It was a lovely day in Ponyville, today, a royal summit was to be held in Twilight Sparkle’s castle, and the Royal Sisters and the Royal Family from the Crystal Empire were coming to visit.
It was also the day of Twilight and Spike’s anniversary of the two becoming friends when Twilight was a filly at Celestia’s school, at first things were difficult when the young filly tried to look after a baby dragon, but it turned out well in the end as Twilight learned that Celestia was helping her make a friend with the little fire breather.
Things were very busy, as ponies were getting ready for the arrival of the royals, putting up decorations fixing up their homes.
But not far from Ponyville, a trio of fillies, along with the young dragon and some animals, being a rabbit, a dog and a cat, were rushing towards the town in quite a hurry, though they were a bit worried of something at the moment.
“She’s not coming yet.” Spike said, getting some time for him and the fillies to stop and catch their breath.
“Did you think she tried to hurt Winona?” Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom.
“I think she tried to,” Apple Bloom suggested, before turning to Winona, giving her a stroke as the dog let out a worrying wine, “didn’t she girl?”
“We better get going before she spots us!” Sweetie Belle said with worry, as the others nodded and rushed off into town.
The group rushed into Ponyville, passing many of the citizens, as they were busy getting things ready, though they did see them a few seconds to say a quick hello, which the group, though in a hurry, kindly returned.
Soon the group arrived at their destination, Ponyville Town Hall, where, as they entered, they saw Fluttershy doing some rehearsals with her bird friends, Rainbow Dash chatting with Lyra and Bon Bon, and Mayor Mare talking to Applejack and Rarity, the latter sorting out the decorations inside Town Hall once again, while helping out with the nice uniforms for some of the ponies who wanted to look smart, especially the Rich family.
Speaking of the Rich family, among them was their good friend, their former bully, Diamond Tiara, who was speaking to Silver Spoon and Pipsqueak while she was trying out one of the outfits.
Apple Bloom, felling quite happy to see her (while deciding to hide up what happened), called out to her.
“Diamond Tiara!”
This got the pink filly’s attention, as she turned then had a smile on her face as she saw Apple Bloom.
After everything that had happened between, it was great to see the two of them (along with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon) getting along so well.
“Hey, Apple Bloom!” Diamond Tiara said, as she and Apple Bloom gave each other a small hug.
“How are things going with you?” Apple Bloom asked, as Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes with a chuckle.
“Oh you wouldn’t believe the day I’ve been having,” she said, “my parents have been going crazy with sorting out my wardrobe on what to wear today, and, of course you know my parents (especially my mum), that they had to make sure that I was in good high standards for when the royals arrive.”
Apple Bloom had a small giggle as she understood about Diamond Tiara, after what had happened at the School President election and Diamond Tiara standing up to her mother, Spoiled Rich, things have been changing a lot, as Diamond Tiara once mentioned that she was getting a little tired of her pampering (though she didn’t want to mention it to her parents… yet).
Just then, Winona popped up and gave Diamond Tiara a happy lick, “Eww!” the pink filly cried, giggling as the licks felt like tickles.
“Winona very much likes you!” Apple Bloom stated.
“I know,” said Diamond Tiara, with a sigh, “I just wish that I had a pet to look after…”
“Maybe you’ll get a chance sooner or later…” Apple Bloom said, giving her comfort, while Scootaloo got Winona and made sure that she, Opal and Angel were hidden.
“So, do you need any help, Rarity?” Spike asked, as he and Sweetie Belle went to Sweetie’s older sister for assistance, hoping to play along like nothing happened.
“Oh, I’m glad you asked, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity, before bringing up some pins, “would you mind if keeping hold of these for me?”
“Of course, M’lady.” Spike said with a happy sigh, as he got on all fours as Rarity once again used his tough scales as a pincushion, while Sweetie Belle helped with getting the things that her older sister needed.
The young dragon and fillies all hoped that she wouldn’t show up…
Unfortunately, she did.
Walking down the streets of Ponyville, an obedient butler by her side, was a light opalish gray unicorn, tall as Zesty Gourmand and/or Princess Cadence or Luna, with a distinctive facial structure, and with a small pimple on her bottom left cheek, wearing a fancy outfit on her with half-moon glasses and cutie mark of strict face holding a trophy.
