It was about five in the morning when Skystrike woke up. He had gotten about four hours of sleep before he woke up to his natural alarm clock. He jumped down from the ranch he was sleeping on, the armor he wore clanking as he landed.. Multiple cracks and pops could be heard as he stretched out his limbs. He rubbed his eyes as he looked around. The sun still hasn't risen yet, and very few birds have even started chirping. Letting out a yawn, his mask mouth opening with his own, he walked over to a large boulder near the scaffolding of his house. It was roughly the size himself.As of right now, that was the closest he was going to get as a weight. As he lifted the boulder with a grunt and put it on his back, he began doing push ups, though his back legs were off the ground. To a normal pony, this would be jaw dropping, though Skystrike has been doing this for years.
After finishing 100, he put his back legs on the ground and put his front legs behind him. He began doing wing pushups at a much slower rate than the pushups he was doing earlier. They were much harder to do than the ones he did earlier, with the wings being much more frail. The bones and muscles in his wings were tired, making weird popping sounds begging him to stop. He listened to their pleas, stopping after doing another 100. He had three more things to do before his work out routine was done.
He stood up with the boulder still resting on his back. He leaned back, letting the boulder slide off before picking it up with his front hooves and holding it over his head. He stood up straight, standing on his hind legs before beginning to do squats. He exhaled every time he went down, inhaling every time he went up. After finishing his 100, he threw it over him, landing in front of him with a large boom. The trees shook at the impact, leaves falling and birds flying away. He panted heavily as he looked in the top corner of the inside of his mask. It was 5:30 a.m. He sighed as he pulled out a bottle of water from his saddle bag, drinking the whole thing in one breath.
His fourth task was 100 sit ups. He went to the scaffoldings and flew up to a horizontal bar, He sat on it and put his hands behind his head, leaning back to the point where his back was almost perpendicular to the ground. He breathed out as he came up as he kept his eyes closed, trying not to get dizzy. He finished his hundred before flying down, landing next to the boulder he was lifting earlier. He checked the time 5:35 a.m.
He began running around the edge of the land he owned. It was about 5 square miles, though one square was completely overrun by the everfree forest. He made sure to run at least 1 mile a day. He has been able to do this for almost four years now, so he made a new challenge for himself. He adds another two miles to his run each year. It was a relatively new challenge for himself, only starting two years ago. He was working to increase his stamina, being the lesser of his focus for a while now. He was two miles in before he sped up his pace. He ran through the trees, side stepping left to right to dodge the pines he was running through. He finished his run sweating heavily. Multiple flaps of armor opened, instantly letting out the steam from his body that built up during his workout. He checked the time. 5:55 a.m.
He got back to his house, leaning on the boulder next to it, catching his breath. The sun just rose as the time struck 6:00 a.m. He waited a few minutes before getting up and walking to the nearby lake. He took off his armor and saddle bag. He had a bulky figure, multiple scars all over his body, mostly on his sides and belly. He got into the lake, the cool water enveloping his body as he went deeper. Now hip deep in the water, he began washing himself. The water around him turned slightly brown from the dirt on him. He spent about half an hour in the lake before getting out and shaking the water off himself. Putting back on his armor and saddle bag, he made his way back to the making of his home. “Time to get back to work.” He said to himself as he pulled out a tool set and began working on his house.
It was about 9:00 a.m. Twilight and Spike were walking out of the library, the former having a determined look on her face. Spike let out a yawn as he rode on Twilights back. The unicorn walked through Ponyville in silence until spike spoke up.
“Why do you think he hid his identity from you and your friends?” He asked, looking at twilight.
She stayed silent for a minute, thinking. She then spoke carefully. “I don't know spike, but if we knew each other and he knew the others, he had to have a reason.”
“What do you think it is? I mean, since he showed us yesterday, it couldn't have been that good of one.”
“I don't know spike.” Sad a slightly annoyed Twilight.
“Do you think he’ll tell us the truth?”
