Episode 18:
Just for Sidekicks
At the Golden Oaks Library, Spike is currently mixing up ingredients together in the kitchen. He is currently preparing to make a jewel cake with cake batter and jewels he had been saving for months. Jewels that are so valuable to him that Twilight had to keep out of his reach before he eats them all because last time her had some jewels he wound up eating them all before he could bake them in the last cake he baked.
“Spike is great...making a jewel cake...for a cake that is divine...” Spike sang to himself before mixing up his ingredients together. “Ah, ha, everything is all mixed together. Now for the gems.” Just then he hears a knock on the door. “I wonder who’s knocking on our doorstep this early?” He wondered before moving to answer the door.
It’s the mail pony with something for Twilight. “Here’s your mail.”
“Of course, thanks.” Spike accepted the presented mail before shutting the door. But then he realized… “Oops!” He quickly opened the door and presented a blue sapphire gem as a tip for him. “Here you go.”
He then gently closed the door before sorting out the unicorn’s mail. “Let’s see here, bill, bill, jury duty for me, letter from Princess Celestia, and oh….” He eyed the letter containing the crystal heart on the envelope. “…and one from the Crystal Empire.”
That meant only one thing, Twilight’s sister-in-law Princess Cadance has written to her and from the looks of it, it sounds like she wants to see her. And that’s exactly what she written to her for. A letter to invite her and her friends to visit to the Crystal Empire to help greet the inspector who decides the Equestrian Games to be hosted by the Crystal Empire.
Needless to say, Twilight was quite pleased she could barely hold her excitement in when she read Cadance’s letter to her. “This is great! Do you know what this will mean?”
“The Crystal Empire getting to host the games along you getting to see Princess Cadance again?” Spike returned already knowing the answer to which Twilight nodded in response. “That’s great! I gotta get my jewel cake baked so I can eat it before we go!” He rushed off to get his cake in the oven but then realized as soon as he put it in the oven… “But wait!” He quickly said to Twilight. “That’ll leave Owlowiscous alone.”
“Good point…” Twilight acknowledged before trying to think of someone who can do it in short notice. She scratched her chin in deep thought before thinking of an answer to that “…I think I might know the perfect group of friends for the job.” She thought of...
…at the same time the Cutie Mark Crusaders are all wearing goggles and helmets standing on top of the tallest tree in Sweet Apple Acres. While their young Pride Lander friends watch from down below the ground.
“Ready, girls.” Scootaloo asked the other Crusaders who both nodded. “Then let’s do this. Operation get our cutie marks in skydiving!”
“Yeah!” They all cheered together before they all leaped down from the tree with their large blankets used as parachutes. “Whoa!” They suddenly shouted when they started to plummet down harder then they expected and ended up crashing through the tree branches down towards the ground.
“Ooh.” Kambuni winced along with the others. “That’s gotta hurt.”
“Eeyup.” Shauku didn’t even deny how painful that looked. “And it ain’t pretty.”
“Nope.” Gumba agreed while shaking his head.
“Are you girls all okay?” Mtoto asked them.
“Yep.”
“Super duper.”
“Never mind.”
They all answered slightly dazed before falling backwards still feeling knocked out from the crash landing.
The next morning, the Cutie Mark Crusaders along with the Lion Guard fan club gathered at the library where the Lion and Pony Guard are with their luggage in tow ready to head out on their trip to the Crystal Empire. The Mane Six all have their pets all present and accounted for just outside so the young ones will know what they need to do to take care of them while they are away. And needless to say for the three fillies if it means another opportunity for them to earn their cutie marks they’ll take it.
Fluttershy was the first to express her delight at the kid’s for their generous offer before presenting her basket of belongings that’ll last Angel for the time they are away with a not too pleased Angel riding on her back. “Oh, thank you, thank you! So while I'm gone, you'll take care of Angel, and tomorrow is Tuesday, which is his tail-fluffing day, and it's really important for him to look good. So be sure you get plenty on his tail, or it won't get as poofy as he likes it.” She asked of the foals and kids.”
“Okay.” Apple Bloom nodded with the other girls when Rainbow hands her care of her pet turtle over to the kids.
“We’ll try, Fluttershy.” Mtoto vowed.