She was Abacus Cinch, one of the richest ponies (next to the Riches) and the meanest pony known in Ponyville and around most of Equestria.
If those of you know the Cinch from the human world, then this was her, only in pony form while still having her known hair style.
Cinch took great pride in her reputation, especially gaining awards of honor and her business (especially being a client to Filthy and Spoiled Rich’s company).
And she was in a very, very angry mood.
As she walked down the streets of Ponyville, with her butler beside her (who was carrying a big box containing something), everywhere she went, she brought the wrath of Tatarus to those who little bit feared her.
“Good day, Mrs. Cinch.” One pony said cheerfully to her.
However, she looked him, sneering a sneer as she replied, “What makes you think it’s a good day?”
This left the poor pony speechless, stunned and appalled at what had happened as Cinch and her butler continued.
“Hello, Mrs. Cinch.” A female Pegasus of a small group said to her.
“Out of my way.” Cinch grumbly said, as she rudely pushed them out of her way, much to the group’s dismay at her behavior.
She even trotted on a filly’s toy without saying sorry, much to the sadness of the filly who was crying for her toy broken.
“Button up, you brat…” she mumbled quietly as she and her butler arrived at town hall.
As she rudely passed most of the ponies working or having a conversation, she saw the Riches, and let out wicked smile of pleasure.
“Why hello, Mr. and Mrs. Rich.” She said.
“Abacus Cinch,” Filthy Rich said with a smile as he and his equally happy wife came over to meet her, along with their daughter, “what a delight to see you again.”
Though Diamond Tiara gave a nervous smile when she saw Miss Cinch, as she knew that she always gave her the creeps, as their relationship was basically mutual, and she didn’t want to disappoint her parents about that, even after her reforming, as saw how Cinch treated young fillies, making her worried about what may happen if she did something with her friends, even her new ones in the Crusaders.
“How are you feeling, Abacus?” Spoiled Rich asked her friend.
“Oh, just fine,” Cinch said, through a wicked smile, “just needing to take care of some loose ends.”
She then looked to their daughter, “Hello, Diamond Tiara.”
“H-hi, Miss Cinch.” Diamond Tiara said, as she tried act calm in front of her, hiding her fear a bit.
“How are things going with your daughter, teaching her social standards well?” Cinch asked the parents as she looked back to them.
“Pretty well,” Spoiled Rich replied, “though I’m not sure about her new perspective, especially with being friends with some former blank flank commoners…”
“I see…” Cinch said as she then eyed the daughter, Diamond Tiara acting nervous.
“Do excuse me, for the moment…” she then said, as she went back to where she was going, as she approached Applejack, Rarity their sister and Spike, as the older sisters were busy talking.
As she saw her approaching, Spike, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle grew nervous as they saw Cinch approaching.
It was then that Applejack and Rarity spotted her.
“Howdy, Miss Cinch,” Applejack said, a little curious about what had got into her sister and Rarity’s as the pony in question came up and why she was here.
“How are you today?” Rarity asked, as she looked to see her sister hiding behind her tail, while Spike looked a little nervous.
“Miss Applejack, Miss Rarity,” Abacus Cinch said, though while she had smile, it was clear that it wasn’t a pleasant one, especially as she eyed the little siblings, “things have been going swimmingly today for me, in fact, today, I was having a lovely breakfast with cup of my favorite tea, and it would have been a nice day if it weren’t for one minor problem…”
She then used her magic to whisk the box from her butler, before opening it and carefully slamming the thing that was in the box on the table they were at: a head of stone pony.
“This is what’s left of my prized, imported VanHoove statue,” Cinch said angrily, “your little brats broke it this morning!!”
The shout (and the thud from the statue head) got a small bit of attention from half of everypony in the hall, including the Riches, as Applejack and Rarity looked at their sisters as they both raised an eyebrow and had a look that said “is it true?” at what she meant.
Behind the curtains, Scootaloo cringed at what was happening, with the pets having worried looks.
“It wasn’t our fault!” Apple Bloom confessed, as Sweetie Belle came out of hiding.
“We didn’t mean it,” Sweetie Belle added, “we were trying to get Winona and Opal under control while we were looking after them (Scootaloo helping us out a bit), when they went into her garden and knocked the statue over, it was an accident!”