“I don't know spike!” She said with a groan. Spike quickly stopped talking at this outburst.
After another few minutes of silence, they arrived at Skystrike place. He had was cottage-like, having a olden style architecture with stone walls and clay roof tiles. The corners were made of wood, as well as the edges of the roof. Twilight walked up to the door and knocked on it. Skystrike answered the door, opening it and staring into the mare’s purple eyes.
“Hey Twilight, need something?” He asked not breaking eye contact.
She responded quickly. “We need you to come with us.”
“Why?” He asked, confused by the sudden demand.
“There’s… some ponies who want to see you at the library.” She said avoiding his eye contact.
“Alright. I have a few hours to spare.” He said stepping out from his house, locking the door behind him. “Who are they?”
“Umm…” Twilight stuttered. Whoever they were, Twilight was sure he wouldn't want to see them. “Friends of yours?” She answered after a few seconds of silence. Spike rolled his eyes and rested his head on his hands as Skystrike inwardly raised an eyebrow.
“Twilight, if you learned anything about me during my time in magic school, you should know that I rarely make friends.” He said as Twilight chuckled nervously. He let out a sigh. “I’ll humor you for now. I assume they're at the library you reside in?”
She let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, we shouldn't keep them waiting.” She said gladly before she gestured for him to walk beside her. He began walking beside her, making their way towards Ponyville. The two ponies and dragon walked for a few minutes before Skystrike spoke up, deciding to make small talk.
“So how have you and the others been?”
“I’ve been fine, and my studies under the princess have been going well. And what do you mean by others?”
“You know, Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Moon Dancer, Lyra.”
“Oh…” She said, a sad frown forming on her face. “I haven't really been keeping in contact with them.” She said in a sad tone. “Lyra moved about six years after you left though. Speaking of leaving, why did you leave? From what the others told me, you only left all of us a note saying goodbye?”
He kept looking forward as he recomposing himself. He gave her a straight answer. “Let’s just say I had family matters. The outcome of it made me stay away from Canterlot. I’d prefer not to get into the details.” He said that last sentence not as a request, but more of a demand. Twilight took the hint and noted not to ask about it.
“Where did you go after Canterlot then?” Asked a curious Spike. Twilight shot him a look, but the look quickly changed to surprise at Skystrike answer to the question.
“I traveled mostly. Spent a few years in Cloudsdale, another year on a rock farm. By the time I was about 15 I was working with the Wonderbolts. Left after a few months, then I started exploring places in and outside of Equestria.” He said looking back on his past. “When I was exploring, I was under the alias of Atlas Nebula. Didn't realize how popular I became until I visited Manehattan.”
“It must've been fun travelling so much. I wish I could do that.” Said spike, admiring him. Twilight rolled her eyes.
“We’re here.” She said in relief as she pushed the door open. She galloped inside, Skystrike strutting behind her. He stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw the ponies she wanted him to meet. The two alicorn princess’ were sitting at a table sipping their tea. Celestia and Skystrike made eye contact, the former smiling. Skystrike pressed the button under his jaw, letting his features show. Twilight bowed as Skystrike stood still.
“What are you doing?” She whispered to him. “Bow!”
“It’s quite alright Twilight Sparkle.” Luna spoke to her in a booming voice. “On this day, we wish to speaketh with thou as equals.” She finished, turning to Skystrike as she poured him a cup of tea, setting it on the table..
He replied flatly. “Alright.” He walked up to the table the two princesses were sitting at. He sat down, ready to start the conversation.
“So, what do you need?”
Celestia spoke up. “Well first off, we want to know how your set of armor works and who it was made by. No pony has seen anything like it.”
“Because I made it.” He answered quickly. “And no, I will not tell you how to make it.” He said cutting Celestia off before she could ask.
“Ok then. May I ask where you've been staying? When I noticed Atlas Nebula making a name for himself, I failed to get in contact with him. As for you, many of your classmates and I thought you… perished.”
He rubbed his chin. “Not surprised. I'm surprised that many cared for somepony like me. I'll try and get back in touch with everyone, let them know I'm alive and kicking.”
