//------------------------------// // Episode 3: The Ticket Master // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 1) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 3: The Ticket Master Shortly, after dealing with Makuu and his crocodile float, Applejack carried on to her Sweet Apple Acres job back in Ponyville. She had invited Twilight, Spike, and Fuli over to help her out. They were all glad to accept the invitation, especially since she offered a lunch invitation while she was at because their latest mission started to work up an appetite for the unicorn and cheetah respectively. “No, no, no…” Spike said as he examined and tossed aside the bad apples in the two baskets Twilight was carrying on her back along with Fuli and Applejack who also had two baskets of apples on their backs. “Thanks you kindly both of you for helping me out.” Applejack spoke in gratitude to the two. “I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles.” “Really?” Fuli asked with an intrigued expression. “Isn’t that something that mares wear?” “Yep.” Applejack replied with a chuckle. “And it is going to be sweet to watch.” “And that is something I gotta see.” Fuli said as she looks forward to seeing a good cross-dressing walk in action as Twilight gives her a look for actually wanting to see that. “No problem at all, Applejack.” Twilight said to the farm pony as she thought nothing of it. “I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.” “Me too.” Fuli said in agreement as her stomach started to rumble to which Twilight and Spike took notice of. “Me three.” Spike said in agreement as he tossed another bad apple which bounced off of Twilight’s head. “Says the dragon who’s been lounging on the unicorn’s back while WE were doing all of the work?” Fuli asked as she and Twilight give the baby dragon annoyed glares at him. “Exactly!” Spike replied while still being lazy. “You three were taking so long, and I missed snack-time.” All the mention of food was now making Twilight hungrier than ever as her stomach started to rumble to which she laughed nervously in response. “Eh, I guess we better get some food.” She said wanting to press on towards eating as Spike continued tossing aside more bad apples in the baskets until he came across a big shiny red apple. “AHA!” He exclaimed as he held up the special apple he was looking for. “Ooh!” Fuli eyed the apple looking very interested at its delicate color. “Oh Spike, that looks delicious!” Twilight said as she licked her lips. But before she could think about sinking her teeth into it Spike immediately chomped into it. “Spike!” She scolded him for being so self-serving. “What?” Spike asked feeling he did nothing wrong as he then felt like he was going to lose his lunch when he burped up green smoke with a scroll with a ribbon on it magically appeared from the smoke. “Whoa.” Fuli commented in amazement while grossed out by what she had just saw. “It’s a letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight knew what it was as soon as she saw the signature on the gold piece featuring her signature on the ribbon as Spike then holds it as it floats down to him and then unrolls it to read its contents while clearing his throat before doing so. “Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.” Spike read as Twilight and Applejack have star eyed expressions of joy hearing about this. “The Grand Galloping Gala!” They both said in unison as Fuli looks a little dumb-struck as she has no idea what they are talking about as she bites into an apple as she is not about to let herself starve to death as the two ponies happily hop up and down in excitement repeatedly all while Spike looks on annoyed himself. “The Grand Galloping Gala!” Just as Spike open his mouth to gesture to Fuli he shares no excitement in it unlike the two dancing around in glee another burp of green smoke comes out of Spike’s mouth with two gold tickets appearing before their very eyes. “Look, two tickets.” “Wow, great! I've never been to the gala.” Twilight said in excitement before turning to the baby dragon. “Have you, Spike?” “No, and I plan to keep it that way.” Spike immediately refused the invitation. “I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.” “Aw, come on Spike.“ Twilight insisted it’s not that bad. “A dance would be nice.” “Hold on! Time out!” Fuli interrupted and butted in wanting to know more about what’s driving them crazy with excitement. “Before you go on, could someone please tell me what is the Grand Galloping Gala?” “The Grand Galloping Gala is one of the most amazing events in Canterlot!” Twilight explained to the cheetah. “It’s the one and only royal ball where everyone dresses up nicely and gets to dance and socialize amongst one another all organized by Princess Celestia herself.” “Sounds nice.” Fuli replied as she still thought nothing of it. “Although I’m not much of a dress and dance kind of girl.” “Nice?” Applejack remarked in disagreement. “It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes...” She said as she dreamed up her fantasy of her vision of the gala with her setting up a vendor stand with her selling apples and apple treats to the many ponies all lined up starting from the castle doors. “If I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows 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 McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip.” She said as she envisoned the apple and bit exchange along with the repairs to her family farm along with everything she said to the very detail. “Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala.” “Oh, well in that case, would you like to…” Twilight began to offer to the farm pony until she was immediately interrupted by the sound of Rainbow Dash’s voice. “Whoa! Ugh.” She screamed as she crashed into Twilight and Applejack while Fuli effortlessly dodges the crash with her super speed. “Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” She asked with eager excitement. “Rainbow Dash.” She said to the speedy peagsus very cross with her sudden appearance. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?” She then said in an accusing tone directed at her. “No.” She said with her back turned from the glaring farm pony before drawing her attention to the unicorn with her head upside down as she speaks to her. ”I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?” “Uh-huh.” Fuli said in an unconvincing tone knowing it was to coincidental to be considered true as she and Twilight notice the make-shift bed created on the nearby tree branches from above. “Yeah, but…” Twilight answered before being cut off by her excitement. “YES! This is so awesome.” Rainbow exclaimed as she interrupted. “The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now...” She started as Fuli quickly snuck away with her baskets of apples as she ran off with her super speed. “I can’t listen to this.” She said to herself as she performed three quick trips to the barn and back to quickly deliver the apples back so she can witness Applejack’s brother dress in a drag. “…Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!” She said as she fantasized her vision of said ponies performing their flight routine in front of everypony with Rainbow herself joining in by flying to strut across the ground as the crowd cheers for her. “I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!” She said as she envisioned herself performing said moves in an incredible fast fashion leaving the Wonderbolts jaw-dropped and the crowd going wild with cheers for her impressive skills with the Wonderbolts later commending her along with rewarding her with a new Wonderbolt suit to which Rainbow wears as she performs alongside with them. “The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” “Don't you see, Twilight?” She then said as she gets up in Twilight’s face after flexing her muscles to boast about her awesomeness. “This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!” Applejack immediately pulled Rainbow away by grabbing her by her tail with her teeth to stop her from stealing of what she thinks is hers by right. “Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here.” Applejack intervened as she spit Rainbow’s tail out of her mouth. ”I asked for that ticket first.” “So? That doesn't mean you own it.“ Rainbow argued back. “Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.” Applejack then issued a way to resolve this as the two then arm-wrestled trying to gain the edge over each other. Fuli who had just arrived back saw their competitive scene as Twilight was getting annoyed by their disputing scene. “What did I miss?” Fuli asked herself as Twilight spoke up to the other two ponies trying to settle it out. “Girls, these are my tickets.” Twilight asserted herself as she spoke up, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?” She then asked them to be fair about their reasons of wanting to go. “Drummin' up business for the farm?” “A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” “Money t' fix Granny's hip.” “Living the dream.” “Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?” Twilight said unable to decide of who deserves it better. “Honestly, Applejack’s reasons sound more deserving.” Fuli said feeling completely deadpan as her and Twilight’s tummy’s rubble again. “Listen to that, I am starving.” The lavender mare giggled. “I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?” She then quickly said as she made her way back into town. “Okay.” The two ponies relented in a reluctant groan while still glaring at each other with competitive hatred towards each other but before they could continue their dispute… “Since you two were busy fighting…” Fuli interrupted as she took a bite out of another apple. “…I took the liberty of getting all of the harvested apples back to the barn before lunchtime.” She said as she turned her attention back to the farmpony. “Which means it’s lunchtime and to see your big brother walk down the big street you were just talking about.” “All right! All right!” Applejack immediately backed off from her argument with Rainbow Dash turned into excitement. “Which means we have entertainment to go with our lunch. Come on! Let’s go see Big Macintosh wear Granny Smith’s girdles down Stirrup Street!” Both Applejack and Fuli quickly ran back over to the barn as Rainbow quick catches up with them. “Big Macintosh in a girdle down Stirrup Street?” Rainbow said as her competitiveness turned into eager excitement too. “Now this I gotta see.” Later back in Ponyville where Twilight and Spike have made their way back to town. “So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?” Spike asked as he rode on the unicorn’s back. “I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?” Twilight replied as she still has her mind on wanting to get some lunch but before they could discuss their options, Pinkie crashed into her as she leaped out from her home in Sugarcube Corner just as the two were passing by. As Twilight and Spike lie on their backs from the impact Pinkie notices the tickets that slipped out of the unicorn’s grasp as they floated down right on her nose. “Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” She screamed, ran around, before trotting in place before getting a good look of what was on her face. “Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” She said as her eyes sparkled with glee as she fantasized herself running around the Canterlot Castle with balloons streamers and party decorated in her style. “It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always, wanted to go!” “Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Hip hip Hooray! It's the best place for me For Pinkie...” She sang as she dreamed of her envisoned fantasy. “With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony! “Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me 'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever In the whole galaxy Wheee!!” “Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever.” She said assuming she was planning on inviting her as she got up in her face with a bright smile. “Um, actually…” Twilight tried to correct her until Rarity showed up right from behind Spike as he was picking up the tickets. “Are these what I think they are?” She gasped as she got a good look at the golden slips. “Uh…” Twilight tried to speak before being interrupted