, Pinkie Pie backed away to speak to the others.

“Everyone, I’d like you all to meet Gilda, a long-time, dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let’s honor her and welcome her to Ponyville.”

The ponies cheered for Gilda, who just gave a sheepish, awkward smile.

“Please help yourself,” Pinkie said, offering some party treats.

As far as Storm’s baking skills, he helped the pink pony create said treats and he snickered to himself as he waited for what was about to occur. Some yellow-colored candies caught the griffon’s eyes as she approached the table.

“Vanilla lemon drops,” Gilda responded. “Don’t mind if I do.”

She tossed one into her mouth, but then her face cringed and turned deep red as the whistle of a hot kettle was heard.

“G, the punch!” Rainbow called out smiling.

Gilda rushed to grab one of the glasses for a drink. But when she poured, all the liquid dripped from the middle of the cup, and instead of her mouth it spilt all over her feathered chest. Every pony laughed.

“Well, whaddya know,” Pinkie observed. “Pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass.”

“Ha!” Rainbow laughed. “Priceless, priceless!”

“Strange…” Storm remarked, scratching his head. “I didn’t put any pepper when I made those.”

If Storm Shield had been expecting something to happen, this certainly wasn’t part of the plan he was aware of. He couldn’t figure out how some pony managed to sneak in while he guarding the mixture the entire time. But he didn’t have to worry too much as Gilda rushed across the room, grabbed another cup of punch, and gulped it down exhaling loudly.

“Yeah, hilarious,” She muttered aloud.

“Hey G, look!” Rainbow pointed. “Presents!”

A huge collection of wrapped boxes drew Gilda’s attention, the griffon smiled excitedly. She grabs a cyclical shaped box and opens the top. Just then, dozens of stretchy toy snakes pop out of the box, along with some confetti. Gilda was left stunned, even her feathers puffed out while all the guests laughed.

“Spittin’ snakes,” Applejack said. “Hah, some pony pulled that prank on me last month.”

“Ha, ha,” Gilda muttered bitterly. “I bet I know who that was.”

“You do?” Pinkie asked innocently.

“Do enlighten us, Gilda?” Storm added, with a smirk.

Whether or not Storm Shield had a hoof with the pranks, he enjoyed seeing Gilda get the receiving end of all those pranks.

<>

Eventually, things seem to settle down even Fluttershy had her birds sing as every pony chatted with each other. Soon, Pinkie and Storm roll out a rather large cake decked with candles.

“Cake time every pony,” Pinkie said. “Hope you like it, cause Storm helped me bake it.”

The other ponies gathered excitedly around Storm Shield, who felt a surge of pride for his baking abilities. He could only hope the cake tasted alright.

“Hey, can I blow out the candles?” Spike asked, pointing to the top.

“Why don’t we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike?” Twilight suggested. “She is the guest of honor after all.”

Gilda body-checked Spike out of the way, as the little guy grunts from the landing.

“Exactly!” She agreed.

Gilda proceeds to blow out the candles in one try. A big smile formed on her face… before the candles lit them back up. Gilda blew them out again, smiling once more, when the candles lit back up… again! This sent the ponies on a laughing fit, as Gilda grunted trying to blow them out only to fail every time. Seeing Gilda run out of breath made all the ponies laugh even harder.

“Re-lighting birthday candles!” Spike pointed out, laughing. “I love that prank! What a classic.”

“Now, I wonder who could’ve done that?” Pinkie asked innocently.

Storm Shield chuckled since he knew exactly who was behind this particular prank.

“Yeah, I wonder,” Gilda said, her eyes burning.

“Mmm, who cares?” Spike asked, as he burrowed into the cake. “This cake is amazing.”

“Spike!” Twilight scolded.

“What? It’s great, try some.”

“Heh-heh, glad you like it Spike,” Storm chuckled. “First time baking for a party you know.”

Gilda just stood there, very agitated, when Rainbow approached.

“Hey G, you’re not upset about some silly candles, are you?” Rainbow asked.

The look on Gilda’s face answered that question, but she managed to recompose herself.

“No way, Dash,” She fibbed. “Like I said, I’m down with a good prank.”

“Come on then, let’s have some cake,” Rainbow beckoned. “I’m curious to see how Storm’s cake measures up to Pinkie’s.”

“No fair, Rainbow!” Storm protested. “She’s an expert; I’m an amateur!”

During this time, Gilda grabbed Pinkie by the neck pulling her behind the cake and out of sight from most of the ponies. Storm had seen her grab Pinkie, and checked to see if she needed rescuing.

“Hey, I’m watching you,” Gilda threatened, making direct eye contact with Pinkie. “Like a hawk.”

“Why? Can’t you watch me like a griffon?” Pinkie asked.

Storm groaned and rolled his eyes hearing that.

“Hey y’all!” Applejack called out. “It’s ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony’!”

Quickly, Gilda released Pinkie Pie and smiled innocently as they pulled away from the cake. As Applejack set the poster up and while Gilda was distracted, Storm steps sideways toward Pinkie Pie, turning to her with a glare.

“You are aware she just threatened you, are you?” Storm whispered angrily.

“Yeah, but I don’t let it bother me,” Pinkie smiled. “You really shouldn’t let mean words bother you, Stormy. You’ll be happier that way.”

Storm Shield was stunned, yet deep down he was rather impressed.

“Let’s play!” Applejack replied.

“Oh, my favorite game,” Rarity said. “Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?”

But Gilda rudely grabbed the purple tail before Rarity could take it.

“Well, I am the guest of honor, and I’ll have the purple tail.”

“Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first,” Pinkie agreed. “Let’s get you blindfolded.”

“Hey what—ugh—what are you doing?” Gilda asked, as a pony tied a blindfold over her eyes.

Before Gilda could react, she was spun around rapidly as she cried out.

“We’re spinning you around and around and then you can pin the tail on the pony,” Pinkie explained. “Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.”

“Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail,” Gilda repeated, mockingly. “Hmph, yeah right. This is another prank, isn’t it? I’m going this way.”

Instead of going ahead, Gilda turned the opposite direction.

“Wait!” Pinkie called out. “The poster is this—”

But it was too late. With Gilda blindfolded, she couldn’t see the leftover blob of spilled frosting and stepped on it.

“Whoa whaa waah waah waaaaah!”

Gilda slid about the floor and right into the kitchen with a loud crash, groaning as she came out. The blindfold was now gone, but her feathers were coated in cake batter and frosting. The purple tail now hung along her beak.

“Uh, Gilda?” Pinkie pointed out. “You pinned the tail on the wrong end.”

Gilda noticed the tail, as the ponies laughed. This time however… Gilda had had enough. She gave a mighty ‘ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!’, screaming loudly, knocking both the tail and the mess on her feathers clean off.

