Previously, on The Princess’s Library: 10 ponies arrived in Canterlot to meet Princess Twilight Sparkle and her sous mages, Astral Streak and Comet Tail. They were told that the prize for working hard and doing well would be 250,000 bits and a head mare or stallion position at Twilight’s new magic school in Manehattan. During the signature spell challenge, Fire Streak and High Tower excelled. But Starshine Manebright, Orange Peel, and others failed to impress their mage, with Starshine being called out for plagiarizing one of Twilight’s own spells! Today, the ponies will be thrown into the heat of service for the first time, and tempers…will…flare! Who will be eliminated, and who will Mage Twilight toss a life preserver to? Find out, next!

And now, the continuation of The Princess’s Library…

After the signature spells had been completed, all ten ponies were shown to the dormitory. They found it to be a luscious, luxurious area full of comfortable beds and a well maintained living space. The kitchen was to die for, and the ponies snickered as Zesty Shifts acted the part of a rocket. He launched around the room, touching everything and beholding its vast magnificence for the first time. Nopony wanted to stop his fun, so they all took to unpacking and exploring their new home. However, it didn’t take long before some drama began to build underneath everything. Everypony had placed their belongings in the proper spot and had settled in to read Twilight’s spell menus in preparation for the upcoming service. Everything had to be done precisely, otherwise each concoction would have to be redone. Twilight’s tone of warning had spoken volumes to each pony.

“Honestly, these’ll be a snap,” Fire Streak said haughtily.

“What makes you so sure?” Rune Stone asked, furrowing her brows in confusion.

“Because I just am,” Fire said rudely, “and plus, with me on the team, we’re guaranteed to finish tomorrow’s service.”

“That’s a pretty damn bold statement,” Rune responded.

“It’s not bold at all, Rune,” Fire said, shaking his mane, “it’s a simple fact.”

The ponies all looked at each other as it appeared their first common enemy had made himself known. Fire’s earlier spell had impressed them all, but his attitude was terrible. If he were to win the competition, the poor students in Manehattan would have to deal with him on a daily basis. The thought frightened everypony, so they all made an internal vow to defeat Fire. They didn’t say anything, but allowed him to go on prattling about his perceived greatness, knowing that his time would come shortly. There was something of a subtle nod shared between the nine other ponies. They understood that Fire needed to go. Unfortunately, he had talent to back up his disgusting ego. If he didn’t calm himself, the team might suffer from it.

Later, after finishing their spell menu studying, the ponies readied themselves for a good night’s sleep. Simple acts such as showering, the brushing of one’s teeth, and certain book readings were being performed. The mares and stallions were segregated from one another, so as not to cause any kind of privacy invasion. So, it was odd when Fire Streak turned up on the mare’s side of the dorm. He was met by Rune Stone, who gave him a look of defiant determination. Ever since she was a little filly, she’d always held this sense of tenacity. She would not be pushed aside, by mare or stallion, and she enjoyed knocking the arrogant back a few pegs. This was a golden opportunity to do just that. So, she didn’t reprimand him for being on her side of the dorm. Rather, she stood against him, almost daring him to try anything.

“Ya know…you’re really pretty,” he said.

“Oh, bite me, you overgrown puff of wind,” she responded fiercely.

“Mm…that’s how I know a mare is into me,” he said sleazily, “and, I mean, really, who could blame them? Just look at me. Handsome, talented, jovial.”

“Jovial?” Rune asked, stifling a laugh, “that’s not exactly how I’d describe you.”

“Oh, I enjoy a good laugh, my dear Rune Stone,” he said, winding around her, grazing her flank with his hoof.

“Don’t touch me!” She said, smacking him away, “I’ll report you to Mage Astral and Comet, and then you’ll find your sorry rump out on the street!”

“I dare you to report me,” Fire said, “I just bucking dare you.”

Rustling and voices from behind Rune betrayed the presence of multiple ponies. Fire knew that he needed to make a quick escape, or risk getting caught. So, he leaned in and kissed Rune’s cheek, causing her to flare up in anger. Then, he galloped away without leaving a shred of evidence that he was there. Simple lies would be enough to cover his tracks, and he could continue in the competition. But he had his eyes set on Rune Stone. He didn’t find her to be talented with magic, but she was beautiful. Yes, he thought as he trotted back into his room, you’ll be mine. Just think, 250,000 bits, a position that’s pretty much set for life, and a gorgeous mare on my foreleg. Life will be…perfect.

