//------------------------------// // Greetings! // Story: Rise of the Zodiac // by Brony Brush //------------------------------// Rise of the Zodiac “What are we going to do Twilight?” Gemini asked. “Are we going to have fun?” “Well, I think the best course of action would be to get you all acquainted with today’s life.” Twilight said tapping her chin. “Sounds good to me.” Arias said. Twilight smiled and nodded before heading to the door, leaving spike in the library. “If you all would please follow me, I will show you around the town of Ponyville.” Twilight said smiling. “Oh how original...” Libra muttered. “Leo, can you try and wake Pisces up from her daydream?” Arias asked. “Yeah yeah.” Leo said rolling his eyes before he began to shake Pisces. “Hey, wake up! Come on, Picy wakey wakey!” Pisces shook her head again and looked at Leo. “You know I don’t like that nickname.” Pisces said getting back onto her hooves. “Well then don’t go into your head.” Leo said snickering. “Easier said than done.” Pisces said. Leo just rolled his eyes and hugged her before explaining what happened while she was out. “Lets get going.” Arias said, trotting towards the door after Twilight and Gemini. The group of seven all walked out of the building while observing where they were. As they got into the light, not only did they get several curious glances here and there, they slowly took in their surroundings. “Its a nice town.” Pisces said. “Very bland. I like it.” Libra said smiling ever so slightly. “Oh come on, every town or village has a bit of excitement in it!” Scorpio said as she spun around, looking at all the buildings. “There is a cloud home!” Gemini said, flying in circles in the air with each other. “This is beautiful, even if it does seem boring.” Arias said. “Seems like a nice place to live.” Leo said smiling. “Glad you all think so.” Twilight said smiling. The ponies continued to look around until there was the faint smell of cotton candy in the air. “Does anypony else smell something sweet?” Libra asked raising an eyebrow before he turned his head to see the incredibly close face of a certain pink pony. “HIYA!” The pony said excitedly. “AAAAAAAAH!” Libra bellowed out before flailing wildly and falling on his back. “Are you ok?” Pisces asked as Gemini landed. “Ponies never get past me...” Arias muttered confused. “Ow...” Libra groaned from the ground. That was when the pink pony was giggling next to Arias. “That pony is silly.” The pink one giggled out. “He isn't the only one.” Arias said, moving away a bit. The pink pony just giggled and bounced up before jumping over to Gemini. “Hey you two are like the spa twins! Only you have wings and you aren’t wearing those weird mane bands!” She exclaimed with an unnaturally large smile and bouncing in place. “Yay!” Gemini exclaimed happily as they bounced with her, sharing the smile. “Oh dear maker... There is a third...” Libra groaned out as he covered his eyes with his hooves. “Need help getting up?” Pisces asked. “No, I am just going to shrivel up and die here. I don’t think I could stand a third Gemini.” Libra muttered. “Oh I doubt it would be that bad. Now they have someone that can keep up with them.” Leo said smiling and chuckling. “Yes, that is true.” Pisces said. “This one is pink.” Arias said. “And she doesn’t have wings.” Scorpio added. “Pinkie, stop terrorizing the Zodiacs.” Twilight said shaking her head. “Hey! I wasn’t terrorizing! I was just saying hi!” Pinkie said with mock hurt. “That’s true!” Gem said. “She is nice.” Ini said. “And I was going to do what I normally do and make a PARTY!” Pinkie exclaimed smiling even wider. “I think that pony’s face is going to break.” Scorpio said worriedly. “I feel like she isn't an earth pony...” Pisces said. “Hey! I am an earth pony!” Pinkie said from under Pisces as she was laying on the ground and staring up at her. “Uhm...” Pisces said, looking down at Pinkie. “And you are a unicorn!” Pinkie said poking her snout with a hoof. “Yes I am...” Pisces said, starting to get very confused by what was happening. “So a party?” Arias asked. “PARTY!” Pinkie