//------------------------------//
// MLAABQ Gaiden: Magical Expertise 
// Story: Short Flights And Failed Takeoffs 
// by Snakeskin Ducttape 
//------------------------------//

Gabe walked through a street in Ponyville towards Golden Oaks, still and serene save for the soft chirping of birds... and a strange thumping sound that grew steadily louder as she made her way down the road.

The thumping grew most intense next to the library, and Gabe peered her head around the corner to see Crescent, her Saddle Arabian neighbor, whipping a carpet with an irritated scowl on his face.

"Hey, Crescent," Gabe said. "How's it going?"

Crescent first looked annoyed at the interruption, before his face mellowed into a mix of relief and anticipation.

"Ah, Gabe. Just the pony I wanted to see," Crescent said. "Could you take a look at this? I can't get it to start!”