//------------------------------// // Energy! Energy, energy, energy for the whole day! // Story: Chaos: the Age of Spike // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Energy! Energy, energy, energy for the whole day! Applejack was sleeping peacefully. But it didn’t last, soon enough, she noticed that the bed felt too cold. And empty. She groaned in annoyance, when she felt back the warmth, and weight of her mate. She embraced her with the four hooves, and smiled. Twilight watched her marefriend, hugging the pillow, and grinned. Proud of herself, she was about to leave the room, when suddenly Applejack’s lasso caught her by the waist. “Applejack!” protested Twilight, as she was pulled back to the bed by the cowgirl. “A pillow? Seriously?” asked Applejack, with a yawn. “To be that smart, ya’ have really dumb ideas. When we started to live together, A’ warned ya’ that A’ll take care of your bad habits. Like yer’ lack of sleep.” “But Applejack!” protested Twilight. “No buts. Get yer’ flank in this bed right now! The sun is not even up yet!” Twilight agreed, knowing there was no point in arguing with Applejack. The cowgirl have always being protective with her friends, but, since they started dating, she was going a little too far for Twilight’s taste. Taking care of her sleep was something, but also, Applejack made sure she eat her three meals, and forced her to rest when she was overworking herself. Physically, Twilight felt much better. But, in times like this, she thought that she was going too far. “So, why on earth were you trying to sneak?” asked Applejack, as she noticed Twilight couldn’t sleep. “Ugh, sorry AJ. It’s only that, I have a lot to do. I was thinking to finish my paper about Arcane Magic for the Academy. I tried to finish yesterday, but, I was so tired that I ended up collapsing on my desk. And I couldn’t finish a single page!!” “A’ know, A’ was the one who dragged ya’ to bed. And cleaned up yer’ mess. But that wouldn’t happen if you have listened to me, and take yer’ time to eat and sleep.” But, Applejack noticed Twilight’s annoyed expression, and apologized. “Okay, sorry A’m being a bother with this, but A’ let ya’ pass a lot this last days. And see where did ya’ ended. Just go to sleep already!” “I’ll try to, but, I have a lot in my mind.” sighed Twilight. “With all the things I have to do, I can’t relax.” “Let me help you then.” said Applejack, smiling happily, as she sat. “Come on, sit on Jacky’s lap, and before ya’ realize, ye’ll forget about your troubles. Come on!” Twilight blushed, but she happily obeyed. Applejack’s expert hooves began to massage her back. The lavender alicorn moaned in satisfaction. Applejack did know how to deal with all her stress. After five minutes, she was sleeping peacefully. Applejack nodded, and went to sleep herself. And, when Celestia finally raised the sun, the two mares got up, and started their routine. Just as when she lived with Spike, Twilight shared the chores with Applejack. For example, for the meals, Applejack did all the cooking; as Applejack set the table, and do the dishes. It was a nice life. “Thank you for the massage AJ.” said Twilight. “That extra hours of sleep were just what I needed.” “Taking care of mah’ marefriend is something A’ must do.” Explained Applejack. “Now, what are yer’ plans for today?” “Well, now that I rested as I should, I have to work in my doctoral thesis. To assist an old friend with his own thesis, to check the advance in the magic research I supervise. Oh, and my usual duties as Royalty. I swear AJ, I can’t take it anymore.” “Twilight…” tried to warn her Applejack. “The problem is that I don’t have enough… energy. Yeah, even if I accommodate all my to-do list in a reasonable schedule, I don’t have enough energy to do it everything as efficiently as I have to.” Applejack didn’t say anything. Twilight wasn’t the first, and wouldn’t be the last who was in a very busy period. In those cases, all she could do was wait. Then, somepony called at the door. Applejack went to open it. “Oh, hi Sweetie Belle! Spike! What a nice surprise!” Twilight turned, as Applejack moved away to let pass the two of them. Unlike Twilight and Applejack, the two of them have changed a lot during the