again. “Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” The part pony immediately said despite the ticket holder’s attempted protest. “The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend.” Rarity went as she patted her curled mane “Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.” “Him! ... Who?” Pinkie asked of how she is talking about. “Him.” She answered as she envisioned herself there. “I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville.” She then fantasized herself greeting the princess along with a unicorn stallion with a white coat of fur, blonde brown mane and tail, light blue eyes, with a blue bowtie, and a crystal gold and blue cutie mark on his flank. “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. Our 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.” She giggled at the potential romance they could engage in together before turning her attention back to Twilight in the present. “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.” She asked feeling betrayed as she turned her back on her friend off in a huff even though Twilight hadn’t made her decision yet. Without warning the tickets Spike held were snatched up by a small white bunny who quickly ran on top of Fluttershy’s head who then presented her the golden slips. “Hey!” Spike exclaimed as Fluttershy marveled at the tickets. “Angel, these are perfect.” “Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to.” Twilight finally told the eagerly jumping party pony and hung up unicorn much to their surprise with Rarity’s more delighted while Pinkie’s is more surprised. “You haven't?” They both asked in unison with their faces leaned towards each other cheek to cheek. “Um, excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else...” Fluttershy softly brought up. “You? You want to go to the gala?” Rarity asked in disbelief with a raised skeptical eyebrow that a peagsus pony like her would want to go a very big social gathering. “Oh, no.” Fluttershy said as she looked away until express her desires more confidently as Angel taps one of her hooves to encourage her to get it out. “I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see...” She explained as she envisioned herself in the castle gardens admiring the scenery and critters there. “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, would 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. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!” “Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful...?” Twilight complimented her personal desires just as Rainbow comes bursting into the scene appearing from one of the roof tops with a confrontational expression of anger. “Wait just a minute!” “Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?” She asked the peagsus as she flew down to face her. “No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe.” She answered with a lie, then truth, and then half-truth before getting back on track. “Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody.” “Wait just another minute.” Applejack butted in as she approached the two just as confrontational as Rainbow Dash just as Fuli arrives on the scene. “Applejack, were you following me too?” Twilight asked the farm pony now sounding very upset with the lack of trust they are showing her. “No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business.” She answered as she pointed in the blue peagsus’s direction. “Still trying to take mah ticket.” She grumbled at her. “Your ticket?” She exclaimed. “But Twilight's taking me.” Pinkie asserted that she is one going with her as everyone but Twilight and Fuli argue which is becoming too much for the unicorn as lays down on the ground and covers her head for protection. Fuli could not believe them as they continued to argue for what they feel is theirs as she takes action and steps in front of Twilight as she shouts. “QUIET!” Every stopped arguing as they are all surprised by the cheetah’s outburst. “And then I said, "Oatmeal, are you craz—" oh.” Pinkie continued rambling until realizing that everyone is now deadly silent. “Are you all out of your minds?!” She further yelled out in disbelief at the amazing display of selfishness they were showing which is really getting on her nerves. “All of this over a ticket that Twilight herself has the rights to choose who she wants to accompany her! There is really no use arguing over this!” “But Fuli…” Rarity tried to protest only for Twilight to cut her off. “Eh! Fuli is right!” Twilight immediately interrupted her as she asserts herself to the girls. “This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise…” She said as her stomach rumbled again. “…not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo.” All five ponies all grumble as they all walk off in disappointment. “And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow.” She called out to them to assure them a decision will be made soon with a little uncertainty of how she is going to approach this. “Thanks, Fuli.” Twilight said to the cheetah in a now calm and grateful tone as Spike regroups with them. “Don’t mention it.” Fuli thought nothing of it as they now make their way down town. “Anything for a friend.” “Now if I can just get somewhere to have lunch.” Twilight said as she focused on her primary concern. “Because I really haven’t eaten anything since this morning.” “I hear you.” The cheetah emphasized with her plight. “Because right now I could really go for some fresh meat right about now.” “But didn’t you already have lunch too?” Twilight asked in confusion. “Aside from all the apples I snacked on watching Applejack and Rainbow Dash continuing to duke out of their rights to your ticket. Not much else.” Fuli answered and voiced her annoyance as her stomach rumbled again. “Ugh, seriously, I didn’t even get to see the farm pony’s brother dress in a drag over because of their obsession to a very fancy lame boring no fun party.” She further expressed her irritation of how they are dragging this on as Twilight gives her a raised eyebrow. “You really want to see Big Mac dress in a drag?” Spike asked in surprise of the cheetah’s desire of amusement. “Yes.” Fuli replied as she faced Spike before turning to face