It was a beautiful day outside... Birds are singing, flowers are blooming... On days like this guys like me... “BRUCE!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!!” Just want to be left alone for ten minutes.
I opened my eyes and saw a familiar blue pegasus looking at me with panicked expression on her face. “What now RD?” I asked her, sitting up from the grassy terrain.
“It’s the Mare Do Well!!! I need you to figure out her real identity!” She replied.
I shook my head and lay down on the ground. Personally, I am quite intrigued by this Mare-Do-Well figure. But as long as it does nothing but good things here in Equestria, I’m not complaining. “Look RD, Princess Celestia gave me a job as the Protector of Equestria. This Mare-do-Well is making my job easier and I’m not complaining. Come back later when a Bastion-Sized problem comes up.” I replied easily.
“Well, how awesome it is do you think to get a blackmail material of the Mare-do-Well?” Rainbow Dash taunted with that challenging tone in her voice.
I opened my eyes and sighed in defeat. “The Hell with it, come on I have nothing better to do.” I said, standing up from my position to get my stuff back in the cabin.
Meanwhile, Applejack is hiding sneakily behind a tree. She watched in fear as Rainbow Dash managed to convince Bruce to help her. “I gotta warn Twilight...” She muttered before running away to the Golden Oak Library in a hurry.
When she gets there, she saw Twilight and Spike sorting through a bunch of books. “Twilight! Somethin’s up!” Applejack said in urgency. “
What is it Applejack?” Twilight asked as she put the History of Equestria part XXXV into one of the shelves.
“Bruce’s helpin’ Rainbow Dash!” She replied, creating a gasp from the unicorn.
“Oh no! He’s gonna figure it out!” Twilight said, pacing around the place in panic.
“Why don’ we bring him into this? Am sure he’ll understand.”
Twilight looked at Applejack with a deadpan look on her face. “I can’t just tell him about our secret identity! He’s almost as sneakier than Discord! Do you know that right now he has enough blackmail materials to turn Ponyville into Dirtville?” The unicorn said.
“So ya don’ trust him?” Applejack asked.
“No, I mean yes! But... Look, all we gotta do is to keep our identity a secret until Rainbow Dash learned her lesson.”
Applejack just shrugged before walking out of the door. “Well don’ go crying on me when Bruce caught you red handed with a bear-trap.” She closed the door behind her, leaving Twilight alone with her thought.
“What is she talking about? I’m not using bear traps.” A familiar voice came from right behind Twilight.
“AH! Bruce!” Twilight yelped when she realized that the human has been standing behind her this whole time. “How much did you hear?” She asked in alert.
“We considering I’ve been following this mysterious hero into your library, I’m gonna say I don’t need to hear all that to know what’s going on...” Bruce replied, showing a bunch of aerial pictures of the mare do well and Twilight taking off her costume.
“Skywalker...” Twilight muttered, gritting her teeth in annoyance.
“So, what’s this about you’re not trusting me?” Bruce asked with a genuine expression on his face.
Twilight just sighed and looked away from him for a moment. “Well... not that I distrust you or anything but...” Bruce raised an eyebrow when he heard that.
“You got ten seconds before I tell Rainbow Dash everything.” He said, folding his arms in front of his chest.
“Did Celestia told you what you destroyed when you first came here?” Twilight asked.
“It’s called the Elements of Harmony and believe me when I said I am trying to fix it.” Bruce replied flatly.
“You do? But the elements are in Canterlot!” Twilight said in confusion.
“It’s the fake one, the real one’s in Fluttershy’s cabin.”
The Unicorn narrowed her eyes and sigh. “See? This is exactly what I’m talking about. You always have your own agenda Bruce, I know you mean well but this has to stop.” Twilight took a step towards Bruce “How can we trust you if you don’t trust us? You need to stop being so secretive and open up! If you keep doing things behind our back, how should we know what to expect? So don’t blame us if I don’t trust you because in the end, you are the one who don’t trust us at all!” She ranted, sending shivers down Bruce’s spine.
“Okay! Okay! Geez...” He said, holding both of his hands up defensively.
“Good, now as the first sign towards our new-found trust; I want you to write a letter to Princess Celestia.” Twilight said, handing Bruce a paper and a quill.
“No thanks, I already gave Princess C a Quantum Walkie-Talkie.” Bruce replied, taking out a Walkie-Talkie from his belt.
“Sup your highness?” He said with no trace of formality. “Yeah, I just wanted to say that I’m working on the EoH that I broke. Yes, that one’s just a pile of regular dust." Bruce cringed and moved the Walkie-Talkie a few inches away from his ears. "Yeah I know I’m in a real trouble, I’ll meet you in a week okay? Bye!”