last years. Spike was now a full-grown dragon, about sixteen feet tall. In fact, the Lord of Disharmony and Chaos had to crawl if he wanted to get through the door if he didn’t want to damage the roof with his new horns. Large and sharp purple horns that make him look really threatening. But, aside the physical changes, Spike was still Spike. Just as Spike, Sweetie Belle was still the same. Only that she have grown to become a beautiful mare, with a slim athletic figure, and a charming smile. Her mane was now longer, with a few locks dyed in electric blue. And, as a complement, she used to wear naval blue eye-shadow, giving her an interesting touch. “So, what brings you here?” asked Twilight, with mixed feelings. She felt half happy to see them, but also, half worried. Another of Spike’s pranks was the less that she needed right now. “You know, the usual.” smiled Spike. “We were passing through, and noticed how boring and calm the town is this days.” “And, as usual, we came to put an end to it.” grinned Sweetie. Twilight was about to protest, when Sweetie Belle levitated an invitation toward her. “What’s this?” “Read it.” chuckled Sweetie. The two mares exchanged a look, and read the invitation. “Oh, your birthday party! Congratulations Sweetie!” smiled Twilight. “How old are ya’ getting, Sweets?” asked Applejack. “Twenty three.” said Sweetie Belle proudly. “So, do we count with your presence?” “Ya’ bet!” said Applejack, winking an eye to Sweetie. “Twenty three is a great number. How are you going to celebrate?” asked Twilight. Sweetie shrugged, and cuddled with Spike. “You know, the usual.” said the God of Chaos. “A big party with all the necessary. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” “Aren’t you forgetting something?” reminded him Sweetie. “The main event! Right after I blow my candles, you’ll give me my especial present. My very especial present.” The older mares raised an eyebrow, almost afraid to ask. “You don’t mean anything sexual, right?” “What? No!” protested Sweetie Belle. “I mean, Spike making me immortal. It is time.” Applejack shook her head in disappointment. “Are ya’ really doing this?” “Sure, why not?” asked the young mare. “You know why not!” protested Twilight. “You have no idea what you’re asking! We barely hit our thirties, and we’re already seeing everypony around us getting older, except for us.” “Ya’ can’t just throw your mortality away!” added Applejack. “Hey, it’s my decision, and it’s taken!” said Sweetie, rolling her eyes. She already knew they were going to react like this. “I’ll stay forever young, with the people I love: you, my sister, and Spike. I hope to see you two at my party! See you!” “Bye!” said Spike, in a very good mood. And they left. “Rarity is gonna get pissed off!” mumbled Applejack. “You don’t say!” said Twilight. “But, I’m not going to let this stress me. I have a lot to think about already. Huh, I wish I have some more… energy. You know?” By chance, Spike overheard this, but didn’t say anything. Instead, he looked at Sweetie. “Who’s next?” She checked. “We invited Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy before them. There’s only Rarity left. Geez, I don’t think I’m ready to invite her. Yet.” “She lives in Canterlot now” said Spike thoughtful. “We can always invite the Princesses first, and then, we can invite her!” “What are we waiting for?” Spike was about to create a crazy door, but Sweetie stopped him. “Please, allow me!” And she created it herself. Without transforming. During this years, Sweetie have become an A-class unicorn, in her regular form. In her Form of Chaos, she was as powerful as an alicorn. They both went through the crazy door, and appeared at Canterlot Castle, where Princess Celestia was having breakfast all by herself. That was odd, as far as Spike and Sweetie knew, she had breakfast with Luna. “Morning Princess Celestia!” greeted Sweetie. “Where’s Princess Luna?” Celestia smiled. “Hi, Spike, Sweetie Belle. My sister is busy. Lately, she spends lots of time with one of her soldiers. The poor dear had to attend an extra especial shift. I hope all this extra work doesn’t harm him.” “At least he’s enjoying himself!” said Sweetie, with a knowing-smile. Both Celestia and Spike chuckled