Twilight with in an apologetic tone as her stomach rumbled again. “Sorry, but I too really can’t think straight when I’m hungry and believe or not I can be pretty cranky when I don’t get to eat.” “Well hopefully we can find something to eat help us relive our stress.” Twilight said as she eyed a nearby café. “And I think I might have found the place to help brighten our mood.” She said as they all make their way towards the café the unicorn is thinking of stopping to eat. Once they got there they all took seats at an outside table with hay as chairs to which Fuli to adjust a little as she didn’t want to be constantly pricked by the stray strands as she observed the menu of what they had to offer. “Spike, what am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala.” She voiced her troubles as she picked five petals off a flower from the center-pot on the table. “Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?” She then said in worry as her and Fuli’s stomach rumbled again as the former licked the petals off the table with the latter tasting two of the four flowers for the sake of getting a little something to stave off her hunger as a waiter approached them. “Have you made your decision?” He asked of them. “I CAN'T DECIDE!” The unicorn shouted thinking it was one of her friends showing up to bug her about it. “Twilight, he just wants to take your order.” Spike said as he pointed to his menu. “Oh.” Twilight said before turning to the waiter. “I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.” “Do you have any rubies?” He asked as the waiter’s face is blank from that question before tossing aside the menu. “No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy.” “And I’ll have the hay fries as well.” Fuli politely addressed the waiter who then walked off to get their requested food made. “What do you think, Spike?” She asked the baby dragon. “I think we have to try another restaurant.” Spike said thinking more about the food than what she was actually thinking about. “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?” “I think she meant the Gala and the ticket and who she should take.” Fuli told Spike to make sure he gets the point. “Although a place that serves meat would be better in my opinion. I wish I thought of that before.” She grumbled a little. “Sorry, Fuli.” Twilight apologized realizing she didn’t think about her friend’s wishes. “I forgot you’re more for eating meat?” “It’s okay, Twilight. I too can’t think straight when I’m hungry either and I would have done the same if I were in your paws or hooves there.“ “Oh.” Spike said now back on the topic. “You're still on that?” But then brought up… “But wait, what about you Fuli? Don’t you want to go?” “I’m fine really.” The cheetah insisted otherwise. “I really don’t want to go.” “Why not?” Spike asked her wondering why she would pass down an opportunity just like that. “Because like you said I’m not into these kinds of parties.” Fuli answered with a look of disdain at the thought of it. “Are you sure?” Twilight asked to make sure she isn’t having second thoughts. “I’m sure.” She firmly and kindly answered. “I understand now of why every pony is really talking about but I just don’t understand why it’s worth fighting about?” “At least you understand and respect my needs.” Twilight said as she ponders her predicament. “I just don’t know how I’m going to choose who goes with me? 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—“ Mid-sentence the waiter had come by and dropped off their food. “Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.” Twilight said as Spike and Fuli both started chowing down on their fries really fast. “Whoa, you are really those hay fries!” Spike commented in impressiveness with her fast eating as he suddenly finds most of his fries suddenly eaten. “Hey! My food!” “Got to be quicker!” Fuli said with a teasing smile as she burped loudly to which she quickly covered her mouth and blushed a little as both Spike and Twilight laugh just as Kion approached their table. “Or maybe you should slow it down a little.” Kion said as he approached the three just as Twilight was biting into her sandwich. “Hey, Kion.” Twilight greeted as she gulped down her bite of food. “How’s it going?” “Going fine.” Kion replied. “How about you?” “Okay.” Twilight said as she took another bite. “Would be much better if my friends weren’t constantly bugging me.” “Why is that?” Kion asked as Twilight speaks in between bites. “Well…Princess Celestia is hosting an annual royal ball called “The Grand Galloping Gala.” in a few months and I have been lucky enough to get two tickets too. And because it is such a popular event to everypony here all my friends are excited to the point they are constantly nagging me into deciding who gets to go with her. But of course it is very annoying when I am trying to do is get something eat.” “Really?” Kion said as he took this all in. “That bad, huh?” “Very bad.” Fuli answered as her stomach growled again. “I know we had all just met them but I think they least they could do is respect her privacy and let her decide who should go.” Kion thought about it for a minute as the waiter clears their plates to replace them with second helpings of food to which the three licked their lips in anticipation for as he thinks of something in his head. “You know…” He started as he thinks of an idea. “My dad has a meeting with Princess Celestia later today. So maybe…” Before he could finish his drawn was suddenly drawn by the many ponies taking cover inside the café building. “Em, madam? Are you both going to eat your food in ze rain?” The waiter asked from the doorway. “It's not raining...” Twilight said in confusion as the four suddenly see the downpour around them as they are in the center of the only spot that is not getting rained on. “What's going on?” Fuli asked as she looked up to see Rainbow holding up the opening from above the rain clouds. “Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?” She greeted. “Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked with an annoyed and suspicious look. “Whaddya mean?” Rainbow tried to play innocent which wasn’t fooling Twilight nor Fuli. “I just saw the smartest, 