Twilight stood at the head of the brewery, watching as all of the ponies prepared for the service that evening. She could sense some kind of tension between Rune Stone and Fire Streak, but she figured she could deal with that later. For now, she needed to make a great impression on the citizens of Canterlot. Her library was unique in the idea that magical demonstrations could be ordered like a restaurant. No other paradise of bibliophiles in Equestria did the same. True, it went against the code of libraries everywhere (mandatory quietude), but it was incredibly innovative. It took the thing that magic schools were famous for and introduced it into an entirely different setting. Now, Twilight just needed to prove that it would work.

“Mage Twilight,” Astral said, coming forward, “I believe we’re almost ready.”

“Tell me, Astral,” Twilight responded, turning to face her friend and sous mage, “how long have you worked with me?”

“Ever since we went to Princess Celestia’s school together, mage. But…why do you ask such a question?”

“Because I’m concerned, Astral,” Twilight said honestly, “I feel a tension in this brewery that I’ve never felt in any other. I don’t know what it is, but it seems centered around Rune Stone and Fire Streak.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Astral said, “Rune came to me earlier today and told me that Fire attempted to sexually demean her last night. When I confronted him about it, he claimed he knew nothing.”

“So, then…we have a mystery on our hooves,” Twilight said, “and I do enjoy a good mystery. Keep an eye on this Fire Streak character. If the other mares come forward with bad things to say, bring him to my office.”

“Yes, mage,” Astral said.

Twilight then turned and yelled across the brewery and the library. “THE PRINCESS’S LIBRARY…IS NOW OPEN!”

As ponies began filing in and taking their seats, the team attached themselves to their assigned stations. Since there were 10 ponies, there were five different sections, with two ponies working each one. The sections were as follows: fire spells, water spells, earth spells, wind spells, and potions. The four elemental sections were manned by ponies who could be proficient in those areas. Fire Streak headed up the fire spells with High Tower. Lock Jaw and Zesty Shifts were on water. The earth spells were handled by Orange Peel and Dark Cloud. The wind spells had Spell Caster and Starshine. Finally, potions were done by Stone Throw and Rune Stone.

“Right, then,” Twilight said as her team of waiters began bringing in orders, “listen up! On order, four ponies, table one! Two fire spells requested mid-flame, one earth spell requested to move rocks, and one potion requested to grow petunias! Four minutes to the window! Heard?!”

“YES, MAGE!” The team responded as they got to work.

“I’m two minutes out on those fire spells!” Fire Streak yelled as he mixed up his concoction.

“I can trot to the window in that time,” Orange yelled back from her earth station.

“Let’s go!” Twilight yelled, “I need those spells!”

Fire trotted up, his horn glowing with the spells he’d concocted. Once there, he transferred them over to Twilight’s horn for checking before they were sent out. Finding nothing wrong, she held the spells until Orange brought up the earth spell. She used it to zap a nearby test rock, and it floated the proper way. All that was needed to complete the order was the-

“POTION!” Twilight screamed.

“Coming to the window now, Mage!” Stone yelled as he brought up the jar.

Twilight used a dropper to drop it onto a nearby board. She expected flowers to grow…but instead, she got weeds. It was mildly annoying, but she had to remind herself that, compared to the ponies she knew, these were amateurs. She wanted everything to be perfect, but a small mistake here and there wouldn’t derail the whole brewery. So, she decided to keep her anger at the error inside and give the jar back to Stone.

“I requested petunias, not bucking ragweed!” Twilight snapped, “start the table again!”

The ponies weren’t happy at having to redo the table, but they did it without complaint. Fire and High had their perfect spell back to Twilight in no time, impressing the mage. Orange and Dark were just as solid on the earth spell. But, once again, the potion station held everything up. It was almost like somepony was purposely moving slowly. What Twilight didn’t realize was that Rune Stone was the cause of this. She knew that the only way to be rid of Fire Streak was to have him go up on the chopping block. So, she attempted to screw him by being purposely slow. Unfortunately for her, Fire was just too good, and she only ended up making herself and Stone Throw look bad.

“I NEED THE MOTHER BUCKING POTION!” Twilight screamed as the weight of the combined spells overtook her.

“Coming now, mage!” Stone yelled as he sat the potion down.

“Good,” Twilight said as she placed a test drop down and it grew the proper plant, “go, please. Table one!”

Service continued after this mix-up, with the team managing to get out four or five more tables of spells. But then, Twilight called out an order for six ponies, and all of them wanted something different. One wanted his fire spell to create a huge flame, while his marefriend wanted hers to make a small one. Their friends each requested water spells of different types, thus putting pressure on Lock and Zesty. It didn’t take long for Fire and High to get their spells up to the front. But Lock and Zesty were slaving away over the complicated order.

“I NEED THE WATER SPELLS, GUYS!” Twilight screeched.