“Very well.” Celestia started. “I would like to know how you're doing though. It’s been 8 years if I counted correctly?”
His stern look stayed on his face as he nodded.
“You two know each other?” Twilight asked. “Personally?”
Skystrike thought for a moment before answering. “In a sense. I declined being her personal student when I was about nine or ten.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Why would you decline that?! You do realize you missed a once in a lifetime chance?”
“Please do understand my student" Celestia tried to call down Twilight. “From what he has told me, he wished to have a somewhat normal life. Being my student would attract unwanted attention.”
Skystrike nodded again. “Now, if I may ask you Luna, I don't think you came along as a sideshow attraction?”
Luna chuckled lightly at this, as Twilight was now sweating bullets. “Thou art correct, Skystrike Nebula.” She said in her royal canterlot voice. “We still wish to repay thou for thou’s effort in helping us.” Skystrike raised an eyebrow at this as the Princess of The night made a scroll appear out of thin air and floated it towards him. He raised his hoof and grabbed it. He opened the scroll and read through it, before pulling out three tickets.
“The grand galloping gala shall arrive in a few months from now. I trust that you will accompany us?”
Skystrike’s eyes widened a bit at that last sentence. He looked at the tickets. Then back at Luna. Then the tickets again. This went on for a few seconds before he made his words into thoughts. “Are you asking me out?”
Luna’s face turned purple from the blush she tried to hide as she stuttered for a bit. “Wha- Um… No. W- We didn't mean it like that…” She said as Celestia held a hoof over her mouth giggling. “Anyway… that was all that we had to say to you. Let us go, sister.” Luna said standing up, the blush still on her face. Celestia stood.
“Goodbye Twilight, Skystrike. I hope to see you at the gala.” She said giving The purple pony her own scroll, walking out the door to entourage of Royal guards waiting outside for them.
Twilight let out a sigh of relief, before giving the armored pony an angry look. “What in the hay were you thinking talking to the princesses like that? You could've been banished!”
“But I wasn't, was I?” He said turning toward Twilight. He gave her an uncaring look. “Besides, I specifically remember that she wished to speak with me as an equal?” He finished as his collar took it’s helmet shape.
Twilight stuttered for a but, before giving up with a sigh. She read the letter that her mentor gave to her. Her normal smile came back as she clapped her hooves.
“OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!” She said as she hopped around the room. She stopped mid jump as the door opened, Applejack walking in.
“Well hello Twilight, Skystrike.” He nodded his head in greeting. “I’m just here to see if y’all wanted to come with me to Sweet Apple Acres.” She said before pointing to two buckets full of apples on her back. “I could use the help, if ya dont mind.”
“Of course! Just let me get Spike!” Twilight said before trotting upstairs.
“I’ll pass.” Skystrike said catching the earth pony’s attention. I planned on exploring the town. You and the other ponies decided to hide for the last few weeks.”
She chuckled nervously at his response. “Sorry about that. You just seemed…”
“Intimidating?”
“More or less.” She said as she shrugged her shoulders, chuckling again. “But ya gotta cut us some slack, don't ya?”
He was the one to shrug his shoulders this time. “I suppose.”
Twilight came down the stairs, a tired spike on her back yawning. “Are you ready to go?”
“You betcha!” Applejack gladly said as the two walked out the door, Skystrike in tow. They waved bye to each other before they went their separate ways. It was about noon, as most ponies were running about, looking for stores to eat at. He to was looking for a quick snack. He looked around for a little while looking over the menus.
“Hay burger is a maybe…” He spoke to himself. “I kinda feel like a salad?” He said as he tried to rubbed his chin, his helmet getting in the way. “Or maybe some fruit?”
A beige pony with a pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak walked up next to him. “Um, excuse me, Mr. Nebula?”
“Why hello there.” He said turning to the mare. “And please, call me Nebula.”
“Alright. My name is Bon Bon. I was at the party yesterday.” She said, hoping that he’d remember her.