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 could dine in peace, that's all.” “Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?” The unicorn still said unconvinced as she and Fuli share matching unsurprised expressions as they eye each other before eyeing back at Rainbow. “Me? No no no, of course not.” She still tried to deny. “Uh-huh.” Fuli said not buying the act either. “Seriously, I'd do it for anypony.” She insisted despite many ponies running around trying to seek nearby shelter. “Sure you would.” Fuli said as she eyes the many ponies getting soaking wet. “If that means something’s in it for you.” Rainbow could only giggle a little seeing that this is not helping his case. “Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now.” Twilight firmly told her that she isn’t swaying her. “Ugh, fine.” Rainbow reluctantly obliged as she zipped up the cloud. “That's better.” Twilight then said satisfied as she was about to bite into her sandwich…only for it to be immediately soaked along with her, Fuli, and Kion in the rain. Both Twilight and Fuli groaned in frustration as Spike on the other hand, began snickering. As if things couldn’t get any worse, Rarity while wearing a umbrella over her head and on her back just happened to be walking by. “Twilight, it's raining.” She told her. “No, really?” She sarcastically replied with a deadpan expression. “Guess we should have let Rainbow keep that spot open after all. At least long enough to keep ourselves from getting wet while we try to get enough food to eat.” Fuli also said with the same expression as Twilight as Rarity grabbed Twilight and pulled her on over to her shop. “Come with me before you catch a cold.” She said as ran off ahead with Twilight in tow. “Oh sure go on ahead and get Twilight out of the rain. Don’t mind us. We’ll just catch up as we further get soaked by the rain.” Fuli further expressed her annoyance and sarcasm in the self-interested unicorn’s direction as she turns to Kion and Spike. “And that’s just only the beginning of it.” She told them as she ran off ahead with Kion and Spike following after her as they all make to her shop to where the unicorn’s have both already made it inside with the lavender mare shaking herself dry. Fuli wasted no time doing the same as Kion followed suit. As soon as Twilight shook herself dry she suddenly saw that she accidentally got her friend soaked by the water shaken onto her fur. “Heh heh, oops, sorry.” She quickly apologized. “Eh, she kinda had it coming.” Fuli didn’t mind seeing the white-coated unicorn’s mane get soaked in return. “Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh there?” Kion asked his friend still trying to understand why Rainbow wanted to clear a space of clear sky free of the downpour. “Not really.” Fuli answered as they watch the two unicorn’s interact with each other. “Just keep watching and you’ll understand why.” “Oh no, it's quite all right.” Rarity kindly shook the rain water off as her mane returned to its curly state. “After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?” She then said as she moved her head in close and tilted sideways on the side of Twilight’s head in a rather affectionate manner. “Uh…” Both Twilight and Kion said separately as the latter is seeing that Rarity is really trying to butter her up with something as she holds up the former’s hooves up. “Makeovers!” Rarity exclaimed as she levitated a portable fitting room with her image on the front of it as she fits Twilight into an outfit. “Ugh, Rarity, ow, this really isn't fixing it. I mean, thank you but, ooh, that's too tight.” She said as the other unicorn forcibly puts an outfit on her. “There. Oh, you're simply darling.” She complimented once she was finished with her completed work. “Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?” Twilight replied not sure what else to say but admittedly very complimentary. “It sure does.” Kion also complimented as he turned to see Spike and Fuli both sticking their tongues still not impressed and into the girly girl stuff as the latter sees through the unicorn’s ulterior motives as she walks up to them. “And you Fuli. I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing cheetah.” She said to her as she turned to the baby dragon. “As well as for the young baby dragon too.” And just like that the two were forcibly dressed against their will as she puts outfits on them in her portable fitting room. “D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike screamed. “Hey, hey, watch the fur, watch the fur!” Fuli screamed as Rarity pulled aside the portable fitting room. Spike reacted with shock with his blue fancy outfit with a golden yellow sash, buttons, and a golden yellow wig on top as Fuli saw herself wearing a fancy green dress. “What the…?” Fuli reacted as she looked down on the dress she forced onto as both Kion and Twilight giggle in amusement. “Oh, Spike.” Twilight commented on the dragon’s outfit. “You look pretty good, Fuli.” Kion complimented as the cheetah walked in circles getting a look at the dress Rarity put on her with a look of embarrassment plastered all over her face. “Now you just need a hat.” She told the baby dragon as she placed a black hat with an orange feather on it. “Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk.” Spike reacted with disgust of playing dress up. “See you back at the library.” He said as he immediately fled the scene. “Oh, who needs him anyway.” Rarity quickly didn’t take offense to his sudden departure as he turns his attention back to Twilight with a mirror to look at herself in. “This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala.” She said as Twilight starting admiring herself in the mirror until those last three words were spoken. “Wait, the Grand…” Twilight tried to speak in realization until Rarity spoke up cutting her off. “And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T.” She said as not to coincidentally walks up to a ponynequin wearing the outfit Twilight was trying on before clinging onto the unicorn as they both look on in the mirror’s direction. “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 furthered spoke of her fantasy before catching herself when she put more emphasis on herself than her friend. “Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course.” She added with nervous laughter to try to save face to no avail as she and Fuli both saw through her scheme. “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. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else.” She firmly told the unicorn that her attempts to curry her favor aren’t working as she threw away the accessories before making her way out of the door. “Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch.” “Did somepony say lunch?” Applejack immediately said as she appeared and dragged Twilight off to her cart to where he had a whole assortment of apple treats on display as Kion and Fuli both walk outside to see what Applejack is doing with the latter took off the dress Rarity made for her just before leaving. “You've got to be kidding me!” Twilight said in shock at the both the marvelous display of food and how far Applejack is going for a shot for her ticket. “This is what I’m talking about!” Fuli told Kion as they continue watching the farm pony’s attempt to bribe Twilight. “I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty.” She presented the treat itself. "Uh, the dessert, not my auntie.” She quickly added for clarification. “What do you say there, best friend?” She then asked the unicorn who along with Fui’s stomach growled again. “Is that a yes?” “No. No. I don't know who I'm giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide.” Twilight snapped in reply. “In fact, I'm less sure now than I was this morning. Ugh!” Twilight groaned as she ran off on her own. “So, that's a maybe?” Applejack again felt the need to ask as Fuli walks up to her just as annoyed and agitated as Twilight. “How about maybe letting her have time so she can actually decide who gets to go with her instead of showering her with unwanted favors to try to curry her favor.” Fuli irritably said to the farm pony as Rarity walks up from behind. “Why is it so hard for you all to wait?! It’s bad enough that she is already starving to death because you can’t let her make her choice in peace?!” She then said as her stomach rumbled again. “Not to mention making me hungrier than ever.” Both Applejack and Rarity after hearing the cheetah out both then looked down in shame as they realized of how selfish they were being. “You’re right darling.” Rarity spoke up in realization. “And this ironically goes against my element.” “Sorry Fuli.” Applejack apologized as she briefly took of her hat. “I got so caught up with what I wanted that I ignored Twilight’s respectful wishes as well as your’s. I wasn’t thinking straight. Can you forgive me?” She asked the cheetah. “As long as I can get something to eat afterwards.” Fuli answered as she turned to Kion who speaks his idea of how to resolve this. “You three go ahead and calm everyone else who has already heard about Twilight’s tickets to the Gala while I go get the rest of the Guard here before things get ugly.” Kion told the cheetah in charge as she immediately ran off to do so. “We’ll all meet back up at the library once the heat dies down.” He said as he ran back off to the Pride Lands while Applejack and Rarity ran opposite from him as they pursue Fuli while he thinks of another idea to resolve Twilight’s problem in regards to the whole ticket deal. Meanwhile, back at the tree Twilight is just arriving and meeting up with Spike who had just retreated there. “Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating.” She groaned to herself as she walked inside but to her surprise Fluttershy is already inside the library humming while making the place shiny and squeaky clean. “Fluttershy, not you too?” She gasped in disappointment seeing that she is the last pony to engage in this kind of competition. “Oh, well, hello Twilight.” She kindly greeted. “I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you. “It’s summer.” She noted while looking annoyed as she expects what her friend is trying to do now. “Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy shrugged it off as no big deal with a small blush. “It was Angel's idea.” She said as she turned to said bunny who smiles as she puts together a salad. “You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight still suspiciously asked her still not fooled by the buttery creamed peagsus’s words. “Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Fluttershy insisted otherwise as she turned to her bunny who is now frowning. “Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.” She then admitted as Angel offered the jaw-dropped unicorn the salad as her stomach growled again. “No, no, no!” She shouted with her voice causing Angel to stumble back and accidentally drop the offered dish. “Well, this was all 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 then said as she turned to the front door, opened it, and gestured the two to leave at least until... “SURPRISE!” A crowd of ponies exclaimed as Pinkie appeared and dragged her outside against her will. “Twilight is my bestest friend Whoopie, whoopie!” Pinkie sang the crows tossed Twilight up into the air. “Pinkie...” Twilight tried to speak. “She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony!” She sang as the crowd had Twilight flip over in between throws. “Pinkie.” Twilight again tried to speak. “I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!” Pinkie sang as she hopped around the crowd. “Pinkie!” She again said with crossed arms. “She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me!” “PIIINKIIIE!!” Twilight now shouted off of the top of her lungs to which the crowd stepped back in surprise as they step aside and accidentally drop Twilight to the ground. “Yes, Twilight?” The party pony now replied with her song now over. “At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket.” She scolded her for her approach and attempting to sway her favor. “Wait, what ticket? What gala?” One of towns ponies asked in confusion. “Oh, you didn't know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie carelessly revealed to everyone around them. “The Grand Galloping Gala?!” They all asked in loud unison as Spike quickly came to her rescue as he dragged her