“This is your idea of a good time?” Gilda barked angrily. “I’ve never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie, you!”

She pointed her talon accusingly toward Pinkie, who smiled innocently.

“You are queen lame-o with our weak little party pranks!” Gilda continued. “Did you really think you could make me lose my cool?”

“If this is her mellow side, I’d hate to see her definition of harsh,” Storm muttered sarcastically.

While Storm didn’t believe a word the griffon said, Gilda wrapped a wing over Rainbow. He could see, as Gilda spoke, Rainbow’s face changed from shocked to angry. He couldn’t blame her, especially considering Gilda was supposed to be one of her best friends.

“Well, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together,” Gilda snarled. “Come on Dash, we’re bailing on this pathetic scene. Come on, Rainbow Dash. I said, we’re leaving.”

Storm was beyond disgusted. It was bad enough a griffin insults every pony, but to go as far as to boss around Rainbow Dash, her best friend… that was just low. One look from Rainbow’s eyes toward Storm’s and the two ponies finally agreed on something.

“You know Gilda,” Rainbow responded sternly. “Iwas the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.”

“What?” Gilda gasped.

“Ooh!” Pinkie gasped quietly.

“Plot twist!” Storm added. “That explains the peppers in the lemon drops.”

“So I guess I’m queen lame-o,” Rainbow finished.

Gilda stood in disbelief, as her friend stood right before Pinkie Pie.

“Come on, Dash, you’re joshing me,” Gilda insisted.

“They weren’t all meant for you specifically,” Rainbow explained. “It was just dumb luck that you set them all off.”

“I shoulda known,” Pinkie said. “That dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.”

“Pinkie Pie,” Storm retorted, rolling his eyes. “We saw her put those candles on the cake.”

“Oh yeah…”

“No way!” Gilda protested, refusing to believe it. “I-It was Pinkie Pie! And her little friend over there!”

“Guilty as charged,” Storm replied smugly.

“She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me!”

“Me?” Pinkie said, swallowing the cake. “I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.”

To prove her point, Pinkie rotated her head from upright to upside down.

“And we knew this party was going to end one of two ways,” Storm added. “Either you’d ditch that bad attitude of yours… OR… you’d prove to be just the mean meanie-mean pants you really are!”

Storm’s eyes widen, as he covered his mouth with a hoof.

“I can’t believe I just said that!” Storm muffled.

“And you sure didn’t need any help making a fool of yourself,” Rainbow continued, as Storm nodded in agreement. “You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my newfriends. If being cool is all you care about, then maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else.”

Gilda was left speechless for a moment or two.

“Rrgh... yeah? Well you, you… you are such a, a flip-flop, cool one minute and lame the next!” Gilda retorted, pointing a talon at Rainbow. “When you decide not to be lame anymore, gimme a call.”

The blue Pegasus was left stunned by the insult, as Gilda left Sugarcube Corner and took off into the air with a bird of prey shriek. And Rainbow just looked on indignantly.

“Not cool,” Rainbow emphasized, not just the insult.

All the other ponies were just as stunned by the griffon’s nasty temperament.

“Wow! Talk about a party pooper,” Spike said.

“What was that about?” Twilight asked.

“Um, what just happened?” A pony named Merry May chimed in.

“Really Awkward,” Another pony said.

As all the ponies began to talk to one another, Rainbow turned to them rather sad.

“I’m sorry every pony,” Rainbow said sadly. “For bringing Gilda here. I didn’t know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie and Storm, I’m really sorry she ruined that awesome party you two put on for her.”

“Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that’s your business,” Pinkie said.

“As long as this means we don’t go to war with the griffons,” Storm chuckled.

But Storm’s laugh was cut short when he noticed all the other parties, especially Twilight Sparkle, stared at him. All at once an awkward silence filled the room.

“…Too soon?” Storm asked.

“You know, I’d rather hang out with you,” Rainbow said, extending a hoof. “No hard feelings?”

“No hard feelings,” Pinkie said, returning the shake.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Apparently, they had tried to prank each other with the hoof-zapper. They revealed them to each other and laughed, as all the other ponies joined in. Twilight Sparkle soon approached them.

“Hey Pinkie,” Twilight said. “Sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks like I’m the one who misjudged you.”

“It’s okay Twilight,” Pinkie replied, wrapping a hoof around her. “Even you can’t be a super smart smarty smart-pants all the time.”

“Well come on, every pony!” Storm called out. “Let’s get this party finished, Ponyville style!”

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down excitedly, as Storm Shield rejoined the other ponies. Twilight Sparkle just looked on, smiling as every pony cheered and went back to just having fun. Already a letter came to mind of which she and Storm would share for the Princess.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, we learned that it’s hard to accept when some pony you like wants to spend time with some pony who’s not so nice. Though it’s impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who’s true will surely come to light.
Your faithful students,
Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield”

<>

Later that evening, Princess Celestia was relaxing in her bedroom as she read the letter. As soon as she got to the end, she immediately went to work on a reply.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield,” She began. “My most faithful students…”

Just then, she noticed her writing disappeared. She turned and realized some pony had placed a fake label on her ink jar. The whole time, she’d been using the disappearing ink by mistake.

“Oh! Heh, wrong ink!” Celestia sighed, chuckling.

Finding the correct ink, Celestia began to redo the letter to her students. How Celestia of all ponies got pranked was any pony’s guess. But one thing about her was absolutely certain: The princess has quite a sense of humor.

Boast Busters

With another research project under their belts, Storm Shield and Twilight Sparkle busily worked their magical abilities in an attempt to master some minor spells. They only focused on the minor because each spell has one or two effects. They both understand the importance of mastering simple tricks despite already mastering a great deal of advanced magic. Learning as many simple tricks as possible helps build a unicorn’s capability to learn and master the more difficult spells. Storm and Twilight took turns learning these variety of tricks, as Spike and Blaze served as their cheering section.

“Come on Twilight,” Spike cheered, as Twilight got ready. “You can do it!”

Blaze just sat on his perch at Spike’s side, screeching his own support for his master.

“Okay, here goes,” Twilight said.

She proceeds to concentrate, as her horn began to light up. A glowing aurora surrounded the front of Spike’s face. A couple seconds later, a black mustache appears upon his face.

“Ha ha! Ya did it!” Spike said excitedly. “Growing magic, that’s number twenty-five. Twenty-five different types of tricks and counting.”

“Take a bow, Twilight!” Storm added. “You’re amazing!”

Twilight blushed a bit from receiving all this attention.

“And I think this is the best trick so far,” Spike replied.

He admired his new mustache in the mirror, stroking it tenderly.

