//------------------------------// // S:01 E:03 - The Ticket Master // Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic - Silver's Adventure // by JS2002 //------------------------------// It's had been a few days since the defeat of Nightmare Moon, and Twilight and Silver's new life in Ponyvilly was wonderful. One morning, the two unicorns were helping Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres. They had both been working hard gathering basket after basket of apples gathered from the orchard. Spike was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight’s back, apparently entertaining himself by separating the fresh apples from the not-so-fresh apples. “No, nope, nope…” Spike muttered, tossing apples from Twilight’s basket. With Silver catching the apples and put them in his basket while he has a confused look on his face. He didn't understand what wrong with those apples, they look fine to him. “Thank you kindly for helping me out, guys,” Applejack said. “I bet Big MacIntosh that 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.” Hearing that, Silver cracked up as a picture of Big MacIntosh walking around town in one of Granny Smith’s girdles played in his head. “Oh boy,” Silver chuckled. “I wouldn't want to be in his place.” “No problem at all, Applejack,” Twilight said. “I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.” “I know, right?” Spike said, as he tossed an apple and hits Twilight's head. She turns around with a glare, as Spike smiled apologetically. “Puh-lease, Spike,” She groaned. “You’ve been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!” “Exactly!” Spike said, “You three were taking so long, I missed snack-time.” Twilight was about to retort when her stomach grumbled loudly. She just laughed nervously. “Eh, I guess we better get some food,” Twilight replied. In the meantime, Spike kept digging into her basket searching for a good apple. “Nope,” He mumbled. “Worm… A-ha!” Spike pulled out a large sparkling, shiny red apple. Twilight could feel her mouth water at the very sight of the fruit in Spike’s claws. “Oh Spike, that looks delicious,” Twilight said, eager for a bite. Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth much to Twilight’s shock. “Spike!” She called out, annoyed and disappointed. “What?” Spike asked, innocently. Just then, he gave out a large belch. Twilight ducked as a green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the three ponies. “It’s a letter from Princess Celestia,” Twilight gasped. Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it. “Hear ye, hear ye,” He read aloud. “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, Silver, and one guest.” Applejack and Twilight just smile and gasp excitedly. “The Grand Galloping Gala!” the girls said as they start hopping up and down excitedly with Silver and Spike between them. The grey unicorn smile at the excitement of the mares, especially Twilight's. 'It appears that this year's gala is going to be less boring.' Silver though, as he remembers the previous gala's he had attended. Sure he had his brother with him every year, and then he becomes a Wonderbolt Silver was able to spend time with Soarin's teammates, but was a little sad that Twilight wasn't with him. But this year is going to be different. He was sure about it. While the two mares were still hopping up and down, Spike just looked indignant. He stuck a finger in his mouth until he burped again, as another scroll appears. “Look, three tickets!” Spike said. Silver uses his magic to hold the ticket that is addressed to him, while he has a small smile on his face. “Wow, great! I’ve never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?” Twilight asks the baby dragon. She knew that Silver had gone to the gala in the past, so she didn't bother questioning him. “No, and I plan to keep it that way,” Spike said. “I don’t want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense.” “Now hold on there, Spike,” Silver replied. “I’ll have you know us boys like going to these events too. It's not only for girls.” “Yea, Spike,” Twilight said. “A dance would be nice.” “Nice?” Applejack said. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’ve love to go. Land sakes, 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?” (Applejack’s Daydream) As Applejack spoke, she's imaging a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came together with bags of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods the cow pony could sell. “Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin’ up ‘round here." Applejack said. "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.” Visions of run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean as a whistle. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until ‘POOF!’ her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly repaired hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again (Applejack’s Daydream Ends) “Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala,” Applejack finished. 'How does somepony replace a hip?' Silver thought with a confused look on his face. “Oh, well in that case,” Twilight began. “Would you like to—” “WHOA!” Just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, a certain blue Pegasus, from out of the blue, crashed upon all three of them. The impact knocked all the apples Applejack, Twilight, and Silver had in their baskets onto the ground. It didn’t take long for the Pegasus to quickly hop back into the air, while the others were still crouched onto the ground. “Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” “Rainbow Dash!” Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin’?” “No, I was busy napping,” Rainbow Dash replied. It was then Silver noticed a pillow and blanket conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and they never noticed was beyond him. “And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?” Rainbow finished. “Yeah, but—” “YES!!!” Rainbow cut off Twilight. “This is soawesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now…" 'Here we go again.' Silver thought as rolling his eyes. (Rainbow Dash's Daydream) A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky. “Everyone would be watching the sky,” Rainbow explained, between scenes. “Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!” Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies. “I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut,” Rainbow continued. “Then I would mesmerize ‘em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild!” In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash performed all those maneuvers perfectly, although the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for her wildly and even the three Wonderbolts’ jaws dropped. “The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow Dash shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky. (Rainbow Dash's Daydream Ends) “Don’t you see, guys?” Rainbow asked excitedly. “This could be my one chance to show ‘em my stuff. You gotta take me!” Rainbow was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground. “Hold on just one pony pickin’ minute here,” Applejack said, with a hard spit. “I asked for that ticket first!” “So?” Rainbow shot back. “That doesn’t mean you own it.” “Oh, yeah?" Applejack asks. "Well, I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.” The two ponies find a nearby stump and began to groan loudly trying to out-stretch each other. This didn’t go on for long when Twilight shoved them apart. “Girls, these are our tickets,” Twilight said firmly. “We’ll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don’t you think?” Twilight turned towards Silver on that last sentence. “Well...” Silver began. "I don't know if this is the best idea—” “Drummin’ up business for the farm?” Applejack cut off Silver. “A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow proposed. “Money t’ fix Granny’s hip,” Applejack added. “Living the dream,” Rainbow added. “Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” Twilight said nervously before she hears her stomach start to rumble. Twilight laughed nervously at this. “Listen to that, I am starving,” Twilight said, as Spike climbed on her back. “I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach. So we’ll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get back to you two, okay?” “Okay,” Applejack and Rainbow said sadly. Once Silver and Twilight left the farm, the Earth Pony and Pegasus glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to arm wrestle once more, determined to prove who’s the best. Meanwhile, the two Unicorns and the baby dragon had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just nearing a building known in Ponyville as ‘Sugarcube Corner’. “So, who are you gonna give the tickets to, you guys?” Spike asked. “I don’t know Spike,” Twilight admitted. “But I really can’t think straight when I’m hungry, so where should we eat?” “Well,” Silver pondered. “I was talking to the Mayor just the other day, and she referred a good restaurant just down the—” CRASH!!! “OW!” Suddenly, something only Silver would describe as ‘the pink blur’ barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike’s hands and landed right on Pinkie’s nose. “GAH!” Pinkie shouted, dashing about. “Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie came to a stop when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely. “Wait, these aren’t… tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” “Oh no…” Silver muttered a little annoying. “Not this again!” (PinkienPie's Daydream) This time, in Pinkie’s mind, she imagined the Grand Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine. “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!” As if that wasn’t enough, Pinkie began singing. Pinkie Pie (Sings): 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… And the party pony kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would: “With the decorations like streamers and fairy lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sunbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!” Pinkie Pie (Sings): 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 superbly-terrific gala ever In the whole galaxy! Wheee!! (PinkienPie's Daydream Ends) Silver just stared with his eyes rolled towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number, which he felt coming from a mile away. Meanwhile, Spike picked up the tickets. ‘Oh, for Celestia’s sake...’ Silver thought. “Oh thank you, guys,” Pinkie said happily. “It’s the most wonderful-est gift ever.” “Um, actually—” Twilight tried to explain. “GASP!” A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was just Rarity the fashionista from the Carousel Boutique. “Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked. “Yes, yes, yes!” Pinkie answered. “Twilight and Silver are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot.” “The gala?!” Rarity exclaimed. “I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I’ve never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet him.” That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone. At first, Silver was wondering who’s ‘him’ Rarity is talking about. But then his thought had gone to princess Celestia’s nephew, his eyes widen. ‘Oh, no...’ he thought. ‘Why him?!’ “Him!” Pinkie copied her tone, appearing puzzled. “Who?” “Him…” (Rarity's Daydream) Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful golden yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching the regal Princess Celestia in all her glory. “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.” Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with the display. “Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself,” Rarity continued. “And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to ‘him’, her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot.” As Celestia stepped aside, there beside her was the ‘eligible unicorn stallion’. With alluring light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and matching blue bow tie along the light grayish coat, with a compass rose for a Cutie Mark. Indeed, the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life. The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of the high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ever crafted for a mare of such flare. “Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt,” Rarity said dreamily. “Our courtship would be ‘magnificent’! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, ‘Yes!’” The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the altar, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness to holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and her perfect groom. “We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is…” Rarity giggled. “… What I would become upon marrying ‘him’, the stallion of my dreams.” (Rarity's Daydream Ends) ‘I knew it...’ Silver thought, with his eyes rolled. ‘It had to be that jerk.’ “Silver, Twilight,” Rarity said. “I simply cannot believe you two would invite Pinkie Pie so she can… party and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.” Rarity turned her head with a huff. Before Twilight or Silver could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws. “Hey!” Spike called out. But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards… Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her ‘GASP’. “Angel, these are perfect,” Fluttershy replied softly. Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie shot dirty glares at each other. Well, mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a beach ball. “Uh, listen you guys,” Twilight said. “We haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.” “You haven’t?” Rarity and Pinkie retorted together. That then Fluttershy approaches them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity. “Um, excuse me, Twilight, Silver,” Fluttershy said, gently. “I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…” “You?” Rarity exclaimed, knowing what the Pegasus was asking. “You want to go to the gala?” “Oh, no,” Fluttershy replied. That answer received a swift jab from Angel Bunny insisting on the Yellow Pegasus to go on. “I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see…” (Fluttershy’s Daydream) A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers that are not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. Not to mention the assortment of wondrous critters that appeared and gathered all around the shy Yellow Pegasus. “… It’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance,” Fluttershy explained. “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!” (Fluttershy’s Daydream Ends) Then Fluttershy finished talking, she hovered happily before Silver and Twilight as she cuddled Angel in her arms. ‘Of course...’ Silver thought, rolling his eyes. ‘That’s probably the only reason she would go to the gala.’ “Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds… beautiful…?” Twilight asked, unsure of herself. “Wait, just a minute!” A familiar voice made Twilight and Silver look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the roof top of a nearby house. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight retorted angrily, as the blue Pegasus flew toward them. “Have you been following us all day?” “No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe…” Rainbow stumbled. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two giving that ticket away to just anybody.” “Wait just another minute,” Applejack called out, approaching Twilight. “Applejack,” Twilight replied sternly. “Were you following us too?” "No," Applejack replied quickly, before pointing at Rainbow Dash. "I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try anything funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket." “Your ticket?” Rainbow retorted. “But Twilight and Silver are taking me!” Pinkie shot back. Before Silver or Twilight could protest, the five mares started arguing over each other. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns untly Silver finally had enough. "QUIET!" Silver shouted, silencing all of them. Exept... “And then I said, “Oatmeal, are you craz—” “PINKIE!” Silver shouted at the pink pony again. Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realizing that the arguing had stopped. “Oh…” Pinkie said sheepishly. "Girls," Twilight declared, "there's no use in arguing." "But Twilight..." Rarity tried to protest. “No but’s!” Silver cut her off. “This is our decision; we’re gonna make it on our own.” “And we certainly can’t think straight with all this noise…” Twilight added. Just then, her’s stomach start to grumbled loudly. “Not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo!” The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves. “And don’t worry, we’ll figure this out…” Twilight added. But the mares had already disappeared, leaving Twilight alone with Spike somewhere to the side, out of sight, and Silver, who merely sighed. “… Somehow…” Silver added quietly. He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Silver gives her a side hug. “Come on,” Silver said. “Let’s grab some lunch, my treat.” Twilight just gave a small smile as he guided her and Spike, who had caught up and climbing upon Silver’s back, towards the restaurant he had recommended. At the restaurant, Silver and Spike were reading the menus as Twilight was slumped over the table. “Oh Spike, what are we gonna do? All five of our best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala,” Twilight said worriedly. She then looked at Silver and notice that unlike her, he was very calm about the whole situation. It didn’t really surprise her, he’s always the most calming unicorn between the two of them. Even then she knew that, she couldn’t help but ask him. “Aren’t you worried about this, Silver?” “Not really...” Silver said calmly, before he looked at her and continue, while he smiled at her. “I’m sure that everything is going to be fine in the end.” “If you said so,” Twilight rolled her eyes, before her stomach grumbled again. That’s then their waiter, Savior Fare, approached the table. “Have you made your decision?” He asked, with a French accent. “I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich,” Twilight said. “I will have the same.” Silver said. “Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked. The only response from the Professional waiter was an indignant glare. “No? Okay…” Spike sighed, tossing the menu behind him. “… I’ll have the hay fries, extra crispy.” Savior Fare was already walking away before Spike finished placing his order. As Savior Fare went back inside, the group had a brief moment to talk. “What do you think, Spike?” Twilight asked. “I think we have to try another restaurant,” Spike answered. “I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?” “She means about the gala and the ticket, Spike.” Silver answer for Twilight. “Oh, you’re still on that?” Spike asked annoyed. “Spike, listen,” Twilight insisted. She leans toward him on the table with her front hooves, knocking the flower vase off the table. “How do we choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at us? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if we—” Just then, Twilight was cut off when Savior Fare reappeared with their order. “Ah, your food,” He replied, setting the plates on the table. Silver and Spike start eating their food, while Twilight smiled at hers. “Oh thank you,” Twilight sighed. “This looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once we eat.” She uses her magic to lift the sandwich to her mouth when the other ponies galloped past them and into the indoor section of the café. The mare unicorn drops her sandwich back on her plate, turning in confusion. “Em, madam, monsieur?” Savior Fare replied, concerned. “Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?” “It’s not raining…” Twilight replied. BOOM! A thunderclap caused the trio to look around, noticing how everywhere, minus their table, was getting a large downpour. “What’s going on?” Twilight asked. It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a very familiar blue Pegasus appeared. “Hi there, best friends forever I’ve ever had!” Rainbow said, sweetly. “Enjoying the sunny weather?” “Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked suspiciously. “Whaddya mean?” Rainbow replied innocently. “I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that’s all.” ‘I can’t believe that she’s doing all this for a stupid ticket!’ Silver thought furiously. He is very angry and disappointed that Rainbow Dash is doing something like that. “Rainbow, you’re not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?” Twilight asked. “Me?” Rainbow chuckled. “No-no-no, of course not.” “Uh-huh,” Twilight said. “Seriously, I’d do it for anypony,” Rainbow added. Just then, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The two unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the seen exposed her bluff. “Heh, heh, eh…” Rainbow gulped. “Rainbow Dash, we’re not comfortable accepting unwanted favors,” Silver told her. “So, I’d appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now,” Twilight added. “Ugh, fine,” Rainbow said, zipping up the cloud. “That’s better,” Twilight said. Silver uses his magic to summon three umbrellas for him, Twilight, and Spike to keep themselves dry. A grey for Silver, purple for Twilight, and green for Spike. “Thanks Silver.” Twilight thanking him. “No problem.” Silver said. But before they could