“Coming to the window now, mage!” Lock called as he brought up all four complicated concoctions.

Twilight took them…and nearly drowned. She was amazed at just how badly the spells were put together. It was a shame as well, for Zesty Shifts had shown such prowess in the signature spells challenge. Lock Jaw’s key based spell may not have been as creative, but Twilight still considered him competent. Now, both of them had taken a giant step backwards, and it irked her.

“Are you bucking kidding me?!” She shouted, causing Lock to flinch, “is this seriously your best?!”

“No, mage!” Lock answered.

“Then take the whole bucking thing back and give me your best!”

Lock and Zesty began the work on the water spells again as orders continued to pour in to the brewery. None of the ponies ever thought it would be this difficult, and some of them found that they were sweating severely. Headaches quickly took their hold, and the team became disoriented very rapidly. Soon, their strong start to the night was merely a distant memory. Spell after spell was returned to them, with Twilight’s screams getting more and more intense. Lock and Zesty finally got their redone spells up to the pass and Twilight took them. But she nearly got flooded again.

“YOU TWO ARE BUCKING USELESS!” She roared with fire in her eyes, “GET OUT! GET THE BUCK OUT OF MY BREWERY!”

Lock and Zesty turned and removed themselves from service. It was very embarrassing for both, as they thought of their friends and loved ones who had recommended them for the competition. But, sadly, Twilight’s brewery, at least on that night, just didn’t seem like the place for them. Unfortunately, the two stallions began to blame each other for the failure, and tempers flared when they got back to the dorm. Each was determined to keep his place in Twilight’s library, and they both knew they could be up for elimination.

“YOU BUCKED UP SON OF A MULE!” Lock screamed, getting in Zesty’s face, “I HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL!”

“Oh, really?! Because as the only pony here with restaurant experience and timing as a team, I can tell you that you truly bucked every spell we sent tonight! You bucked the water shape spell, the water loop spell, and every other Celestia damned spell that was put forth!”

“Oh, for buck’s sake, take some bucking responsibility!”

“Don’t you bucking talk to me about responsibility!”

While the two stallions…erm…settled their differences, back in the brewery, it was complete chaos. The fire station and wind station were performing well enough. The earth station had a few returns, but nothing too severe. However, the potion section continued to drag the entire kitchen down. With Rune being forced to jump on water to salvage the team, Stone found himself all alone. But Twilight showed no mercy, as the orders for potions kept flying in. He’d send them up…and then they’d come right back. His breathing was rapid and he felt like the world was spinning. The pressure of getting everything right was much too intense for him, and he wondered why he’d ever decided to come to The Princess’s Library.

“HEY, BOZO!” Twilight shrieked as she saw him daydreaming, “WAKE THE BUCK UP AND CONCENTRATE!”

“Yes, mage!”

“YOU’RE ABOUT AS CLOSE TO YOUR OWN HEAD STALLION’S POSITION AS I AM TO A BUCKING MVP AWARD IN BUCKBALL!”

“Yes, mage!”

“I NEED TABLE 37’S POTION, STONE THROW!”

“YES, MAGE!”

Finally, he brought it up. It was the simplest one in the brewery: a potion used to make a cute little red circle appear. In fact, it was so simple, it was featured on the foal’s menu. It would never win any awards, but the little ponies seemed to enjoy it. Being a great lover of foals, Twilight had put together the menu based on feedback she received from schools around the nation. The circle potion was one of the most popular. But when she tested Stone’s attempt…it drew a vicious looking timberwolf! Twilight wondered how in the world somepony could be so utterly inept.

So, she turned, looking like she was about to cry. “I…I…I mean, really?”

“I’m sorry, mage!” Stone said, seeing the timberwolf.

“THEY’RE COLTS AND FILLIES, YOU IDIOT!”

“Yes, mage!” Stone said.

“HEY! Don’t you touch another bucking thing. LISTEN UP, ALL OF YOU! HE SCREWS ME WITH HIS POTIONS! THE TWO IDIOTS I ALREADY BANISHED BUCKED ME WITH THE WATER SPELL! I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH HORSE BIT HAS GONE ON IN MY BREWERY TONIGHT! GET OUT! GET THE BUCK OUT AND COME UP WITH THREE NOMINEES FOR ELIMINATION! GET OUT OF MY BUCKING BREWERY!”

“Well, that was a disaster,” Starshine said as the team met to discuss nominees.

“Understatement of the day,” High Tower said.

“I’ve never been yelled at so much,” Orange said, quivering, “…and I thought she was The Princess of Friendship.”

“Not in here, she’s not,” Lock Jaw said, “in here, rage defines her.”

“You aren’t wrong, there,” Starshine said, “now, who do we send up?”