Twilight looked at Bruce in disbelief as he closed the connection. “Is that how you spoke with a royalty in your world?” She asked.
Bruce shook his head. “Nope, that’s how I spoke with nice royalty in my world. I wouldn’t speak to her like that if I know she will be offended. Unless of course I wanted to offend her.” He replied easily.
Before Twilight can say anything, Fluttershy burst through the door. “Twilight! The dam broke!” She shouted before taking a deep breath.
“That’s my cue! Come on Bruce, you wanna see some action?” She said, putting on the outfit in a matter of seconds.
“Sure... Let’s go.” Bruce said, looking at Skywalker sneaking near the window. He gave the Falcon thumbs up before following the Mare Do Well out of the Library.
“Come on Fluttershy!” Bruce said, grabbing the Pegasus with one hand after realizing how light a Pegasus is. “Oh! Uhmm... Let me grab my outfit first...” Fluttershy said, wriggling out of Bruce’s grasp before flying back to her cabin.
Skywalker soars through the sky, taking a bunch of pictures of Rainbow Dash trying to fix a broken dam all by herself. “Gotta say, that’s some determination she got there.” Bruce muttered, watching Rainbow Dash from a far.
“Is that how you sneak up on me?” Twilight asked when she realized that she could barely see the human beside her.
“Eeyup!” Bruce replied, imitating Big Macintosh almost perfectly.
“Can I have one?” Twilight asked.
“Nnope!”
The Unicorn sighed and watched as the dam burst open. She watched in alert as Rainbow Dash fell into the water and need some help. “Well, time for action!” Twilight said before levitating a huge log to save Rainbow Dash. Then she used her magic to levitate all the rubbles from the dam, leaving Bruce Gunderson with a gaping jaw at the sight of the dam repairing itself with magic.
“In case you’re wondering, the magic is fusing together the stones on a molecular level.” Twilight said. Then she teleported back to the library, leaving both Bruce and Rainbow Dash with equally shocked expression on their face.
“YOU CAN FABRICATE OBJECTS ON MOLECULAR LEVEL?!?!” Bruce yelled, making Rainbow Dash looked around in confusion.
“Umm, Bruce, are you there?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Bruce turned off the cloaking device and appeared beside the log. “I’m here, I was spying on the Mare Do Well but she teleported away before I can do anything.” He lied smoothly.
The Pegasus climbed up and looked down in disappointment. “Cheer up RD, in a few days the Mare Do Well’s gonna have a public appearance. You can always try to unmask her and when you do Skywalker will be there to take a picture.” Bruce replied.
Rainbow Dash smirked before shooting up to the sky in excitement. “Woohoo!!! You hear that Mare Do Well?! I’m gonna show that I’m the best!” She yelled cheerfully.
“You hear that Twilight, you better watch out cause you’re gonna get kicked in the face by some karmic retribution.” Bruce whispered to himself.
A few days later...
Rainbow Dash crept up at the sidelines. In front of her is a huge crowd of ponies standing in front of a huge stage. “The Mysterious Mare Do Well!” the mayor said proudly as the said mysterious pony leapt on to the stage.
“There she is! Now?” Rainbow Dash whispered impatiently.
“Not yet...” Bruce replied while trying to discern who’s behind the costume. “Man, Rarity’s really good at concealing.” He muttered.
“How about now?!” RD asked, feeling stabbing pain in her pride as everypony showered the Mare Do Well with love and affection.
“Now!” As quick as a lightning bolt, Rainbow Dash soared towards the mysterious pony. However, Rainbow Dash found herself suspended in mid-air before she can touch the dark figure. “Come back here!” Rainbow Dash shouted as the Mare Do Well runs away from the stage.
Skywalker soared above the clouds, recording the chase scene from bird’s eye view. “Rainbow Dash, don’t be reckless; remember the plan.” Bruce said, watching the entire scene unfold through Skywalker’s camera.
“Yeah, yeah, I know!” Rainbow Dash flew up to the air and met up with Skywalker.
“You need to go higher!” Bruce said.
Rainbow Dash obliged and flew higher into the sky. “Okay... Let’s see... Now which one is Twilight..” Bruce whispered so that Rainbow Dash couldn’t hear him. “There she is! Go! Dive down as fast as you can!” He yelled, hoping that Skywalker can get the picture before everyone else came out.
Not wasting any time, Rainbow Dash dived down from the sky, creating heat and air friction all around her. “Hey Mare Do Well! Wanna try some Sonic Rainboom!?” RD yelled as a huge shockwave followed by colorful spectrum of light exploded from her sides. The Mare Do Well stopped in her tracks to admire the Sonic Rainboom, only to get tackled to the ground by Rainbow Dash.