“As long as you remember that Tank's got a strict flying regimen, and-and someone needs to make sure that he doesn't slack off while I'm gone we’re all good. You got that Scootaloo?”
“Absolutely!” Scootaloo confidently replied just when Tank winds up crashing into a shelf of books accidentally.
Rainbow quickly tended to him while helping him on his feet to which is likewise greeted with an affectionate lick on the cheeks to which both Rarity and Gumba both awed and snickered at the sight.
“You know...” Rainbow continued while blushing. “…the two of us are very diligent.”
“Of course.” Scootaloo replied. “I haven’t forgotten about all of the fun times you’ve had with him.”
“Good.” Rainbow said satisfied with her little sister figure’s response before Rarity takes her turn and had quite a long list of caretaking instructions in regards to her pet.
“Yes, yes, more importantly, as for Opal, she likes to eat every thirty six and a half minutes, you groom her with her silken brush, head to toe...”
During this Spike quickly took notes for her little sister out of love and a show of good will for the filly.
“...Oh, and don't forget to pooch her pillow out in the middle, that's where she likes it. And the temperature in the room should always be exactly eighty one point four degrees. That's the only way she can get to sleep.”
“Okay, got it.” Sweetie Belle replied feeling much more relieved that Spike was able to jot it all down for her.
“Oh, good, so thanks for your help and good luck to you.” She finished with Pinkie Pie next to hand over her pet.
With Pinkie Pie there really wasn’t much to be said about Gummy’s needs other than making sure he is Pinkie-like happy. And with Applejack all her pet dog really needs is her daily exercise along with time to be able to play with her caretakers to which she doesn’t find a problem since Apple Bloom knows her very well.
“Looks like you got a regular pet day care in here, Spike. You'll still be able to get some good play time with Winona like you said though, won't ya? She tends to get a little wild if she doesn't get her exercise.” Applejack reminded her little sister.
“Of course, big sister.” Apple Bloom happily responded.
Needless to say, Kion was quite surprised to see the gathering when he arrived. “Okay everyone, are we all ready to go…Whoa! I don't remember seeing pets on the invite list.”
“That's 'cause we're leavin' them here with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their friends.” The orange earth pony explained. “They're gonna do a little critter-sittin' for us.”
“Oh, really?” Fuli returned wondering how well this is going to end upon seeing that they are all actually going to try to tackle this huge responsibility on their own.
At that moment the train from the Friendship Express blew its whistle from the train station, signaling to the Guard that their ride is here.
“Come on everyone, or we're gonna miss the train.” Kion told everyone who all before Winona came over to say goodbye to Applejack.
“One more for the road?” The dog’s master asked before affectionately rubbing her tubby when she was flat on her back and waggling her tail. “Oh, you little puppy-wuppy, come on here!”
Pinkie then said her goodbyes to Gumby. “No, no no no. I love you more. No, I love you more!” She shouted the second part assertively before returning to her cheerful manner. “I love you more!!!”
When nobody was looking, Rainbow secretly gave Tank a noise kiss goodbye for a split second to avoided being spotted and teased while Fuli did the same with the white kitty. Neither of the Guard’s Fastest glanced at each other nor said a word before quickly making their way out of the door.
“Oh, I promise it'll be okay.” Fluttershy assured her unhappy bunny friend still looking away with crossed arms. “I'll fluff your tail twice next week.” Angel’s ears lowered in refusal. “Three times?” Angel’s ears perked up before turning back to nod to which Fluttershy gave him a little head scratch and hug to show that the former does appreciate Fluttershy’s love and care for him.
“Oh, I know. It's a chilly eighty one point two in here.” Rarity said to her pet cat while placing a warm blanket around her. “Sweetie Belle, take care of this, would you please?”
“You got it!” She quickly moved to do what her big sister asked of her.
“Now are you all absolutely sure you can do this?” Twilight asked the kids once more to remind them of how much of a big job this is.
“Of course.” Mtoto confidently replied. “Wouldn't have agreed to it if we couldn't.”
“Piece of cake.” Shauku spoke up before suddenly seeing the jewel cake Spike had made. “Speaking of cake, I got a little something I need to attend to.”
“Yeah, like keeping an eye on a house full of critters.” Spike sternly reminded him before he could even touch his cake. “Not my cake.”