finished their food, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella. “Twilight! Silver! It’s raining,” She said plainly. “No, really?” Silver retorted sarcastically. “Come with me before you catch a cold.” Rarity said as she grabbed Twilight and pulled off. “I thought you couldn’t get a cold in the rain,” Spike said. “You can’t,” Silver said as he stood up and walked after Rarity, while Spike followed after him. As soon as they were all inside the Carousel Boutique, Twilight shook the water off of her. Her mane fluffed up and went back to normal. She smiled before looking at a wet maned Rarity. “Heh-heh, oops, sorry,” Twilight said apologetically. “Oh no, it’s quite all right. After all, we are...” Rarity said. Suddenly, she was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight’s side before she continues. “… The best friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?” “Uh…” Based on their expression, both Twilight and Silver were afraid to find out. “Makeovers!” Rarity exclaimed. Rarity shoved a dressing screen in front of her and Twilight, knocking Silver and Spike aside as Rarity roughly dressed up Twilight. “Ugh, Rarity, ow!” Twilight groaned. “This really isn’t fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that’s too tight!” As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitted in a glittery little dress. Seeing her like that, Silver couldn’t help but blush at how pretty she was. “There,” Rarity said. “Oh, you’re simply darling.” Twilight looked at the dress and smiled. “Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn’t it?” Twilight said, before she looked at Silver. “Uh, Silver, how do I look?” “Y-you look very pretty.” Silver said, blushing even more. That makes her blushing as well. “T-thanks,” Twilight said, as she smiled at him. Spike made a face, sticking his finger in his mouth. Rarity rushed into him, causing him to stick his entire claw inside his mouth. “And you,” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent. You too, Silver.” Before they could say anything, both Silver and Spike were shoved behind a screen. “D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!” Spike yelped. “Oh, hey, ouch, oomph, too tight, ye-ow!” Silver screamed. “Use a shoehorn next time!” Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wig. Silver was in a similar suit, it is dark blue with a red powdered upper-class wig and some boots clearly too tight for his hooves. They both stood indignant and embarrassed. “Oh, Spike… Silver…” Twilight giggled. “This is so embarrassing.” Silver murmured, blushing in embarrassment. “Now you just need a hat,” Rarity said, plopping it on Spike’s head. “Ugh, I told you, I don’t want any part of this girly gala gunk,” Spike whined. “See you back at the library!” The baby dragon quickly dashed right out of his clothes and out of the boutique. “Oh, who needs him anyway,” Rarity said, with a laugh. As the fashionista brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently. “This is all about you, and how fabulous you two will look at the Grand Galloping Gala.” Rarity said. Silver and Twilight both blinked at one another in realization. “Wait, the Grand—” They said together. “And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!” Rarity explained. The way she went on, both Silver and Twilight knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do. “I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T…” Rarity said, as she held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before the fashionista took full dominance of the reflection. “We would be the bells 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 who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!” Rarity had stars in her eyes, until she turned toward Twilight and Silver, who gave her death glares. “Ah,” Rarity laughed nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle and Silver, of course.” “I see what’s going on,” Twilight said angrily. “You’re just trying to butter us up, so we’d give you the extra ticket!” Silver added. “Well, it’s not going to work,” Twilight said. The two unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance. “You’re going to have to wait for our decision just like everyone else. Now if you’ll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch,” Twilight said firmly. They just turned to the open-door Spike left through, when suddenly. “Did somepony say lunch?” said a familiar voice, before the owner of the voice grabbed the two unicorns and dragged them outside. The two unicorns soon landed in front of a wooden wagon loaded with various apple treats. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Twilight exclaimed. It was then their culprit appeared before them: Applejack. “I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, and apple Brown Betty,” She listed, showing off the last-mentioned dessert. “Uh, the dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friends?” That's then Twilight's stomach start grumbled once again, as she could feel her temper slip and her eye twitched. “Is that a yes?” Applejack asked. “No, no!” Twilight snapped, making Applejack drop the last dish. “We don’t know who we’re giving the ticket to. And all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide! In fact…” “I'm less sure now than am was this morning!” She shouted. Groaning, Twilight high tail out of there. Applejack just looked stunned as she took off. “So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack could only say before she gulped and turns her head nervously towards the grey unicorn, who gives her a death glare. She knew that she is in trouble now. "Aj, we need to talk," Silver said dangerously ”Now!" Yup. She is definitely in trouble. It was a short while before Twilight had a moment to calm down. At least enough to get back to the Grand Oak Library. But it was clear that the mare was frustrated and stressed out after a long day. “Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors could be so aggravating!” Twilight retorted angrily and opened the door. Before her eyes, various animals dusted and cleaned the interior of the library. She heard a familiar yellow Pegasus singing, as she dusted the bookshelves. “Fluttershy, not you too?” Twilight gasped. “Oh, well, hello Twilight,” Fluttershy greeted. “I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you and Silver.” “It’s summer,” Twilight said, matter-of-factly. “Oh, well, better late than never, right?” Fluttershy replied, flying next to them. “It was Angel’s idea.” The little bunny smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby. “You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked, getting to the point. “Oh no, I’m doing this because you’re my very best friends,” Fluttershy assured. “Right Angel?” The little bunny just gave her a glare, which said otherwise. “Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.” Fluttershy finally said, as Angel offered the salad. “No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but me or Silver are not accepting any extra favors until we’ve made our final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave.” Twilight said, walking over to the door and opening it. “SURPRISE!!!” a band of voices suddenly cheered outside, accompanied by the sound of party whistle and some confetti. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie grabbed Twilight outside the library and she is tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie Pie began to sing again. Pinkie Pie (Sings): Twilight is my bestest friend Whoopie, whoopie! “Pinkie…” Twilight said. Pinkie Pie (Sings): She's the cutest, smartest, all around best pony, pony! “Pinkie…” She repeated. Pinkie Pie (Sings): I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party! “Pinkie!” She said louder. Pinkie Pie (Sings): They’ll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me! “PIIIIIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!” Twilight shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent her landing hard on the ground. “Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, batting her eyes. "At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket!" Twilight exclaimed. "Wait, what ticket? What gala?" a pony named 'Drizzle' asked. "Oh, you didn't know?" Pinkie declared, "Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!" "The Grand Galloping Gala?" all of the ponies cried out in unison, before surrounding Twilight. "Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?", one of the ponies asked. Just then, Spike ran by, and start pulling Twilight away. "I’ll wash your dishes!", other pony said. The three stopped short, finding their retreat blocked by some pony named 'Daisy'. “Would you like help with our gardening?” she asks. They tried to get away again before they were stopped again. “I have a cartload of extra carrots,” A pony named 'Shoeshine' proposed. Soon the crowd had swamped again, shouting favor after favor. “What are we gonna do?” Spike asked. Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly; Twilight found herself ready to panic. “We’re… gonna… RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNN!" Twilight shouted, before the unicorn jumped high in the air and dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit. Pinkie Pie stands still, watching the ponies run after Twilight for the extra ticket. That's then she hears the voice of a very, very, VERY angry Silver, which makes her so scared that her heart stops for a second. "PINKAMENA DIANE PIE!" (With Twilight and Spike) On cue, some Benny-Hill style music plays as Twilight ran for her dear life trying to escape the crowd, while Spike held onto Twilight from behind. They tried just about everything just to get away. First, they behind the cart with all the apple treats. They watch the mob rush past while they hid, only to be spotted by a pony from the window and another pony popping out of the cart. Soon, they were running again as the mob raced after them, even knocking one towns-pony aside. A passing elderly couple with a stroller slowly walks down the street as the mob of ponies dashed past them. But it turns out to be Twilight dressed in a blue cloak and Spike dressed as a baby, with a binky in his mouth. But sadly, one of the girl ponies turns and points toward the group, forcing them to run away again. They quickly hide under a bridge by the canal, trying to hold onto the bottom. Just as they raced past them, Spike swiped a claw and sighed… Only to accidentally fall into the canal with a ‘SPLASH!’ exposing their hiding spot. The mob kept racing after the group passing a window to a shop, where mannequins stood in a pose. But it turns out to be one pony and a dragon in disguise: Twilight like a circus clown, and Spike like a hula dancer (A girl one). Nothing worked for both of them. Soon, they ran until they were backed into a corner, as all the ponies approached shouting favor after favor at them. The pressure became so unbearable for Twilight, her horn began to glow brightly and she, along with Spike, disappeared. All the other ponies looked around, exclaiming shock and confusion. “Where is she? Where’d she go? She’s disappeared?” the ponies question one other. Fortunately, Twilight didn’t get very far, as she had triggered a simple teleportation spell, which landed them right back inside the Grand Oaks Library. She was quite frazzled from the trip and poor Spike was slightly fried. “Ugh… Warn me next time you two are donna do that,” He groaned dizzily. “I didn’t even know it was gonna happen,” Twilight protested. "Now quick, lock the doors!” They quickly closed all the doors, locking the bolts, and shut off all the lights. They breathed a sigh of relief, slumping to the floor after finishing the job. Suddenly, a light came back on, they look up, and Twilight's five best friends stared down at them, all with sad smiles on their faces, near a high window. Before Twilight was able to say something, Silver comes near her and put one of his hoofs on her shoulder. " Twilight, please listen to them. The girls have something to say to you." Silver smile at her. This made Twilight confused, as Applejack walked up to them. “Twilight, sugars,” Applejack said gently. “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.” “Me too,” Fluttershy added. “I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful.” “And me too,” Pinkie Pie cut in. “It’s no fun upsetting your friends.” “Twilight,” Rarity joined in. “It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did.” “Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!” Rainbow said, before singing and dancing in midair. “I got the ticket; I got the ticket—” Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, and especially Silver shot her a dirty look. “You know,” Rainbow said sheepishly. “I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.” “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 pointed out. “We’re sorry, Twilight,” The five mares said, in unison. This made Twilight a little better. She looked at Silver who smile at her give her a nod, understanding what she had in mind and that he was okay with it, she smiled back and give him a nod. “Spike take down a note,” Twilight instructed. Spike grabs a sheet of paper and a quill. Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic. 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 we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. “What?!” The other five mares exclaimed, in shock. “If my friends can’t all go,” Twilight continued. “We don’t wanna go either.” The other ponies, still in shock over the decision, felt worse about everything. “Guys, you don’t have to do that,” Applejack protested. “Nope, we’ve made up our mind,” Twilight said, as Silver gave a nod. “Spike, you can send the letter now.” Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it on its way. “Now you won’t get to go to the gala either,” Fluttershy said sadly. “It’s okay, girls,” Twilight assured. “We couldn’t possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us.” “So, we would rather not go at all,” Storm added, with a smile. 'Even though we could just ask the princess to send us more tickets so we all can go to the gala together. Oh well, there's always next year. The other mares shared a group hug, chuckling with each other. Applejack turns as Spike began making faces as if he were grossed out. At least, that’s how Applejack interpreted his grunts. “Well wallop my withers, Spike,” Applejack said, approaching the dragon. “Isn’t that just like a boy? Can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.” BURP!!! “Whoa, Nelly!” Applejack exclaimed. She barely missed getting singed by the green flame Spike spat out between her golden mane and Stenson hat. The flame turns into another letter. “A letter from the princess?” Twilight said surprised. “That was fast.” Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud. “My faithful students, Twilight, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” And low and behold, a familiar sight met their eyes… But ten times greater. “Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike announced. All the ponies in the room gasped, excitedly. “Now we can all go,” Twilight declared happily. Just then, her stomach growled. Which made Twilight laughed nervously. “Allow us to treat you both to dinner,” Rarity offered. “What a great way to apologize,” Rainbow declared. Each pony collected their ticket, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house. “And to celebrate!” Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. “Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me!” Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike’s head and floated above hers. “How come I don’t get a ticket to the gala?” Spike asked sadly. HURK! BURP! Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia. “And one for you Spike,” He read. Spike giggled happily as he held his ticket and left the library. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face. “I mean, gross, I have to go too?” He remarked. Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled, as she went to catch up with the rest of their friends.