//------------------------------//
// Arc 6-4: A Birthday Party Ever After 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


A Birthday Party Ever After




Score held onto the leg of the table, staring down at the Alicorn Bulldog in total fear.  Atop the table were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Ditzy Doo, Hoops and Dumbbell, who were all horrified at Score’s helplessness.
“Nice doggie,” Score said in a scared voice.  “Please don’t eat me.  I taste terrible.”
The Bulldog snapped at Score, who was quick to pull his legs away.  The dog snapped again, trying to bite into Score’s legs.  Score kept moving them away from the sharp teeth of the Alicorn Bulldog as it tried to bite them again.
“Do something, sis,” Sunset said.  “Even Score doesn’t deserve this kind of cruelty.”
“Right,” Princess Cadance said with a nod.
Before the Bulldog could snap at Score’s legs again, Princess Cadance blasted it with a bit of her magic, sending it flying to the wall.  It got up and glared right at Princess Cadance.
“Go,” Princess Cadance said to Score.  “I’ll distract that mutt.”
Score nodded as he ran out from under the table towards the doorway.  The Alicorn Bulldog turned its attention towards Score, only for Princess Cadance to blast it again with her magic.
“HEY, UGLY!”  Princess Cadance yelled.  “WHY DON’T YOU PICK ON SOMEBODY YOUR OWN SIZE!”
The Alicorn Bulldog turned to Wanda, who took notice and hid behind Princess Cadance.  The dog lit up its horn, levitating Wanda into the air.
“Guys,” Wanda said as she was on the verge of freaking out.  “I think that dog really wants to eat me.”
Hoops jumped into the air and grabbed onto Wanda before pulling her down to his level.  But the dog pulled back, dragging Wanda and Hoops towards the edge of the table.
“Oh no you don’t,” Princess Cadance said as her horn lit up.
Princess Cadance surrounded Hoops with her magical aura and began to pull him back all while the pegasi colt held onto Wanda.  But the bulldog pulled even harder, dragging both Wanda and Hoops off the table and towards his maw.
“GUYS!” Hoops yelled.  “I DON’T WANT TO BE A DOG’S DINNER!”
“SISTERS!”  Wanda yelled.  “HELP ME!”
“HANG ON,” Princess Cadance yelled as she struggled to pull Hoops and Wanda back.  “I GOT YA.”
Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle fired off magic of their own, surrounding both Wanda and Hoops in their own magical aura.  They began to pull back as hard as they could, attempting to get Wanda and Hoops away from the bulldog.
“We got you both,” Sunset said.  “Don’t give up.”