“Sorry, don't think I saw you, though I will remember your name. So, what do you need?”
“Oh, right!” She said, getting back to her original goal. “I saw that you were looking for something to eat. I know a place that has good salads. I’m meeting up with a friend for lunch. Would you like to come?” She asked, smiling at him.
“Sure, but why?” He asked. Many of the ponies he met before mostly cared for themselves, and the ones who didn't wanted to use him for their own gain. You could say that he was hesitant at the offer.”
“Well, no offense, but you seemed kind of lonely at Pinkie’s party…” She said, rubbing her chin as she averted her gaze. “I just wanted to be your friend?” She said, staring into his blue eyes.
“None taken, and I appreciate that.” He said thankfully. Now, where’s this restaurant at? I'm hungry.”
“It’s just down the street.” She said, turning around and waiving a hoof for Skystrike to follow. He started walking next to her, making their way to the restaurant. “So how are you enjoying your stay in Ponyville so far?” She started, trying to make idle conversation.
“Aside from people hiding in the stores when I was walking around for the past few weeks?” He asked sarcastically. “Dandy.”
She giggled at his answer. “We are sorry for that. Ponyville doesn't do well with visitors like yourself.”
“I can see that.” He said chuckling to himself. “I just hope no pony else has to go through something like that.”
“Oh, we’re here!.” She said stopping before looking around. It looked like your average cafe, even having an outdoor section. A few circular tables littered the area. A pale magenta earth pony with a lime mane and tail waved at the two. “That's her.” Bon Bon said as she galloped to the table she was sitting at. The pony didn't expect Skystrike to follow behind, her eyes widening in response. The two sat down, Bon bon sitting next to the mare.
“This is my friend Daisy.” Bon bon introduced the mare.
“Hello…” She said sheepishly, obviously nervous.
“Hey, how’s it going?” He replied.
“I'm doing good…” She replied, not making eye contact. A moment of awkward silence passed by, before a waiter came to the table, putting a menu in front of each of them. The three looked over the menu, studying each option before ordering. The waiter came back, taking their food off the platter he was holding and setting them in front of the ponies. The three got in a conversation, Skystrike staying quiet mostly, eating his large salad. The two mares occasionally looked in his direction, seeing his helmet partially open, and him stuffing himself, large crunching sounds coming from the lettuce he was eating. Daisy said something that caught Skystrikes interest.
“Oh, did you see the Princess earlier? She was at the library.” She started.
“I did, and did you see the blue one? Apparently that was her sister. Wonder what they were here for?”
“She wanted to talk to me about what happened at the celebration.” He said as he wiped his face, a large empty bowl in front of him. “She and her sister wanted to award me for my help.”
Daisy looked at him. “You mean you went after Nightmare Moon?”
“I can't decide!” Their attention was swerved to Twilight yelling at the table she was sitting at. Skystrike quickly got back to answering Daisy’s question.
“Yes.” He said that like it’s nothing. “I became a warrior to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Me not doing anything is me not keeping a promise to myself.”
“So what did she give you? If you don't mind me asking.” Bon Bon asked curiously.
Little did he know, telling her would be the biggest mistake he would make today. “The Grand Galloping Gala.” He said, pulling out the golden ticket and reading it. “I got three for some reason though…”
“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The two girls said in sync before squealing.
“I can't believe it! I always wanted to go!” Bon Bon said enthusiastically.
Daisy was about to speak, before it started to rain heavily. The two quickly ran inside the cafe, though Skystrike stayed outside. He looked up at the sudden rain clouds, drops of water hitting his helmet, a quiet metallic sound being the product. His attention was torn from the clouds to see Spike and Twilight sitting at their table, the two beginning to eat their food.
“Um, madam? Sir?” He began, looking at Twilight and Skystrike trotting towards her. “Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s not raining.” Twilight replied, looking around. She was then proven wrong when she turned to see a wet Skystrike and rain pouring down around her. “What’s going on?” She questioned as she looked up, Rainbow Dash appearing out of a hole in the clouds.