“There are no accidents, only excuses,” Cinch said with a sneer, “and I hate excuses…”
“Steady on, Miss Cinch,” Applejack said, “if they say it was an accident, it was an accident.”
“And you think it was an accident that your dog nearly bit me?!” Cinch said crossly, which surprised Applejack hearing this.
“Winona wouldn’t do that unless she was protecting somepony of her family, and she’s family, being a dog that’s nice and loyal.” Applejack said, Apple Bloom nodding at that.
“And incase you forgotten, I’m highly allergic to those flea bags!” Cinch butted in.
“Now, now,” Rarity said, calmly, “I understand that you prefer yourself a cat person, but there’s no need to speak about Appleja-”
“And don’t think I’d forget about your cat,” Cinch then butted in on Rarity, much to the latter’s shock, “I know that when I see my garden pillows ruined, I always know that it’s your cats work!”
While this was heard, Winona and Angel looked at their cat companion with “seriously” look, while Opal ignored their looks before grooming herself.
“And to make it worse,” Cinch continued, “that filly’s little rabbit is even worse, as he goes around digging through my garden, and even leaving little ‘presents’ behind by my flower beds!”
Angel, hearing this, gulped a little.
“Wait a second,” Spike spoke up, “Angel doesn’t belong to Scootaloo!”
“Oh,” Cinch then said, “then I suppose he’s yours?”
“Well… no…” Spike said, a little down, “I did had a pet though… or a few…”
“Look,” Applejack said, coming back to the conversation of what happened to the statue, “we’re sorry about what happened, just tell us how much you want and, with the next cider season coming up, I’m sure we can-”
“I don’t want money!” Cinch crossly said.
She then leaned in as she let out a wicked grin as she said, “I want your dog.”
Hearing this, Winona let a nervous whine (which luckily, Cinch didn’t hear… yet).
“Winona?” Applejack said in disbelief.
“Give her to me.” Cinch demanded as she sneered, before it changed to a cruel grin, “I’ll take her to the kennel, they’ll put her to sleep and it will be quick and painless.”
“NO! You can’t!!” Apple Bloom said in shock, as she, Applejack, Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Spike were shocked at that decision, “Winona’s family!”
“The same thing I can do for that cat and rabbit of yours too.” Cinch said, earning a gasp from Rarity and Sweetie Belle, fearing of Opal and Angel’s safety.
The older sisters and Spike were lucky that Fluttershy wasn’t here to hear this, it would have broke her heart to hear such a cruel fate for animals she loves to take care of.
“And I promise you,” Cinch continued, “it will be much easier pain than what I can do.”
“W-what can you do?” Spike asked nervously.
Cinch eyed on the group as she said with a smirk, “I’ll catch the little fur balls myself, then they’ll get what they deserve: a slow painful death.”
Behind the curtain, Winona was hearing the harsh things being said, and she began to growl, Scootaloo noticed and tried to calm her down, with Angel and Opal seeing what was happening, as well as hearing what Cinch had planned for them.
“Maybe I’ll put them in my spin dryer on high heat.” Cinch grinned meanly, as she then looked to young sisters.
“And for you little ones, I believe I should take you and your little winged friend straight to a boarding school, there they could teach you some proper manners of respect. Don’t you think, Vanguard?” She said, as shen then looked to her butler, Vanguard, as he sternly looked to her and nodded.
“That could do the trick, Ma’am.” He said.
Just then, Winona rushed straight out of the curtain, Scootaloo and the other three pets following behind, as the dog barked madly after Cinch.
Seeing the dog, Cinch let out a scream, as Winona jumped onto the table, knocking the statue head off as it smashed onto the floor into little pieces.
Winona then jumped onto Cinch, pulling on her outfit, and since dogs shed their fur, bits of dog hair fell onto the mean pony, resulting in her to panic while sneezing a lot!
“Winona!” Applejack cried out as she and Apple Bloom got a hold of their dog, “Stay down! Stay down!”
Seeing and/or hearing the commotion, few ponies (including Flithy Rich) instantly helped Cinch up, who was acting like she was in agony.
“Are you alright, Abacus?” Spoiler Rich said as she and Diamond Tiara came up to her.
“Oh, I have a very weak heart,” Cinch explained, “I can’t stand a shock like that!”
