It was a warm Afternoon in Sweet Apple Acres. Jaden, Yuya, and Twilight were walking to Applejack with each of them carrying two satchels full of apples,

“No. Nope. Nope..” The dragon said going through all of them.

“Thank you kindly, you guys, for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh 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.” Applejack said, chuckling soon after.

"No problem at all, Applejack," Twilight said with a smile.

"I'm glad the goal is lunchtime," Jaden replied. "All this hard work is making me hungry."

Then Twilight, Spike and Yuya's stomachs growled.

"Okay, didn't expect that," Jaden said hearing all three of them.

"Guess we better get some food," Twilight said.

"Aha!" Spike exclaimed pulling out a bright juicy apple and then eating it.

"Spike!"

"What?" He asked then held his stomach and let out a burp. A scroll came out.

"Whoa," Yuya gasped.

“A letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight said.

“Hear ye, hear ye. 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-”

“Blah blah blah, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle puls one guess,” Spike said.

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” Twilight and Applejack said excitedly as Spike burped out two golden tickets.

"Here we go."

“Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.” Spike said.

“It’s not all fancy, a lot of times, things are often fun,” Jaden said.

“You’ve been to the grand galloping gala?” Applejack asked.

"Twice. I usually hang out with Dalzzing Song, Black Ace, and Shadow Gaze, We’d hit the donut shop, hang out with some of the local celebrities, meet with the wonderbolts, and go dancing. It’s really nice.”

“Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes…” Applejack started. “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? 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.” Applejack said before looking back at the gang. “Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.”

“Oh, well in that case, would you like to—” Twilight tried to ask but Rainbow came crashing down on the two.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” She asked.

"Rainbow Dash! You said that you were too busy to help me harvest the apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?” Applejack asked in an accusing tone. Lightning Sprint turned her back to her.

“No. I was busy pranking Sonic while he was busy napping. I just happened to hear that you have a couple of extra tickets?” Rainbow asked.

“Just one, but-” Twilight tried to say.

“YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year.”

“I’m aware. Hell, I know some of them,” Jaden said with an eye roll.

“I can see it now…" as Rainbow begins to fantasize. "Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then it would fly Rainbow Dash! I’ll draw their attention with my super-speed stunt! Then I would mesmerize them with my Fantastic Filly Flash! And for my grand finale The Buccaneer Blaze. The ponies would go wild!” Rainbow finished.

“The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, this could be my chance to impress them with my stuff. You got to take me!"

Then Applejack tugged her tail.

“Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here.” She said before spitting out her tail. “I asked for that ticket first.”

“So? That doesn't mean you own it.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. The winner gets the ticket.”

"You're on!" As the two began then Jaden pushed back both of them. "What the hay, Jaden!?"

“I don’t mean to interrupt your little acts of boasting and dominance here Amazonians, but that the two tickets belong to Twilight, she chooses who goes with her. Not you.”

"Thank you, Jaden," Twilight agreed. "Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?"

“Drummin' up business for the farm.” Applejack started.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow added.

“Money t' fix Granny's hip.”

“Livin’ the dream!”

“Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?” Jaden asked then Twilight's stomach growled.

"Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make a decision on an empty stomach so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?” Twilight said to them before walking off with Spike on her back.

"Okay," Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash said then glared at each other and then hoof-wrestle.

"Hope this doesn't go sour," Jaden replied.

"Me too," Yuya agreed.

"So, who are you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"I have no freaking clue, Spike," Twilight said. "But I really can't think straight when I'm hungry so where should we eat?"

From out of nowhere, Pinkie tackled right into them.'

The dust settles and the two golden tickets landed on Pinkie’s nose, causing her to panic.

“Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” She said as she ran around.

Pinkie stopped in front of the tickets. “Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” She said as her pupils dilated.

"Oh crap," Gwen said.

“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!” Pinkie said before singing.

[Pinkie]

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...

“With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!”

[Pinkie]

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 superly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy
Wheee!!

“Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever.” Pinkie said as she gave twilight a smile.

“Um, actually—” Twilight started to say. Spike picked up the tickets. A gasp from Rarity got his attention, as well as Bandit’s who was beginning to get annoyed.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked.

“Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” Pinkie said with exciting hops.

“The gala? 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.” Rarity said with a sparkle in her eye.