at this. “And, what’s your business with my sister, anyway?” asked Princess Celestia. “Same with you.” said Sweetie Black, extending an invitation toward the Princess of the Sun. “You’re officially invited to my 23rd birthday, and, end of my mortality. I hope to see you there!” Celestia made a disapproving frown. “Oh, come on! Not you too!” complained Sweetie Belle. “I will not say anything, I promise.” said Celestia calmly. “This is not my business, and have no right to do so. But, I don’t have to agree with you. That’s it.” “As long as you don’t say anything.” said Sweetie, with a shrug, as she levitated two more invitations to Celestia. “Anyway, can you give Luna and Pipsqueak theirs? Thank you!” “You’re welcome, Sweetie Belle.” said the Princess, taking the invitations. In the meantime, at Princess Luna’s private chambers, Princess Luna herself cuddled to the big, muscular white earth pony, with light brown sections in his fur. He had chocolate-colored eyes, and a dark brown mane. Little Pipsqueak hadgrown up to become a big and strong stallion. Quite handsome, according with a lot of mares. Unfortunately for them, also for Princess Luna. The sun came through the curtains, waking the stallion. He smiled. “Morning Luna.” said Pip, kissing the Princess. “Morning Pip, do you had nice dreams?” “Thanks to you, my Princess.” They both laughed, and kissed again. But, then, Pipsqueak spotted the clock. “Dang it! The Captain is going to kill me!” said Pip, getting apart from Luna, and jumping out of the bed. “Easy Pipsy, easy.” smiled Princess Luna. “I can always talk to Lighting Flash.” Pip bowed, as he put on the armor of the mighty Lunar Guard. “I’m honored, my Princess, but, as I have responsibilities as your coltfriend; my duty as your soldier come first, when I’m on shift. I’ll accept my punishment with bravery.” “Oh, Pip!” sighed Luna, charmed by her lover’s sense of responsibility. “By the way, sorry darling. I’ll come late tonight. Knowing the captain, she would penalize me with a double shift, or something.” And he ran through the hallways, much to the amusement of the two soldiers at both sides of Luna’s chambers. Luna watched her stallion leave, with love in her eyes. How was that her especial friend from the Nightmare Nights turned into the stallion of her dreams? Well, a big part of it was that sense of duty he had. That, and his body. He had grown to become such a hunk. “Alright, enough with the lovey-dovey stuff, I have a lot to do. Sometimes I need some more energy.” And, she went to have breakfast with her sister. As for Pipsqueak, he was running through the hallways to the Lunar Guard headquarters, when suddenly, he crashed with somepony. “Ouch… my apologies, soldier.” said Pip, as he got back on fours. The soldier got up menacingly, and showed his armor to Pip. “Soldier? Look at the stars in my uniform, dumbass.” Pip rolled his eyes. “Okay, my apologies, ‘my heaven’. Now, if you excuse me, I have enough trouble already.” And he was about to keep going, when he heard the familiar sound of a sword being drawn. “Oh come on!” complained Pip. “For real?” “Oh, yeah. You lunar soldiers believe that you can do whatever you want. But, not. Now is time for me to show you some manners.” Pip rolled his eyes one more time, and drew his own sword, to then, perform his captain’s legendary technique: “MOTHER’S ROSARIO!!” Eleven consecutive hits, at great speed later, the solar soldier ended up unconscious, lying on the floor. Pip sighed, and turned, just to face the two captains of the mighty Lunar Guard. The Black Swordsman, and the Lighting Flash. “I know, I know, double shift tonight.” “I’m glad you understand, private Squeak.” said the Lighting Flash. “Normally it would be triple shift, but, I liked how you performed my technique. That would show him.” “Yeah, what’s up with this dude?” asked Pip. “Nothing, he just failed the test to enter to the Lunar Guard.” explained Black Swordsman. “His skill are above average, for a solar guard. But, not enough to become one of us.” Back with Spike and Sweetie Belle, they finally dared to go to Rarity’s home. It was a large mansion, located in the richest zone of Canterlot, property of her husband. “Here we are.” said Spike. “Blood