“Hello, Rarity. What’s that? Aw, it’s nothin’, just my awesome mustache.”

Spike laughed to himself, when suddenly Blaze flew off his perch and swiped the fake mustache off Spike’s lips.

“Hey! Give that back!”

Spike chased Blaze around the library, trying vainly to get his mustache back. Both Storm and Twilight burst out laughing, as they watched the tiny dragon chase the Phoenix all around the library.

“A little help here Storm?” Spike pleaded.

“No way buddy,” Storm shook his head. “Last time I tried taking something from Blaze, he nearly pecked my eye out. Besides, this is just too funny to stop.”

“Sorry Romeo,” Twilight smiled.

“Wait!” Spike protested.

But it was too late, Blaze flew out the open window and well out of reach for the little dragon.

“Aw rats!”

Twilight giggled to herself, while Storm took a moment to ponder.

“Hmm… I wonder how I’d look with one,” Storm thought.

Just then, a mustache appears on his upper lips. Twilight examines him briefly, as Storm turned to her and smiled sheepishly.

“Hmm… nah, it’s not you,” She replied.

“Oh? Well, what if I did this?”

Storm stands before Twilight and Spike, magically conjuring a red painter’s cap and placed it upon his head.

“It’s-a me! Mario! WA-HOO!”

Twilight and Spike exchanged looks before tumbling onto their backs in hard laughter, over Storm’s goofy impression of an Italian (Complete with the accent). Storm found himself laughing along with his friends. Without a doubt, doing magic, especially with Twilight, was always fun.

*Deploy theme song here*

Later that day, Storm, Twilight, and Spike were enjoying a brisk walk through Ponyville. Spike still couldn’t settle down over Twilight and Storm’s achievements.

“Twenty-five, Twilight,” Spike said. “Twenty-five different kinds of tricks and counting. I thought unicorns were only supposed to have a little magic that matches their special talents!”

“True,” Twilight pointed out. “For ponies whose talents are for things like cooking or singing or math. But what if a unicorn’s special talent ismagic?”

“Or they are gifted with strong magical abilities?” Storm added.

“Like you two,” Spike said. “And you both know a ton of magic.”

“Oh Spike, stop it,” Storm replied. “I don’t know everything.”

“I’m sure there are lots of ponies right here in Ponyville that know just as much magic as us,” Twilight added.

“Are you kiddin’?” Spike retorted. “I don’t think there’s another unicorn in all of Equestria with your kind of ability, guys.”

Suddenly, two unicorn colts came charging by. One was short and a tad pudgy, while the other was tall and very skinny. Collectively, they were known as Snips and Snails, two local boys in Ponyville. Before Spike could move, they rammed into the little dragon as they sprinted by. Poor Spike found himself forced to hitch a bumpy ride on Snip’s head.

“Gangway!” Snips shouted. “Comin’ through!”

“Augh! Snips, Snails!” Spike shouted. “What’s goin’ on?”

“Wha, haven’t you heard?” Snails replied, turning towards Spike.

They both made a quick stop, sending Spike flying into the distance.

“Whoa!” Spike grunted, with a crash-landing.

“There’s a new unicorn in town!” Snails told them.

“A new unicorn?” Storm questioned, having caught up.

“Yeah! They say that she’s got more magical powers than any other unicorn ever!” Snips added.

Twilight Sparkle had just caught up with Storm Shield, but when he turned to her he knew she heard just as much as he did.

“Really?” The unicorns asked in unison.

To say they were both a tad insecure was a major understatement.

“Aw, no way, that honor goes to Twilight and Storm here,” Spike pointed out.

The two young colts just looked at them, as Storm and Twilight had a slight blush of embarrassment upon their faces from the praise.

“Where is this unicorn?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Ho, she’s in the town square,” Snails responded. “Come on!”

“Yeah!” Snips said. “Come on! Whooo!”

Twilight, Storm, and Spike exchanged some curious looks before following them. Soon all the other ponies gathered around a large stage that had been set up just outside of town hall. A large curtain completely surrounded part of it.

“Come one, come all!” The unicorn’s voice shouted. “Come and witness the amazing magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

The platform appeared before them all, as the curtain opens revealing a cobalt, blue-coated unicorn wearing a purple wizard’s hat and matching cape.

“Ooh!” The numerous ponies gasped in awe.

Spike pushed a few ponies out of the way, this way he, Twilight, and Storm could get a front row view of Trixie. All their other friends were already there, watching the spectacle before their eyes. But one look at the traveling magician and Storm released a loud groan, as if he knew who she was.

“Oh no!” He muttered. “Not her!”

“You know her?” Twilight asked.

“She’s only one of my biggest bullies back in magic school,” Storm answered bitterly. “That girl would stop at nothing to get under my skin, always making me look dumb… in public.”

“I see, wait…” Twilight paused. “If she used to go to the same magic school as us, how come I’ve never heard of her?”

“She only pestered me when you weren’t around. Apparently, she tried to speak to you once or twice. But you were so absorbed with your studies it doesn’t surprise me you never knew she tried talking to you.”

Twilight smiled sheepishly, as that was precisely what she’d do. During their talk, Trixie continued with her show now that she had every pony’s attention.

“Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witnessed by pony eyes!”

As if her bragging wasn’t enough, Trixie conjured a large collection of fireworks to ignite complete with fanfare.

“My, my, my!” Rarity remarked, with an eye roll. “What boasting!”

“Come on,” Spike said annoyingly. “Nopony’s as magical as Twi—Twi—Twi—”

It was then he noticed that Rarity was literally standing inches beside him.

“Oh!” Spike replied, clearing his throat. “Hey Rarity, I… uh… Mustache!”

Spike dashed away from Rarity, who just looked rather clueless.

“There’s nothing wrong with being talented, is there?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Nothin’ at all,” Applejack assured.

Although the annoyed look on her face, especially the way she watched Trixie showed off, that told a different story.

“’cep’n when someone goes around showin’ it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.”

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us,” Rarity added.

“Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us,” Rainbow chuckled, before Applejack gave her a death glare. “Uh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. BOO!”

Rainbow’s boo chant did not go unheard as Trixie faced her direction with a smirk.

“Well, well, well, it seems we have some neighsayers in the audience,” Trixie retorted. “Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they’re in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?”

Storm just shook his head in disgust.

“Good to know you actually grew up, Trixie,” Storm said to himself.

Trixie shifted her head, blinking her eyes. Storm just glared the moment she saw him.

“Storm Shield, long time no see,” Trixie said smugly. “I was wondering what happened to you.”

Few of the ponies actually gasped when they heard Storm knew who she was. A spotlight appeared just over his head, probably one of Trixie’s tricks. Now that all eyes were on him, Storm had no choice but to acknowledge.