shouted as she exploded into confetti and appeared next to Arias. “Can you stop doing that?” Arias asked, jumping in surprise. “Stop what?” Pinkie asked tilting her head far more than should be possible. “Stop...” Arias said, not knowing what to tell her to stop doing. “Stop being impossible.” “Maybe it’s best I tell you to not question what she does. It’ll make your brain hurt less.” Twilight said giggling. “I’m going to take your word for it.” Arias sighed, walking over to Twilight and away from Pinkie. “Cupcake anypony?” Pinkie asked holding out a tray of cupcakes. “What kind?” Pisces asked. “Oh dear... You shouldn’t have asked that.” Twilight muttered facehoofing as Pinkie took a massive breath. Thirty minutes later Pinkie finally finished talking about all the cupcakes she had. “...And that one has rainbow frosting!” Pinkie finished smiling. “Yay for cupcakes!” Gemini said. “I think I have a tumor...” Libra groaned as he rubbed his head. “I... Didn’t think there could be that many.” Leo said scratching his chin. “Um... Whatever happened to normal old vanilla?” Scorpio asked herself as she tried to comprehend how many flavors the pink one spouted out. “Now I am actually really hungry.” Pisces said using her magic to take a chocolate cupcake from the tray and bit into it. “My head hurts, and I didn't try to understand her.” Arias said, shaking her head. “That will happen. Don’t worry, it’ll go away soon.” Twilight said chuckling. “Mmmm, this is actually really good.” Pisces said smiling as she swallowed. “Of course they are! I used lots of sugar, flour, milk-” Pinkie began before her mouth was shut by a magenta glow. “They get it Pinkie.” Twilight said rolling her eyes as Pinkie gave a cheery, and muffled, ‘Okay!’. “Can we go on before my brain leaks from my ears?” Libra asked. “I want to try a cupcake now, and I don't know why...” Arias said, looking at Gemini eating their cupcakes. There was not even five seconds before a cupcake was shoved into Arias’s mouth by the pink pony herself. “There you go!” Pinkie said smiling. Arias choked a little bit before she recovered from the surprise and remembered to chew. The cupcakes tasted like a dark chocolate velvet with creamy frosting on top. Arias swallowed and looked at Pinkie “Those are good.” “I told you!” Pinkie said pressing a hoof against Arias’s nose. “Yes you did...” Arias said. Pinkie just continued to stare at Arias for a good five minutes before laughing hysterically and falling back on the ground. “Is she ok?” Pisces asked, looking at Twilight. “Like I said, she is Pinkie being Pinkie.” Twilight said rolling her eyes. “Can someone explain to me what is so funny?” Libra said shaking his head. “I think that pony is mental.” Scorpio whispered to him. “Okay, now I have to ask. Why are you laughing?” Leo said as he looked at Pinkey quizzically as Arias stared at her, not sure what to do. “They have frosting mustaches!” Pinkie cackled as she pointing to both Pisces and Aries. “That’s enough to send you on a crazed laughing fest?” Arias asked, using a hoof to take the frosting off her mouth as Pisces used her magic to make it disappear. “Yeah!” Pinkie said as she suddenly stopped laughing and was sitting upright, staring at Aries. “Why, is it not funny to you?” “This pony is starting to scare me.” Libra whispered to Pisces. “She is just having fun, she seems to be a lot like Gemini.” Pisces whispered back. “Frosting isn't really funny.” Arias said. Pinkie just gasped before grabbing Aries face and pulling her so they were eye to eye. “Can you not laugh!? Oh no, did you get into a patch of Poison Joke!?” Pinkie began to panic before shaking Aries back and forth. “Speeeak to meeee!” “Please stop!” Arias said, terrified. “Pinkie, let go of Aries.” Twilight said as she used her magic to remove the pink pony from Aries’s face. “I think you have terrified them enough.” “I wasn’t scaring them! I was just seeing why this pony doesn’t laugh!” Pinkie defended. “I laugh, there is nothing wrong with me.” Arias said. “Oh reeeeally?” Pinkie said leaning back towards Aries with one eye locked on her. “Yes...” Arias