Manor.” sighed Sweetie. “Let’s do this already.” Spike called at the door, and used his power to shrink himself to pony height. Unlike a Castle, the manor’s roof wasn’t that high, so it was necessary for him to get through the door. Blue Blood came to answer, and smiled at the couple. “Greetings, guys. What brings you here?” “Hi Blood, is my sister home?” asked Sweetie. “Sure! Come on in!” They followed the prince, as Sweetie made a big sigh. Three years ago, right after the ‘you may kiss the bride’, Blue Blood came to ask Spike for a favor. He wanted to be with Rarity forever, and the only one who would grant that wish was the God of Chaos. Spike tried to convince him to just live his life, but Blue Blood ended up convincing him by saying it was for Rarity’s sake. “And also,” the Prince have said, “you can experiment on me so you don’t mess up when you make your agents immortal.” Rarity was furious when she found out, of course, and both Spike and Sweetie were sure that she haven’t forgive them for that one. Blue Blood sat on the table, back to his breakfast and smiled to the agents. “So, Rarity will be up any minute now. But, yesterday she was working pretty late, since she got an extraordinary requirement of dresses. I ended up convincing her to go to sleep, and she haven’t got up since then. But you’re more than welcome to wait until she wakes up.” “Sorry, we’re just passing by.” said Sweetie, relieved. “We have a very busy schedule.” “I see. Well, I hope you have a little more energy than Rarity. She constantly complains about the lack of it, despite the fact she’s eternally young.” “Energy?” asked Spike and Sweetie. “Yes, energy. Everypony needs a little extra from time to time.” explained Blue Blood. “Like me, for example.” “You too?” asked Spike. “I think being principal of the Spy Academy wasn’t as stressful as being a spy yourself.” “Yes, but I can have some busy periods, right?” asked Blue Blood. “I am also the supervisor of the drama club, of the Military Academy, and we’re about to stage ‘The Thrist games’. We’ve been working on that for months, and the public is ready to see the results. If you add that to the especial training of my recruits, it sucks all the energy out of me.” “What are you, a machine?” mocked Sweetie. “Sometimes I wish I was one.” answered Blood, winking an eye to Sweetie. The Agents of Chaos made an understanding nod. “Life is tough.” “Only when is worth of living.” They were about to leave, when suddenly, they heard the sound of hoofsteps coming from the stairs. Sweetie frowned, worriedly, but Spike embraced her with care. “Easy. It’s going to be alright.” Rarity came into the dining room. “Good morning, Blue, my dear.” she smiled. Then, she noticed the two visitors. “Oh, Sweetie, Spike, what brings you here?” “Good morning sister.” said Sweetie, levitating the invitations toward her and Blue Blood. “We came to invite you to my 23th birthday. A big party with games, good food, good drinks, sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.” “Oh, dear! Twenty three already?” asked Rarity, with a yawn. “Oh, I’m sorry for my lack of enthusiasm, but, I just got up.” “Don’t worry, Blue Blood told us.” said Sweetie, calmly. “I hope you two are free the big day.” “We will.” assured Rarity and Blue Blood. “Now, if you excuse us, there are still a lot of people that we haven’t invited yet.” “Have a nice day!” wished them Rarity. “Thanks, you too!” answered the Agents in unison. And, after a few more rounds of inviting, around Reptilia, and the Mirror world, the two Lords of Chaos finally arrived to Castle of Chaos, where they have lived together for the last ten years. “Why is everypony complaining about energy?” asked Spike. “I don’t know. If you ask me, they have to eat better, or something.” said Sweetie with a shrug. “But, I kind of understand them. It reminds me that time we had to track down all of our pranks to the report for Mister Boss. Uf, I felt I was dying.” “Don’t remind me.” said Spike. “Since then, I write down every single one of them.” “Good. That time I had to gather all my magic power to move you to the bed, when you collapsed over your desk.” “Sorry.” “By the way, how did you manage to be up at the next day so fresh, and