“I vote for Zesty!” Lock said, puffing and turning his back on the other stallion.

“I vote for Lock!” Zesty huffed, doing the same.

“We know you two are both going up,” Starshine said, “I mean, you were the first to get kicked out of the brewery! Now we just need to decide who else is going up.”

“High and I have to be safe,” Fire said, “we’re the only ones who gave a bit tonight.”

“What?!” Dark Cloud shouted, his nostrils flaring, “Orange and I gave multiple bits!”

“Okay, so you cared somewhat. Big bucking whoop. The fact is, High and I were the only ponies who had zero spells returned. If Twilight wouldn’t have kicked all of us out, we’d have finished the service no problem.”

“Are you forgetting that we’re a team?!” Rune exclaimed, “you got your rumps handed to you just as much as we did!”

“Alright, you two, that’s enough!” Starshine said, “we have our first two nominees. Now, we just need a third…”

The team strode back into the library to face Twilight. The mage had calmed down considerably from her earlier outburst, but still looked rather frightening. The lights were dim, speaking to the seriousness of the moment. These accents caused her to look like she was gracing the cover of some thriller or horror film. Everypony gulped, especially the three that knew they were getting nominated.

“That was a joke,” Twilight said, “and I won’t tolerate it anymore. Now, then, Starshine. First nominee, and why, please.”

“Mage, our first nominee is Lock Jaw. The water spells were our biggest downfall tonight, and he played an integral part in that.”

“Alright. Second?”

“Our second nominee tonight is Zesty Shifts. Again, with the water spells, we just didn’t have a chance to get anything out.”

“…and your final one?”

“Our final nominee…is……………Stone Throw, mage. He couldn’t control a station solo after you moved Rune over to water. If you can’t control one station, then how are you gonna control an entire school?”

“Worthy nominees,” Twilight said approvingly, “step forward, all three of you.”

The three came forward, determined to fight to the end. They would each be given the chance to tell Twilight why they deserved to remain in the library. Twilight would then make her decision, and take away the ring that rested on the contestant’s horn. They’d each been given one when entering the competition. If they got eliminated, it would be taken from them.

“Zesty Shifts,” Twilight said, “you showed such promise…but perhaps that was all a sham?”

“No, mage, it wasn’t,” Zesty said fiercely, “I am a very passionate magic user, and I love everything about both magic and cooking. I want to be here, mage, I want to please you. But most of all, I want to show Equestria that two loves can come together to create something amazing. If you let me stay, I’ll show you that I can do this. I can be your next head stallion!”

“If you stay,” Twilight said solemnly. “Now, then, Lock Jaw. Why do you deserve to stay?”

“Mage, I deserve to stay in your library because I have heart, passion, drive, and leadership skills. I would not have applied if I didn’t think I could do this!”

“Yeah, I get that,” Twilight said, “but does your magic taper off at simply unlocking doors?”

“No, mage, it doesn’t, and I’ll never give up until I prove that to you.”

“Big words,” Twilight said, “but words cannot save you. Finally, Stone Throw. You had one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen in any brewery, magic school or otherwise. Tell me why the buck you should stay.”

“Mage, I should stay because I know I’m the right fit for your school. Yes, tonight, I bucked up, but the entire thing was very overwhelming. I felt dizzy, I had a headache-“

“Yeah, well, so did I,” Twilight said, “and you bucking caused it.”

“Yes, mage.”

“Tough call,” Twilight said, “all three of you were horrendous. But tonight, the pony whose time in the library is overdue…is…………………………………Stone Throw. Please, give me your ring and leave.”

“Yes, mage,” Stone said.

Twilight’s heart of friendship softened when she saw the stallion remove his ring and look at it longingly. She knew she needed to be firm in this search, and she liked to believe that every magic user had a talent. Stone’s obviously lay elsewhere. Still, though, it was tough to watch a dream die, and she couldn’t help but feel for the sad pony. He gave her his ring and trotted through the door, never to be seen again. After this, Twilight turned and faced everypony.

“Listen up!” She exclaimed, “if you think that headaches and dizziness are the toughest thing you’ll face here, think again. Now, go upstairs and get a good night’s sleep…you’ll need it.”

“Yes, mage,” the team responded.

“Now, buck off!”

As the team left to head back upstairs, Twilight turned and trotted up to her office. Along the way, a camera pulled by a trolley followed her. This was her chance to explain to the viewing audience why she had eliminated Stone Throw. She’d be leaving comments like this at the end of every single episode.

“Stone Throw told me that the reason he failed tonight was because of a headache,” she said, “now, I’ve given him a chance to get rid of his…and I’ve gotten rid of mine.”