//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Ticket Master[Un-Edited] // Story: My Little Pony: The Wingless Knight // by Aegis Spirit //------------------------------// It’s been a couple days since. Pinkie threw me a private party with the other girls and Spike for me getting my memories back. She even told the whole town my true name. Luckily she didn’t tell everypony that I’m Celestia’s adopted son. Ever since Twilight and Spike moved in, I have been bits and pieces of my past memory once in a while. Today, I was going to my morning job at Sweet Apple Acres to help with apple bucking. Twilight and Spike wanted to come so I let them help Applejack and I. We managed to gather more apples than usual and were bringing our haul back to the farm. “No, nope, no, no…” Spike said as he picks up apples from Twilight’s basket while sitting on her and tossing them behind her. I just stayed behind Twilight and caught the thrown apples into my basket. “Thank ya kindly Crest and Twilight for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh that I could get all these golden delicious in the barn by lunch time. If I win, he’s going he is going to walk down Stirrup Street in one of granny’s girdles.” Applejack said giggling while Spike continued throwing apples. “Ha, Remind me to bring a camera.” I said think how ridiculous Big Mac would look. “No problem at all Applejack. I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.” Twilight replied. I nodded in agreement. “I know, right.” Spike interrupted her, as he tossed another apple that ended up bouncing of on Twilight’s head. Twilight gave him a glare and Spike smiled innocently. “Spike, you’ve been laying on Twilight’s back while we did the hard work.” I told him. “Exactly! You guys were taking so long that I missed snack time!” Spike complained. I just rolled my eyes. Twilight’s stomach growled and she laughed nervously. “Well I guess we better get some food.” She said. Spike continued looking through the apples in the basket, tossing them into my basket the ones he didn’t like. “Aha!” Spike yelled when he pulled out a bright red shiny apple from Twilight’s basket. Twilight noticed it and licked her lips. “Oh, Spike! That looks delicious!” Spike however, just forced the apple into mouth and ate it. “Spike!” Twilight and I scolded. Spike finished chewing and swallowed it. “What?” Spike questioned. He immidialaty burped burped green flames and a letter formed out of it. I need to remember to ask Spike about that. “It’s a letter from Princess Celestia!” Twilight said in surprise as the letter slowly floated down and Spike grabbed it. Spike cleared his throat and read the letter. “Here ye, here ye! Your royal highness, Princess Celestia, of Equestria is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital of Canterlot on the 21st day of… yadda yadda yadda… cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.” “The Grand Galloping Gala!” Twilight and Applejack exclaimed in joy as they started jumping. I was happy Twilight get’s to go to the gala with somepony, though Spike didn’t share my opinion. He looked annoyed and opened his mouth in disgust. Suddenly, he burped out two golden tickets. “Look! Two tickets!” Spike announced holding them. “Wow! Great! I’ve never been to the Gala, have you Spike?” Twilight asked. “No, and I plan to keep it that way! I don’t want any of the girly frilly froo-froo nonsense.” Spike said. “Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice.” Twilight said, trying to reason with him. “Nice?” Applejack interrupted. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’d love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin our tasty vittles till the cow came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin up round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Macintosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala.” Applejack said day dreaming. “Oh, well in that case, would you like to…” Twilight was interrupted by a familiar falling cyan pegasus landing on top of them. “Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed laying on top of Applejack and Twilight. “Rainbow Dash!” You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples? What were you busy doing, spying? Applejack demanded. “No!” Rainbow Dash immediately said. “I was busy…napping.” She said pointing up to a brach with a blanket and pillow on it. I looked at her a little disappointed. “And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?” She asked Twilight, while flying upside down. “Yeah but…” Twilight was interrupted again. “Yes! This is so awesome! The wonder bolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year! I can see it now…” Rainbow Dash said day dreaming what would happen. “Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash. I would draw their attention with my supper speed strut; then I would memorize them with my fantastic billy flash; and for my grand finally, the