said, not liking where this seemed to be going. “Okay then!” Pinkie said before she happily began to bounce away. “The party will be at the Sugarcube Corner tonight!” “Dear maker...” Arias sighed, relaxing as Pinkie disappeared. “She seemed fun!” Gemini said. “I think my brain cells just committed suicide.” Libra groaned as he rubbed his temples again while Scorpio just patted him on the back. “She was.... Interesting.” Leo said blinking as he was still trying to process what happened. “I kept a cupcake for you, if you want it Leo.” Pisces said. “Oh really?” Leo said smiling and looking at her. “Yes.” Pisces said, smiling back before taking out a chocolate cupcakes with fluffy white frosting and levitating it over to Leo. “Alright, shall we continue?” Twilight said chuckling as Leo practically gulped the cupcake down, leaving a frosting goatee on his mouth before licking it off. “Yes, lets continue.” Arias said, already forgetting about the encounter with Pinkie. ______________________________________________________________________________ “So why don’t you guys go in the forest?” Scorpio asked looking at the large collection of trees in the distance. “Because it’s dangerous.” Twilight said looking back at her. “But that’s half the fun!” Scorpio said smiling. “Seems fine to us!” Gemini said, flying closer to the forest. “Gemini, you could be face to face with a dragon and you’d try to hug it.” Leo deadpanned. “They want hugs.” Gem said. “You're both insane.” Libra grumbled as he walked. “A lot of darkness in there.” Pisces remarked. “It doesn't look too scary to me.” Arias said walking after Twilight. “Looks like the forest me and the little ones used to go into. Playing ‘Pirate’ and all their other shenanigans.” Scorpio said sighing as she reminisced. “It is.” Pisces said. “You played in the forest?” Twilight asked looking back as they walked. “Why not? There weren’t many dangers that we couldn’t handle back then. Other than dragons, those were out of even our skill.” Scorpio sighed out. “As well as some bears out for blood.” Arias said, “I didn't know they had cubs in the cave.” “We have all saved each other’s flanks more times than any of us care to count.” Libra said as he looked around the town. “I shocked a dragon with lightning.” Gem said “And I went into its nose and made it unable to breath fire.” Ini said. “That sounds gross.” Leo said raising an eyebrow. “We were there, we know its gross.” Pisces said. “Yeah yeah.” Leo said rolling his eyes. “Sorry if I was too busy trying not to get stomped on.” “Look at the pony flying at high speed here...” Gem said, looking up. “Really?” Libra said looking up along with all the others only to see a rainbow going across the sky. “Oh Gemini, that is just a rainbow.” “No it isn't.” Gemini said, shaking their heads. “Gemini, it doesn't look like a pony, it looks like a rainbow, unless more of those long rainbow ponies are still alive.” Arias said as Pisces squinted up at the rainbow. “Oh those ponies died out long ago.” Leo said shaking his head. “There is a pony flying who is making the rainbow!” Gemini said, sounding frustrated. “Gemini, just stop being silly.” Libra said rolling his eyes. “I see the pony.” Pisces said looking up at the sky at a cyan blur getting closer. “That is a pony.” Arias stated, watching as a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane got closer and suddenly flew up and over before she could hit them and, without losing any speed, flew quickly over to a cottage by the forest and landed at the door. “... I am not going to dignify this with a response.” Libra groaned as he facehoofed. “If the forest is so dangerous, why is somepony living close to it in the first place.” Arias stated. “Oh that is Fluttershy, one of my friends. You see, she is like the towns veterinarian. She is the best pony to go to if you have a problem with animals.” Twilight said as she turned towards the house’s direction and began to walk over to it with the Zodiac’s in tow. “And the cyan mare that just flew by with enough speed to make a rainbow is who?” Arias asked. “That would be