like nothing happened?” asked Sweetie Belle. “A ‘Super extra energy’ potion that Zecora makes.” explained Spike. “One single sip, and you can go on for hours. But, is not recommended neither to drink too much, nor use it too many times. It can cause both, insomnia, and dependence. I promised I would never use it again.” “Always follow the pharmacist’s directions.” approved Sweetie Belle. When suddenly, her expression turned mischievous. “…except, if you’re a God of Chaos. Are you thinking what I am thinking?” “That Zort, spelled backwards, is Troz?” asked Spike. “What now?” “Obligatory referential humor. But, yeah, I get it. It seems great at first… until you try to sleep. Let’s do this!” First things first. Spike took five scrolls, and sent them with his messenger breath. Only Sweetie and he lived at the Castle of Chaos. The others lived on their own, but, they had their own rooms in the Castle, when it was necessary. Fifteen minutes later, Rumble, Apple Bloom, Babs, y Scootaloo appeared, with everything they needed for this prank. “Fresh clouds from the Weather Factory!” announced Rumble, now a tall, skinny colt, with athletic complexion. Unlike most of stallions, he had a long mane, half of it, dyed blond, and had a piercing on his eyebrow. “And, a pot full of extra energy potion. Fresh!” said Apple Bloom. During the last years, she have changed her bow, by a cowgirl hat, much like Applejack’s, but with a pink ribbon on the middle. “Did Zecora asked why you ordered that much?” wanted to know Scootaloo. “Nope, A’ learned to prepare it all by ma’self!” announced Apple Bloom. “You always liked to prepare potions, right?” asked Scoots with a smirk. She haven’t changed that much during the years. She got taller, of course, but she kept her mane short and wild. And, she also had a piercing that matched Rumble’s. “And, as a finishing touch, a brand new cannon to fire the clouds!” finished Babs, whose mane have grown until half of her back, and just as Rumble, she dyed half. Green. “So, what are we going to do?” Spike shrugged, and used his powers to mix the clouds, and the potion. “Nothing that elaborate this time, only a rainstorm with especial effects.” “You don’t need us for this!” complained Rumble. “Dude, I have things to do!” “I know, we actually called you to plan my birthday party. Remember? The one that is going to be legendary!” “Oh, yeah! So, what have you planned?” “Nothing yet. That’s why we called you. Do you have any ideas to get everyone in the mood?” asked Spike. “With ‘the mood’ you mean drunk, right?” asked Scoots. “Eeyup!” said Spike, but Sweetie shook her head. “No, we mean really, really drunk. Or, well, not everyone. I’ll have enough with my sister only. Before the, you know, immortality thing.” said Sweetie. “I see…” In the meantime, at Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight and Applejack were having a quick picnic. Applejack, somehow, have managed to convince her to leave aside her duties for an hour. Just enough to have lunch together. But then, the rain came out of nowhere. The two of them ran toward the house, but when they arrived, they were already soaked. “Great” complained Applejack. “It could be worse.” smiled Twilight. “At least you tried to make me feel less stressed.” Applejack smiled. “At least A’m sure you ate healthy.” “Thanks, AJ.” said Twilight. “Now, I must go back to work. Thank you for the meal!” “Take care. Don’t push yerself’ too hard!” Thunders resounded all over, like a normal rainstorm. But this time, something was different. There was no pegasus in the area. However, nopony thought too much about it. Sweetie Black have mixed her hypnotic voice with the thunder so nopony will suspect. At least for the moment. As for Twilight, she resumed her schedule, knowing she would end up exhausted again. But, unbelievably enough, she finished all her pending business, and still felt with energy. Maybe, a bit more energetic than usual. And, in less than an hour, she found herself free. Free! “I can’t believe it! I’m done! Done with all my work!!” celebrated Twilight. “I better go see AJ!” And she ran back to Sweet Apple Acres. Luckily, the rainstorm passed soon. “Hi Twi, what are ya’ doing here?” asked the cowgirl. “Aren’t