Skywalker landed on top of Rainbow Dash’s head and the Pegasus opened the mask; revealing Twilight Sparkle looking at her with a sheepish smile on her face. “Twilight?! You’re the mysterious Mare Do Well?” RD asked in disbelief. The Falcon took the photo and flew back towards his owner.
The next day...
Twilight Sparkle just finished her morning routine and ready to start the day. She walked down stairs and saw Spike struggling to hold down the door. “Twilight! You didn’t tell me you’re the Mare Do Well!” Spike said, still trying to hold down the door. Twilight narrowed her eyes and peeked out of the window.
There, she saw hundreds of ponies from Ponyville holding signs and photos of the Mysterious Mare Do Well. “How did they knew?” Twilight muttered in disbelief.
“It’s all over the news! Here, just look!” Spike said, giving her a magazine with one claw and holding the door with the other.
“Twilight Sparkle: Celestia’s Most Faithful Student and the Local Everyday Hero.” Twilight read the title. She gritted her teeth when she saw the photos that were obviously taken by something that can fly. “BRUCE GUNDERSON!!!” She yelled.
Meanwhile, Bruce Gunderson and Rainbow Dash watched the entire scene unfold just outside the library. “Yeah! Bruce 1 Twilight 0.” they fist/hoof bumped before leaving Twilight alone to deal with her newfound popularity.
A few weeks later...
“Wow... Honestly, I am impressed... You would do that?” Bruce asked in amazement in front of all his friends except for Rarity who’s in Canterlot and Pinkie Pie who’s busy packing.
“Why shouldn’t we, she’s our friend.” Twilight replied simply.
A small smile grew on the human’s face. He took a deep breath and looked up. “This world is paradise. You are the angels. I am grateful for being here with all of you.” Bruce embraced Twilight into a hug for a moment before letting go.
Twilight returned the hug before looking at Bruce in confusion. “Okay! That’s a bit too dramatic coming from you.” She commented.
Bruce just shook his head and looked down for a moment. “You are moving your birthday party to Canterlot just so your friend can attend it. That kind of loyalty simply doesn’t exist back in my world. Heck, I never have a friend like any of you back home! We all have our own business and stuff to do. There’s just not enough time to be with friends!”
Applejack walked towards him with a smile on her face. “Well, yer’ in Ponyville now. And here in Ponyville, Friends are everything.” She said with conviction.
“Wow, thanks everyone! Let’s just...” Bruce paused for a second before realization struck him. “Oh no... Is Princess Celestia coming for the party?” He asked with a hint of fear in his voice.
Twilight shook her head. “I hope she can make it, but I’m afraid she might be too busy.” She replied.
“I am not taking any chances! Quick, I need one of you to turn me into a pony!” Bruce said in panic.
Twilight narrowed her eyes in confusion. “Why would you...” Then she smirked after remembering the conversation between him and Princess Celestia. “Huh, if you were to attend my party I am pretty sure Princess Celestia will make up some time to attend. She does want to meet you anyway.” She said with a mischievous smirk on her face.
Bruce folded his arms in front of his chest. “Well I’m not coming!” He said stubbornly.
Twilight stared at Bruce intently in the eyes before sighing in defeat. “Okay fine! I think I know how to turn you into a pony.” She pointed at the Everfree Forest near the Cabin. “Go into that forest and search for bright blue flowers. When you find a bunch of them, start rubbing your body over it. If my theory is correct, you should turn into a pony.”
Bruce snapped his finger and Bastion sprang to life. The Robot picked Bruce up and started carrying him into the forest. “If this is a trap I am going to prank the absolute hell out of you during your birthday!” He shouted before he and Bastion disappeared into the forest.
“Oh... you think he will be all right...?” Fluttershy asked in concern.
“Are you kidding me? He’s with BASTION! Nothing can get past that hunk of metal.” Rainbow Dash said confidently.
They waited for almost half an hour before familiar mechanical whirring came out of the forest. There, they saw Bastion carrying an unfamiliar earth pony on top of it. The Pony has dark blue mane and bright blue coat. He also has a symbol of atoms on his flanks. He waved at them from on top of Bastion. “It worked! I have no idea how or why, but it worked!” the pony said.
The four of them quickly ran towards the new pony. “Bruce?” Twilight asked.
“Nope, call me Atomic.” The pony replied with a smirk on his face.
“That’s a better name than Bruce Gunderson, whatever that means.” Twilight replied.
Atom tried to hold back a laugh. “Are you kidding me? I actually tried to come up with the most ridiculous sounding name ever and you thought it was a good name?” He asked in amusement.