Rainbow Dash, another one of my friends. I am not lying when I say she may be the fastest pegasus in all of Equestria.” Twilight said smiling. “That title goes to me!” Gem said. “And me!” Ini said proudly. “I’d like to see you try and tell Rainbow that.” Twilight giggled thinking about what Rainbow’s reaction would be like. “We will challenge her to a race!” Gemini exclaimed flying in loops as they flew above the others. “Gemini, stop trying to instigate something.” Leo said looking up at the twins. “We aren't trying to do anything, just trying to have fun.” Gemini said. “That’s not how Rainbow is going to see it.” Twilight mumbled as she shook her head. The small group walked over to Fluttershy’s home while Rainbow was waiting outside. “Hey Rainbow Dash!” “Hm? Oh hey Twilight! How goes your egghe-... Why are there a bunch of ponies following you?” Rainbow asked looking at all the ponies. “Hello!” Gemini exclaimed, flying down to look at Rainbow. “Um, hi?” Rainbow said unsure as she waved a hoof. “Hi.” Gemini said waving back. “Riiiight.” Rainbow said raising an eyebrow. “So who are these ponies, Twilight?” “They are the Zodiac family from... A very far off place.” Twilight said smiling nervously. Rainbow looked at Twilight weirdly before shrugging. “Okay then, who are they?” Rainbow asked smiling. “We are Gemini!” Gemini said smiling wide smiles. “I am Scorpio.” Scorpio said smiling and bowing her head. “I’m Arias, hey.” Arias said. “I am Libra.” Libra said plainly. “I am Leo, pleased to meet you.” Leo said with a smile. “And I am Pisces, it is nice to meet you.” Pisces said, smiling. “Well I am the one and only Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow said flaring her wings and striking a small pose. “Would there be another one?” Pisces asked confused. “I think it’s an expression.” Leo whispered to Pisces. “You made a nice rainbow before almost mowing us over.” Arias said. “Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't’ see y-... Dude, what's with your horn? I thought Unicorns’ horns are supposed to be straight!... And to only have one... And to be in the center of the forehead...” Rainbow said looking at Arias confused. “I am an earth pony.” Arias stated. “But... You have horns.” Rainbow said tapping one of the curled horns on her head. “Unlike unicorn horns, they are not sensitive, and they are also not a unicorn's horn to begin with, they are rams horns, they are different, and I cant use magic, which is why they are not sensitive like a unicorns.” Arias sighed, hating having to explain herself. “Oh. Well I have to say...That’s pretty cool!” Rainbow said grinning widely. “Thank you.” Arias said, smiling back. “Also I have to ask...” Rainbow leaned in a bit closer. “Why are those two talking in sync?” Rainbow pointed upwards with a wing at Gemini. “Because they do that.” Arias said. “So pretty much, just don’t question it?” Rainbow deadpanned. “Yep.” Arias said. “Oh great, we have two more pinkies to deal with...” Rainbow groaned quietly as she facehoofed. “Tell me about it.” Libra said to himself as the door to the cottage opened slightly. “Hello?” A small voice asked as a blue green eye looked out and saw the seven ponies standing there with Twilight and Rainbow. “Oh Hey Fluttershy!” Rainbow said turning around to face the pony hidden behind the door. “Hello, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said as she opened the door all the way. “Her name really speaks who she is, huh?” Libra said to no one in particular. “Yeah no kidding.” Scorpio said chuckling quietly. “You told me there was a problem with Tank, where is he?” Fluttershy asked. “He is back at my house sleeping. He was too sick to fly and I didn’t want to risk him hurling if I brought him here.” Rainbow said as she rubbed her left arm with her right hoof. “Oh...can you tell me what his symptoms are then?” Fluttershy asked. “Ehm. Tummy troubles, a little bit of puking, no appetite, and a small fever if I remember correctly.” Rainbow said tapping her chin. “Oh, well that is easy to fix! It’s just a little flu, give him plenty of fluids and hot