Spike quickly rushed over and snatched his cake away and out of the house deciding he’s going to have to take it on the go.
“It’ll be all right, Twilight.” Kwato again insisted kindly. “If we can handle ourselves against a group of hyenas then we can help the Cutie Mark Crusaders handle a group of pets.”
“Exactly!” Gumba agreed before adding. “I mean, how hard can it be?”
“Depends on who you ask.” Twilight cautiously answered before turning to join the others who all started headed out. “But since you all are really sure then I guess we’ll all head out.”
“Good-bye.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders called to their big sisters before they all returned hugs before heading out.
“See you later, kid.”
“Try to stay out of trouble now you hear.”
“Take good care of Opal, darling.”
Once the Lion and Pony Guard have left, the kids were now alone to take care of the pets they were entrusted with.
But as soon as the kids turned their attention back to them, they see that their troubles have already started and they all need to take action to put a stop to an already bad start since Twilight would not be pleased to see the damage they have already done to her library.
Opal was scratching the curtains, Winona was chasing a teasing Angel around, Gummy was pulling out random books, and Tank was aimlessly flying around and sent Owlowiscious flying across the room nearly hitting the kitten trying her hardest to stay out of the crossfires of the chaos.
Thinking quick, Apple Bloom used her right hoof to whistle at them to get them to stop and pay attention to her. “Alright, everyone, front and center!“
Winona was quick to obey her command with the rest of the others rounding them all up. Scootaloo quickly brought Tank to earth, Mtoto quickly snatched up Gummy from tearing up Twilight’s books, Sweetie Belle pulled Opal away before Spike’s bed, and Kambuni was able to bring Owlowiscious down to earth with them. The sweet kitten was the only pet not doing anything but cowering under the tables from the sight of chaos inside.
“One, two, three, four, five...” Kwato counted each and every one of them only to see there is one missing.
“Argh, who's missing?” Gumba spoke up.
“But who?” Shauku wondered before they all spotted the smirking bunny just outside of the doorway before running off in a dash. “Angel.“
“Of course.” Gumba grumbled. “One minute we are trusted to handle a group of pets and then the next minute we now having a missing rabbit.”
“It’s okay.” Kwato was quick to ease her friend’s frustrations. “We just got to get him back.”
“But what about the rest of the pets?” Kambuni brought up. “He are we going to take care of them and watch over them at the same time?”
“We split up.” Apple Bloom stated taking charge of the situation. “We’ll take Angel. The rest of you watch over the rest of them. Bring them over to the clubhouse and we’ll meet there. Got it?”
“Got it!” Everyone stated together before the trio of ponies set out together.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders! Operation get our cutie marks in pet sitting is a go!” Apple Bloom declared before they all shouted their team chant and set out together.
“Angel!”
“Angel!”
“Angel!”
“Well…” Shauku spoke up before turning back to the mess the critters have left in the library. “…guess we leash them up and start cleaning.”
“Probably for the best unless we want to upset Twilight.” Gumba agreed with a sigh.
“Now come on now.” Kambuni encouraged them with a cheerful attitude. “Remember what Pinkie Pie would do if we were the Pony Guard?”
“Right!” Kwato understood while trying to mimic her. “Now let’s all get moving and cleaning because we are about to have ourselves a party!” Confetti suddenly burst from nearby.
“What the…?” Gumba questioned before seeing Angel suddenly appearing with Pinkie’s party cannon.
“How did he...?” Shauku added when he suddenly runs off when the Cutie Mark Crusaders come running by trying to catch him.
“Angel!”
“Come on!”
“Get back here!”
The trio of fillies shouted after him.
“I don’t know.” Mtoto shook his head in reply before thinking of an idea. “But I think I just thought of an idea of how they get Angel to corporate with them.
“What are you thinking?” Kambuni asked. “Like saying party!”
Angel suddenly sent confetti right at while snickering at her before quickly running off to avoid being caught.
“Ooh!” Kwato smiled upon realizing. “I get it. Party!”
Another confetti blast is blown right at her courtesy of the mischievous bunny.
“Party time right here!” Gumba goaded the bunny towards him who immediately took the bait and shot more confetti at him.
“Party time!” Shauku shouted with confetti sent his way.