buccaneer blaze. The ponies would go wild. The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” Rainbow Dash finished. “Don’t you see Twilight? This could be my one chance to show them my stuff. You’ve got to take me.” Rainbow Dash said before being pulled back by Applejack. “Hold on one just one pony pinky minute here.” Applejack told Rainbow Dash. Oh boy I know where this is heading. “I asked for that ticket first.” “So? That doesn’t mean you own it.” Rainbow Dash retorted. “Oh yea, well I challenge you to a hoof wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.”Applejack challenged before they got to a stump and started to hook wrestle. They were both giving it their all before Twilight broke them up. “Girls! These are my ticket. I’ll decide who gets them thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket. Don’t you think?” Twilight asked Applejack and Rainbow Dash. It’s a good idea, though I think there was a problem with it. Applejack was the first to come up. “Drumming up business for the farm.” She said. “A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash countered stepping in front of Applejack. “Money to fix Granny’s hip.” Applejack countered back. “Living the dream.” Rainbow Dash countered again. “Oh my. Those were pretty good reasons aren’t they.” Twilight said nervously. Yeah, I’m not sure who to support. Twilight’s stomach growled and she laughed nervously. “Ha ha listen to that. I am starving. I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decision on an empty stomach. So I’ll think about it over lunch and get back to you two. Ok.” Twilight said as Spike got on her back and walks off. “Okay.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash said in union. I set my basket of apples down and walked away, not wanting to be in the crossfire between of Applejack and Rainbow Dash. I heard a struggle behind me and saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash leg wrestling. I sighed and caught up with Twilight and Spike. Twilight and Spike noticed I was behind them. “Don’t tell me you want the ticket too Crest.” Twilight said annoyed. “Nope, I’m not really interested in going to parties with a lot of unfamiliar ponies.” I told her waving my hoof. Whenever I go to parties like that, there’s always somepony that insults me because of what I am. “Oh, in that case, would you like to join us for lunch?” Twilight asked me. “Sure Twilight.” I said as we continued down Ponyville. We entered Ponyville and Twilight was worry who to give the ticket too. I wished I could help, but with only one ticket, I had no idea what to do. “So who are you going to give the ticket too Twilight?” Spike asked Twilight while riding on her back. “I don’t know Spike, but I literally can’t think straight when I’m hungry.” Twilight said looking at Spike. “So where should we eat?” She asked. We were walking up to Sugercube corner, so I was going to suggest going there. Suddenly, Pinkie came out and tackled us to the ground. I looked at Pinkie and noticed that the two tickets were floating down onto her muzzle. “AHHHH! BATS! BATS ON MY FACE! HELP!” She yelled running around. How do the ticket look like bats? “Wait.” She said looking at the tickets. “These aren’t, tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” She said with glee. I could have sworn I saw stars in her eyes. She then broke out into a song. “Oh think you Twilight, it’s the most wonderfullest gift Ever.” Pinkie said in joy standing in front of Twilight. I’m not sure if the Grand Galloping is what Pinkie thinks it is. I’m pretty sure it’s a lot more formal than the parties she throws. “Um, actually…” Twilight was interrupted when we heard somepony gasp nearby. We turned around and saw Rarity eyeing the tickets in Spike’s claws. “Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked in glee. Oh no, knowing Rarity, she would go to a party filled with nobles. “Uh…” Twilight tried to answer before Pinkie interrupted. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Twilight’s taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!” Pinkie answered. “The Gala? I design ensembles for the Gala every year. But I’ve never had the opportunity to begin. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour. It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet him.” Rarity said. “Him! Who?” Pinkie asked. I had to admit, I was kinda interested who Rarity was interested. “Him. I would stroll through the Gala, and everypony would wonder, who is that mysterious mare? They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation, that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the Princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him. Her nephew. The most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot! Out eyes would meet. Our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course, I would say, YES! We would have a royal wedding befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him. The