“You haven’t changed a bit, Trixie…” Storm said. “So full of yourself… ready to tear apart any pony who doesn’t agree with your… stuck-up point of view.”

“Ha! I’ve become the most powerful unicorn of all time! And what about you? Decided you weren’t good enough for the Princess, that you’d come crying to this tiny town for some pity?”

Storm growled, as the rest of the girls looked rather offended. Rarity gave an indignant raspberry.

“Just who does she think she is?” Rarity asked aloud.

“Yeah!” Spike agreed. “Since we all know that Twilight and Storm here are—”

“Spike! Shhh!” Twilight blurted out.

She practically dragged Spike away from the crowd by the tail.

“What? What’s wrong?” Spike asked curiously, as Twilight let go.

“You see the way they reacted to Trixie?” Twilight pointed out. “I don’t want anyone thinking I’m a show-off.”

“I’m with Twilight about this, Spike,” Storm agreed. “I made that mistake once and it cost me nearly everything! In fact… I’m still paying for that one mistake. Trust me, in a situation like this, it’s better to keep our magical talents to ourselves.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, although she couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty.

“I never meant to rub that in your face,” She said quietly. “About the accident…”

“Don’t!” Storm cut her off. “As far as I’m concerned, I had it coming.”

Twilight Sparkle wanted to protest until more fanfare went off around Trixie. Snips and Snails seemed to be the only ponies impressed, while their friends looked indignant.

“So, ‘Great and Powerful Trixie’,” Rainbow replied sternly. “What makes you think you’re so awesome, anyway?”

“Heh, why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish the dreaded ursa major!”

Trixie launched more of her special fireworks, as the fanfare played, and the explosions displayed an image of herself and the ursa major. The other ponies ‘Oohed’ and ‘Awed’ in amazement. Storm, Twilight, Spike, and their friends remained indignant, refusing to believe anything Trixie said.

“What?” Snips exclaimed.

“No way!” Snails added in amazement.

“When all hope was lost, the ponies of Hoofington had no one to turn to,” Trixie explained, theatrically. “But the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in, and with her awesome magic, vanquished the ursa major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!”

“Saw, sweet!” Snips and Snails shout in unison.

“That settles it,” Snips declared.

“Trixie truly is the most talented, most magical, the most awesome unicorn in Ponyville,” Snails added.

“No, in all of Equestria!” Snips finished.

Storm just face-hoofed himself. It was too painful watching ponies, specifically these kids, actually believing Trixie’s tall tales. Even if he expected this to happen during a magic show.

“How do you know?” Spike objected. “You didn’t see it! And besides, Twi—(ZIP) Mmph! M-mmph!”

Twilight Sparkle shushed Spike, by making a zipper appear along the side of his mouth and zipped it shut. Trixie merely laughed.

“It’s true, my enthusiastic little admirers,” Trixie replied. “Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.”

The only response other than dead silence was the chirping of crickets nearby.

“Don’t believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She retorts. “Well then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians. Anything you can do; I can do better. Any takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest equine who has ever lived?!”

Once more, Trixie sets off some fireworks and fanfare. By then, Spike finally managed to unzip his mouth.

“Please! She’s unbearable!” Spike cried, clinging to Twilight’s neck. “You two gotta show her. You just gotta!”

Storm Shield felt sorry for Spike for acting so desperate, but he just couldn’t bring himself to show it.

“Spike, pull yourself together,” Storm said. “She’s a pain, I know. But there’s no reason to shed crocodile tears over her.”

“There’s no way we’re going to use our magic now, Spike,” Twilight added. “Especially since—”

“Hmm, how about you?” Trixie called out.

Twilight Sparkle turned as Trixie approached the front of the stage, her gaze aimed towards ‘her’. Twilight just gulps as the magician stares her down. Storm quickly stands in front of her, bearing an angry stare.

“Leave… her… alone!” Storm demanded.

“Why?” Trixie cooed. “Is she your mare-friend?”

Storm was so busy scowling that he didn’t even notice Twilight shed a little pink on her face. Granted, ‘any’ pony could claim they were an item consider they spend so much time together. Trixie, meanwhile, laughed at Storm’s expense before drawing her attention back to Twilight.

“Well, how about it? Hm?” Trixie challenged. “Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can’t?”

Twilight grew more and more insecure by the second. Even Storm couldn’t make eye-contact with her.

“I—I—” She stuttered.

“That’s it! I can’t stand no more of this!” Applejack retorted.

The farm pony quickly came to Twilight and Storm’s rescue as she walked up toward the stage.

“You show her, A.J.!” Spike cheered.

“Can your magical powers do this?”

Applejack began to show off some of her lasso skills, hopping back and forth through a rope ring. Then she used the rope to grab an apple from a nearby tree. She brought the apple straight towards her mouth and gobbled it down in one bite.

“Whooo!” The ponies cheered.

“Top that, missy!” Applejack challenged.

“Oh ye of little talent,” Trixie replied.

Trixie’s wizard hat began to glow, as she removed it revealing the glowing aura emanating from her horn.

“Watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!”

Using her magic, Trixie brought the discarded rope to life. It began to wiggle about like a snake, as she added ‘charmer’ music to boot. Storm refused to admit it, but he was slightly worried.

“Don’t look at the rope AJ,” Storm muttered. “Don’t look at the…”

Unfortunately, Applejack did look, and she appeared charmed by the spectacle.

“Oh boy…” Storm groaned.

But it was too late. Trixie grabbed another rope and proceeded to trip Applejack.

“Whoa! Uh!” Applejack muttered.

The cow pony was so distracted, that Trixie had tied Applejack’s four legs and pinned her upside down. And to add insult to injury, Trixie used her magic to levitate an apple from the tree and stuffed it into Applejack’s mouth. The ponies just laughed as Applejack hopped off the stage in disgrace.

“Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails,” Trixie boasted.

Just then, Rainbow Dash flew right up to her face.

“There’s no need to go struggin’ around and showin’ off like that,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Oh?” Trixie asked indignantly.

“That’s my job!”

Rainbow soon took off into the skies, using the nearby windmill to increase her speed as she flew upward. Blasting through several clouds until Rainbow posed in front of the sun before diving back to the surface. As she did, she used her slipstream to collect the dew from the clouds, spinning about through the windmill once again, and then came to a dead stop before Trixie. As the dew crashed into her, it created a miniature rainbow above her head.

“They don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’ for nothin’!” Rainbow said confidently.

The ponies all gave a loud cheer, but Trixie wasn’t impressed.

“When Trixie is through,” She remarked. ‘The only thing they’ll call you is loser.”