“Party time!” Mtoto shouted while he and the others all circle around them allowing the Cutie Mark Crusaders to nab him when he was busy laughing his furry butt off having fun with the confetti cannon.
His happy-trigger phased him out enough times that he wasn’t even aware nor cared of why he was running in the first time. But he didn’t care because he actually loved the attention the Cutie Mark Crusaders gave him. And that gave the others time to clean up the damage the Mane Six’s pets have caused inside the library.
“Awww, little fluffy Angel Bunny-kins!” Sweetie Belle cooed while the pleased bunny rapidly thumps his foot in place just when the others get finished cleaning up the Golden Oaks Library. “You're so cute! The natural weaves in his fluff are to die for!”
“I know!” Kambuni sweetly added not realizing that she is giving a bunny that’s been giving the majority of the group quite some trouble in just the first few hours alone with them some extra attention. “Isn't Angel just the cutest thing you've ever seen?!”
None of the pets were pleased with the bunny’s attitude especially when he blew a taunting raspberry in their direction.
“At least the tree-house is now cleaned up.” Gumba sighed in relief.
“Yep.” Mtoto agreed with tired eyes. “All of the books Gubby tore apart along with the curtains Opal tore apart have been sewn back together thanks to Sweetie Belle.”
“Who would have thought that learning from your big sister could come in handy someday?” Sweetie shrugged with an equally tired sweat on her forehead.
“As handy as having helping hooves in doing all of those chores.” Apple Bloom responded while rubbing her sore hooves.
“Taking care of pets sure ain’t easy.” Shauku commented after tossing aside the cleaning towel he used.
“No kidding.” Kwato agreed.
“How're we gonna take good care of them without treats for when they're good?” Apple Bloom then wondered with both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo adding on what they’ll need.
“And we'll need beds for when they're tired!”
“And toys! They need toys!”
“But wait!” Sweetie Belle cried when a thought occurred. “How are we going to pay for all that?”
“Not a problem.” Apple Bloom answered while producing a green gem she had hidden in her big pink bow.
“How did you…?” Mtoto asked before seeing his mischievous friends Gumba and Shauku grinning at him.
“Apple Bloom told us where Applejack keeps some of her gems.” The mongoose answered.
“Figured she won’t mind if we borrow one of them.” The young baboon added.
“Even without asking?” Kwato asked feeling unsure that was wise.
“Relax. It’s just one gem.” Apple Bloom assured them. “She wouldn’t miss it.”
“And I’m sure my big sister would agree with me there.” Sweetie backed Apple Bloom up here.
“All right.” Scootaloo cheered before rushing off ahead with her fellow Crusaders following after her. “Let’s do this!”
In a short amount of time the Cutie Mark Crusaders have received all of the necessary supplies the one gemstone they were provided and in a short time they all made back to the tree-house ready to put their grooming skills to the test in another bid to earn their cutie marks. In an effort to surprise the Lion and Pony Guard fan group they asked them to wait outside while they all work their magic on them.
“But pink feathers would look so good with your eyes!” Sweetie Belle commented from inside.
But then Scootaloo shouted. “Has anyone seen Tank's head? Where's his head?!”
Mtoto quickly called out while knocking on the window from outside. “What’s going on? What happened to the turtle?”
“Nothing! Everything’s fine! False alarm!” Sweetie Belle quickly assured.
“We just forgot he could do that.” Scootaloo added with an embarrassed giggle before allowing the others inside to see their attempts and needless to say their efforts were quite mortifying to say the least.
Literally, their attempts to try their hoof in grooming were quite chaotic enough for Discord’s taste. Tank had paint splatters all over his shell, Opal was shredding claw marks on the wall, Gummy made bite marks on the tub with Angel evasively hopping away from his efforts to bite him, and Owlowiscious had gum all over his fur coat. It was so shocking no one had any words to say at the moment.
“Yeah, so, pretty sure critter-sittin' cutie marks are out.” Apple Bloom commented in defeat.
“And our critter-grooming cutie marks probably aren't going to appear anytime soon either.” Sweetie Belle added.
“No worries.” Kwato spoke up still smiling even seeing the mess created in front of them. “We’ll just help you clean up.”
“…again.” Kambuni added with a forced smile with a pained sigh threatening to come out of her mouth.