“Before you begin your internal fantasy of high expectations, can you be just a little more specific on who this ‘him’ is?” Amy asked.

“Why, him of course.” She said before fantasizing.

“Ah crud, here we go again.” Tails said.

“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. Why I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, and our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course, I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams.” Rarity finished.

"Is Rarity referring to Prince Blueblood?" Sonic asked. "That colt is the worst."

"No kidding," Ben replied.

“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 said before turning her back. A small white rabbit hopped over and snatched the ticket away from Spike.

“Hey!” Spike said as the rabbit ran to Fluttershy and showed her the ticket.

She gasped. “Angel, these are perfect.”

Back with the group, Twilight spoke up once again.

“Uh, listen, guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to.” She confessed.

“You haven’t!?” Both Rarity and Pinkie asked. Rarity shocked, Pinkie stunned.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else…” Fluttershy said, getting their attention.

“You? You want to go to the gala?” Rarity asked rather stunned.

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy said before Angel started tapping her with his foot to change her mind. “I-I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…” Fluttershy started. “It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. 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. Blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays, and pink flamingos!” Fluttershy finished, hugging Angel at the end.

“As nice as that fantasy sounds Fluttershy, I’m afraid that the animals at the gala aren’t the most-” Jaden tried to say.

“Wait just a minute.” Rainbow dash said from on top of a roof, not looking happy.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Were you following us?” Twilight asked as Rainbow Dash flew down.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody.” Rainbow Dash said.

"Wait just another minute," Applejack arrived. “And I was following you to make sure neither one of yah didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket.” Applejack said.

“Let me ignore my need to correct that grammatically erroneous sentence you just spoke out of your mouth to tell you that the ticket isn’t yours.” Jaden got in Applejack's face.

“Uh-” Spike and Ben were about to ask.

“Erroneous means wrong,” Gwen told them.

“But Twilight's taking me.” Pinkie said. This sparked the others to start arguing. Bandit plugged his ears from the arguing.

“QUIET!” Twilight shouted, silencing all but Pinkie.

“And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you crazy—" oh.” Pinkie said, stopping and looking at Twilight.

“Girls, there's no use in arguing,

” Twilight said. Rarity tried to appeal to her nature.

“But Twilight-” She started before Jaden interrupted.

“No, Twilly will make her decision in due time. But pressuring her isn’t making this easier on anyone.” Bandit defended.

“And I certainly can't think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added as she stepped forward. Her stomach growled rather loudly. “Not to mention hunger.”

"She's has a point come on," Sonic agreed. "Let's give her time to think about it."

Everyone left Twilight and Jaden

"Okay, now let's get something," Jaden said.

Jaden and Twilight were sitting at a restaurant

"Jaden, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.” Twilight said as she picked the petals off of the flower in front of her. “Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?” She asked. Her stomach growled, resulting in her eating the petals.

“Have you made your decision?” A waiter asked. Twilight growled at this.

“I CAN'T DECIDE!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Twilly, he means on your food,” Jaden said.

“Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.”

"For me, Mozzzerla Sticks."

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked. The waiter gave an unamused look. “No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy.” Spike said before looking at Twilight.

“What do you think Spike?” Twilight asked.

“I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?” Spike asked.

“She means about the gala Spike and the ticket.”

“Oh, she’s still on that?” Spike asked. Twilight nearly jumped over the table.

“Spike, listen.” She sat back down. “How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I—”

"Your food." The waiter brought them the food.

“Sir, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?” The waiter asked.

“It's not raining…” Twilight said as she looked around, seeing that it was pouring down except were they sitting.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“This has Rainbow Dash written all over it,” Jaden said.

“Hi there. Enjoying the sunny weather?” Rainbow Dash asked from the opening.

"Call it."

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked her, in a scolding tone.

“Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all.” Rainbow dash answered.

"I'm no element of honesty, but it’s obvious you are doing extra work for extra points to get the extra ticket.”

“Me? No no no, of course not.” Rainbow Dash said.

"Really?"

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight told her. Rainbow Dash groaned.

“Fine.” She said, zipping up the cloud.

“That’s better,” Twilight said as her sandwich got soggy.

“Twilight, it's raining.” Rarity said, seeing the group.

“I don’t think we noticed.” Bandit sarcastically said.