Trixie used her magic to make the rainbow above the Pegasus’ head shift into a multi-colored cyclone.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa-a-a-a!” Rainbow screamed.

The cyan Pegasus spun about and dropped head-first toward the ground, leaving her very dizzy as all the other ponies laughed.

“… I think I’m… gonna be sick…” Rainbow gulped woozily.

“Seems like anypony with a dash of good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie,” The unicorn gloated.

As Applejack, who managed to get out of the ropes, helped the poor Pegasus to her feet, Trixie used her magic to create a small dark cloud above Rainbow…. Which shot a bolt of lightning at Rainbow’s back end.

“Ow!” Rainbow flinched, with a very girly shriek.

The ponies laughing in the audience laughed harder than before, as if this was all part of the show.

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her,” Spike replied, his claws balled into fists. “Someone with some magic of her own.”

Twilight began to feel rather uneasy about the idea, especially where it was going.

“Yeah! A unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss,” Rainbow added, fully recovered.

“A real unicorn to unicorn tussle,” Applejack finished.

Storm and Twilight grew more and more uncomfortable when a certain marshmallow unicorn stood before the two.

“Enough! Enough, all of you,” She said firmly. “I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.”

While Storm nodded in agreement, it puzzled him why Rarity was suddenly speaking in third person.

“Ooo, what’s the matter?” Trixie teased. “Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that rat’s nest you call a mane?”

Let this be a warning to those reading: NEVER insult Rarity’s mane.

You will NOT survive… you have been warned.

“Oh, it. Is. On!” Rarity exclaimed fiercely, taking the stage. “You may think you’re tough with all of your so-called powers, but there’s more to magic than brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle. A unicorn needs to have style.”

Rarity grabs one of the curtains with her horn, spinning the cloth around her before transforming it into a beautiful gown with Rarity’s hair styled in a beautiful done up-do.

“Ooh!” The ponies gapped in amazement.

“A unicorn is not a unicorn without grace and beauty,” Rarity concluded, with a pose.

“Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her!” Spike said proudly. “She’s strong, she’s beautiful, she’s—”

POOF!

GASP!

Spike stopped speaking as Trixie used her magic, leaving every pony stunned.

“Quick!” Rarity shouted, panicking. “I need a mirror! Get me a mirror! What did she do to my hair? I know she did something terrible to my hair!”

“Nothing!” Twilight smiled.

“It’s fine,” Rainbow said plainly.

“It’s gorgeous,” Applejack added.

“Never looked better,” Storm smiled awkwardly.

“It’s green,” Spike said.

The little dragon earned himself not just three, but a ‘fourth’ glare from Storm Shield himself.

“What?”

Rarity looked up and before her eyes what she saw was true. Her dark purple mane had suddenly turned a shade of forest green.

“Ugh, no!” Rarity cried out. ‘Green hair! Not green hair!”

Rarity rushed off the stage, crying through the crowds.

“Such an awful, awful color!” Rarity sobbed.

In her haste, she passed a pony named Golden Harvest. Ironically, she had a mane of the same color.

“Well, I never!” She retorted, walking away.

As the others watched Rarity leave, Storm’s eye twitched in anger. He grit his teeth as he breathed like a winded rhino. In the heat of the moment, Spike approached Twilight.

“Well Twilight, Storm, guess it’s up to you two,” Spike said, despite their hesitant faces. “Come on, show her what you’re made of.”

Several ponies turned toward the two, expecting the pair to give it a shot.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked innocently. “I’m nothing special.”

“Yes, you are!” Spike protested. “You are better than her! Both of you!”

“We’re no better than anyone!”

But despite her protests, the stares from the ponies increased. Even the cobalt unicorn herself stood at the ready.

“Hah! You think you’re better than the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie questioned. “You think you’ve got more magical talent? Well, come on, show Trixie what you’ve got. Show us all.”

Storm glared silently, while Twilight felt more and more uncomfortable.

“Who, me?” Twilight responded. “I’m just your run-of-the-mill citizen of Ponyville. Same with Storm… whose single… and just my best friend.”

“Ooh!” Storm thought sadly. “Right in the heart!”

“No powerful magic here,” Twilight continued. “I, uh… I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry, gotta go.”

Twilight took off suddenly. Storm just glared at Trixie, before shaking his head and following Twilight. All the while, Spike looked on with worry.

“Twilight? Storm?”

“Ha!” Trixie gloated triumphantly. “Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria. Huh, was there ever any doubt?”

As the ponies just dispersed to their regular business, Spike looked on toward Storm and Twilight in the middle of the shuffling, troubled by the fact they just ran away. All he could ask to himself is: Why?

<>

A short while later, Trixie stood before her large mirror. She was using her magic to brush her light-blue mane just outside her personal wagon, when someone offered her a drink.

“Here’s the oat smoothie you asked for,” Snips said, offering the drink. “With extra hay, just how you like it.”

Trixie flinched away, and rightfully so. Since the plate carrying the smoothie was served over Snip’s rear end. Snails wasn’t far, as he stood aimlessly nearby.

“Mmm, hay,” Snails said, in a slow zoned-out tone.

Trixie just rolled her eyes toward both of them but accepted the smoothie with a very long sip. She noticed the two unicorn colts were just staring at her, smiling at her. Now she could tolerate having ponies gush over her, but there was only so much she could take.

“Yes?” Trixie asked impatiently.

“Ooo, tell us another story, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips asked, bouncing excitedly.

“Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the ursa major,” Snails asked.

“Guh!” Trixie snorted. “Trixie is far too exhausted from performing feats beyond imagination. Begone with you until morning.

“Oh, of course, Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snails groveled, backing away.

“Anything you say,” Snips added, moving back just the same. “We are at your beck and call.

‘Ah’ was all Trixie could say once they left. Snips and Snails continued moving backwards before nearly bumping into Spike.

“What are you two doin’?” Spike asked, with his arms crossed.

“Just bringing’ tehe Gee an’ Pee Tee a—”

“The ‘what’?” Spike asked, cutting off Snips.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie,” Snips explained proudly.

“Sheesh!” Spike muttered, rolling his eyes.

Wow, Storm was right about how pathetic it looks when ponies actually think she’s ‘great’.

“Just bringin’ her a smooth,” Snips said.

“How can you fall for her lameness?” Spike retorted, waving his arms. “She’s just a show-off. Unlike Twilight and Storm, who—”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie vanquished an ursa major,” Snips interrupted, leaning in Spike’s face. “Can your Twilight and Storm claim that?”

“Oh really? Were you guys actually there?”

“Well, eh, uh… no,” Snips stuttered, exchanging looks with Snails. “But…”

“But nothin’!” Spike snapped. “The proof is in the pudding.”

“I like pudding,” Snails laughed.