ya full of work?” “I just finished, and came to see you. Need some help?” “Twilight!” scolded Applejack. “If you’re done, then rest. Ya’ve been working like crazy this week, aren’t ya’ even a little tired?” “I know Applejack, I know. But, I don’t feel tired at all. So, I was thinking. I can help you with all your work, finish early, and get all the girls to have some fun.” “Ya’ know? Let’s do this! A’m also feeling more energetic than usual, despite working the whole day.” With Twilight’s help, Applejack finished bucking trees in less than an hour. They went to find the others, only to realize, they also finished early thanks to the unexpected energy boost. In Canterlot, also Rarity have finished early, and didn’t feel tired at all. And, before she realized, she was spending time with Blue Blood. Their mutual hobbies were quiet ones, like gardening, or reading. But this time, they both felt they needed to go out. But where? “There’s something!” said Blue, checking on the paper ads. “A nighttime tour on the cemetery!” “The cemetery?” asked Rarity. “You know, watching historic mausoleums, and a couple of employees dressed as ghosts to scare the guests. Like going to a museum, but with a touch of dark humor.” “Seems… great!” smiled Rarity. “After that, we can go to that new wine bar they’re advertising. It’s open all night!” The energy boost was great! 3:00a.m. Everypony started to notice something was off. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t just go to sleep. Going out, and having fun was okay, for some people. But, for another bunch of ponies, it was just annoying. Most of the ponies just wanted a good night of sleep after filling their schedules. But the energy boost keep them from doing so. Families with young foals were having the hardest time. At first, the kids were defying on their parents, saying that they won’t go to sleep. But, when the parents finally managed to put them on bed, they couldn’t make their foals to close their eyes. Everypony were just… too energetic. Then, they tried spells, potions, pills, everything on their disposition to sleep. But no. Exercise to exhaustion? It didn’t work. Not even drinking to the point of passing out. The ponies still did their best to sleep: they closed their eyes, and rolled on their beds in all directions, but it was useless. They simply couldn’t sleep because of all the energy. Energy, energy, ENERGY! 4:00a.m. As punishment for oversleeping, Lighting Flash had put Pipsqueak to patrol the hallways the whole day. But, she finally dismissed him at four a.m. Usually, Pip would be more like a zombie at this point. But, it was no usual day. He felt completely energetic and cheerful. In fact, as he was leading to Luna’s (and his) private chambers, he was wondering how not to disturb Luna. At this hour, she would be surely lying unconscious, as she took care of the Dream Realm. But, much to Pip’s surprise, Luna was not only awake. She was also and doing aerobics. “Luna? What are you doing?” asked Pip. “Nopony have gone to sleep yet, so I have no work.” explained the Princess of the night. “And, since you were working, I had to find something to do to kill time.” “Well, here I am.” “I can see that. Are you tired?” Pip scratched his head. “You know? Strangely enough, I’m not. I stayed awake for almost twenty four hours, and I’m as fresh as a lettuce!” “Good to hear it!” cheered Luna, winking an eye to the stallion. “I’m all sweaty, and I know how much you like it!” Pip smiled mischievously, as he dropped his sword. He was about to get rid of his armor, when Luna stopped him. “Keep it! Tonight I’m feeling kinky.” Because of all the accumulated energy, they literally jumped to the bed. Energy, energy, they all felt too energetic. At least they were having a good time, unfortunately, this was the point where everypony began to feel sick about all the energy stuff. For example, in Ponyville, Mister Cake gave up, and began to prepare the dough for all his cakes, breads, and everything he needed for the day. Soon enough, his wife and children joined. They wanted to sleep, but since it was impossible during the current circumstances, this idea seemed just fine. It was so effective, that everypony all over Equestria went