“Hi there best friend forever I’ve ever had! Enjoying the sunny weather?” She asked, giving her widest smile.
“Rainbow Dash…” Twilight growled angrily. “What are you doing?”
“What do you mean? I just saw the smartest, and coolest pony about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds so she could eat in peace, that's all!” She replied innocently, making Twilight raise her eyebrow.
“Then why didn't you kick a hole for Skystrike? He has tickets too?” Spike said, not stopping his pace at eating his hay fries.
“He does?” Rainbow asked, thinking of ways to get one from him.
“Rainbow, you're not doing extra favors to make me give you an extra ticket, are you?” Twilight asked, putting emphasis on the extras and drawing out the last word.
“Me? Pfft, no no no, of course not!” She said, smiling again.
“Uh huh.” Twilight said, eyebrow still raised.
“No seriously, I’d do this for anypony.”
Twilight looked around, seeing multiple ponies running, trying to get away from the rain. Rainbow noticed this to, an awkward laugh being the response.
“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, and Id appreciate it if you closed that rain cloud right now!”
Rainbow let out an annoyed sigh. “Fine.” She said before zipping the cloud shut.
“You did not think that through, did you?” Skystrike asked, face hoofing.
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked confused. The rain then poured down on her, ruining her mane and sandwich. She groaned as spike tried his best to hold in his laughter.
“Twilight, Skystrike! It’s raining!” Rarity said in worry.
“No really?” Twilight responded annoyed.
“You don't say?” Skystrike said sarcastically.
“Come with me before you catch a cold!” She said, pulling Twilight off her seat. Skystrike gestured for Spike to sit on his back. He hopped on and the two followed behind.
The group appeared inside of the Carousel Boutique, Twilight shaking off the water. She didn't realize Rarity behind her. “Wops.. Sorry about that…” Twilight apologized to the drenched Rarity.
Her look of annoyance quickly turned to one of forgiveness. “Oh no, it's quite alright. After all, we are the best of friends! Are we not?” She said buttering up to Twilight. “And you know what the best of friends do? Make over!” She said, jumping into the air.
She ran off, coming back with a dividing screen, going behind it with Twilight. Multiple sounds could be heard as the place rocked, ranging to machinery to a hand saw. Rarity Then pushed the screen away, revealing Twilight wearing a blueish purple saddle and a necklace with various gems on it.
“Why darling, you look simply dashing!” Rarity complemented.
“Uh, yeah! It is kinda pretty, isn't it?” Twilight said, looking over her outfit.
Rarity then zoomed over to spike. “And you! Well Spike,you must have an outfit too!” The screen came back. She went to work on Spike, despite his yells of protest. He was then revealed wearing a royal blue frilly outfit with a blond wig to match. “Now you just need a hat to go with it!” Rarity clarified before coming back with a black mantine, a golden feather sticking out.
“Uh uh! I don't want none of this girly gala gunk! I’ll be in the library.” Spike ran out the door, leaving his clothes behind.
“That's a shame, but of course, we can't forget you!” She said turning to the pegasus. She pulled out the screen once more, but was stopped by his hoof holding the screen in place.
“Sorry but i'm not looking for an outfit. Besides, if you two are the best of friends, you probably shouldn't be doing this just for the ticket, should you? And judging from the same outfit Twilight’s wearing over there…” He pointed a hoof at an exact replica. “Meeting us at the cafe wasn't a coincidence.”
She lowered her head at this, biting her lip. Twilight shook her head, getting out of the trance she was in from her reflection in the mirror. “So that's what this was about. You were just buttering me up so I’d give you the extra ticket. Well it's not gonna work!” She said as she threw off her outfit, said outfit going over Rarity’s head. “You’re just going to have to wait for my decision like everypony else! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch!” She finished, about to slam the door behind her. What stopped her from doing this was an orange earth pony butting in.