stallion of my dreams!” Rarity said daydreaming. So that’s why Rarity wanted to go the Gala. I’m happy that Rarity has a crush on somepony, even though it hurts a little. Wait a minute, Mom has a Nephew? I wonder why he doesn’t feel familiar to me like Twilight or Mom. “Twilight! I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.” Rarity said as she turned away from Twilight. I was about to scold her for guilt tripping Twilight until I heard Spike speak up. “Hey!” He said. I turned around to see Fluttershy’s pet white bunny, Angle, run away with one of the tickets in his mouth. He climbed onto Fluttershy’s head and showed her the ticket. She gasped when she saw it. “Angel, these are perfect.” Fluttershy said. Huh? What does Fluttershy want with the ticket. “Uh, listen guys, I haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.” Twilight explained to them. “You haven’t?!” Pinkie and Rarity said in union sharing opposite reactions. “Um, excuse me, Twilight, I would just like to ask… I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…” Fluttershy said getting everypony’s attention. I was surprise Fluttershy wanted to go, and I wasn’t the only one. “You?! You want to go the Gala?” Rarity said in surprise. I too was surprises, Fluttershy never strike me as one who want to go to parties like that. “Oh, no.” Fluttershy said before Angle kicked his leg. “I…I mean yes, or actually kind of. You see… it’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala and that night alone will they all be in bloom; and that’s just the flora! Don’t get me started on the fauna. There’s loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum and buzzards that can really buzz! Blue jays and red jays and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingoes.” Fluttershy explained daydreaming while flying and holding Angle. Huh, so that’s why Fluttershy wanted to go. “Gee Fluttershy that sounds…beautiful?” Twilight said thinking about Fluttershy imagination. “Wait just a minute!” Said Rainbow Dash out of nowhere. We looked up to see Rainbow Dash standing on top of one of the house’s roof. “Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?” Twilight accused as Rainbow Dash flew down. “No, I mean yes, I mean, maybe.” Rainbow Dash stumbled. I’m going with yes. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a goody four shoes like you giving away that ticket to just anybody!” She said. “Wait just another minute.” Applejack said joining us. “Applejack? Were you following me, too?” Twilight asked in worry. “No, I was following this one to make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket.” Applejack responded, glaring at Rainbow Dash. The girls began arguing about who Twilight would invite. I looked at Twilight and saw she was being overwhelmed. That’s it, this is getting out of hoof. “GIRLS!” I yelled getting everypony’s attention. Well, beside Pinkie. “And then I said, oatmeal, are you crazy…oh.” Pinkie stopped when she noticed the look I was giving her. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her head. “It’s Twilight’s decision, and all of this arguing isn’t helping anyone.” I said. “But…” Rarity pleaded, but I cut her off. “No, how can Twilight decide if you all keep arguing in front of her.” I told them. Then we heard Twilight’s stomach grumble. “Not to mention hunger. Now go on! Shoo!” Twilight said getting them to leave grumbling in disappointment. “And don’t worry! I’ll figure this out!” She said to them. “Somehow.” She added in worry. I walked over to her and put my hoof on her shoulder. “You okay?” I asked. She nodded, smiling a little. “Yeah, thanks for standing up for me.” Twilight said gratefully. For some reason, it warms my heart to see Twilight happy, like those other times I see my friends happy. “Anytime Twilight, how about we head to a cafe nearby.” I offered. Twilight nodded and I offered Spike to ride on my back. He accepted, but had a smug look on his face. “What?” I asked. “Oh…nothing.” Spike answered. I rolled my eyes and we proceeded to the cafe. We arrived at a cafe and took out seats. While we were waiting for our waiter, Twilight was thinking who to give the extra ticket too. “Aw, guys, What am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the Gala. Applejack or Rainbow Dash…Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy…Rarity? Oh, who should go with me?” Twilight said in worry as she used her magic to pull off the petals of the flower on the table. Her stomach growled again and she just licked the petals into her mouth. She better be happy that they clean the tables. I spotted the waiter walking to our table. “Have you made a decision?” He asked us. “I CAN’T DECIDE!” Twilight yelled, getting everypony from the other tables attention. “Twilight, he just wants to take your order.” Spike told her, pointing at his menu. “Oh, I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.” Twilight ordered. “For