9 AM. Tuesday, October 10, 2028. The Castle of Friendship...
Within the historic walls of the map room, where so many historic and memorable events took place, everyone was gathered around the large round table. Twilight Sparkle, alicorn and Princess of Friendship, sat upon her throne, enjoying the company of her close friends. By her side sat the dragon Spike, her ever-faithful assistant through all the challenges and against all the villains she faced. Though older and bigger than when they arrived in Ponyville, he was still relatively young by dragon standards. Tucked by his side was a comic book, perhaps the new Power Ponies story that had just hit newsstands.
Arrayed around the table sat the rest of her friends, no, her family. Beyond the young drake was Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty. Twilight remembered how from the very day she arrived in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash had dreamed of joining the Wonderbolts, the best fliers in all of Equestria. After years of hard work, she had been accepted into the Reserves before finally becoming a full-fledged member. Now she was here, not as a mere member but as the Captain of the Wonderbolts. Rumor had it she was tapped to become a full-bird colonel, wing commander in charge of both the Wonderbolts squadron and the Shadowbolts squadron. Twilight had read the board’s report, and was excited for her friend, but knew that spoiling a surprise for another was a terrible, wicked deed. So, for now, Twilight kept her mouth shut, secretly beaming inside.
Next came Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness. Once she could barely utter a word, now she could sing on stage with the rest of the Ponytones, who occasionally preformed as an opening act for others such as Sapphire Shores, Coloratura, Share, Adore, Filly Joel, the Rainbooms and even Songbird Serenade. And of course she continued with her duties of taking care of any and every animal that needed help. As the manager of Ponyville Pet Center, she ensured that operations ran smoothly and efficiently. Pouring her heart and soul into Sweet Feather Sanctuary, the refuge tripled in size and welcomed animals from all across Equestria. Finally, Fluttershy apprenticed under Dr. Fauna to become a certified veterinarian and worked as an assistant in the Ponyville Animal Hospital.
To Fluttershy’s right was Pinkie Pie, laughing and giggling at a joke Rainbow Dash just dropped. The pink pony still worked at Sugarcube Corner, being an integral part of the Cake family. She looked after Bundt and Crème, the two new foals of the household. But her duties as the greatest party-planner in Equestria took up more and more of her time. From elegant soirees in Manehattan to down-home shindigs in Appleloosa, from grand star-studded casino openings in Las Pegasus to simple birthday parties for colts and fillies in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie found her schedule increasingly filled with party planning. And of course she had been appointed by royal decree to be the official Canterlot Social Secretary, responsible for organizing everything from simple ceremonies at the Castle to the Grand Galloping Gala, the greatest night of the year.
Sitting regally on her throne was Rarity, the Element of Generousity. From the humble hamlet of Ponyville had come one of the greatest geniuses the fashion industry had ever seen. Any city that was any city had a boutique owned by Rarity, her clothing sought out by ponies far and wide. Her gowns honored the runways of such places as Manhattan, Prance, and Marelan, and could always be found gracing the covers of the leading fashion magazines. And though she had accepted the idea that she didn’t have to sew every gown that bore her label, she nevertheless was involved with every aspect of her business, from selecting fabrics and gems to designing gowns and overseeing fashion shows. Her empire had made her rich beyond her wildest dreams, a wealth that she was happy to give away to numerous charities and societies, especially those in Ponyville (such as Sweet Feather Sanctuary).
Finally the last mare at the table was Applejack, the Element of Honesty. Though the others had gone on to great things, she had already found her place at Sweet Apple Acres. From planting crops to harvesting apples to raising livestock, she loved every aspect of farm life and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. That’s not to say things didn’t get better. She had won numerous rodeo awards and had overseen Apple Bloom’s first business venture, selling special blue apples she had created. Yes, life was good for the farmer, and she didn’t want anything to change.
Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie, “These are really good pancakes.”
“I’ll say,” said Spike, with everyone else quickly agreeing.
“Oh, it’s just my old Every-Berry, Every-Chip Surprise,” she said dismissively.
“So RD, any news on who’s been selected colonel yet?” asked Applejack.
“No, but I don’t really want the job. I mean, who really wants to be a wing commander?”
“Liar.”
“Hey, I’m the Element of Loyalty, not Honesty.”
Fluttershy made a small gasp, but nopony noticed.
“Well, Ah’m sure ya got it. Ain’t nopony a better flier than you.”
“Yeah, but it’s not just about flying. There’s a whole lot of other things as well.”
Fluttershy tried to get somepony’s attention, but even after all this time, she continued to be overlooked.
“The board was looking for someone who is a great leader –”
“Ain’t you one?”
“Yeah, but Night Fury has been a squadron commander longer than I have.”
Fluttershy was waving her arms, trying to get anyone’s attention.
“Well, it ain’t just about who’s been doing it the longest, it’s also ’bout results, and you ’ave him there.”
“Can’t argue with that. We’ve been the Shadowbolts every year I’ve been squadron commander.”
Looking over at Fluttershy, Rarity said with concern, “Fluttershy, you’re turning blue!”
“I got this!” said Pinkie Pie, hopping off her throne. She climbed behind Fluttershy and wrapped her forelegs around the pegasus’s barrel, then gave a quick upward thrust. Out came a measuring spoon followed by loud gasps as Fluttershy desperately tried to catch her breath. “She won!” proclaimed Pinkie Pie as all eyes fell on the two mares.
“Pinkie!” cried Twilight. “How could you do this again!?”
“Sorry!” apologized Pinkie Pie.
“It’s alright,” squeaked Fluttershy.
“Well, you could have –”
Burp!
A large wisp of dragon fire soon formed into a scroll. Passing it to Twilight, she read:
My Dearest Twilight,
I want to congratulate you on your 18th Anniversary! It was 18 years ago today that I officially sent you to Ponyville to begin your studies. You have learned much during your time there, enriching the lives of all those you meet. I am so proud of you and all your friends, and look forward to what happens next!
Princess Celestia
“Wow!” Twilight exclaimed, looking at the scroll. “Eighteen years. I didn’t realize so much time had passed. I wonder what’s the significance of 18? I know ponies become adults at 18, but she’s never sent a scroll like this before.” Peering up from the scroll, Twilight was shocked at the sight.
Next to her Spike sat reading. But instead of a comic book, it was a Playcolt, filled with all sorts of pictures of young, sexy mares. Fluttershy sat at the table, stuffing her mouth from a plate overflowing with bacon and ham and sausage. Pinkie Pie sat practically buzzing, her mouth covered in a white powder that Twilight suspected was cocaine. Next to her, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were making out on the table, the two mares sharing a passionate kiss. Finally, Applejack reclined in her seat, a beer by her side as she cleaned her guns and sharpened her knives.
“What the f@*% is wrong with all of you!” screamed Twilight. Covering her mouth momentarily, she demanded, “Why the hell can I suddenly use profanity!?”
The door swung open and Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer entered, fresh off a trip through the portal. “Now this looks like a great party!” exclaimed Sunset.
“I agree,” added Starlight.