Twilight Sparkle thinks that Cheerilee would provide a very interesting partner... to talk to... about literature. Nothing else. Right?

Due to a typo on her permit to build a new barn, and the meddling of a recalcitrant bureaucrat, Applejack is stuck running a bar, at least until Mayor Mare gets back to town. So sit down and have a drink in Ponyville's least likely watering hole!

While helping Twilight rearrange her lab, Spike comes across a magical powder that changes him into a pony! While Twilight tries to find an antidote, pony Spike has some adventures of his own.

(Originally posted (part 1, at least) to EqD in May 2011. I'd run across a ponified Spike picture and suddenly got an urge to write it. Another story that I tried to make seem like a viable episode)

NOTE: This story takes place in the same continuity as Appleshy, Sparkle Kitten, Trixie's Great and Powerful Revenge, and Tragic Magic. It takes place chronologically after all of those except Tragic Magic. The other stories are not required reading to fully enjoy this story (though feel free to read them anyway!), but there are one or two elements that call back to Sparkle Kitten in particular.

Twilight reads a book about literature and, analysing her world, decides that everything she does is planned by someone other than her.

She does not take it very well.

Rated Everyone for adult humour.

now with a reading

Scootaloo is absent from school, causing worry for Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell. When she returns the next day, she is not the proud and enthusiastic filly they know her as. With great concern Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell approach Scootaloo after school.

What could be so bad that it would make their strong and brave Scootaloo cry?

(Note: Well this is my first fanfic for MLP:FIM, I maybe a little rusty, haven't written a fic in about 8-10 years. I hope you all enjoy. Also current picture is temperary until either I create one or some fabulous brony honors me with their art.)

After Scootaloo was able to get some frustration off her chest, Cheerilee thinks there is something more going on. While trying to offer advice about Scootaloo's current problem, she finds that Scootaloo's life isn't as happy as she probably thought.

After seeing how much Scootaloo wants to fly, Rainbow Dash decides to take her for a flight.
The trip takes Rainbow Dash into heavy thoughts as to why she always hung around Scootaloo.

Dash realises how much regret can destroy someones life, and how a past crime can weigh heavily on her chest.

Authors note: This story has multiple endings. Thanks for Arbarano and Slashawar for helping me edit this story.
And thanks to Midnight Rain from deviant art for the cover picture.