The others just shook their heads at the human's antics. “Although I do have a small problem...” He muttered. “How do you use this?” Atom waved one of his front hoofs around like a Jelly.
“That will take some time to get used to.” Twilight replied with a thoughtful expression on her face.
Atom shrugged and walked back to the cabin. “Wait here, I have something super awesome to show you.” He said.
After another five minutes of waiting, the cabin door finally opened. “Wow!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in amazement.
Standing in front of them is Atomic, garbed in an electric blue futuristic armor with a four metal horseshoe, a helmet with a unicorn horn on top of it, and a pair of metallic wings. “I call this one, The Supreme Alicorn Body Armor.” He said with proud smile on his face.
Atom unfolded the wings, revealing glowing white cracks-like pattern instead of the usual feather pattern. “Can you fly?” Rainbow Dash asked with stars in her eyes. Atom smirked and flapped his wings, launching him fifty feet into the air. “YES I CAN FLY!!!” He yelled in excitement before doing loops and turns all over the sky.
Then he dived down and landed gracefully in front of everypony. “So, how was it Rainbow Dash? Race you to Canterlot?” Atom said smugly.
Rainbow Dash nodded in excitement before lunging towards him to get a closer look. “Ooh! Can you do magic with your horns?” She asked, looking at the platinum horn on his helmet.
Twilight stepped in and shook her head. “Rainbow Dash, there is no way he can possibly... whoa!” The purple unicorn’s word was cut short when Atom levitated her off the ground. “Nevermind... I spoke too soon..” She muttered in defeat.
Atom gently put her down and Twilight looked at the armor in confusion. “How are you powering this thing?” She asked him. Atom smirked and moved to the side. A compartment at the side of the armor opened, revealing a tube full of golden energy. “This armor is powered by the magic radiation coming from the dust of harmony. Although it’s not as powerful as the Elements of Harmony, the technological component of this will make up for it.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow in astonishment. “Thank Goodness the Elements hasn’t lost their magical properties...” She muttered in relief.
“Pretty cool right, but wait! There’s more..” Atom said, electing a gasp of disbelief from Rainbow Dash.
“There’s more?” She asked.
Cries of the Falcon echoes from the sky as Skywalker came soaring down with red optics in one of its eyes. The Falcon dived down, creating a small shockwave before landing gently on Atom’s back. “Yep, I am taking my job seriously.” Atom said.
Suddenly Twilight realized something. “Wouldn’t this attract attention?” She asked him. Atom smirked and pressed his hoof against his chest. The armor folded into itself, turning into a heavy-duty saddlebag.
“Can I pleaseee have one?” Rainbow Dash begged, kneeling in front of him with wide eyes, quivering mouth, and both of her hoofs pressed together in a begging motion.
“Nope, I designed this armor for an earth pony. Your wings could get crushed if you try and use this.” Atom replied without hesitation.
The Rainbow Pegasus looked down in disappointment before walking back towards the group. “So I can use this?” Applejack asked. Atom took off the saddlebag and grabbed it clumsily with his mouth.
“Here!” He said, putting the saddlebag on to Applejack’s back.
“Whoa! A bit heavy, but...” the saddlebag unfolded into the armor Atom used earlier. “Holy cow, I can feel mah wings!” She flapped her metal wings and twirled in the air. “Yeeehaaw!” She shouted in excitement.
Meanwhile, Rainbow is currently weeping on Fluttershy’s shoulder after seeing Applejack flying around with the armor. “There... there... It’s okay Rainbow Dash...” the yellow Pegasus gently caressed Rainbow Dash’s mane.
RD looked at Fluttershy with a miserable expression on her face. “B-but I want it so bad! Whyyyy, why does Applejack gets to have it!!! WHY!!!” She cried childishly.
“Oh dear... Bruce, I mean Atom, will it be too much problem if you... make another one for Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked.
Atom looked at RD’s crying form and shrugged. “Sure, this one’s just a prototype, could blow up at any moment. I’m gonna make six more for each one of you.” The earth pony replied.
“Wait what? Blow up!?” AJ said. She landed gracefully on the ground and looked at Atom in confusion.
“Well, it’s just Alpha. I haven’t even put Surge Protectors in there yet!”
The armor unfolded itself and Applejack returned the saddlebag. “Well am not touchin’ it again.” She said, looking at the saddlebag warily. Then she smiled. “Although, I’ve never flied around like that, no wonder RD gets so high and mighty all the time.” Applejack said.
“Yeah, awesome isn’t it? But we should go before Pinkie Pie goes nuts.” Atom said, before he and the rest of the ponies start running back to Ponyville.
