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.