So that meant giving every single one of the dirty pets another bath and replacing the curtains Opal tore apart (again) and placing them under the giant fan they managed to purchase. Something that Winona really loved being under it enjoying the cool breeze it produced.
Even so, the two parties promised the Guard that they would take care of them and do what they usually love doing. Walking them across Ponyville while doing the Guard a little favor like they are on patrol in town is no problem but something didn’t feel quite right to them. Like there is something they really need to get them to remember their petting sitting as a day they’ll never forget.
And before any of them could think of any ideas of how to go on about that while on patrol, they heard the conductor shout “All aboard!” that’s when an idea sprung in their minds specifically the Cutie Mark Crusaders when Angel eagerly smiled at the idea in their heads.
“You thinking what I’m thinking.” Scootaloo asked the bunny who nodded in response.
“Thinking about what?” Mtoto asked not picking up what they are proposing.
“A train ride!” Shauku immediately exclaimed upon seeing the train ahead of them with passengers boarding it.
“That sounds exciting!” Gumba immediately agreed.
“Now hold on a second…” Mtoto spoke up trying to warn the excited eyed companions. “…we aren’t supposed to leave Ponyville.”
“Did the Lion and Pony Guard say we have to stay here?” The baboon pressingly asked the young elephant.
“No.” He admitted with his trunk tucked in. “But still…”
“Relax!” Shauku interrupted to assure him. “We’re just going to ride around a little and be back here before the Lion and Pony Guard come back.”
“Exactly!” Scootaloo chimed in. “Heck there could be a once in a lifetime adventure waiting for us on that train.”
No sooner than she said that, the conductor made one last call with a destination that perked the filly’s interest. “All aboard for the Crystal Empire!”
“Crystal Empire?!” The girls asked in unison with sparkled eyed excitement along with the rest of the fan club.
“I've always wanted to see the Crystal Empire!” Kwato suddenly expressed her sudden interest.
“Me too!” Scootaloo added.
“I wish I were dressed for it, but still...” Sweetie Belle added with an excited squeal before exclaiming once more. “THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!”
“We're not really going?!” Mtoto asked everyone while trying to remind them of how much trouble they could get in. “That’s where the Lion and Pony Guard are!”
“That’s right!” Kambuni suddenly voiced. “I don’t think we should go!”
But Angel never one to miss out on an opportunity for adventure immediately jumped the gun and immediately hopped onto the caboose of the train just when the trains started departing from its station. He blew a raspberry directed at Mtoto before leaping through the window of the last cart on the train.
“Next stop, the Crystal Empire!” The conductor announced before being the last pony to board the train before it departs from the station.
“Aw, why do have to do this to us?!” Kwato exclaimed in an exasperated tone after gaining a conscious.
“I don’t understand why Fluttershy named him Angel?” Kambuni brought up.
“Don’t know, don’t care!” Shauku stated before taking off after him along with Gumba. “We’re going after him!”
“Come on!” Gumba agreed before joining his mongoose friend in running towards the caboose.
“Till the Pride Lands and Equestria’s end…” Mtoto began while leading everyone after them.
“Lion Guard and Cutie Mark Crusaders defend!” The others finished before they all pursed the train starting to leave it’s station.
With quick thinking, they were all able to run on over to the train station and hopped onto the caboose of the train before it could get up to full speed while having to help those over the railing in order to get on the train. The fillies, mongoose, baboon, and ostrich were all able to grab on and pull themselves over no problem. But Mtoto and Kwato both needed some help pulling their weight to which the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all able to work together to pull them over.
Now that they got everyone on board, they all have to ride the train out all the way to the Crystal Empire and back. Mtoto wasn’t very pleased of having to be dragged into this but will let it slide as long as they get Angel and everyone back to Ponyville before anyone knows they were gone.
But on the bright side everyone and all of the pets are all enjoying the ride so far and they found Angel relaxing in one of beds. He wasn’t even bothering to make a further effort to escape from them because he got what he wanted out of that. A trip to the Crystal Empire and back for a little excitement.
“You know…” Kwato was the first to speak up when their train ride reached the Crystal Empire borders. “…this is actually pretty fun!”
“Of course it is!” Gumba quickly responded while playfully jabbing her shoulder. “Nothing like a little sight-seeing with the Pony Guard’s pets.”