A few hours later in Canterlot...
Rarity put on her hat and prepared herself for the Garden Party. “Garden Party, Here I come!” She chirped happily. The double door slammed open before she can open it.
Six ponies show their faces from the entrance. “Surprise!!” They all said with a big smile on their face.
The white unicorn stood still, shell shocked at their sudden appearance. ‘Thud’ she fainted before anyone could say anything else. “Someone’s not used to get surprised...” Atom commented in amusement.
Pinkie Pie walked up towards her to take a closer look. “What are you talking about? Rarity loves to get surprised! She fainted in sheer happiness because of how much she loves surprises!” She said.
Rarity opened her eyes and Pinkie Pie took a couple of steps back. “Hi again!” She said cheerfully.
Rarity looked at each of her friends in shock. “Why did you... When did you... How did you...” She said, trying and failing to form sentences.
“Aw, would you listen to her. She’s so excited to see us, she couldn’t even talk.” Applejack said obliviously.
Rarity took a deep breath to regain her composure. “What I’m meaning to say is, what are you all doing here and... who is he?” She asked, pointing at Atom standing beside Fluttershy.
“What? You don’t recognize me? How could you! I thought we were friends?” Atom said in an exaggerated manner.
Rarity blinked owlishly before she realized that Bruce is nowhere to be seen. “Bruce? Is that you? You’re a pony?” She asked.
Atom nodded in response. “Yup! Pretty cool huh? Now I can attend the party without getting into trouble with Princess C.” He said calmly.
“But still, what are you all doing here?” Rarity asked, looking at them in disbelief.
“When I got your letter saying you’re stuck in Canterlot, we decided to bring the party here so you won’t miss it.” Twilight replied.
“Balloons are super easy to pack!” Pinkie Pie said, opening a briefcase full of colorful balloons.
They all went into Rarity’s suite and looked around. “Ooh, is that my dress?” Twilight said, walking towards a beige unfinished piece of fabric.
Rarity’s eyes widened when she saw Twilight looking at the unfinished dress. “Umm, yes?” Rarity replied nervously.
“It’s so simple...” Twilight muttered, rubbing her chin in deep thought. “So practical...” She said, looking at the clothing from all sides. “So... ME!” She smiled gratefully.
Both Atom and Rarity sighed in relief. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear you say that...” They both said at the same time. Then Rarity looked at Atom in confusion.
The human turned pony just shrugged. “Let’s just say that Photo Finish will be having a field day publishing 67 photos of you on a compromising position in her magazine if Twilight is disappointed.” He replied with no trace of guilt.
“You don’t have to do that Bruce, I love this dress!” Twilight said reassuringly. “Even if I don’t, you shouldn’t do that either. Rarity put a lot of effort making this beautiful dress.” She added.
Rarity gulped nervously. “Yes... Efforts...” She muttered with a guilty look on her face.
“Well Rarity, why don’t you tell us where you were going before we came here?” Atom asked with a knowing smirk on his face. “Uhh...” Rarity struggled to form sentence. “Look Rarity, we’re you’re friends. We will understand. Am I right girls?” Rarity looked around her and saw all of her friends looking at her with an understanding look on their faces.
"Yeah! Tell us everything Rarity!" Rainbow Dash said. "And what's with the get up?" She added, looking at the fancy hat she wore.
“Well I was going to the Garden Party... I’m sorry everyone but... I was tempted by the glamour! The attention! The Beauty of Canterlot! I wanted to become the pony everypony should know and...” Rarity looked down in regret. “I forgot about my best friends.” Everypony walked towards her and gave her a warm hug.
“It’s okay Rarity, we will always be your best friends no matter where you are.” Twilight said comfortingly.
Atom smiled and looked back at Twilight’s unfinished dress. “Say... How about we make this dress looked even better?” He asked them.
“But I liked it!” Twilight exclaimed.
Rarity shook her head and put a hoof over the dress. “No, no, no darling! No friend of mine is going to have a birthday with a dress like that. You will be wearing a dress worthy of a Princess.” She said, levitating a bright blue sparkling fabric. “Starting with this beautiful diamond silk!”
Twilight gasped at the sight of the diamond silk. “Rarity please... You don’t have to do this...” She said, not believing her eyes.
“Come on Twilight, presents are supposed to be a surprise.” Applejack said, leading her away from the group. “Yeah! It won’t be a surprise if you watch how it’s made.” Pinkie Pie added as she, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash led Twilight out of Rarity’s suite.