you sir?” The waiter asked me. I looked at my menu and made my decision. “I would like a iris sandwich.” I said. "Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked, but waiter’s face just said no. “No? Okay… I’ll have the hay fries. Extra crispy!” He ordered. “Well what do you think guys?” Twilight asked us. “I think we have to try another restaurant, I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anypony to offer some gemstones?” Spike replied. “She’s talking about the tickets Spike.” I told him. “Oh…you’re still on that.” Spike said pinching his nose. “Spike listen! How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies! What if I…” Twilight stopped when the waiter came by gave us our food. “Ah, your food.” The waiter said before leaving. “Oh, thank you. This looks so good.” Twilight said while Spike started eating away his hay fries. “I’m sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.” Twilight said lifting her sandwich with her magic. “Well I wish I know what to tell you Twilight, but it’s not like we can ask Princess Celestia for more tickets.” I told her, figuring that since the Gala is a big deal, they wouldn’t just freely give away a bunch of tickets. Before she could reply, the ponies from the other tables quickly ran inside the cafe. “Um, are you all going to eat your food in the rain?” The waiter asked us. What rain? Twilight dropped her sandwich. “It’s not raining.” She said. Suddenly, water droplets showered the area, except our exact spot. “What’s going on?” Twilight asked looking up. I looked up as well and saw a hole in the clouds. “Hi, there, best friend forever I’ve ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?” Rainbow Dash said appearing out of the hole in the clouds. “Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked annoyed. “What do you mean? I just saw the smarts, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she can dine in peace.” Rainbow Dash explained. What about me and Spike? I couldn’t help but think see had ulterior motives. “Rainbow, your not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing the extra special favors, are you?” Twilight accused. “Me? No, no, no, of course not!” Rainbow replied innocently, or tried to at least. “Uh huh…” Twilight said not buying it. “Seriously! I’d do it for anypony!” Rainbow Dash said, trying to assure us. We looked around and saw other ponies getting into shelter from the rain. Rainbow Dash noticed this and giggled nervously. “Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I’d appreciate it if you close up that cloud right now.” Twilight demanded. “Ugh! Fine!” Rainbow reluctantly agreed. “That’s better.” Twilight said as she levitated her sandwich. Wait a minute, if she close it now. “No wait…” Before I could finish, we were drenched in water and our food was ruined. “Never mind.” I said. Twilight groans as Spike snickered a bit. I then heard hoof steps walking towards us. I turned around to see Rarity wearing a decorated umbrella saddle. “Twilight! It’s raining” Rarity exclaimed. Again, what about me and Spike? “No, really?” Twilight replied sarcastically. “Come with me before you catch a cold!” Rarity said grabbing Twilight and took her to the boutique. Spike and I looked at each other and decided to follow. When we arrived at the boutique, Twilight shook her hair and all the water scattered out. I was about to do the same, but noticed the water drenched Rarity. Twilight realized it too and laughed nervously. “Oops… sorry” She apologized. I took a step into the kitchen and found towel to dry myself up. “Oh no! It’s quite alright! After all, we are the best of friends, are we not?” I heard Rarity said in the other room. Oh no. “And you know what the best of friends do?” She asked. “Uh…” Twilight tried to guess but didn’t finished. “Makeover!” Rarity said. I finished drying myself and quickly went the main room. I saw Rarity bring a dressing cover in front of Spike and me. We heard Twilight grunting by what ever Rarity was doing to her. “Rarity! Ow! This really isn’t necessary. I mean, thank you but…Ooh! That’s too tight.” Twilight said struggling. When the cover was moved, Twilight was wearing a decorated dress. “There! Oh, you’re simply darling” Rarity said to Twilight. Wow she looks pretty in that dress. “Uh… yeah, it is kind of pretty, isn’t?” Twilight agreed. Spike didn’t share her our opining and made a disgusted face, but Rarity went over to him. “And you. Oh, Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.” Rarity said bringing the cover over. Spike tried to get away, but was captured. Sorry Spike, can’t help you here. “Whoa! Ouch! Oh! Hey! Come on! Watch it! Whoa!” Spike said struggling. The cover was removed and Spike was in a blue outfit and blond wig. “Oh, Spike.” Twilight said giggling, while I snickered a bit. “Now you just need a hat!” Rarity said before she placed a sombrero on him. “Ugh! I told you! I don’t want any part of this girl