“Did somepony say lunch?” Applejack said, pulling Twilight and Skystrike out the door. Skystrike caught himself before the fall, Twilight wasn't so lucky, falling on her face. The two looked up, seeing a large wagon full of various apple products.
“You gotta be kidding me!” Twilight said irritated.
“I got apple pie, apple fritter, apple dumplings, apple tarts, apple crumbles, apple crisps, and apple brown betty!” She said, holding up a slice for Twilight, and a second for Skystrike. “For dessert, of course. What do you say there, best friends?” She asked, her brightest smile she could give was on her face. Twilight however, was not sharing her enthusiasm, her belly rumbling instead. Steam was now coming out of her ears as she glared at Applejack.
“No, no! I just don't know who im giving the ticket to, and all these flavors aren't making it any easier to decide. In fact, im less sure now than I was this morning! Ugh!” She finished before running off, Applejack starring in confusion. She then looked nervously at Skystrike.
“So, thats a maybe?” She said as Skystrike face hoffed again. Deciding to go after Twilight, he trotted up to her, keeping pace with her speed.
He followed the unicorn to the library, a sad Twilight lurking outside the door..
“Ugh, never thought being showered in favors would be so aggravating!” She said frustrated.
“I know the feeling Twilight.” Skystrike pitched in.
She looked back at him. “Well, at least someone isn't begging for a ticket…” She said grumbling before opening the door to see Fluttershy cleaning the Library, her birds helping her.
“Fluttershy, not you too…” She sighed in disbelief.
“Oh, hello Twilight and Skystrike.” She said pausing her work. “Hope you don't mind, but were all doing a little spring cleaning for you.” She said gently.
“It’s summer.” The two said in united before looking at each other.
“Jinx, you owe me a soda.” Skystrike said quickly.
“Really? Now?” She said even more annoyed than earlier. This caused a chuckle to come out of his mouth.
“Well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy said, blushing in embarrassment. “It was Angel’s idea.” She said proudly, looking towards a bunny making a salad.
Skystrike look directly into sky blue eyes. “You know full well you didn't do this out of the kindness of your heart, despite that being your element.”
“No im not!” She said acting hurt. “I'm doing this because you two are my very best friends! I tried to clean yours too, but it was locked.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow as Angel bought her the salad he was making. Skystrike just sighed. Despite her stomach rumbling again, she declined the salad and Fluttershy’s help. “No, no, no!” She said before starting to walk to the door, Skystrike waiting there. “It was very nice of you and Angel, but I’m not accepting any other favors until I made my final decision!” She opened the door. “So I’m going to have to ask you to leave.
“Surprise!” A group of ponies said before blowing party horns and pulling Twilight out. They started throwing her into the air, Pinkie singing while doing so.
“Twilight is my bestest friend as anyone could be!”
“Whoopie!”
“The cutest, smartest, all around best pony!”
“Pony!”
“Thank you.” Twilight said interrupting the song, slightly annoyed..
“My friend, I’d throw a super duper fun party!”
Twilight now had her hooves crossed, before falling back down into the crowd.
“So she’ll give the extra ticket to the gala to me!”
“Pinkie!!” Twilight yelled drawing out her name.
All the ponies throwing her backed away, letting her fall to the ground with a thud.
“Yes Twilight?” She said, fluttering her eyes.
“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the tickets.” She said sitting up.
“Wait, what ticket? What gala?” A pony from the crowd asked.
“Oh, you didn't know?” Pinkie said innocently, more ponies joining the crowd. “Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand galloping gala!”
“The Grand galloping gala?!” All the ponies said in sync.
“Yeah! I mean, he does too, but his name didn't fit my song.” She said pointing to Skystrike. Both his and Twilight's eyes widened in response to Pinkie’s disclosure. Just as she finished that sentence, everypony in sight bombarded them in complements. Spike ran by, pulling the two along with him. They were stopped by Daisy holding up a pair of flowers.
“I can help you with your gardening!” She said before the trio ran in the other direction before being stopped again.