Atom watched the three of them walking away from the suite with a smile on his face. He winked at Skywalker perching on an opened window at the suite. “Bruce, would you be a darling and get those baby blue diamonds for me?” Rarity asked while stitching the dress together. Atom activated his armor and used his faux unicorn horn to levitate a bunch of them towards Rarity. “Thank you my dear. You can all wait now; I will finish this dress in a bit.”
Atom nodded and walked away with Fluttershy to give the designer some room. “So Fluttershy, what’s this I heard about you being a model?” Atom asked nonchalantly.
“Wh-what, wh-who told you that?” Fluttershy asked nervously.
“Photo Finish told me. She said you were all over Equestria.” Atom replied, taking out an old magazine from his saddlebag.
“Oh... You know photo finish?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly, looking at a picture of her in the cover.
“Yep! We first met when I tried to publish Twilight’s Mare Do Well secret identity. Since then, we became best buds! She has lots of connections with many important people that will be invaluable in the long run.” Atom explained easily.
“Oh... I hope you don’t hurt anyone’s feeling when publishing a picture...” Fluttershy muttered.
Bruce shook his head. “Nonsense! I’m not gonna ruin anyone’s life, most of the photos I have is for my eyes only.” Then he smirked. "Except maybe Twilight's, I just love messing with her." He added.
Fluttershy sighed in relief. “I’m glad to hear...”
“It is done!” Rarity said suddenly, cutting her off.
Atom and Fluttershy walked towards the dress. It is an elegant sparkling blue dress with invisible star patterns covering the side of it. A purple gem the shape of Twilight’s cutie mark held together the front part of the dress. It also has near transparent cloud-like fabric flowing below the dress. “Oh my... That is beautiful... Twilight would love it!” Fluttershy said, admiring the dress from all sides.
Rarity sighed in relief. “I’m glad you like it, but I need somepony to try it on.” Rarity said.
Atom nudged Fluttershy, motioning her to try it on. “Come on Flutters, try it on!” Atom said with Skywalker standing by on top of his head.
“Well... If you insist...” She walked towards the dress and Rarity gently put it on to her. When she finished, Rarity took a couple of steps back to admire her handiwork.
“Oh darling! You looked gorgeous!” She said.
Atom smiled at her in amazement. “Huh, no wonder Photo Finish turned you into a super model... You looked amazing!” He commented.
Fluttershy blushed when she heard that. She quickly motioned Rarity to take the dress off her. “Atom, would you be a dear and check on Twilight? Tell her that I have finished this dress...” Rarity said, before folding the dress into a gift box.
“Sure, we’ll meet up at the ballroom okay?” Atom unfolded his wings and flew away from the suite, leaving Rarity with a shocked expression on their faces. “Did he just fly?” Rarity asked in disbelief.
“Yes...” Fluttershy replied simply.
After taking his sweet time flying through Canterlot, Atom landed in front of the ballroom. There he saw Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight decorating the whole place with the pink pony’s party cannon. “Hi girls! Just wanted pop in and say that Rarity just finished the dress.” Atom said.
“Really? I hope it’s not too much trouble.” Twilight replied.
“Chill Twi, she’s your friend. The real trouble is if you’re not having fun in your birthday.” Atom said. Then he looked at Pinkie Pie’s Party Cannon. “Now show me how that works!” He said, walking over towards the cannon in curiosity.
“Okay!” ‘Squeak!’ Pinkie Pie shot the cannon at a blank table, turning it into a fully furnished party table.
Atom blinked owlishly before pointing at a wall nearby. “Shoot it at the wall over there.” ‘Squeak’ ribbons and balloons decorated the wall with a happy birthday poster hanging in the middle of it.
Atom raised one of his front hoofs up. “All right, I give up. Let’s just chalk it off as Magic.” He muttered, watching Pinkie’s blatant abuse of the laws of physics in defeat.
“Good Evening everyone.” A soft melodic voice came from the ballroom entrance. A familiar white Alicorn walked into the ballroom with a smile on her face.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed. She bows down to her and everypony followed her lead. “Stand up my child. I’m just visiting to see if everything all right.” She said.
Twilight smiled confidently. “Everything is all right princess. My friends are helping me prepare for my birthday.” She said.
Princess Celestia nodded and looked around. Her eyes stopped at a certain blue earth pony wearing a heavy-duty saddlebag. “Are you one of Twilight’s friend too?” She asked.
“Yeah, I’m Twilight’s friend. I’m Atom, an honor to meet you Princess Celestia.” Atom replied smoothly.
“That’s funny, Twilight never mentioned you in any of her letters.”
Princess Celestia walked towards Applejack with a kind smile on her face. “Applejack, would you please introduce Atom to me?” She asked the bearer of the Element of Honesty.