“Well, maybe if you didn’t threaten Winona, she wouldn’t have done that!” Apple Bloom said angrily to her, Applejack nodded in agreement.
“Oh, mark my words,” Cinch said angrily, as she pushed the ponies helping her off her, still sneezing “I’ll be (achoo) coming for your little pets, and after that stunt, I-a-(achoo) have every right to send them to the kennels! All of them! And you a-(achoo)-and your friends would shipped straight for Boarding Schoo-(achoo) with smacked flanks!!”
Diamond Tiara couldn’t stand hearing more of this, and couldn’t believe she was hearing these harsh punishments, she then stood up, jumped in the way between Apple Bloom and Cinch and looked to her in the eye.
“Leave my friends alone,” she said, “They didn’t do anything wrong!”
“Diamond Tiara-(achoo), you move over,” Cinch said, her patients starting to fade, “you know very well that they are nothing but uncouth scallywags who need a good leason! And their troublesome fleabags put out of their misery!”
“I’m sick of hearing this from you!” Diamond Tiara said back, “You’re horrible! You… you… you WICKED WITCH!!”
This caused most of everypony to gasp at this, while it surprised the Crusaders, but shocked her parents with horror.
“DIAMOND TIARA!” her parents shouted, as they couldn’t believe what she just said.
Cinch was shocked at first, but she then scowled angrily, “How dare you…” she grumbled, “How DARE you!!”
“Miss Cinch,” Filthy Rich said, trying to calm her down, “be reasonable, she was only just helping her friends… even if it was a bad way.” He said the last part with a sad grumble.
“Enough!” Cinch shouted, before she turned to the Riches, “While we still have our shares on business, it doesn’t make up for what your daughter has done!”
She then angrily looked to all four fillies (Scootaloo having joined in after Winona jumped Cinch) as she glared evilly at them and the three pets.
“And you… don’t think this over…” she said, “I’ll get you my pretties…” she then looked to Winona, Opal and Angel as she added, “and your little fleabags too!”
This caused Winona to growl at her, with Opal letting out a hiss, giving Cinch a small jump, before leaving with her butler at her, as she complained more about her weak heart.
As they left, Spoiled Rich looked to her daughter with a sneer, “Diamond Tiara, we will have a talk about this later!”
As both Spoiled and Filthy Rich (the latter shaking his head in disbelieve of what has happened) left, Diamond Tiara looked to the crusaders, who gave her a sad smile.
“Thanks Diamond Tiara,” Apple Bloom said with a smile, “you really are a great friend.”
As she gave her former bully a hug, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were still amazed about what Diamond Tiara did.
“Wow,” Scootaloo said with amazment, “I can’t believe you juts stood up to that mean Cinch! That took guts!”
“And sticking up for friends is what the Cutie Mark Crusaders would do,” Sweetie Belle said proudly, “and after seeing a brave act like that, you might have earned a spot with us!”
“Thanks, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle,” Diamond Tiara said, “though, some how I don’t know how long until I can hang with you guys after that stunt in front of my parents…”
“Don’t you worry, Diamond Tiara,” Applejack said, as she came up to the fillies, “I’m sure ah’ can say something to them,” as she was about to head to the direction the Riches went, she leaned to Diamond Tiara as she let out a chuckle, saying, “besides, I would have said something much worse if you didn’t.”
This made the fillies chuckle a little as Applejack went to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Rich.
Much Later…
Following the dramatics that happened at Town Hall, the Royal Summit went off without a hitch (although Spoiled Rich gave Diamond Tiara a stern look, for Applejack explained to the parents that the pink filly did what she thought was right and stood up for her friends, so they decided to ground for just next week).
Once the summit was finished, and everypony went back home and/or to their usual routines, Twilight’s friends and family, as well as the royal members of her family and even the Mane 6’s pets and Twilight’s friends from Canterlot, stayed and celebrated Twilight and Spike’s anniversary.
“She really said that?!” Pinkie said in surprise, having heard what happened at Town Hall.
“Why indeed,” Rarity said, “I was just as surprised as you are, as well as my sister and her friends when she called Miss Cinch a witch.”
The only one who wasn’t enjoying the story was Fluttershy, “I still couldn’t believe that Cinch would try and put Angel down, how horrible and cruel of her!” she said with an upset tone.