“I have a cart load of extra carrots!”
“I’ll paint your house!” I’ll cut your grass.”
A scared Spike climbed onto Twilights back. “What are we gonna do?” He asked worried.
“The only thing we can.” He said,digging his hooves into the ground. “Run.”
The took off, leaving the ponies in the dust. The crowd followed just behind them. They were chased through mainstreet, quickly hiding behind Applejack’s wagon from earlier. They were noticed once again by two ponies, one from inside a house, and another under the food in the wagon. The trio was forced to run again, the crowd after them again.
The three quickly put on a disguise, looking like a married couple, Soike acking as the baby in a carriage. Twilight let out a sigh of relief, before being noticed by a pony who stopped and looked back at the three.
Running for the third time, they hid under a bridge, the stampede of ponies running over it. Spike lost his grip and fell with a loud splash, making the herd chase them once more.
They were finally caught, now backed into a corner by the ponies in pursuit. Twilight charged up her horn, teleporting herself and Spike away. They all then stared at Skystrike. Inwardly cursing at himself for magic not working on him, he stood up and dug his hooves into the ground. The ponies got closer, continuing to offer him favors. Finally, he jumped into the air, and with a flap of his wings, flew straight up, a royal blue trail following behind him. He flew at speeds rivaling Rainbow Dash’s. He refused to stop until he got to his destination. The library. He appeared and flew into an open window, stopping moments before he hit the ground. He looked to his left to see a dazed Twilight and extremely burnt spike.
“Sorry, I didn't even know that was going to happen.” Twilight said looking at Spike.
“Just… warn me next time…” He responded, coughing up smoke.
“Quick, lock the doors!” She said about to run to one before seeing Skystrike already doing so.
“Turn all the lights off!” He said as Twilight and Spike quickly did so, running up the stairs, turning lights off as they came back down.
Twilight and Spike laid against each other as Skystrike sat down, each letting out a sigh of relief, until his ears perked up. “We aren’t alone in here…” He said cautiously before the light flicked on, revealing the five ponies who have been bugging them for the whole afternoon, each smiling at the two. Twilight yelled out in stress before lying on the floor. Skystrike reaction was far different.
“God dammit!!” he yelled, clenching his hooves.
“What's wrong with you two?” Rainbow said worried.
“The hell do you think is…!?” He stopped his outburst mid sentence. “You five have been bugging Twilight so much today. You honestly think she can decide to give any of you a ticket when acting like this? I mean look at her.” He pointed to the mare, nearly on the verge of tears, hooves over her head. “I'm sure you all have good reasons, considering why she hasn't decided yet, but out of your own greed, you put herr through so much stress. She doesn't want to disappoint you, as her friends, yet you're making it no easier for her to decide, doing these over the top favors for her, and acting like you're best friends.”He finished his short rant, looking at the ponies, most of them looking down at the floor, while Applejack hid her face with her hat.
He quickly started one of the ponies straight in the eyes. “Rainbow, what reason do you have to go?” He said as his stare hardened.
“The wonderbolts perform every year, and I want to see them show their skills.” She said backing away slightly. “I want to show them mine while i'm there?” She finished, hoping ky strike would accept the answer.”
Skystrike walked to hid right, now eying Applejack. “Yours?”
She placed her hat back on her head. “I plan on selling our farm products so I can help out the family and fix up the barn.” She said quickly
“Pinkie?”
“All the goodies, and pinatas, and fun, and cupcakes, and games, and fun, and…” She said quickly before Skystrike held up a hoof causing her to stop.
“I get it Pinkie. Ok, what about you Rarity.”
She stood up straight, military like. “I… I want to make my name known throughout Canterlot, and find my true love… Prince Blueblood.” She said with a slight blush as she held her hoof up, trying to hide it.
Skystrike face hoofed. “Fluttershy?”
“Um… I want to explore the Canterlot garden and make friends with all the critters. The garden is said to be the most beautiful place.
After the last finished her reason, he backed away, turning his back to them a moment of silence went by before Skystrike cleared his throat.