Suffice to say, Spike was more annoyed than amused.

“Look, unless an ursa major comes waltzing up the street for Trixie to vanquish, I am not gonna believe a word she says, and neither should you!”

It was then Snips began to think about the possibility as to whatever the little dragon said is true.

“Hm, an ursa walkin’ up the street, hey?” He pondered aloud. “Snails! You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”

“Why is it they call it a flea market when they don’t sell fleas?” Snails asked, in his usual tone.

“Yeah, uh…”

Snips realized that wasn’t even close to what he was talking about.

“Oh, come on!”

Soon the two colts took off, as Spike just watched them disappear before returning to the library.

<>

In the library, Storm and Twilight were actually reading from the same book when Spike arrived.

“Storm, Twilight, would you two put down that book and just to listen to me?” Spike retorted.

“Didn’t you see how they hated Trixie’s bragging, Spike?” Twilight pointed out. “If we go out there and show off our magic…”

“… we run the risk of losing them as friends,” Storm finished. “Nothing is worth that.”

Twilight gave him a sympathetic look before resuming her reading.

“It’s not the same thing, you guys,” Spike insists. “You’ll be using your magic to stand up for your friends.”

“No, Spike, it’s exactly the same,” Twilight shot back.

“There’s no point in stooping down to her level,” Storm said. “I admit most of her magic quips were humiliating, but nothing that needed us to intervene. Okay, maybe Rarity’s case… poor girl was so upset before I finally restored her mane to her original color… but the point is… we don’t need to fight fire with fire. Or this case, ‘magic’ with ‘magic’.”

“Come on, guys,” Spike said. “Any one of these tricks, even the teeniest, would be enough to show up Trixie.”

“I don’t want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie!” Storm and Twilight shouted together.

They both conjured a door frame with a door and slammed it shut on Spike’s waste. The little dragon wasted no time reopening it.

“But you’re the best!” Spike protest.

“Uh! Please, Spike, I said no!” Twilight snapped.

“And that is final!” Storm added sternly.

“If that’s the way you want to be, then fine!” Spike sighed. “Maybe Trixie was right about one thing: You two belong together!”

He slammed the door shut, while Storm and Twilight looked unamused since the door he slammed didn’t ‘really’ shut them out or lead anywhere. Spike, realizing this, reopened the door and slowly made his way back outside without another word. Storm and Twilight just watch him leave before sighing to each other sadly.

“He just doesn’t get it,” Storm muttered, continuing his reading.

Twilight, on the other hoof, look worried. She just couldn’t keep quiet about this issue any longer.

“Storm?” She asked quietly.

“Yeah?” He asked, turning a page.

“What really happened all those years ago? I want to know.”

Storm turned to her with a blank expression.

“Why does it matter?” Storm asked. “It won’t change anything; besides, you were right about me.”

Twilight looked sadly toward him.

“Storm, I know I wasn’t there for you when you needed me. I’m sorry I never tried asking if you were okay or tried to help you after that. I just don’t understand how you know what it’s like to show off and lose friends because of it.”

“I don’t really wanna…”

Storm just lifted his book when Twilight’s aura dropped the book down and he stopped. He found himself staring into the large eyes of his best friend.

“I want to know what happened,” Twilight urged sadly. “I don’t know the whole story, but I do know you’re still hurting over it. I didn’t help you back then but let me help you now. Please?”

Storm stared at her for a few minutes, before releasing a large sigh and discarded the book.

“Alright… I’ll tell you…”

For the rest of the afternoon, Storm shared the entire story to Twilight. To her credit, she did a great job of hearing him out while doing her research and she even shared a hug with him when he cried. Storm had to admit it felt better to finally tell someone face-to-face rather than jotting the painful memories in a journal. Just to feel Twilight’s arms around him was helpful in his opinion. Still, he was very reluctant to show off his magical talents… and so was Twilight.

<>

By nightfall, two young colts wandered the Everfree Forest. They were apparently in search for something when they stumbled upon a cave and found themselves in complete darkness.

“Oh, how we gonna find an ursa major when I can’t even see my own hoof in front of my face?” Snips asked annoyed.

“Hold on,” Snails said.

The lanky pony grunted as tried lighting his horn. After a few false starts, he finally managed to keep his horn lit.

“Oh, heh. That’s better.”

The two boys turned behind them when they saw what appeared to be a large bear-like creature coated in a celestial pattern. Apparently, they were seeking an ursa major… instead, they just woke it up. The beast uttered a loud growl towards the colts.

“YAAAH!” Snails and Snips screamed.

They took off as fast as their four legs could take them, while the ursa pursued them with a mighty roar.

As it just happened, Spike was just outside the forest kicking a small pebble across the path. All of a sudden, Snips and Snails came rushing by, screaming.

“Hey, guys, where ya goin’?” Spike asked curiously.

“Can’t talk now,” Snips replied, breathing hard and still running.

“Got a major problem!” Snails called out.

“Yeah, ursa major, to be exact,” Snips said.

As the colts disappeared, Spike stood there puzzled when he heard a loud roar.

“Huh?” Spike exclaimed.

He looked up and his face turned to fright at the sight of the celestial bear coming his way. Spike took off running, trying to catch up with his two friends while the ursa roared.

“TRIXIE!” Snips and Snails screamed.

“TWILIGHT!” Spike screamed behind them. “STORM!”

Within record time, the two colts arrived at Trixie’s wagon, banging on her door frantically.

“Trixie!” They continued to change.

After a few heavy knocks, the unicorn opened the top half of the door.

“Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed!” She grumbled.

“We-We have a-a tiny problem,” Snips replied, chuckling nervously.

“Actually, it’s a big one,” Snails corrected.

“What is so important that you cannot wait until morning to disturb Trixie?”

A loud roar caught her attention and she saw the ursa break its way through the tears before her in the distance. Trixie screamed at the top of her lungs, taking off for dear life. Snips and Snails were stunned for a second before taking off as well, while the ursa used its paw to smash Trixie’s wagon to bits. Spike managed to reach the library a little after the two colts spoke with Trixie.

“Twilight! Storm!” Spike panicked. “You gotta come! Quick!”

“I already told you, Spike!” Twilight retorted. “I don’t want to show up Trixie!”

“So drop it!” Storm added sternly.

“No, you don’t understand,” Spike said frantically. “It’s—”

ROAR!

That got Twilight and Storm’s attention.

“Uh, is that what I think it is?” Twilight asked worried.

“I think it is,” Storm replied with dread.

“Majorly,” Spike added wearily.

<>

Meanwhile, the ursa managed to pursue Trixie, Snips, and Snails and backed them towards a nearby house. They were all fearing for their lives when Snips remembered something.