soup and he should be fine in a few days.” Fluttershy said smiling. “Alright thanks Fluttershy!” Rainbow said smiling before her ears perked up. “Oh, have you met these new ponies? They are pretty cool!” “No...I haven't.” Fluttershy said, looking at the Zodiacs next to Twilight. “Well come on out and meet them!” Rainbow said hooking a hoof around Fluttershy’s neck and pulling her towards the Zodiacs. “Hi...” Fluttershy squeaked as she looked at the ponies. “Hello.” Libra said calmly. “Hello.” Gem said. “Hi!” Ini said happily. “Hello.” Arias said nodding. “Sup!” Scorpio said smiling. “Greetings.” Leo said bowing his head slightly. “Hello.” Pisces said, a little concerned as she walked closer to Fluttershy, “You don’t have to be scared of us, we aren't going to hurt you.” She said. “O-ok.” Fluttershy stuttered. “I feel as if what you are doing is going to accomplish nothing.” Libra said raising an eyebrow.“ “You think that about everything.” Scorpio deadpanning as she looked at him only making him shrug. “We are Gemini!” Gemini said walking closer to Fluttershy and smiling, “We are fast.” “Fast huh? How fast are you?” Rainbow asked curiously. “Fast!” Gemini said. “Oh really?” Rainbow said with a competitive tone beginning to line her words. “Oh no.” Libra muttered. “Yes.” Gem said. “Fast.” Ini said. “Well then, how about a race?” Rainbow said smiling. “Fun!” Gemini said together. “This is going to end badly, I can already tell.” Libra said shaking his head. “Don’t be so negative.” Pisces said. “Because negativity can kill you.” Arias said sarcastically. “I have to be negative because if I don’t, nopony will.” Libra said in a Matter of fact tone. “Somepony else will, but you don't have to be negative all the time.” Pisces said. “I am not negative all the time!” Libra defended. “Alright then, meet at the park in half an hour, got it?” Rainbow said as she hovered over the ponies with her hooves crossed. “Got it!” Gemini said happily. “Okay then! See ya Flutters! See ya Twilight!” Then the prismatic pony rocketed off into the clouds. “I don’t think you two are going to win against that.” Libra said watching the rainbow trail fade. “We have a secret way!” Gem said. “It’s secret.” Ini said smiling. “Do you have any more friends? I think I would like to meet them.” Pisces said, turning to look at Twilight. “Yes I do! Come with me, we are going to go meet my friend Applejack.” Twilight said smiling. “Alright, lets go. Nice meeting you Fluttershy.” Pisces said, waving at Fluttershy who timidly waved back as the group walked away. ______________________________________________________________________________ Soon the group arrived atop a small hill where Sweet apple acres was clearly seen. After a quick admiration of the beautiful scene, they saw a orange mare wearing a cowcolt hat and bucking the apple trees and knocking the apples down. “Here we are! And there is my friend Applejack!” Twilight said smiling. “Nice little country farm.” Arias said. The orange pony looked up as she bucked a tree and apples fell down into buckets, “Howdy there Twilight!” Applejack grunted as she bucked another tree. “Who are yer friends?” “Hey Applejack! These are the Zodiacs.” Twilight said smiling. “Thats nice!” Applejack said. “Yes it is! I was just bringing them by because they are new to Ponyville and wanted to meet some of my friends.” Twilight said happily. “Why doesn’t she get a unicorn to help with the apple picking? Would increase production of apples.” Libra said looking around. “Ah heard that, the reasin bein that ah can do it just fine without fancy magic.” Applejack said as she finished bucking a tree and walked over. “I was just suggesting.” Libra said raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t mean to offend.” “Ah know what ya were suggestin.” Applejack said. “Okay then.” Libra said as he continued looking around. “Must take long time to clear this orchard.” “Nothin better then good an honest work, thats the apple family way.” Applejack said proudly, crossing her hooves. “I see. I would have to agree with that one, but I found that taking care