“”Alright, you all have your own reasons, and each is… somewhat understandable, by my views on your reasons can wait. Right now, pretty sure you need to fix some things with your friend.” He finished, causing Twilight’s ears to perk up. The five mares began to walk over to her, each starting to apologize.
Applejack placed a hoof on her head before speaking. “Sugarcube, ah didn't mean to put pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anyway. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise.” She finished, trying to make the unicorn feel better.
“Me too.” Fluttershy pitched in. “I feel so awful that I made you feel so awful.”
“And me too.” Chipped in Pinkie. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.”
“Twilight, it was unfair of us to try and force you to chose between us.”
“Yes! That means the ticket is mine! I got the ticket~ I got the ticket~” Rainbow sang to herself, causing everyone to glare at her. Skystrike however reacted different. He flew up to the pegasus just high enough to be eye level. He showed his face, his blue eyes stared directly into her magenta eyes. His intimidation worked. “On second thought, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the wonderbolts anyway. I don't need the ticket either.” She said nervously, trying to get the others approval.
“We were so hung on going to the gala, we couldn't see how unhung we were making you.” Applejack said for the group.
“We’re sorry Twilight.” The five said in unison.
Twilight was now feeling much better as a slight smile crept back on her face. “Spike, take a note.” She said holding up a hoof. As she began speaking to Sipke what to write down.
“Dear Princess Celestia, I’ve learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there’s not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends makes you feel really awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“What!?” Everyone save for Skystrike and Spike said in sync as she placed the tickets in the letter.
“If all of my friends cant go, I don't want to go either.” She said turning to her friends with a smile.
“Twilight, you don't have to do this!” Applejack said trying to stop her.
“Nope! I’ve made up my mind. Spike, send the letter.” She said without hesitation as Spike opened the window, setting the letter on fire, the ashes going off into the sky.
“But you can't go to the gala either?” Fluttershy said worried.
“It’s ok girls.” Twilight reassured them. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me.” She finished as the mares entered the group hug. “So i’d rather not go at all. What about you, Skystrike, are you staying?”
They all turned to him, expecting an answer. “Wish i could. I cant because of two main reasons. One, Luna herself invited me, and two, I’d probably be requested to guard someone again.”
“Again?” Applejack asked.
“Not my first time being to the gala.” He answered plainly. Spike began gagging.
“Why wallop my whiskers spike! Isn’t that just like a boy, cant handle the least bit of sentiment.” Applejack said in response to his actions.
“First off, we have sentimentality to, second off, duck.” He said as Spike let out a burp, fire coming out along with magic. The magic swirled in the air before materializing into a letter.
“A letter from the princess? That was fast.” Twilight said, excited to see what the princess responded with. Spike grabbed the letter and began reading.
“My faithful student, Twilight. Why didn't you just say so in the first place?” HE said with an odd look as six golden tickets appeared in the letter. “Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala! Wow!”
“Now we can all go!” Twilight said as they all began cheering before Twilight’s stomach grumbled again.
“Allow us to treat you to dinner. You to Skystrike!” Rarity said happily. Spike held the door open for the mares, each taking a ticket from his hand as they passed.
Skystrike shrugged to himself. ‘Why not.’ He thought to himself. He was about to leave before hearing a sad dragon mumbling to himself.
“Why don't I get a ticket?” He said looking at the floor.
Skystrike bent down and rubbed his head. “She may not be reliable, but she always comes through when she’s needed.” As soon as he finished, Spike burped up another letter.
“And one for you, Spike.” He said, pulling out a ticket as he giggled happily out the door, stopping when Applejack looked at him smugly, crossing her hooves. Spike giggled to himself as he walked past her, Skystrike following. They caught up with the group who was a few feet ahead. Halfway to the restaurant, a sudden realization his Skystrike.
“God damnit.” He said, causing everyone to look at him.
“What?” Twilight asked worried.
“...I forgot my tea from earlier.”