gala gunk! See you back at the library!” Spike said before he made a beeline for the exit, leaving his outfit behind. Rarity laughed. “Oh who needs him anyway? This this is all about you. How fabulous you’ll look at the Grand Galloping Gala! Rarity said as Twilight was looking at a mirror admiring her dress. She stopped when Rarity mentioned the Gala. I knew it. “Wait. The Grand…” Twilight didn’t finish when Rarity gasped. “And, oh, my goodness. What a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T.” Rarity said showing us the same dress as Twilight on a mannequin. “We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know. The most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!” She said with stars in her eyes. Twilight and me were gave Rarity an annoyed look. Rarity noticed and giggled nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle, of course.” She said patting Twilight’s head. Seriously Rarity, I know you want to go to the Gala, but that doesn’t mean you should be use someone for your own gain. Twilight also figured out Rarity’s game and was upset. “I see what’s going on. You’re just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well, it’s not gonna work.” She said throwing the dress at Rarity. “You going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else.” She finished as she threw the accessories on Rarity’s horn. “Now, if you excuse me, I’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch!” Twilight yelled. Suddenly, Applejack came out of the front door. “Did somepony say lunch?” She asked before dragging Twilight out. I ran out and saw a cart full of apple treats. “You’ve got to be kidding!” Twilight Complained. “I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings apple crisp, apple crumbles, and apple brown betty!” Applejack said showing each of the apple treats in the cart. Uh, the dessert, not my auntie.” She finished holding the last treat on her head in front of Twilight. What do you say there, best friend?” she asked. I don’t believe Applejack would stope to this. Twilight’s stomach grumbled again because of the food. “Is that a yes?” Applejack asked. I heard hoof steps coming out of the boutique and figured it was Rarities. I looked at Twilight and saw she was about to blow. “No. No!” Twilight yelled, causing Applejack to drop the desert. “I don’t know who I’m giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide. In fact, I’m less sure now than I was this morning! Ugh!” She said running away. “So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack asked. I gave Applejack a disappointed look. “I can’t believe you Applejack! I know you and the girls want to go to the Gala, but that doesn’t mean you should force Twilight to pick you. She’s already stress enough as it is deciding who to give the ticket to without disappointing the others. I mean, how would you feel like picking only one of your siblings to appease?!” I told her. Applejack looked down in shame. “And you Rarity!” I yelled, seeing Rarity in front of her boutique. “How would feel like picking between two of your most loyal customers?!” I told her. She shared Applejack’s expression. I didn’t wait for their reply and ran off to catch up to Twilight. Twilight and I headed back to the library. Twilight sighed as we got to the door. “I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating.” She complained. “I’m sorry about the girls Twilight, I’ve talked with…wait a minute.” I stopped when I started to hear beautiful singing in the library. “What is it Crest?” Twilight asked me. “I hear singing inside.” I told her. Twilight looked at the door and used her magic to open it. Inside, we saw Fluttershy singing and cleaning the library with her animal friends. Twilight gasped at what she saw. “Fluttershy! Not you, too!” She said. I gotta say, didn’t expect Fluttershy to try and win over Twilight as well. Fluttershy noticed us and stopped cleaning. “Oh! Well hello Twilight and Crest. I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you.” She said. “It’s Summer.” Twilight deadpanned. “Oh. well, better late than never, right? It was Angel’s idea.” She said. I looked at Angel making a salad with a carrot in it and gave us a salute. “You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked annoyed. “Oh, no! I’m doing this because you’re my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Fluttershy said flying down. Angel just gave her a deadpanned look. “Oh. Yes we are just doing this for the ticket.” She said. Well, at least she’s honest about it, even though I’m a little disappointed in her. Angel ran over to Twilight and offered her the salad he made. Her stomach grumbled at the sight of it. “No! No! No!” Twilight yelled, causing Angel to drop the salad. She turned around to the door. “Well, this was very nice of you and Angel, but I’m not accepting any extra favors until I’ve made my final decision. So I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” She