“Come with me before you catch a cold.” Rarity said as she grabbed Twilight and pulled off.

“I thought you couldn’t get a cold in the rain,” Spike said.

“You can’t,” Jaden said. "But I can."

At the boutique, Twilight shook the water off of her, her mane fluffed up and went back to normal.

She smiled before looking at a wet-maned Rarity.

“Heh heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said sheepishly. Rarity went from unamused to smiling.

“Oh no, it's quite all right. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not?” Rarity asked as she nuzzled Twilight’s side with the top of her head. “And you know what the best of friends do?”

“Uh….” Twilight said as Jaden and Spike came in.

“Makeovers!” Rarity said as she pulled over to a changing booth and started putting an outfit on Twilight.

“Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight.” Twilight said before Rarity moved the booth, revealing Twilight wearing a rather pretty saddle that sparkled like Twilight’s last name.

“Huh, that looks good on you,” Jaden said.

“You really think so?”

“Yeah, It almost distracts the fact that Rarity is doing this for the ticket,” Jaden muttered as Rarity tried doing measurements on him before he stopped her.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that Rarity, I have a Tailor back in Canterlot who’s familiar with my size, he’ll be sending me a suit soon,” Jaden said. Rarity nodded and stopped.

“And you!” Rarity said as she looked at Spike. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for one of the dashing gent.”

She brings over the changing booth and started dressing Spike behind it.

“D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike exclaimed as he was getting forcibly dressed. The booth was moved and Spike was revealed to be in an old-timey button-up dress coat with golden buttons.

“Now, the hat.” Rarity said, placing a hat on his head with a golden feather on it.

“Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library.” Spike said before zipping off. Leaving the clothes there.

"Don't worry Rares," Amy reassured him. "I guarantee by the end of the day he’s gonna want to go.”

“Oh, who needs him anyway. This is all about you,” Rarity said as she pulled a mirror over to Twilight and showed her how she looked. “and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

This is when Twilight realized what was going on and snapped out of checking herself out.

“Wait, the Grand—” Twilight started to say.

“What a coincidence Rarity. You just so happen to have a set right here that matches Twilight’s dress perfectly.” Jaden said looking at another pair of dresses.

“I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well, it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else.” Twilight said as she tossed off the saddle and trotted to the door. “Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said as she walked out.

“Did somepony say lunch?” Applejack said as she poked her head in and grabbed Twilight.

“Ugh. This is gonna be a long day.” Jaden said as he walked forward and saw the cart Applejack pulled her, full of Apple products. "Oh, fuck me."

“You gotta be kidding me,” Twilight said as she looked at that.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumbles, and Apple Brown Betty.” Applejack listed. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie.” Applejack clarified.

"Got it."

“No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!” Twilight said as she started to run off.

“So, is that a maybe?” Applejack asked.

“Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating,” Twilight said walking to the library

“The favors aren’t aggravating, the reasons behind the favors are what’s aggravating,” Jaden said. "But surely not even Flutters or Pinkie would go crazy for a ticket to the gala?"

He looked and saw Fluttershy cleaning and humming inside the library.

“You’re on your own for this one Twilly. I’ll kick my own ass to kingdom come if I snapped her. I don’t want to make her cry.” Jaden whispered to Twilight.

“Fluttershy, not you too,” Twilight said with a conflicted look.

“Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you.” Fluttershy said.

“Flutters…. It’s summer.” Jaden reminded her.

“Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy asked with an embarrassed blush. “It was Angel's idea.”

“You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked her.

“Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Fluttershy asked as she turned to Angel, only to not see him. “Angel?”

Angel peeked out from behind her hind hoof.

“We weren’t doing this for the ticket right?” Fluttershy asked. Angel made an unamused face and nodded that they were. “Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.”

“No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” Twilight said, walking over to the door and opening it.

Confetti blasted into the library.

“Surprise!” A bunch of ponies exclaimed. Pinkie reaches in and pulled Twilight out of the library.

"You've got to be kidding me," Jaden facepalmed himself.

[Pinkie]

Twilight is my bestest friend
Whoopie, whoopie!

“Pinkie…” Twilight called as Ponies started throwing her into the air.

[Pinkie]

She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!

“Pinkie.” Jaden called as he ducked down and walked out.

[Pinkie]

I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!