“Well, don’t you worry now,” Applejack said to Fluttershy, “as far as I can tell, I’m sure Cinch won’t come near Angel for now after what happened.”
Meanwhile, Twilight was getting along well with her brother, sister-in-law and aunt-in-laws, as well as her niece and her parents too.
“I’m just glad that you can come today.” Twilight said happily, as she was currently holding Flurry Heart in her left hoof as the little baby was using her teething toy.
“So are we, Twily,” Shining Armor said, “and Cadence and I know just how much Flurry Heart was feeling to see you all again.”
“As my sister mentioned before,” Princess Luna then said, “it is quite nice for us to get a chance to relax without any problems or other troubles.”
“And I’m just so happy how things have come so far between you and Spike.” Princess Celestia said with a smile.
“I know,” Twilight said, as she had a small sip of punch, “of course, I should thank you for helping me find a friend, Princess Celestia, even if things took a rocky start.”
“So how are things going with Thorax?” Spike asked Princess Cadence, asking about his Changeling friend.
“Thorax is doing quite well with repairs after what happened,” Cadence explained, “he’s sorry that he couldn’t come, but he wished you and Twilight a happy anniversary and thanks for everything.”
This put a smile on Spike’s face when he heard that.
Soon after, it was time for presents, and this time, Spike was able to control himself (to avoid what had happened following his birthday).
From Twilight’s parents, they were able to get her a special subscription for the upcoming books by Prancida Cowell, while Shining Armor and Cadence brought some books from the Cyrstal Empire.
Rarity bought Spike a special book about the rarest gemstones ever (she even got one for herself, since she thought that some of the gems would be perfect for her next line of dresses).
Rainbow Dash bought Twilight a signed art portrait of one of the covers of the Daring Do series (signed by the author/adventurer herself).
Pinkie’s present was once again from the Cakes, as they brought Spike a box of gem cupcakes, each one with different jewels.
Celestia and Luna were able to find the key to Starswirl the Bearded’s studies, so Twilight would be welcome to study, read and learn everything more about the unicorn wizard, much to her excitement and delight.
Twilight also received a brand new telescope with her cutie mark engraved on it, with Cadence stated it was a present from one of the castle guards, Flash Sentry (which made Twilight blush a little, much to guessing teasness of her friends).
After several more presents, it was then time for the special one from Starlight, Sunburst and Moon Dancer.
“This has been quite an amazing day!” Spike said happily, “I don’t how it could get more great!”
“Well, we’re glad you said that,” Starlight said, as she and Sunburst used their magic to bring up their present, it was medium big box, lovely wrapped with a bow, “because, here is one that you two will enjoy.”
The present was then given to Twilight, who used her magic to hold it, as she and Spike were amazed of the trio’s generous gift.
Then came a strange sound coming from the box, as Twilight placed her ear to it.
“What is it?” Twilight asked.
“Do you think it’s a bird cage?” Spike suggested.
“I don’t know.” Twilight shrugged, as she slowly shook the box.
“Careful now,” Sunburst said, “best not to shake it.”
Winona then sniffed at the box, then barked happily at it, which was then replied by a cute little woof impression inside.
This really surprised the two as Spike made another wild guess, “It’s a puppy, isn’t it?!”
“That would be so sweet!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Ah know,” Applejack said, “and it would make a special play mate for Winona.”
“You’ll see,” Moon Dancer said, as Twilight placed the present on the table, then she turned to Twinkleshine, “Twinkleshine, could you dim the lights down, please?”
“Okay.” Twinkleshine said, as she used her magic to do that.
“Dim the lights?” Spike said curiously, “Does this thing glow in the dark?”
“It must be an nocturnal creature if it’s important.” Luna suggested.
“Close enough.” Starlight said to the Princess of the night.
Once the lights were dimmed, Starlight nodded her head to let Twilgiht and Spike open the present.
Spike was a bit quicker to unwrap the present, as it revealed to be a box, once Spike was sitting next to Twilight, the purple alicon then used her magic to open it, very slowly.
They both leaned in slowly to get a look, until a furry thing jumped up for second with a squeak before landing back in the box, giving the duo, even the others a surprise startle.
“Whoa!” Spike said, “What is it?”