Shauku quick to prove his point then said. “We just arrive at the train station. Do a little sightseeing. Then we pop back on the train back home and no one will ever know we were there. Not even the Lion and Pony Guard.”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders just as excited as the others definitely were filled with enthusiasm in wanting to know what the Crystal Empire is like.
“So it seems like the Crystal Empire would be really cold, but I've heard that it's not! It's as warm as can be!” Apple Bloom first spoke of her thoughts.
“Do you think the walls are crystal?” Scootaloo asked before gasping when she had another thought occurring. “Maybe even see-through! Can you imagine see-through walls?”
“Well it’s named the Crystal Empire for a reason.” Kambuni inputted. “Surely it’s gotta be.”
“No doubt about that.” Kwato agreed.
“Oh this is going to be so great!” Gumba voiced his excitement once more.
Unfortunately for them, the Mane Six’s pets even the cute kitten have caught interest when Pony Joe who happens to be catering on their ride happens to be riding by with a cart of doughnuts to which they all got hungry at the sight of the sweets. And while they were all busy conversing with one and another, they all bolted from the room and pursued that cart of treats.
“Oh no.” Sweetie Belle quietly voiced seeing the trouble they are getting themselves into again when they charge into the cart and ended devouring all of the pastries and left the poor chef covered in icing.
“Oh, sweet sour dough.” Gumba remarked with a face palm before quickly charging over there along with Shauku and rushing all of the pets away from Pony Joe before he can see and piece together what happened.
The two quickly darted their pet companions back inside their cart with Pony Joe storming around the hallway wondering who and where the culprits went. He didn’t see the kids nor the fillies or the pets when he looked around the rooms to see if said culprits darted in there before moving forward back to the front of the cart.
“Wow!” The mongoose commented upon barely escaping punishment. “That was a close one.”
“No kidding!” The baboon didn’t hesitate to comment there.
“What were you thinking?!” Mtoto exclaimed to the pets feeling very baffled with the stunt that nearly got them in trouble. “Risking our train ride back home for a snack?!”
The pets all responded with apologetic looks before slurping the remaining bits of food they snagged from the dessert cart while smiling in satisfaction. While they were sorry for what they did, they still felt it was worth it.
“Apparently, they were thinking it was worth it.” Kwato remarked their exact thoughts just when their ride pulls up to the Crystal Empire station.
“Oh! We’re here!” The ostrich quickly exclaimed upon seeing their ride has arrived at the station.
“So beautiful!” Scootaloo remarked with a wide open happy smile liking the place already. To her, it was like what she had always dreamed about seeing.
“I could stay here all day!” Kambuni shouted with glee while flapping her wings.
“Well, enjoy it while you can because we only have a five minute window until we're headed back to Ponyville!” Mtoto warned everyone.
“Of course!” The mongoose and baboon stated in tone of understanding along with the fillies who were quick to rush out the door.
“Besides there is no way, no how, we're comin' all the way to the Crystal Empire without lookin' around!” Apple Bloom said before leading the other Crusaders out of the train along with the Mane Six’s pets while the others watched from the windows.
“Uh-oh!” Mtoto spoke up with wide eyes and raised ears upon seeing a troubling sight.
“What’s wrong?” Kwato asked upon sensing his sudden worried tone of voice.
“Look!” Mtoto directed the zebra’s attention to the group of friends preparing to board the train with their saddle bags in tow.
Just luck would have it, this time not in their favor, since the Lion and Pony Guard have all just finished up their business there and are ready to head back home.
“The Lion and Pony Guard!” Kambuni stated in alarm upon seeing them before they all quickly lowered their heads out of sight before they can be spotted.
“They see us we’re dead!” Shauku commented while feeling the heat already.
“If they catch us we’ll wish we were.” Gumba corrected. “And they’re headed this way.”
“Quick follow them!” Mtoto ordered of the two before quickly sneaking his way up to the nearby white chest-shaped suitcase to follow after them.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders didn’t get too far as promised. They only made their way to the nearby souevnier stand where the trio of fillies are all admiring the displayed snow globes featuring the Crystal Castle.
“Whoa, just whoa.” Scootaloo remarked while the other fillies giggled.
“Ah! I'm in crystal heaven!” Sweetie said in excitement while trotting her front hooves in place.
