//------------------------------//
// The Ticket Master Part 1 
// Story: Journey of the Heroes Part 1: Friendship is Magic 
// by MetaMaster54610 
//------------------------------//

"No...Nope...." Spike said as he tossed apples out of the basket on Twilight's back. Joey, Krillin and Achmed looked like they were going to strangle him, and Tristan picked his nose.

"Spike, stop throwing those apples out of the basket!" Achmed snapped. "We spent all day collecting those!"

"Thank ya kindly, y'all, for helping me out!" Applejack said. "I bet Big Macintosh that I could get all these apples to the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down the street in one of Granny's girdles!" She laughed.

"That doesn't sound safe." Krillin said. "But no problem!"

"I'm glad the goal is lunchtime." Twilight said. "All this hard work is making me hungry."

"I know, right?" Spike said as he threw another apple that hit Achmed on the head.

"SPIKE....I SWEAR TO GOD....." Achmed snarled through clenched teeth.

"Achmed no!" Tristan shook the skeleton's shoulders. "If you get too mad, you'll turn into the Incredible Hulk!"

"Tristan, that's Bruce Banner." Joey corrected.

"I thought it applied to everybody!" Tristan said, still holding onto Achmed's shoulders.

"SPIKE FREAKING LOUNGED ON TWILIGHT'S BACK ALL MORNING WHILE WE WORKED!" Achmed snapped. "I HAD TO CHASE THAT FREAKING DOG ALL OVER THE FARM BECAUSE IT STOLE MY ARM AT BREAK! EVER STEP IN DOG POOP WITH A BONE FOOT?! IT'S LIKE SOME KIND OF SICK TWISTED PLAY-DOH FUN FACTORY!" Achmed snapped. If he had eyelids, his eye would have twitched.

"That WAS pretty funny." Spike said. Achmed glared at him for five seconds.

"SHUT UP!!" He shouted. Suddenly, they heard a loud growl.

"AH! THE MANTICORE CAME BACK!" Joey shouted as he picked up a struggling Krillin to use as a human shield.

"That was my stomach, Joey." Twilight said in a reassuring voice. "I think we should get something to eat." Spike threw more apples out of the basket and finally pulled out a big, red, juicy one and held it in front of Twilight's face. "Oh Spike! That looks delicious-" And then Spike ate the entire thing in one bite.

"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Achmed pounced on Spike and the two disappeared into a huge cloud of dust. Sounds of punching and kicking could be heard. Finally, the cloud of dust settled to reveal a disheveled Spike and a disassembled Achmed. After they put Achmed back together, Spike belched, creating a swirl of green fire that eventually turned into a piece of paper.

"It's a letter from Princess Celestia!" Twilight said as Spike caught the paper. Spike cleared his throat and began to read.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia, is pleased to announce that the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent Grand Capitol city of Canterlot on the 21st day of...yadda yadda yadda..."

"Um, I imagine the date is pretty important information." Krillin deadpanned. Spike ignored him.

"...Cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle, plus one guest." Twilight and Applejack gasped and looked at each other.

"The Grand Galloping Gala!" They said simultaneously.

"I LOVE the Grand Galloping Gala!" Tristan said with a huge grin that turned into a confused frown. "...What's the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"I have a feeling this is gonna be a crazy day." Joey said.