//------------------------------// // Munched // Story: Prank War! // by Ashfur //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle was one of, if not the best, in her field of expertise. As a princess of Equestria, there were many things she had seen in her time spent as Celestia's student. With her immense intelligence and countless lists, she could confidently say that she was prepared for anything. Then Nick arrived. "So, I'm going to pretend that this is a normal occurrence. What are you two doing?" She asked, gazing upward. Laying atop the grand chandelier of the Castle of friendship, Nick and Luna looked down at the purple princess before simultaneously replying, "Nothing." Twilight sighed, putting a hoof to her forehead to stave off the headache she knew she would be getting from this. "Explain the ninja outfits then." "Tis a precaution, Twilight Sparkle. Everypony knows wearing full ninja gear dramatically increases thine odds of remaining hidden," Luna explained. "And you are in Ponyville... why?" Suddenly, the ground shook, and in the distance a cry of inarticulate rage could be heard from Canterlot mountain. Trying to make himself as small as possible, Nick simply replied, "So we don't die for a few more hours." The middle of the week was usually a slog for most ponies, but today was a great day for Celestia! The nobles hadn't been too pushy and demanding during day court, there were no major incidents threatening the safety of her little ponies, and there was only one last thing she had to do today before she was done for the day: observing the new banners being unfurled for the first time in the throne room. It wasn't an official event, but it never failed to make her smile at the hard work and coordination of her little ponies. "Go ahead, I always enjoy this. And it's been so long since the last time. What is it now, five years? Here's hoping that these last just as long, and are just as interesting to look at!" With a flourish, the maids released the ropes holding the banners closed, making all twenty one banners decorating the throne room visible in all their glory. And the world stopped. For a moment, nothing was said. Nopony moved, or spoke, or even dared to breathe as they all stared in horror at the banners. Each one was supposed to bear a unique design from various artists, but instead they all bore the same image. Plastered across the throne room, in its larger than life glory, was a very familiar, incriminating image Celestia longed to forget, along with the caption, Princess Celestia is a cake muncher! Celestia screamed in rage. Back in ponyville, Nick turned to Luna. "So, I hear the crystal empire is nice this time of year." "I agree, Nicholas. But I will be going alone. You stay here." Luna lit her horn to get a head start with teleportation, but a hand on her back startled her and let Nick get in another question. "Why did you come along, anyway? I set those banners up." Luna simply grinned and replied, "Thy prank, though fantastic, will be nothing compared to phase two. We think you might escape this time free of punishment." And in a blink of light, she was gone. Back in Canterlot, Celestia was livid. "I don't care how many guards it takes! Find. Them. NOW!" Her guards saluted before scampering off. Celestia sighed, but it was one of quiet respect. She would have revenge, in due time, but she had to admire the ingenuity behind this prank. Hopefully the actual banners were stored somewhere else, otherwise this would cost a pretty bit to replace. Plans already formulating in her head, she moved to the nearest balcony and lowered the sun without any of the usual flair she put on for her public. And her jaw dropped to the floor, for shining in the night sky was that same infuriating image, complete with caption, painted in starlight! Back at castle friendship, Nick sipped his tea with Twilight while staring at the night sky. Rainbow dash was rolling around on the ground laughing. "So," Nick began, "I think I'm not getting tossed in the moat tonight." As he watched an angry white shooting star leave the castle and shoot towards them, he sipped his tea again. Celestia made the trip in record time, flying up to the three stargazers, her mane and tail ablaze. "WHERE?" she demanded. "Flew off towards the Crystal Empire. Want me to just go jump in the moat when I get back to the castle, save you the trouble, Cake Muncher?" "I WILL DEAL WITH YOU LATER." And she was gone, flying at top speed. "Welp, already gonna get soaked later, might as well go double or nothing. Hey Rainbow, wanna go raid Princess Cake Muncher's secret dessert stash?" Rainbow simply smiled, and prepared to launch into the night sky. "I'll go get Pinkie."