“Shh!” Mtoto quickly hushed them with the mongoose and baboon quickly moving and ushering them to take cover.
“Lion and Pony Guard at 1:00!” Shauku alerted.
“Or maybe more like 1:05.” Gumba commented.
“Roger that!” Mtoto quickly said before they all ducked for cover before they can be spotted. “Let’s get back inside!” He quickly whispered to the girls before they used the nearby suitcases for cover to get back unspotted.
“All aboard!” The conductor at the train station
“Phew!
“We made it!”
Both the mongoose and baboon said while wiping the sweat of their foreheads before they all retreated back to their hiding place and caught a glimpse of the Lion and Pony Guard all taking their seats in an empty train cart nearby the kid’s hiding spot.
“Mission accomplished!” Mtoto quietly whispered to everyone in a tone of satisfaction having succeeded in managing a little mini-visit all without getting caught.
During the train ride back to Ponyville, the pets all happily embrace their caretakers as thanks for this little trip and everything they have done through their efforts in taking care of them. Something that the kids all smiled appreciatively in return.
“I can't wait to scratch the belly on Winona. Oh, I miss her.” Applejack expressed upon being the first pony to set her hooves back in Ponyville.
“I can't wait to see Owlowiscious!” Twilight added.
“I can’t wait to go home and get some rest!” Bunga added before falling face first onto the platform. “What a day!”
While the Lion and Pony Guard were all just getting off of the train, the kids and the pets all quickly snuck out the way they all got on the train before making their presence known to them.
“Lion and Pony Guard! Hey!” Mtoto eagerly greeted the group.
“Hey Mtoto!” Beshte kindly greeted likewise whole everyone else moves to do the same. “What are you all doing here?”
“We are all just having such a great time together that we couldn’t wait to tell you all about how much fun we had together!” Kambuni explained just when Sweetie Belle quickly greets her older sister.
“And hear all about the Crystal Empire, and find out if you brought us one of the crystal snow globes that they sell at the train station!” She hopefully asked much to her confusion.
“How did you know about the snow globes?” Rarity inquired to which froze the kids in their tracks with what the filly had just said.
“Um... lucky guess?” She quickly answered to her slightly skeptical older sister along with the egret.
“Really….?” Ono spoke unconvinced feeling they somehow snuck a quick ride over here.
“Of course!” Kambuni quickly backed the filly up. “It’s a well-known souvenir that many gifts shops around here have.”
“What did you think we somehow snuck a little mini-trip here and back without your knowledge.” Kwato rhetorically asked the group.
“While that sounds likely but not so very considering you know wouldn’t do something like that.” Kion answered while feeling a little beat up whether that they would actually do it.
“Of course!” Shauku quickly spoke to avoid arising suspicion. “Like we would even think of actually doing that.”
“Well in any case…” Twilight then spoke while smiling at the children while everyone all reunites with their pet companions. “I've gotta hand it to you all. You did a really good job of taking care of the animals.”
Fluttershy upon reuniting with her pet bunny really liked what she was seeing on his fluffy tail. “Oh, Angel looks perfect! You all did such a good job fluffing his tail.”
“Aww! Thanks!” Kambuni responded while slightly blushing at the endearing compliment.
“Yeah, well... we're like this now.” Gumba said proudly with his fingers crossed to which earned him a hoot from Owlowiscious knowing full well of what the truth really was. “You know who.” He quickly said to him before being gently and playfully swatted on the back of head in a friendly joking manner to let him that their secret will remain just between them.
Twilight couldn’t help but smile at this friendly gesture upon seeing that the Lion Guard fan club along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders have all managed to spend some quality time with their pets before turning to head back home with both Spike and Owlowiscous.
“Oh, jewel-crusted pastries!” Spike suddenly exclaimed before quickly rushing over to the train station and returning with the jewel cake he made earlier. “Phew! Good thing I remembered you my delicate treat you!” He then flung the cake up into the air and then plopped it all down his stomach into one bit and gulp.
His now inflated stomach growled before he released a huge powerful burp that released a large green flame that nearly burned the feathers off of Ono.
"Whoa! Hey!"
“Oops.” Spike chuckled slightly embarrassed at the frowning egret before saddling himself on his back while patting his full tummy. “Worth it!”