back to work at four a.m. just because they couldn’t sleep. That helped, for a while. Focusing on work temporary made them forget about the energy boost. But, they had so much energy that they quickly ended up without anything else to do. “Oh, come on! How’s that I still can’t sleep after all this!” shouted Twilight in anger. “Take it easy Twi!” said Applejack. “Take it easy?! I’ve ordered my files by name, color, date… by every single combination known for the ponykind, and I’m still unable to sleep! I CAN’T THINK IN ANYTHING BUT MY BED!” Applejack grinded her teeth. “A’ know how ya’ feel! But what can we do about it?” Twilight kicked her desk, and something fell from it, and exploded instantly. The white light covered Applejack and Twilight. Finally, they both yawned, suddenly feeling all sleepy, and tired. “Was that…?” “A Harmony Grenade. Yes.” They would complain about the God of Chaos, but, they preferred to go to bed and talk later. Two hours of good sleep later, they were ready for action. “Okay, let’s go for Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rainbow.” said Applejack, as she went back on her hooves. “In the meantime, I’ll write a letter to Rarity!” They ran to action. The first one they saw was Fluttershy, who was crying in desperation, along with all her animals. She wanted to sleep, to close her eyes, and give herself to the bliss of Luna’s realm. But instead, she felt too much energetic. Also her animals were furious, and the only one who keep them from fighting was a dark gray bunny, with black eyes. It was one of the sons of Angel (rest in peace), his name was Ezequiel. He took care of the role of the animals’ leader, as efficiently as his father. No, maybe better. “Fluttershy!” called Applejack. “Oh, hello. Sorry Applejack, but this is a bad time. We’ve tried everything, but we can’t sleep. And, I don’t know what to do, I’m desperate Applejack!” The cowgirl nodded. “A’ know. Leave it to me!” Then, Applejack detonated the Harmony Grenade, and instantly, pets and owner were sleeping peacefully. With a smile, Applejack put everyone in their respective den, and bed. To then, ran to find the others. Twilight in the meantime had taken care of Rainbow Dash. She was challenging everyone around to a race, in an attempt to finally get tired. But, even the cyan pegasus got sick of that many races, and ended up kicking the clouds to release her frustration. “ALL I WANT IS SOME SLEEP! IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!” “Rainbow Dash!” suddenly called Twilight. She turned. “Oh, hi Twi. What’s up? You can’t sleep neither?” “I just did. Allow me!” Twilight detonated the Harmony Grenade, making the pegasus yawn. “Finally! So it was Spike’s doing?” “Apparently, the lack of sleep clouds our judgment. Sleep to recover, and then, join us to release the Rainbow Power.” “Okay! If you excuse me, I’ve just saw a very comfortable-looking tree!” Twilight smiled, and flew to the mail office. “In times like this, I wish I still have Spike’s help.” sighed the alicorn, as she got in. “Morning Princess!” cheered the happy mailmare, Dinky Hooves, daughter of Derpy. “We already delivered all the letters of the week. Do you have work for me?” “Canterlot, immediate deliver.” said Twilight, extending a letter toward Dinky. Dinky smiled happily, as she recited the Hooves family’s motto: “Here’s mail, it never fails!” But, then, she noticed something. “Princess, you missed the stamp.” “I didn’t had one at my home.” shrugged Twilight. “As a Princess, you must set the example. And, in this office, we don’t give an especial treatment to no pony. Not even my mom’s boss.” Said Dinky, as she showed Twilight the rule book. “If you don’t have a stamp, you can always some here at the office. Three for one bit.” Twilight rolled her eyes, it was always the same with the Hooves family. Both mother and daughter considered mail something sacred. “I know, here you go!” said Twilight placing a bit on the counter. “Now, can you deliver my letter?” Then, she reunited with Applejack, and together they went to find Pinkie Pie. “Hi Pinkie!” greeted Applejack. “Are you feeling alright?” “Never been better!” cheered Pinkie. “I’m about to break my record of the longest time I stayed