“Pinkie!” They both called.

[Pinkie]

She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!

“PIIINKIIIE!!” Twilight shouted. The ponies tossing her stopped and she started to fall. Bandit dives and catches her on his back.

“Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, fluttering her eyelids.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket,” Twilight said as she sat up.

“Wait. What ticket? What gala?” One pony asked.

“None of your-” Jaden tried to say.

“Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie said.

“PINKIE!” Bandit exclaimed as the ponies gasped.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The ponies exclaimed. They began to shower twilight with compliments and offers to get the ticket.

“Hold on Tight,” Sonic said as he came to them

“Say no more,” Twilight said prepared for what was coming.

"Now Torando Spin!" He exclaimed as he created a small localized Tornado and swept the ponies away. "You guys get going, while I handle them."

"Thank you," Twilight thanked as they teleported out of there.

"Hey, Sonic," Ben said as they looked at the ponies. "What's going on?"

"Pinkie being Pinkie, we got crowd control."

"Got it." Ben agreed to transform into Cannonbolt. "Let's roll!"

Twilight and the others appeared at the library, via teleportation. Spike’s scales were scorched from the spell.

“Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that.” Spike said while being dazed

“I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now quick, lock the doors!” Twilight said as they locked everything with the tree.

"Finally," Twilight said as the light came on seeing Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy smiling then having a meltdown then causing Gwen to twitch her eye a bit then glare at them.

“You should all be ashamed of yourselves!”

Upon saying that, their faces dropped.

“Twilight has been trying her hardest to think and decide on who she wants to be her plus one for the gala. But all those favors and reasons that you have been putting a lot of pressure on her. Is it really so hard for you to see that she doesn’t want to disappoint any of you, and every favor is just making it worse?” Gwen asked the five looks Twilight’s pressured face was enough to get the message across.

Applejack walked over first.

“Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on 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.” Applejack said.

“Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.” Fluttershy said.

“I think we also owe you an apology too Bandit.” Lightning Sprint said. “We’ve been so focused on getting that ticket from Twilight that we weren’t considering how rude we were being to you. I’m really sorry.”

“And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie said as she hopped down.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did. And Bandit, it was very rude for me to intervene with you and Twilight’s day.” Rarity said.

You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either.”

“We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you.” Applejack told them.

“We’re sorry.” They all said.

"Jaden send a to the Princess," Twilight said.

"Got it," He got a quill and paper.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there are not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight said.

“What?!” Everyone exclaimed.

“If all my friends can’t go, I don't want to go, either."

“Twilight, you don't have to do that.” Applejack said.

“Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now.” Twilight said. Jaden tossed the letter to him and walked to a window and transports it to Celestia.

“Now you won't get to go to the gala either,” Fluttershy said.

“It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me…” Twilight said before looking at Jaden. “Or my BHFF who doesn’t want to go without me.”

"BHFF?" Applejack asked.

"Best Human Friend Forever. Twilight likes to use acronyms to describe me and her older brother.” Jaden explained.

“That’s kinda cute.” Applejack said with a smile.

Spike’s stomach growled and a letter came out.

“‘My faithful student Twilight. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?’” Spike read. He then pulled out six golden tickets. "Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!”

“Sweet! Now all of us get to go!” Twilight cheered as her stomach growled.

“Allow us to treat you to dinner.” Rarity said as she led Twilight.

"What a great way to apolozied," Rainbow exclaimed.

“And to celebrate! Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!” Pinkie said.

The six of them left the library, taking all the tickets and leaving the non-pony friend saddened Spike in the library.

"What wrong buddy?" Ben asked.

“How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly.

"Not to worry I left her a P.S," Jaden said as if on cue, Spike burped up another letter. He opened it and read.

“And one more for Spike and the others.” He said before looking at the tickets.

"You guys didn't know, Celestia decided to invite other species to the Gala," Jaden said.

He giggled and ran to the door before looking at a couple of smug looks.

“I mean, gross, I have to go too?” Spike quickly tried to act.

"No worries, your secret is safe with us," Yuya said.

“But I will make fun of you,” Ben exclaimed.

“What!? No!” Spike said.

“Too late.”

Episode 3 is done! This is without a doubt, the hardest episode for me to do.

Until next time, be sure to fave, comment, and like.

See you next episode.