said opening the door with her magic. Just then, I noticed Spike came down stairs. I was about to ask him why he let Fluttershy clean the library, but I heard a bunch of hoofsteps outside. “Surprise!” Suddenly, party horns sounded with confetti. Twilight was pulled out side and I quickly followed. Outside, I saw Pinkie throwing a party for Twilight. I’m betting she’s just doing this for the tickets too. She started singing as the other ponies lifted Twilight into the air. “Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, looking at Twilight on the ground. “At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket.” Twilight told her. “Wait, what ticket? What Gala?” Asked some of the ponies in the crowd. Oh no, this can’t end well. “Oh, you didn’t know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie told them before I could stop her. “The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The yelled in union. I was right, this can’t end well. They all tried to get the ticket by offering favors to Twilight. Luckily, Spike ran by and grabbed Twilight. I followed with them but we were intercepted by a random pony. We tried to turn around but were cut off again. We were being surrounded by ponies trying to get Twilight’s ticket. “What are we gonna do?” Spike asked. I came up with a quick solution and looked at Twilight and Spike. “I’ll get everyone’s attention, make a brake for it when you all see and opining.” I whispered and pushed past the crowd. “Excuse me everyone, I have a matter concerning who to get’s the ticket!” I yelled when I was out of the crowd. They stopped and looked at me. Twilight and Spike took this opportunity to sneak away. I stayed silent while they disappeared behind one of the buildings. “Well?” A pony from the crowed asked. “Sorry, I only told you all that to get your attention.” I said to them. They all looked around and saw that Twilight and Spike disappeared. “Where are they.” One of them asked me. I shrugged. “Beats me, I didn’t asked them so I wouldn’t tell you.” I said. They looked at me annoyed and spread out to find Twilight. I noticed Pinkie was about to join them. “Pinkie!” I yelled. She stopped and turned to me. “Pinkie listen, I know you want to go to the Gala, but Twilight is already under a lot of pressure trying to pick one of you. Let me some similar advice I gave Applejack and Rarity. How would you feel if you could only throw a party between two of your friends?” I asked. Pinkie dropped her smile and thought of what I told her. I noticed Fluttershy stepping out of the library with Angel on her back. “And Fluttershy. How would you feel if you had to pick between your animal friends?” I asked. Fluttershy looked down in shame. I heard hoofsteps coming near us and turned around. I saw Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash coming toward us. I really hope “Excuse us Crest dear, do you happen to know where Twilight is? We thought of what you said and wanted to apologize to her for our behavior.” Rarity said. “Yeah, they told me how we were making Twilight feel and I admit it wasn’t cool.” Rainbow Dash said. Well I’m glad they learned their lesson. I shook my head. “Sorry, she and Spike are hiding from a mob that wants her tickets. I think it’ll be a while before they return.” I told them. They looked at each other in worry. “Um, shouldn’t we help them.” Applejack asked. I looked down thought if we should or not. I made a decision and looked at them. “Believe me girls I want to help, but we go looking for them, there’s a good chance the mob will find them. Besides, Twilight knows a bunch of spells that can help her avoid them. The best thing we can do is wait for her inside.” I told them. They hesitantly nodded in agreement. We went on inside and I made some tea for them. After an hour or two, the girls were waiting upstairs while I was cleaning the tea cups. It was getting dark and I started to worry where Twilight and Spike were. I hope their okay. Suddenly, a bright flash appeared behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Twilight with Spike standing next to her, who looked a little crisped. He groaned and looked like he was about to fall over. “Warn me next time you’re gonna do that.” Spike said groaning. “I didn’t even know it was gonna happen.” Twilight responded as spike cleaned himself up. “Are you two ok?” I asked in concern. They turned around. “Crest! Quick! Lock the doors.” Twilight demanded. “But Twilight…” I tried to say but she interrupted me. “Now Crest!” She yelled. I held my tongue and helped them lock all the doors and turned off the lights around the library. Twilight and Spike sat down and relaxed. I was about to tell them that the girls wanted to apologize but someone turned the lights back on. We looked and saw the girls on the upstairs reading area. “YAH!” Twilight screamed and broke down. “I can’t decide! I just can’t decide! It’s important to all of you, and I just can’t stand