awake. I thought I wouldn’t made it at first, but, it seems like my body adapted. I’m not tired. Like at all.” Twilight sighed. “Pinkie, this is not because of the challenge. It’s a prank from Spike. Everypony in Equestria is being forced to stay awake.” “Oh, so all this time being awake, for nothing?” asked Pinkie really disappointed. “Not fair! I worked hard for this record!” “Ya’ can try again, after we fix this.” sighed Applejack too. “Okey-dokey lokey!” They cured her, and left her in her bed as they walked back to the castle. Now all they had to do was wait, until the other wake up, and helped them cure the rest of Equestria. In the meantime, Rarity and Blue Blood didn’t know what to do to kill time. When suddenly, somepony knocked at the door. “Yes?” asked Rarity as she answered. Dinky smiled, and began: “Here’s the mail, it never fails. It makes me wag my tail. When it comes I want to wail, MAIL” “Dinky, what are you doing?” asked Rarity. “Are you deaf? Mail! From Princess Twilight!” answered the unicorn, giving the letter to Rarity. “Good luck trying to sleep! I must go back to Ponyville.” Rarity received the letter, and raised an eyebrow. “What does it say?” asked Blue Blood. “Detonate a Harmony Grenade. Why I am not surprised?” “Well, at least we could sleep now.” said Rarity, taking one of her grenades. “But, it should be a short nap though. I still have to join the others in order to clean this mess.” “Alright!” Two hours later, Rarity jumped off the train from Canterlot to Ponyville, and ran to join her friends at Twilight’s Castle. “Sorry for the delay girls, but, you know the trip lasts forty five minutes.” “Don’t worry, I’ve just arrived too.” smiled Fluttershy. “Me too!” yawned Rainbow. “Can’t we do this already? I really want to go to sleep?” Then, they repeated the same routine as always: activated the Rainbow Power, and expanded the Harmony all over Equestria, curing the ponies from the lack of sleep. And, as they’ve been doing since eleven years ago, the Team of Chaos observed all the action from a balcony on the Castle of Chaos. “I don’t know you guys, but I like the light show.” smiled Rumble. “It is a pretty sight.” “I feel sorry for them. Insomnia is a pain!” said Scoots. “A’m just relieved that we don’t have to deal with our sisters’ anger from here.” said Apple Bloom. “Sooner or later, we’ll have to see them again. We’ll surely meet them at my party.” added Sweetie. “But then, everypony will be too busy doing sex, drugs, and rock n’roll.” answered Scoots. “What reminds me, isn’t your party being… a little too much, politically incorrect?” asked Rumble. “Okay, instead of Rock n’roll, what about death metal?” mocked Spike. They laughed. As always, their friendship prevailed over all things. They were going to have a great party, and that was all that mattered. The first of their teammates were going to become immortal, and they needed to celebrate it big time. It would be great! They have waited to become adults before asking Spike for immortality, and here they were. After Sweetie Belle, it would be Apple Bloom’s turn, and then Rumble’s, and Babs’ and Scoots’. And finally, they all would become immortals, to keep fighting for chaos. But, right now, it was Sweetie Belle’s moment. “So, do you have the party’s disaster ready?” asked Babs. “One of us is about to get the gift of immortality, and you expect us to have a calm party?!” asked Spike. “Of course I have the party’s disaster. It would be a fun game for us, and the guests to play!” They made a high-hoof, and high-claw, they could hardly wait. Two days later, at the office of Princess Luna: “Did you call, my Princess?” asked Private Squeak, saluting his boss. “Yes, Pipsy.” smiled Luna. “Come on, you don’t have to be that formal with me, and you know it.” “My Princess, I am on duty. And as long I am on duty, I answer to you as your loyal soldier. Not your coltfriend.” Luna nodded. “I know, but, this is an especial occasion Pipsy.” “Is that so?” “Remember that night, when we had our energy boost courtesy of Spike?” smiled Luna. “How could I forget?” blushed Pipsqueak. “Well, I’m back from my medical checkup!” announced Luna, with a radiant smile. “In eleven months… you and I are going to be parents!”