of children is enough to keep me in shape.” Libra said with a small short chuckle. “Even foals can learn ta help round and work, it helps em some.” Applejack said as she looked at the barn to see a small filly running towards her, “Theres ma little sister now.” “Hey Applejack!... Who are all these weird ponehs?” Apple Bloom said as she looked at all the ponies. “It ain't nice ta call other ponies weird Applebloom.” Applejack scolded. “Sorry, Applejack. But ah was talkin bout their cutie marks!” Applebloom said walking over and pointing to Arias’ Cutie mark. “They are jus ah bunch of squiggly lines!” “They may be just squiggly lines, but they still mean something.” Arias said defensively. “What does it mean then?” Applebloom asked innocently as she sat on her rump, looking up at Arias with her big and curious eyes. “It means I am brave, assertive, and protective of my friends and family.” Arias said. “Ooooh... Wait a Cutie mark can mean more than one thing?” Applebloom said scratching her head. “It doesn't anymore?” Arias asked as the other Zodiacs looked confused. “Eh heh heh, I’ll answer that later.” Twilight said as she patted Applebloom on the head. “So Applejack, where is Big Mac?” She said a bit louder than necessary to change the subject. “Big Mac is in the barn, moving some hay ta put into the field later.” Applejack said. “Hey, miss?” Applebloom said poking Arias’ leg. “Yes?” Arias asked, looking down at Applebloom. “Why do ya have horns? Did you get hurt or somthin and now yer horn is all wonky?” Applebloom asked innocently. “No.” Arias said. “Um, guys?? I just noticed something peculiar.” Leo said looking at Twilight, then to the other zodiacs. “What Leo?” Pisces asked. “Are ponies smaller now than the time we previously came from?” Leo asked. “What are ya talkin about?” Applejack asked. “Oh nothing, just we are used to seeing taller ponies roaming about.” Leo said sheepishly. “Ya do seem taller, like Big Mac.” Applejack observed. “Why are we just now noticing this?” Scorpio asked looking at the other Zodiacs. “We are terrible at noticing stuff.” Arias said, still looking at Applebloom. “It didn't seem important to mention.” Pisces said shrugging. “I thought we were just in a dwarf pony village.” Libra said plainly. “We are taller?” Gemini asked. “Oh I don’t think it matters anymore.” Libra said waving a hoof dismissively. “At least we don’t have to stretch our neck to look for something now.” “Guess that’s a plus.” Arias said, looking back up as Applebloom continued to look at her’s and the other’s cutie marks. “Ah still think all the weird lookin lines are a bit silly to have for a cutie mark.” Applebloom muttered. “Everypony has their opinions.” Arias said. “So other than the sudden revelation of being taller...” Twilight said before looking back at Applejack. “Do you possibly have some apples to spare? I think it’s around lunch and I don’t think my friends here have eaten.” “Are ya kidding? Ah always have apples ta spare! Applebloom, git our guests some apples.” Applejack said, trying to distract her sister from the ponies cutie marks. “Huh? Oh okay Applejack!” Apple Bloom said before running off to the barn. She soon came back dragging a large bucket of apples out of the barn and rested them next to Applejack, panting and huffing slightly. “Why are these dern buckets so heavy?” “Thank ya kindly.” Applejack said. “There heavy because the apples are heavy.” “They aren’t that heavy.” Leo said walking over and gripping the bucket of apples and lifted it up rather effortlessly before putting it back down. “See?” “Show off.” Scorpio giggled making Leo roll his eyes. “That is awesome!” Gemini said excitedly, clapping their hooves. “If ah didn't know better, ah’d think ya would like a job workin here.” Applejack said. “Heh heh, sorry but I have a job... Elsewhere.” Leo said smiling. “If time would allow, I’d be more than happy to come and help out.” “Alright.” Applejack said. The ponies all took some apples and happily ate and chatted for a while, laughing and talking before Gem opened her eyes and turned to her twin. “We are going to be