“Great and Powerful Trixie, you’ve got to vanquish the ursa,” Snips said.

“Yeah, vanquish it so we can watch,” Snails said.

Trixie was rather aghast at their request when it suddenly came to her.

“Wait, you brought this here?” Trixie gasped angrily. “Are you out of your little pony minds?”

“But you’re the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Snips protested.

“Yeah, remember?” Snails said. “You defeated an ursa major.”

The ursa roared at Trixie, the very sight of the beast made her gulp.

“Uh, okay,” Trixie said nervously. “Stand back.”

Using her horn, she summoned the rope and attempted to use her snake charmer trick on the ursa. She then bound what appeared to be two of its legs before smiling.

“Heh, piece of cake,” Trixie said smugly.

Until the ursa showed Trixie had only succeeded in binding two of its front fingers together and broke the rope with ease.

“Aw, come on, Trixie!” Snips whined.

“Stop goofin’ around and vanquish it, eh?” Snails added.

Growing more nervous, Trixie tried to summon her thunder cloud again. It seemed she was creating a massive storm… until you backed away and found the cloud was no bigger than the cloud she summoned against Rainbow. Trixie just gasped and gulping, and she’d e lucky if that even tickled the creature.

“Well, that was a dud,” Snails said bluntly.

“Yeah, pfft, come on!” Snips said impatiently. “Where’s all the cool explosions and smoke and stuff like earlier? You know.”

Trixie said nothing as her little cloud finally cracked a lightning bolt, leaving a burnt mark upon the side of the ursa’s back end.

“Uh oh,” Trixie squeaked.

The ursa gave a loud roar, sending the trio screaming and running for their lives. The ursa’s roaring woke all the other ponies living nearby. Many of them gasped at the sight as an ursa tore off a nearby roof, sending ponies scattering in fear. Storm and Twilight arrived on the scene just in time running right into Trixie and the colts.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“We brought an ursa to town,” Snips said plainly.

“You what?!” Twilight exclaimed, shocked.

“Don’t worry, the Great and Powerful Trixie will vanquish it!” Snails replied excitedly.

“Seriously?!” Storm grunted angrily. “When the brains were passed out, apparently you two forgot to take a number!”

“Heh… yeah we did,” Snails chuckled.

The fact Snails even answered that question so casually only proved Storm’s point, while Twilight looked unamused. Trixie hadn’t heard, having kept quiet during the whole moment.

“I can’t,” Trixie admitted sadly.

“WHAT?!” Snips and Snails exclaimed.

“Oh, I can’t, I never have!” Trixie confessed. “No one can vanquish an ursa major. I just made the story up to make me look better.”

“Made it up?!” Snips and Snails exclaimed.

“Wow, what a surprise,” Storm muttered.

Then the ursa gave a loud growl, roaring as it appeared above a house in the distance. Storm and Twilight looked uneasily, as the other ponies gasped fearfully. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow were now in the crowd. Storm and Twilight turned toward each other, before Spike makes a gesture for them to do something. Storm gave out a loud huff.

“We don’t have a choice,” Storm spoke, turning to Twilight. “I’ll lure it here with the number twenty six. Then together, we deal with it.”

Storm made to approach it, but Twilight grabbed his tail pulling him back.

“Are you crazy?!” Twilight protested. “You can’t face that thing alone!”

“Yes I can,” Storm said. “Trust me. Number twenty six will keep me safe, while I lure it in range.”

Staring at the firm look on Storm’s face, Twilight sighed.

“Okay,” She said bravely.

But she didn’t the fact she was nervous nor the confusion over what number twenty six even was. Storm slowly made his way towards the ursa, while their friends watch from nearby.

“Wut in Celestia does Storm think he’s doin’?” Applejack asked curiously.

Once Storm was just a hair away from getting swiped, he pulled out a cookie in the shape of a star.

“How can he eat cookies at a time like this?!” Rainbow asked in shock.

Storm didn’t listen, as he used his horn to generate a spark causing the cookie to glow. By now, the ursa major had seen him. Storm quickly ate the cookie in one bite, as the ursa raised its paw to strike until…

*Insert Invincibility tune here*

Storm’s outer body began to glow a bright yellow with a slight flicker, generating an endless supply of sparkles. Storm slowly moved towards Twilight, as the ursa followed. It made occasional strikes, but its attacks were blocked, preventing Storm from being hurt or knocked back. The others stare in shock, while Rainbow’s jaw literally hit the ground.

“Oh wow!” Spike exclaimed. “The Invincibility spell! Storm’s been trying to perfect that move for years!”

Twilight was too surprised and too worried to reply, not knowing how long the invincibility would last. Storm too knew the spell was short-lived, as he’d been keeping track of the magic’s energy. He paced himself so he had enough time to get out of range right when the magic began to deplete.

“Four… three… two… one!” Storm called out.

Just as the invincibility wore off, Storm skillfully rolled into a one-eighty as he uncurled out of his ball and stopped beside Twilight. Now they stood, ready to deal with the ursa head on. Twilight gulped as she and Storm slowly got close to the ursa. Then they made their horns glow, their magic creating a small gust of wind that spread about the outskirts of town, generating a a soft, soothing melody that seemed to calm the ursa.

“Nice use of number sixteen,” Spike said, clearly impressed.

Storm and Twilight began to sweat as they kept the melody playing and proceed to remove a nearby water tank from its stand. They removed the water and slowly guided the tank through a nearby barn. Twilight kept the tank steady, as Storm used his magic to collect fresh milk from the cows, who mooed in surprised as they were magically milked, and their contents placed inside the tank.

“Golly, don’t cha know?” A random cow said.

When the tank was filled with fresh milk, Twilight created a rubber suction top to turn the tank into a giant bottle of milk.

“That’s new,” Spike remarked.

A metal clank indicated the tank had arrived, while Storm and Twilight groaned from all the multi-tasking. Despite sweating more profusely, they used their magic to lift the ursa into the air. Shifting it into a cradle position, they offered the giant milk bottle to the ursa, who drank it peacefully. Then, they slowly but surely transported the ursa back to its cave where it belonged.

Once it had been set down, Storm and Twilight released a long exhausted sigh as they tried to catch their breath. They were both tired yet triumphant. Just then, all the ponies cheered for them.

“Unbelievable!” Rainbow said.

“That was amazing!” Spike added.

“Heavens to Betsy!” Applejack said. “We knew you two had ability, but not that much.”

Twilight and Storm just looked rather sad.

“I’m sorry. Please, please don’t hate us,” Twilight plead.

“Hate you?” Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity asked together.

“Why, whatever do you mean, darlings?” Rarity asked puzzled.