“Well Princess, I can’t lie to ya so am jus’ gonna say that he’s Bruce.” Applejack said, making Atom sigh in defeat.
“Well, isn’t this interesting. What magic did you used to turn into a pony?” Princess Celestia asked in genuine curiosity.
“I used the Poison Joke to turn him into a pony.” Twilight said. Bruce raised an eyebrow in interest.
“Poison Joke? What’s that?” He asked, thinking back to the blue flowers he found in the forest.
Princess Celestia shook her head disapprovingly. “Oh Twilight Sparkle, I know you mean well; but Poison Joke is no joke. We still do not have any cure for it, what if he’s trapped in that form forever?” Princess Celestia winked at Twilight and her friends before she can say anything.
Twilight smirked mischievously before looking down in mock regret. “You’re right Princess Celestia... I shouldn’t go too far in my pranks. Now Bruce is going to be stuck in that form forever...” She said enjoying the panicked expression on Bruce’s face.
“Wait... What!? This is a joke right? This is gotta be a revenge for that Mare Do Well stunt I pulled a week ago.” He said in disbelief.
Princess Celestia shook her head. “I’m afraid we are not joking Bruce Gunderson. Perhaps it would be wise for you to get used to be a pony.” She bid them farewell before walking out of the ballroom.
“Applejack! You’re the honest one! Do you know the cure?” Bruce asked the orange pony almost immediately after Princess Celestia left.
“No! I don’ know how to make the cure! Do you know Twilight?” She replied, patting herself in the back for the clever answer.
Twilight shook her head sadly. “No, I don’t think it’s possible to cure the Poison Joke...”
Atom took a deep breath in frustration before looking down in defeat. “Guess I have to get used to Jelly Hoofs...” He muttered, waving his floppy hoof around. Then Atom looked at Twilight with a begging expression on his face. “Please tell me this is just a prank...” He said in fear.
Twilight shook his head in response. “I’m afraid not.”
Suddenly, Fluttershy and Rarity walked into the ballroom with a gift box on top of Rarity’s saddlebag. “Good Evening everypony...” Rarity said, walking towards Twilight with a proud smile on her face.
“Hi Rarity! Is that my dress?” Twilight asked.
Rarity opened the gift box and revealed the beautiful dress to the birthday pony. “Yes, now this is a dress worthy of a princess.” Rarity replied, giving her the beautiful blue dress.
“Wow Rarity... I don’t know what to say...” Twilight said gratefully.
Rarity smiled and gave her the dress. “This dress is one of a kind. Just like you.” Twilight smiled in embarrassment when she heard that. “This dress is beautiful and precious. Just like you.” The birthday pony blushed in response. “This dress is elegant and practical. Just like you.” Twilight just shook his head in denial.
“However, this dress is not perfect.” Rarity said, making Twilight looked at her in confusion.
“What are you talking about? It’s perfect!” She said.
Rarity shook her head. “This dress still cannot describe just how much you meant for all of us Twilight. Because absolutely nothing is more important than our friendship.” She said, making Twilight’s eyes welled up in happiness. “Rarity, thank you so much. This is the best birthday I have ever had in my life!”
Atom wiped a drop of tear from his eyes before shaking his head. “Man, I’m getting soft...” he muttered.
Then Rarity helped Twilight put it on and it fits her perfectly. “Oh my! You looked absolutely gorgeous!” As if on cue, Skywalker swooped in from the sky and took a picture of Twilight in her beautiful dress.
“Good boy Skywalker!” Atom said.
Twilight however, doesn’t seem to care about the bird. She’s still admiring herself in the dress while reminding herself to make up to Rarity someday.
“Well come on everypony! Let’s get this party started!!!” Pinkie Pie shouted before playing the music. Soon, everypony is partying together in the ballroom, celebrating the birthday of their dear friend Twilight Sparkle.
After almost half an hour partying, Rarity looked outside at the Garden Party. She still wanted to go outside and attend the garden party. However, she also wanted to spend time with her friends.
“Go ahead Rarity.” Twilight said suddenly from right behind her.
“Really?” Rarity asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, we’ll catch up with you later after the eating contest.” She pointed at Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Atom mauling down cakes and pies like their lives depends on it.
“Thank you! Oh you are the greatest friend anypony could ask for!” Rarity said before gracefully running out of the ballroom to meet up with the fancy ponies.
A few minutes later, the contest is over. Pinkie Pie won the first prize, Applejack came in close the second, Atom got the third, and Rainbow Dash passed out after her second pies; bringing her down to the last. “Come on everypony! Let’s go meet Rarity at her fancy party outside!” Pinkie Pie said, unfazed by the unholy amount of cakes she just ate.