to disappoint any of you. And giving me gifts and doing me favors won’t make any difference because you’re all my friends, and I want to make you all happy and I can’t! I just can’t! Twilight said dropping to the ground. Applejack came and gently walked over to Twilight. “Twilight, sugar, Crest told us what we were doing to you and I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on you. And if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad. I promise.” She said, resting her hoof on Twilight’s head. “Me too.” Fluttershy said flying down. “I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.” She said. “And me too! It’s no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie joined in. “Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did.” Rarity said. “Yes! THAT MEANS THE TICKET IS MINE!” Rainbow Dash yelled in triumph while flying and laughed a little. “I’ve got the ticket, I’ve got the ticket.” Rainbow Dash chanted but stopped when she noticed the glares we were giving her. “You know, I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts, anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.” She said. “We all got so hung ho about going to the Gala, that we couldn’t see how ungung ho we were making you feel until Crest talked to us.” Applejack confessed. “We’re sorry, Twilight.” They apologized together. Twilight smiled and got up. “Spike, take down a note.” She said. Spike got a quill and paper ready. “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 can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight said, levitating the tickets to the letter. “What?!” The girls and I yelled. “If my friends can’t all go, I don’t want to go either.” Twilight told us. “Twilight, you don’t have to do that.” Applejack said to her. “Nope, I’ve made up my mind. Spike you can send the letter now.” Twilight told him. Spike went to the window and breathed fire on the letter. It turned to smoke and flowed out the window. Seriously, I need to ask him about that. “Now you won’t get to go to the Gala, either.” Fluttershy said. “It’s okay everyone. I couldn’t possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me.” Twilight told us. They all got into a group hug, I tried to stay out of it, but Pinkie pulled me in with them. I blushed a little, but hugged them as well. “So I would rather not go at all.” Twilight finished. Spike just made a disgusted face, but he looked like he was about to throw up. “Well, wallop my withers, Spike. Isn’t that just like a boy?” Applejack said. “Hey, I resent that!” I interrupted, feeling a bit insulted. Applejack laughed a little. “Um, beside you Crest. Spike, you can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.” She said to him. Spike burped something up. “Whoa, nelly!” Applejack yelled, ducking under the smoke. The smoke formed into a letter. “A letter from the Princess? That was fast.” Twilight said as Spike opened said letter. “My faithful student Twilight, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” Spike read the letter. Some letters popped out of the letter. “Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike said holding up the tickets. The girls gasped at the sight of them. “Now we can all go!” Twilight announced in joy. We cheered before I realized something. “Oh, I guess we could have just ask Mom for more tickets.” I said sheepishly. Twilight giggled before her stomach grumbled and laughed nervously. Rarity walked over to Twilight. “Allow us to treat you to dinner.” She offered. We walked outside with each ticket floating next to us. Twilight and Rarity used their magic to grab their tickets, but the rest just floated to us. Guess they were enchanted to follow the pony they were meant for. I was the last one out while Spike was walking away with the last ticket. The ticket yanked itself from Spike’s craw and floated next to me. “How I don’t get a ticket to the Gala?” Spike said depresses. Guess he did want to go after all. I was about to ask Twilight for Spike’s ticket, but he burped out another letter. “And one for you, Spike.” Spike said reading the letter and a ticket popped out. Spike giggled in excitement as he ran out the door with the ticket in his claw. He stopped when he noticed the smirks on me and Applejack’s faces. “I mean, gross! I have to go, too?” Spike said pretending. Too late Spike. When he was a couple feet away, he zipped away giggling. Applejack and I laughed. I noticed Spike left the door open and closed it for him. “Hey Crest.” Said Applejack. I turned toward her. “Yeah, Applejack.” I respond. “I just want to thank you for talking some sense to us. Ya a true friend.” Applejack said. “Anytime, I’m glad we’re all going to the Gala.” I told her smiling. Applejack returned the smile and ran off to catch up with the others. I started to walk towards them but turned around and watch Canterlot high up on the mountain. “Now I just need to find a suit for the Gala.” I said to myself.