off so they can get a head start on the pursuing mop which ended up being short-lived as they are immediately surrounded by the over-excited and eager crowd showering her with offers and favors. “Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?” “I'll wash your dishes.” “Would you like any help with your gardening?” “I have a cartload of extra carrots.” “I'll paint your cart.” “What are we gonna do?” Spike asked Twilight as he clinged onto her back. “We're... gonna... run!” She answered as she shouted the last word as she sprinted as she fast as her hooves can carry her as the crowd follows after her. Twilight and Spike both ran as fast as they could to avoid the raging crowd trying to intercept them at every turn even disguising themselves as parent and child with Twilight wearing a light blue hood and dress with Spike wearing a baby bib sucking on a binkey. Their hiding spots even ranged from hiding under the bridge and posing manquiens in a store with Twilight dressed as a clown with Spike dressed as a beach girl complete with a cocoon bra and grass hula skirt. Alas, their efforts to lose them end up all for naught as they both end up cornered in a dead end in an alley as the crowd proceeds to approach Twilight with endless favors to get them to consider one of them for the extra ticket. But before any pony could open their mouths, Fuli quickly appeared and whisked Twilight and Spike away before any pony could do anything about. Just in an instant the two had both disappeared leaving the crowd wondering where she went as Fuli drags the two off as fast as she could back to the library while slamming the door behind her. “Whoa!” Spike exclaimed as he and Twilight stumble around feeling very dizzy from the cheetah’s super speed as she pants rather heavily of the big burst of energy she mustered to pull that rescue off. “Ugh... Warn me next time you're gonna do that.” Spike said as he recovered from flash-forward moment. “Sorry. But it took all I had just to get you both out of there.” Fuli returned as she clenched her stomach and groaned as she made her way to the kitchen. “Thanks.” Twilight said to her as she turned to Spike. ”Now quick, lock the doors!” The two quickly do so to prevent anyone from coming inside uninvited to relentlessly get her into giving her extra ticket to one of them along with turning off all of the lights and blew out the house candle light to let everyone know she is not to be disturbed from her sleep. “Phew.” Twilight said in relief as Fuli joins up to the two with her mouth full of bread while carrying a loaf of bread. “Sorry.” She apologized as she gulped down her last mouthful. “Running really burns up a lot of energy.” “No worries.” Twilight said as she is more concerned with nobody but nobody is around to bug her in regards to her tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. At least until the lights in the main room turned on to reveal Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash already inside eager to learn of her decision. “Yaaaargh!” She screamed as she is so overwhelmed and pressured as she buries her head onto the ground. “What the…?!” Fuli exclaimed in exasperation of how they got inside in the first place. “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 wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!” She screamed as she covered her head and expected the worst as Fuli steps in her friend’s defense. “You all happy now?!” Fuli angrily asked the three who all came inside uninvited. “You got a stressed out and starved to death a unicorn and a cheetah who had just pulled her to safety from the crowd of ponies that was just harassing her with favors and to which the rest of the Guard is currently dealing with to get them to come to their senses!” Upon seeing the two like this, the three all also come to the same realization of how selfish and insensitive they were all acting just as Applejack, Rarity, and Bunga came inside with Rarity knocking on the door to announce their presence. “What Now?!” Fuli shouted as she turned to the door to see who dares to come here uninvited only for her anger to soften upon seeing it is three of her friends. “Easy, cheetah.” Bunga said with raised arms before she can get aggressive with anyone. “It’s just us.” “And the rest of the Guard?” Fuli asked. “They’re calming down the crazy mob of ponies that were just harassing Twilight.” Bunga answered. “They told me to come here and check up on you two.” “We’re okay now.” Spike told the honey badger. “Thanks to Fuli coming to our rescue in the nick of time.” “Twilight, sugar…” The farm pony started her apology as she placed a hoof on Twilight’s back. “…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 assured no harm with an assuring smile. “Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.” Fluttershy apologized as she flew over to Twilight. “And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie added as she and Rarity still stand from their previous hiding spot. “Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did as it really goes against my element to do so.” Rarity also apologized feeling very guilty for her role in this mess. “Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha ha, I got the ticket, I got the ticket—!” Rainbow gloated feeling she won until seeing the annoyed glares everyone and that she is not helping anyone’s case here. “You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either.” She then humbly retracted her previous words. “We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you.” Applejack further apologized on behalf of every pony as they say together. “We're sorry, Twilight.” “Spike, take down a note.” Twilight instructed the young dragon as he pulls out a quill and paper. “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.” “What?!” The Mane Five all exclaimed in shock by this decision. “If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either.” Twilight further cemented her bond over a special party with a positive smile. “Twilight, you don't have to do that.” Applejack tried to insist otherwise as Rainbow has her hooves up to her teeth while silently pleading with her not to go through with it. “Nope. I've