“Spike,” Starlight said, “meet your new pet.”
“New pet?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Of course,” Starlight said, “I’ve heard a lot from Twilight that Spike had a few pets, one being a baby phoenix and then some sea beasts, and since Twilight already has a pet, we decided to give him a even special one for himself.”
“A special one?” Fluttershy asked, a little giddy, “Let us see!”
Soon, most of the group leaned in with Twilight and Spike very slowly to avoid scaring the strange creature.
There was some little gibble sounds with some little purrs first, then two little paws with three stubby fingures slowly popped up, holding onto the box’s edge, before lifting the creature up as it slowly revealed itself.
It was a small, furry, brown and white creature, which a little bit looked like a mix between a rodent, a koala and/or a primate with big ears.
“No way…” Spike and Twilight said, as they were amazed to see the little creature.
“Aww… it’s so cute!” Sweetie Belle said with giddiness.
“I know, I just can’t believe it’s so adorable!” Fluttershy said, as she was trying to hold in her excitement.
The little creature looked around, taking in it’s surroundings as everypony were amazed by it, it saw most of the ponies acting a little giddy and excited, seeing how sweet it looked, when it saw some of the pets, it spotted Winona and said, “Woof woof! Woof woof!”
Owlowiscious saw the little creauture and let out a ‘Hoot’, in which the creature happily replied back, “Hoot!”
“Well I’ll be,” Applejack said, as she then turned to Starlight, “Where did y’all get this?”
“It was from a little magic store in Canterlot.” Starlight explained, “It’s a odd little creature too, nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
“Have you seen something like this, Auntie Celestia? Auntie Luna?” Candece asked her aunts.
“We have seen many extraordinary and fascinating creatures,” Celestia stated, “but we’ve never come across something like this in our live time.”
“Just to make sure,” Rainbow said as she then turned to Pinkie, “have you seen something like this before, Pinkie? Do you think they could be… ‘yucky’ as you said about the Parasprites before?”
“Are you kidding?!” Pinkie exclaimed, “I’ve never seen anything this cute before, although seeing the Cake’s twins were cute, as well as Flurry Heart, it was super cute! Ooh, I almost forgot about the Breezies! They were super cute too, and-”
“Okay! You’ve never seen these things before, we get it!” Rainbow said as she placed her hoof on Pinkie’s muzzle to keep her quiet.
As the creature looked at the group, seeing how they weren’t spooked out or scary, it let out the sweet tune again as it did back in the shop.
“Is it… singing?” Fluttershy asked Starlight.
“It sure is.” Starlight said as she nodded.
“I think it’s so sweet.” Fluttershy said as she enjoyed the music.
“Is it okay for me to hold it?” Spike asked Sunburst.
“Sure, go ahead,” Sunburst said happily, “just remember to be gentle.”
“We will.” Twilight said, as she then used her magic to carefully lift the creature out of the box and brought it onto Spike, as he began to cradle the cute little creature like a baby.
Since it was about the size of a toy bear, it was perfect for Spike.
“I hope it’s house broken.” Rarity whispered to Applejack, as Spike gave the creature some attention.
“You so cute, aren’t ya?” Spike said happily.
He then looked up to Moon Dancer and asked, “What type of creature is it?”
“He’s a Mogwai.” Moon Dancer answered.
“A what?” Spike asked, a little confused.
“Mogwai.” Moon Dancer repeated.
Then the little Mogwai spoke up, “Mogwai.” It chirped, “Mogwai.”
“Bit of a Chineighess name,” Moon Dancer explained, as she brought up a smile, “We just call him ‘Gizmo’, and he pretty seems to like it.”
Gizmo let out a sweet little purr as it heard it’s name, happy to be with it’s new friends.
Flurry Heart, who was sitting on the couch, crawled up to Spike and looked to Gizmo, who chirped in a way of saying hello.
The little Alicorn let out a giggle, then said out, “Mogwai.”
“Gizmo.” Gizmo said.
“Gizmo. Mogwai.” Flurry Heart happily said, as she clapped her little hoofs.
“Looks like Flurry Heart really likes Gizmo too.” Cadence said with a chuckle, along with her husband.
Soon, Night Light got out his camera, “Okay, how about a photo with the new family member?”