“Well, I know how much you all hate Trixie’s showing off with her magic tricks,” Twilight explained. “And we just thought…”

“After my accident…” Storm stumbled. “I… I didn’t want to risk losing my friends because of my… talents… I know the invincibility spell was a little flashy, but… I had to protect my…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Rainbow cut them off. “Magic’s got nothing to do with it… or having a ton of talent. Trixie’s just a loudmouth.”

“Most unpleasant,” Rarity added.

“All hat and no cattle,” Applejack said.

“So, you don’t mind our magic tricks?” Twilight asked.

“Your magic is part of who you are, sugarcubes,” Applejack said. “And we like who you are. We’re proud to have susch powerful, talent unicorns as friends.”

“And after whuppin’ that ursa’s hindquarters, we’re even prouder,” Rainbow added.

“You are?” Storm and Twilight said together.

“Uh-huh,” Rainbow nodded.

“Mm-hmm,” Applejack and Rarity nodded.

Seeing that their friends appreciate the two as they are, Storm and Twilight rewarded their praise with warm smiles.

“Wow, Twilight, how’d you know what to do with that ursa major?” Spike asked.

“That was what we were doing when you came looking for us,” Twilight explained. “We were so intrigued by Trixie’s bragging that we were compelled to do a little reading up on them.”

“Guess you can say it pays to do your homework,” Storm added, rubbing the back of his mane.

“So it is possible to vanquish an ursa major all by yourselves?” Spike asked.

“That wasn’t an ursa major,” Twilight replied.

“It was a baby, an ursa minor,” Storm corrected.

“That was just a baby?” Trixie exclaimed in shock.

“And it wasn’t rampaging,” Twilight continued. “It was just cranky because someone woke it up.”

Twilight and Storm gave two particular young colts a glare. One look and they realized, they were in deep trouble.

“Awww…” They muttered sheepishly.

“Well, if that was an ursa minor,” Spike thought. “Then what’s an ursa major like?”

Storm and Twilight thought deeply to themselves. When they were moving the ursa minor, they actually deposited the baby into its parent’s lap, which was about twenty times the size of the baby.

“You don’t wanna know,” Storm and Twilight with a smirk.

“Huh!” Trixie snorted, pointing a hoof at them. “You may have vanquished an ursa minor, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!”

She then turned toward Storm Shield, who returns her attention with a frown.

“And you, Storm Shield!” Trixie pointed out. “You may have beaten Trixie this time. But one of these days you’ll see Trixie again. And next time, victory will belong… to Trixie!”

Trixie dropped a smoke bomb for a disappearing act. But she ended up tripping, and every pony could see her running away as the smoke disappeared.

“Why, that little…” Rainbow growled.

Rainbow was about to take off after her when Twilight held her back by the tail. By then Trixie ran far away from Ponyville, deep into the distance.

“Just let her go,” Twilight said. “Maybe someday she’ll learn her lesson.”

“I hope so, Twilight,” Storm sighed. “In all the years I’ve known her, Trixie never admitted to her mistakes.”

“We can only hope,” Twilight nodded, turning towards the young colts. “Now, about you two.”

The two young unicorns just chuckled to each other nervously.

“Ah,” Snips chuckled sheepishly. “Uh, we’re sorry that we woke up the ursa minor.”

“We just wanted to see some awesome magic,” Snails added.

“Yeah!” Snips added. “And the way you vanquished that ursa minor was awesome!”

Storm and Twilight just looked sternly at them, the two colts slouch in defeat.

“We deserve whatever punishment you give us,” Snails conceded sadly.

“For starters, you can clean up this mess,” Twilight pointed out.

Storm examined Trixie’s destroyed, abandoned cart as Storm held up a piece with his magic.

“And… What do you think, Spike? Storm? Should I give them number twenty five?”

Storm turned around, as Spike turned towards his friend. Storm nods silently in agreement and Spike winks an eye before facing Twilight.

“Oh, twenty five! Yes!” Spike nodded. “And I think I deserve it, too.”

“Heah?” Snips and Snails said, confused as Spike stood beside them.

“I think you’re right,” Twilight smirked.

She turns toward Storm Shield, who extends a hoof to let her do her thing. Twilight then made her horn glow, as she produced a thick black mustache on all their faces.

"Swwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!" The three boys said together.

Storm and Twilight chuckled to each other, before slapping their hooves together. Just then, Rainbow Dash and their other friends approached the pair.

“Yo Storm, about that little ‘accident’ you mentioned,” Rainbow spoke. “You care to fill us in on that? Or you going to leave us guessing?”

Storm Shield sighed before turning towards Twilight, who silently nods assuring they can handle it.

“Well…” Storm began. “Where do I start…”

The rest of the night, Storm retold the same story he told Twilight to their friends regarding the accident. Even though they didn’t understand the full extent of the story and while the rest of Ponyville were in the dark, Storm was very grateful for their sympathy. Of course, he did have to listen to Rainbow brag about how awesome his invincibility spell was until Rarity and Applejack practically dragged her away. Still, to have such caring friends, Storm couldn’t ask for any better.

<>

By next morning, most of the damager had been cleared away only now the two colts had to make some repairs to some broken rooftops. Meanwhile, Storm and Twilight were back in the library along the upper floor, as Twilight prepared their letter to Princess Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
We have learned a very valuable lesson about friendship: We were so afraid of being thought of as show-offs that we were hiding a part of who we are. Our friends helped us realize that it’s okay to be proud of your talents, and there are times when it’s appropriate to show them off… Especially when you’re standing up for your friends.”

Twilight had just finished signing the letter, as their friend Spike reached the top of the stairs.

“So, you finally admit that you two are the most talented unicorns in all of Ponyville?” Spike asked.

“Well, yeah,” Twilight said modestly.

“But it’s nothing to brag about,” Storm added. “At the end, we’re just regular ponies like all the others.”

“So, uh, how did it go with Rarity?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Eh, she didn’t go for the mustache,” Spike said, feeling rejected.

“You know Spike,” Twilight pointed out. “That mustache has nothing to do with who you really are. Maybe you should just try to be yourself.”

“Or… Maybe the mustache wasn’t enough,” Spike thought aloud. “Maybe if I had a mustache and a beard?”

“Uh, not this again!” Twilight groaned exasperated.

“Oh brother…” Storm agreed with an eye roll.

“Okay, imagine me with a nice, long, Fu Manchu type beard,” Spike explained. “Or maybe a goatee. Oh, no, a soul patch right on my chin!”

“Take my advice, Spike,” Storm interrupted. “Girls these days, they like their colts, or dragons, clean shaved.”

Storm then turns her attention back to Twilight, who went back to her reading. A smile forms on his face as he lets his mind wander.

“At least Twilight does…”