made up my mind.” Twilight’s stance on the matter refused to change as she turned to Spike. “Spike, you can send the letter now.” Spike immediately does by breathing fire on it to send it to the princess herself as it flies through the window. “Cool! I didn’t know you could do that!” Bunga remarked to the dragon’s ability. “That’s un-Bunga-leivable!” “But now you won't get to go to the gala either.” Fluttershy sadly pointed out of what she had just did. “It's okay, girls.” She assured everyone it’s no big deal. “I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me...” Everyone all awed in response as they all got together for a group hug by the unicorn’s heartwarming gesture not to have them feel left out. Well expect for Spike and Fuli who still still their tongue’s out still not into the Grand Galloping Gala as the former started looking he is going to throw up. “Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment.” Applejack commented as he burps up a letter from Princess Celestia which narrowly misses the cow girl’s head. “Whoa Nelly!“ “A letter from the princess? That was fast.” Twilight commented as Fuli looks on especially impressed considering she is all about fast as Spike opens the letter and reads it word for word. "My faithful student Twilight, Why didn't you just say so in the first place?” He read as he pulled out… “Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.” The Mane Six all gasped with astonished surprise and excitement hearing and seeing this. “Now we can all go!” Twilight said in delight as all six ponies cheer for each other as both Twilight and Fuli’s stomach's growled again to which Rarity took notice as the former laughed nervously when that happened while Fuli just looked aside with a grin. “Allow us to treat you two to dinner.” She offered as Spike handed each and every pony their tickets as everyone walks out the door. “As long as it is a place that serves meat.” Fuli voiced her needs while agreeing with whatever Twilight chooses. “What a great way to apologize.” Rainbow said as she obtained her ticket. “And to celebrate! Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!” Pinkie said as she obtained her ticket as Spike then feels saddened and left out as if he truly does want to go as Applejack the last to leave and obtain her ticket. “How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?” Spike wondered to himself as he burped up another letter which read with another golden ticket. “And one for you, Spike.” Spike giggled as he ran outside after shutting the door behind him yet stops when he sees Applejack standing in front of him with a knowing smile. “I mean, gross, I have to go too?” He pretended to keep up his initial stance until he dropped the act as he ran off ahead as Applejack chuckles in amusement as they catch up with the others. Just as they all regrouped, the rest of the Lion Guard regrouped with them as they too wanted to join them for dinner. “Hey girls!” Kion greeted them with his mane appearing a little messy than usual. “Sorry we’re late but we really had a lot to sort out back there.” “From dealing with a crazy mob of ponies, getting them to go home without further annoying Twilight, and learning about the king’s meeting with the princess.” Ono explained while looking exhausted and hungry as Twilight and Fuli. “I don’t think I have ever calmed so many ponies before.” Beshte shared the same exhaustion as the egret rested on his back. “How did the meeting go?” Twilight asked Kion. “It went fine in regards to slowly transitioning the two kingdoms together.” Kion answered as they all walked towards the restaurant of the unicorn’s choice. “Although it is going to take a while before everyone is ready to visit between both Equestria and the Pride Lands.” “Why not?” Bunga felt the need to ask. “Because not everyone is ready to adjust to constantly visiting another world.” Rarity answered. “I mean there are quite a lot of things they have and we don’t and vice versa.” “Can’t really blame them.” Fluttershy voiced in agreement as she can relate to those shy of the idea of visiting another world. “These things do take time.” “Okay. But they don’t know what they’re missing.” Bunga then said after deciding to drop it for now. “Other than that the meeting between my dad and princess went off very fine.” Kion then added to move on with what he wanted to say next. “I did manage to talk to my dad about the Grand Galloping Gala and after a talk with the princess she decided that it is the perfect opportunity for both Equestrians and the Pride Landers to get together provided with invitation.” “And...?” Twilight asked what else there is to it. “And that in honor of our accomplishment in defeating Nightmare Moon we all have been invited to the gala too.” Kion finished as he presented five golden tickets in his paw. “Really?!” The girls all exclaimed in further awe amazed astonishment. “That way so everyone can go.” Kion added as everyone cheers in excitement as they make their way to the restaurant. “Wow!” Applejack voiced in amazement. “You went through all of that just for all of us.” “And for me.” Twilight said just as touched. “Yep.” Kion replied. “Did you think I wasn’t going to let Twilight go on her own?” Feeling very grateful, Twilight leaped over and hugged the young lion for what he did for her. “Thank you.” She said as her stomach growled again to which she nervously grinned as she looked aside. “We should get inside because I am starving.” She said as she led the way inside the restaurant as everyone follows suit. “Oh yeah!” Bunga jumped up in excitement already looking forward to this big event. “All the more reason to celebrate!” Pinkie exclaimed as she happily hopped inside. “You said it!” Rainbow said as she flew inside as everyone all prepared to have dinner together with excitement going forward with what’s about to happen. Fuli is the last to come inside but not before looking at the dress Rarity made for her while secretly starting to admire of how good she looked in it before quickly hiding in her possession before coming inside to join the others where she and Twilight prepare to get a well-deserved meal after everything they have went through today.