“Can I stay here... I don’t feel so good...” Atom said, lying down on his back in exhaustion.
“Me... too...” RD moaned from the table.
Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Twilight walked out of the ballroom. Rarity who saw them coming quickly greeted them. “I’m so glad to see you here!” Rarity said, motioning all of her friends to follow her.
“Ooh! I’m glad too! I have my party cannon right here!” Pinkie Pie, taking out the party cannon.
“NO!” Rarity yelped, stopping Pinkie Pie from blowing up the cannon.
Everypony looked at her in confusion. “Umm, well... You see, this party is much more different from what we used to have back in Ponyville. Just follow my lead everypony, don’t attract too much attention.” Rarity said, taking a deep breath to prepare herself.
“Rarity! There you are, so happy to see you here.” A grey stallion walked towards them. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Rarity replied.
Fancy Pants looked at the other ponies standing around Rarity. They all waved at him with a nervous smile on their faces. “Would you please introduce me to your friends?” He asked, looking at each one of them in curiosity.
“Of course! This is Applejack.” “Howdy!” the orange pony said.
“This is Pinkie Pie.” “Hi!” the pink pony said.
“This is Fluttershy.” The Pegasus nodded shyly at Fancy Pants.
“And this is Twilight Sparkle. We were just celebrating her birthday.” “Hello, pleasure to meet you.” Twilight said.
Fancy Pants and a couple of other ponies walked towards them in curiosity. “Excuse me, but I simply must know. Where do you get that marvelous dress?” Upper Crust said, admiring Twilight’s dress in admiration.
Twilight smiled as she can’t wait to tell everypony where she get that dress. “Oh well, my very best friend Rarity made this beautiful dress for my birthday.” She replied earning a smile from the white unicorn.
“I see that you truly are a Professional Canterlot Worthy Designer. Forgive us if we ever doubted you in the first place.” Jet Set said.
Rarity smiled and nodded. “I’d like to place my order right now!” Upper Crust said, admiring the dress in awe. “Me too” “So do I” And lots more sophisticated ponies start placing their order on Twilight’s dress.
“Everypony that is enough.” Rarity said, silencing them all in a matter of seconds.
She walked up towards them with her head held high. “This dress is reserved only for my best friend Twilight Sparkle.” Some pony groaned in disappointment when they heard that. “However, you can all visit my boutique back in Ponyville if you like my designs. Perhaps then, you would all realize that beautiful, glamorous art could come from anywhere. Whether it’s Canterlot, Manehattan, or Ponyville.” She explained.
A bright light came from the sky and Princess Celestia appeared in a flash of light. “Excellent words my dear, I couldn’t agree more.” She said, landing in front of Rarity with a proud smile on her face.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed. She and all ponies in the garden bowed down to her. Princess Celestia chuckled and shook her head.
“No need for any of that everyone. I was just passing by and I heard wise words coming from somepony I know.”
Then Princess Celestia winked at Rarity. “I also wanted to order one of your special dresses if it’s not too much trouble.” She said.
Rarity gasped in shock and disbelief, speechless at what Princess Celestia just asked. “Y-yes! Of course your highness, it is my honor...” Rarity said, still in a daze.
“Thank you Rarity, now how about we continue to celebrate this party?” Princess Celestia said, looking at Pinkie Pie with a knowing smile on her face.
“Ooh right!” Pinkie Pie took out her party cannon and blows the fuse without any hesitation.
A few minutes later, back in the Ballroom...
“Ugh... Why did I ever agree to do that...” Atom muttered, rubbing his stomach in pain. “Urgh! Tell me about it...” Rainbow Dash replied, lying beside him. “You think they’re having fun outside?” Atom asked, taking out a tablet from his saddlebag. “No way! They’re probably having some fancy ‘party’ with those boring ponies.” Rainbow Dash replied. Atom shrugged and activated the tablet that connects straight to Skywalker’s Sky Cam.
Right there on the screen, they can see an actual Disco Party. Everypony are dancing together and having fun while Pinkie Pie acts as the DJ. "Best Birthday Ever!!!" Twilight yelled as her friends threw her up into the sky.
RD and Atom could also see Princess Celestia and Fluttershy watching from the sidelines with a smile on their face. Atom just closed his eyes in regret while Rainbow Dash just stared at the screen in disbelief. “Is that Princess Celestia?” She asked in disbelief. Atom just nodded without another words.
“I’m never going to eat any cake or pie ever again...” Rainbow Dash muttered, trying and failing to get up.
“Wanna try some nuggets later?” Atom asked.
“Sure...” The Pegasus replied.
And so, they both lay there in the ballroom; watching the party outside through Skywalker’s camera with a longing expression on their face.