“Good idea, dear,” Twilight Velvet said, as she then took the camera and gave it to Minuette, “could you happily take the picture for us?”
“Sure thing, Miss Velvet.” Minuette said, as she then prepared the camera.
As Twilight’s family got together, Spike looked down to his new pet and said, “Welcome to the family, Gizmo.”
“Alright, everypony,” Minuette said, “say ‘Mogwai!’”
“Mogwai!” Twilight, her family, Spike and even Gizmo said happily as Minuette took the picture…
And the camera flashed.
As it did, Gizmo let out a squeak of panic as he jumped out of surprised Spike’s arms.
“Bright light! Bright light!” Gizmo cried out.
“No, no! No, Minuette!” Moon Dancer calmly said to the confused blue unicorn, as Gizmo rushed up to Starlight, who then gave him some comfort.
“It’s okay, Gizmo. It’s alright, nothing to be scared of.” Starlight said, as she acted like a mother to a scared child.
“What happened?” Scootaloo said, “What’s wrong?”
“He hates bright lights.” Sunburst said, as he looked to Gizmo, who was shaking in fear, his little teeth chattering a little, before he looked around to everypony, as they had looks of worry and confusion before saying, “You know, there are some rules that we forgot to tell you about, so listen carefully… they are very important, so don’t forget.”
Sunburst nodded to Moon Dancer, who understood as she explained the first rule.
“First rule: he hates bright lights, we all know that now.” She said, as she then looked to the Royal Sisters, “You may probably understand what we’re explained so…”
‘”It’s okay,” Celestia said, “we understand very well about the many creatures that walk either day or night.”
“And I take it that it could be alright during the day?” Luna asked.
“Of course, it is alright for Gizmo to be up either day or night,” Moon Dancer stated, “but remember that you must all have to keep him away from any bright lights, it could hurt Gizmo, especially too much of the sunlight, sunlight could kill it.”
“Sunlight could kill it?!” Fluttershy said in both shock and surprise, as she know many nocturnal creatures, but never saw any of them get killed by too much sunlight.
“We undertand.” Celestia said, as she and Luna nodded.
“Number two,” Sunburst then spoke up, as he explained the second rule, “keep him away from water, we mustn’t get him wet. I think it would be best not give him water drink, and what ever you do, don’t give him a bath!”
“Especially not even take him to the spa.” Applejack smirked as she looked to Rarity.
“Alright, I get it,” Rarity said, “real funny, Applejack.”
“Rainbow Dash,” Starlight said to the rainbow-maned Pegasus, “I know that a pegaus’s job is to do weather control, so could you-?”
“Don’t worry, Starlight,” Rainbow said, understand what Starlight was saying, “I’ll make sure to keep any rainclouds away from Gizmo if he comes out, same with blocking out any daylight too!”
“Thanks, Rainbow,” Starlight said, as she then turned to the others, “and the most important rule of all, and you must never forget this one, no matter how much it would beg, or pled, or even cry, don’t ever fed him after midnight.”
She then used her magic to genteelly bring Gizmo back to Spike, as she asked, “Do you promise to remember?”
“Alright.” Spike said, as he nodded, though while he seemed a little baffled by these strange rules, he decided to agree on that any way.
“We better Pinkie Promise this one, everypony!” Pinkie said, as she did her usual Pinkie Promise routine.
Once all was in agreement, they decided to continue the party a bit, until it was time for everypony to leave.
As he tucked Gizmo in his bed, Spike had a thought about those rules that Starlight, Sunburst and Moon Dancer explained.
“Twilight,” he asked, getting the purple Alicorn’s attention.
“Yeah, Spike?” Twilight asked.
“You really think we’ll try to remember these rules for this little guy?” Spike asked, as he looked down to Gizmo, laying comfortably in the bed.
“Don’t worry, Spike,” Twilight said with a smile, “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
As Twilight got into bed, Spike thought about it and shrugged, “I guess you’re right.”
As he got into bed, he turned to Gizmo and gave him a little kiss on the head.
“Goodnight, Gizmo,” He said, as he began to fell asleep, “see you in the morning.”
Gizmo then let out a sweet yawn, before falling asleep with his new owner and friend.
Though while it looked like things would be smooth sailing, Gizmo’s adventures with his pony friends were only beginning…