late for our race!” Gem and Ini exclaimed at the same time. “I still maintain that the synced talking is kinda creepy.” Libra muttered. “We should be used to them doing that Libra.” Arias sighed. “Ah race with who?” Applejack asked. “A rainbow!” Gemini said. “I think you mean, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said as she stood up from her sitting position. “Ya we got to go!” Gemini said, before jumping up and flying away from the farm. “Do they even know the way to where they want to be?” Applejack asked. “No they don't.” Pisces said. “Should I try and catch them?” Libra asked, almost hesitantly. “Ah think we should all go after them and see them race when we bring em to the race.” Applejack said. “Okay then.” Libra stretched his wings before going into a small hover and flying after the twins while everypony else, save for Apple Bloom ran after them in pursuit. ______________________________________________________________________________ They had caught up to Gemini and Twilight and Applejack showed them the way to the park, where Rainbow Dash was waiting, with Rarity talking to her as they walked up behind her, “...All I am asking of you Rainbow is that you think about it.” Rarity pleaded. “I am not going to let you make me a summer gown!” Rainbow groaned. “You would like it I promise!” Rarity said. “Rarity, I would go to the spa to get my wings preened with you, but I am not going to let you make me a dress unless its for something important!” Rainbow huffed. “Oh fine.” Rarity said pouting. “And I am not letting you do my mane either. I like it just the way it is.” Rainbow said giving one last huff. “Alright, ruin my fun.” Rarity said. “Hey Rarity! Hey Rainbow! How are you guys?” Twilight asked as the group walked over. “Oh hello Twilight, who are your friends?” Rarity asked, turning around and looking at the Zodiacs, surprised by how tall they all seemed to be. “We are not late!” Gemini said. “Well the two that are talking are Gemini. She is Gem and she is Ini.” Twilight said pointing to the twins. “And these other ponies are the Zodiac family.” “Well we aren't exactly a family, except for the twins, we are all just friends who feel like family.” Pisces said sheepishly. “I am Pisces.” “And I am Leo.” Leo said bowing his head. “I am Arias, and no I am not a unicorn.” Arias said quickly before Rarity could ask. “And I am Libra, and she is Scorpio.” Libra said pointing to himself then to Scorpio. “It is lovely to meet you, you all seem quite proper and handsome, although a little oddly tall.” Rarity said, rubbing her chin with her right hoof. “Yes, where we come from, everypony is much taller.” Libra said giving a small smile that lasted a minute before his stoic expression was back. “Ah, ok, so Rainbow is racing Gemini?” Rarity asked. “Ah do believe that is what they said.” Applejack said. “And I still maintain that it will end badly.” Libra added in. “Oh Libra just stop it.” Scorpio said giving him a light punch to the shoulder. “Yeah, I am ready to show that I am still the fastest pegasus in Equestria!” Rainbow said confidently as she hovered in the air. “We are going to have so much fun!” Gemini said as they hovered in the air as well. “I think this shall be interesting.” Rarity declared. “I hope that this goes well.” Pisces whispered to Leo. “I do too, but knowing those two, it’ll end up with us trying to gather up snakes again.” Leo whispered back. “I never liked snakes.” Pisces said shivering slightly. “Does anypony?” Leo asked chuckling slightly and hugging Pisces. “I don’t know.” Pisces said, hugging him back. “Alright, Applejack you ready?” Rainbow asked as she got ready on the ground. “Ya, ahm ready.” Applejack said. “Then whenever you want, start counting.” Rainbow said as she got into position. “Alright, one, two three, go!” Applejack said. Rainbow Dash and the Gemini fly off as Gem and Ini took hold of each others front hooves and start flipping and spinning each other in the air as they flew, somehow making them go faster than Rainbow spinning and flipped their way back to the starting line as they yell in delight at having fun with each other with Rainbow coming a minute after them and hovering in the air. “So their plan was to use momentum?” Libra deadpanned. “Apparently.” Arias said. “Is that cheating or is it fair play?” Libra asked. “Ah think that is fair, they did fly and they also did do the race.” Applejack said, looking at Twilight. “To be fair, we didn’t even place any rules.” Twilight said shrugging. “But then again, together they are faster than Rainbow Dash... But apart I think Rainbow Dash is still faster... But.. Augh! Now my brain hurts again! Why do they have to be so close to Pinkie Pie!?” “Ah don't know Twilight.” Applejack said. “I do believe that was quite impressive.” Rarity said smiling as Rainbow looked at the twins. “It was so much fun!” Gemini said. “That wasn’t fair, you guys helped each other!” Rainbow huffed as she landed. “Ya didn't set no rules sugarcube.” Applejack said. “Ye-, bu-!... Aug!” Rainbow growled out before sighing. “Fine, you’re right. They won... As bitter as those words taste.” “You didn't have fun?” Gem asked. “Not everypony has as much fun as you two when you race.” Arias said. “I lost.” Rainbow muttered as she looked away. “Told you all it would end badly.” Libra said before receiving a smack from Scorpio. Pisces walked over to Rainbow and put a leg around her in a hug, “Losing doesn't mean you're bad at anything, it means that you can learn and grow to be better.” Pisces said. “Uhm... Yeah. Right.” Rainbow said as she awkwardly got out of the hug. “Ya know how Pinkie got someplace before ya before Rainbow? They are like her with wings, with a different sense of flyin’.” Applejack said. “Oh! Then why didn’t you say so?” Rainbow said smiling as she hovered in the air. “Ah didn't think ah would have ta.” Applejack sighed. “Well, I have only met them once, so I didn’t know what they were like.” Rainbow said shrugging. “You can’t beat somepony that’s like Pinkie Pie, unless you are Pinkie.” “Just like how Twilight always says! She is just being Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie said as she was sitting on Arias’ back giggling. “...How...” Arias said confused as she looked behind her at the pink pony. “I just did a hop, skip, and a jump!” Pinkie said smiling. “You got on my without anypony noticing, and somehow got past me. Two things in one day...” Arias muttered. “And?” Pinkie asked tilting her head. “You should not exist and you can't possibly be an earth pony.” Arias said. “But if I don’t exist, does that mean I am a... Zombie!?” Pinkie said gasping loudly. “But I don’t want to eat other ponies brains! That’s not nice at all!” “Dear maker get off me.” Arias said trying to shake Pinkie off her. Pinkie grabbed onto Arias’ horns before letting out a small ‘Wheeee!’ as she tried to shake the pink one off. “This is fun!” Pinkie giggled. “This is funny.” Gemini said as they giggled. “This reminds me of a bull trying ta buck off a pony.” Applejack said watching as Arias tried to get Pinkie off her. “Wheeeeeeee!” Was all Pinkie responded with. “Heh, this is amusing.” Libra said giving a small chuckle. “How long do you think she is going to stay on there?” Leo asked. “Pinkie can keep at it fer a long time and not git right tired.” Applejack stated. “She’s not kidding either.” Rainbow said snickering at the sight of Pinkie and Arias. “This isn't funny.” Arias stated as she continued to try and buck Pinkie off her. “I think it’s funny.” Rainbow said before bursting into laughter. “What I am more curious is how long Arias can keep this up.” Twilight said giggling slightly. “She can keep it up forever! Celestia and Luna loved it.” Gemini said smiling. “What?” Applejack said. “Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked. “Oh, we were the caretakers for Luna and Celestia when they were foals.” Libra said without thinking before his stoic expression gained one of realization. “... I wasn’t supposed to say that, was I?” “What?!” Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow dash all asked together. Twilight only groaned and facehoofed as Pinkie continued to ride on Arias back.