Meanwhile, outside of the wall bunker, Score panted loudly as possible as he struggled to catch his breath.  He wiped off the sweat from his forehead before he took a deep breath.
“I have to find help,” Score said.  “But I don’t know if I can do it.  Everyone hates us now and wishes we were dead.  What I wouldn’t give for some help.”
Score looked ahead and saw Chancellor Cinch at the entrance of a house, speaking to the occupant.
“It’s that old hag,” Score said.  “The one who scared us when we first harassed that Derpy pegasi and the stallion that looked after her.”
Score pondered for a bit before an idea lit up in his head.
“I got it,” Score said to himself.  “It’s risky, but I’ve got no other choice.”
As Chancellor Cinch stepped away from the house dejected, Score took a deep breath in.
“HEY YOU OLD HAAAAAAG!” Score yelled with all his breath, catching the attention of Chancellor Cinch.
The Chancellor turned to face Score, who pulled down his eyelid and stuck his tongue.
“So,” Score said.  “How does it feel to know that we trashed that snowflake’s birthday party.”
“YOU MISERABLE LITTLE BRAT!” Cinch yelled.  “I’LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THAT!”
Score ran back into the entrance of the wall bunker, causing Cinch to pursue after the juvenile delinquent.
“GET BACK HERE!”  Cinch yelled as she ran towards the door.  “YOU’RE NOT GETTING AWAY WITH THIS!”
Suddenly, Cinch came to a pause the moment she heard the scream of Wanda Young.  Her anger subsided into total fear as she looked directly at the entrance.
“That was the Man’s Cub,” Cinch said to herself.  “They better not be doing anything horrible to her.”
Cinch marched towards the doorway and walked inside, fearing for the worse.  But when she turned to her left, her face dropped in horror.
“MY GOODNESS!”  Cinch yelled.  “WHAT IS GOING ON?”
Cinch watched in total shock as the Alicorn Bulldog was pulling Wanda and Hoops towards its vicious mouth.  Ditzy Doo and Dumbbell pulled on both Hoops and Wanda while Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer used their magic to pull the two back.  Abigail and Spike hid behind Princess Cadance in fear while Score stood near the Chancellor.
“That’s why I had to trick you here,” Score said.  “They’re in trouble and they need help.”
“As much as I’m upset at what you and your brothers did,” Cinch said.  “You made the right choice in getting me here.”
The Bulldog bit at Wanda many times as she frantically moved her legs, causing the dog to miss every time.  The Bulldog then pulled even hard with its mouth wide open.
“I SWEAR!”  Hoops yelled.  “I ONLY TRASHED YOUR OWN PARTY BECAUSE I WANTED TO MAKE YOUR CRY!  I DIDN’T WANT YOU TO BECOME A DOG’S DINNER!  EVEN THAT’S TOO CRUEL FOR ME!”
“NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR CONFESSIONS, HOOPS!” Princess Cadance yelled.   “WE GOTTA GET YOU OUT BEFORE YOU’RE BOTH GONERS!”
Wanda could do nothing but scream loudly as she and Hoops were being pulled towards the dog’s mouth, ready to gobble both up in one bite.  Dumbbell and Ditzy held on as much as possible, but they were on the verge of slipping off the table.
“Don’t give up,” Dumbbell said.  
“I can’t,” Ditzy cried.  “I’m tiring out.”
“You can do it,” Dumbbell said.  “Just keep it up.”
Cinch’s face turned to anger as she marched towards the bulldog.  The sound of her hoof smashing the pavement of the place was enough to catch everyone’s attention, especially the dog who released its hold on Wanda and Hoops and turned towards the Chancellor.
“I TOLD YOU TWICE, AND I WILL TELL YOU AGAIN,” Chancellor Cinch said in the Royal Canterlot Voice.  “YOU LEAVE THE MAN’S CUB AND HER SISTERS ALONE YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!”
The Alicorn Bulldog yelped in fear as it turned tail and ran out the front door, screaming loudly into the night.  Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Spike, Abigail, Twilight, Ditzy, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Never thought I’d say this,” Princess Cadance said.  “But I’m glad you came, Chancellor.”
“IT was the least I could do,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “By the way, I owe you a lesson in the Royal Canterlot Voice in case that dog tries to harass you three again.”
“Noted,” Cadance replied.
Wanda breathed as hard as she could as if her life flashed before her eyes.  Hoops helped Wanda up on her two feet as the Man’s Cub slowed her breathing down.
“There,” Hoops said.  “I may have a thing for making snowflakes cry.  But I cross the line in seeing them die.”
Wanda turned towards Hoops, who looked ashamed.  All she did was extend her hand out.
“Thanks,” Wanda said. “Thanks for at least making sure that dog didn’t eat me.”
“I don’t deserve your thanks,” Hoops said.  “It’s true what I said.  I wrecked your surprise birthday party with my brothers just to make you cry.  I wanted to do this just to maintain my status as the most hated pony in Equestria.  But when I saw what that dog was doing to you, that’s a line that I wouldn’t cross.”
Dumbbell and Score walked up to Hoops as Wanda looked at them, totally confused.
“Wait,” Twilight said.  “Hoops, Dumbbell and Score destroyed Wanda’s birthday party?”
“It’s a long story,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But what they said is true.  They are the ones who destroyed your party, and while I am upset at what they did, the fact that they did try to save you from that bulldog does lessen my anger towards them.”
Wanda Young walked up to Princess Cadance and whispered something in her ear.  She turned and whispered something into Wanda’s ear, causing the Man’s Cub to nod in agreement.
“Come on,” Hoops said to Dumbbell and Score. “Let’s get going.  We know when we’re not wanted.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked past Chancellor Cinch and towards the front door, only to hear the sound of an “Ahem” come out, causing the trio to turn towards the rest of the group.
“As much as I want to chime in,” Princess Cadance said as she stepped down from the table with Sunset, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail and Spike.  “I believe my little sister wishes to say something.”
Wanda Young walked up to the pegasi trio and looked down at them.
“As Princess of Equestria and the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia,” Wanda said.  “You three are under arrest.”
“Oh come on,” Hoops said.  “You know we three are irredeemable monsters.  We trashed a whole juvenile detention facility just to prove a point.”
“Do as she says or I will drag you to the castle with my magic,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Do I make myself clear?”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score backed up a bit with their ears folded down before they said “Yes Ma’am.”
“Good,” Cinch said.  “Now march you three.”
Chancellor Cinch led Hoops, Dumbbell and Score out the doorway as Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail and Spike followed from behind.
“I can’t believe you just arrested those three,” Sunset said.
“I can’t believe they trashed your party while you were locked in here,” Twilight said.
“I’ll decide their punishment once we reach the castle,” Wanda said.
“Far enough,” Sunset said.
As soon as everyone had stepped outside, they saw Shining Armor walk up in the distance.  Twilight’s face beamed with excitement, but there was a hint of shame on Shining Armor’s face.
“Big brother,” Twilight said as she ran up to Shining Armor.
“Twili,” Shining Armor said in a cold tone.  “I’m disappointed in you tonight.”
“What?” Twilight said as her face changed to a shocked tone.
“You did something that was completely reckless,” Shining Armor said.  “You placed yourself and Ditzy in danger, going out to find Spike and the others, and you could have gotten killed.  And that’s why I’m disappointed in you.”
“I…I’m sorry about..,” Twilight said before Shining raised his hoof in the air.
“Which is what I would have said,” Shining Armor said as his tone became more solemn.  “But I don’t deserve to say those words to you.”
“What do you mean by that, big brother?” Twilight asked.
Shining Armor pointed to his left where Bright Mac sat in a wheelbarrow.  His leg was still wrapped up in a splint, though his spirit was still high
“Shining?” Twilight said.  “What did you do?”
“When I looked through Canterlot hoping to make sure you’re alright,” Shining Armor said. “I ignored the advice of both Chancellor Cinch and Bright Mac.  And as a result, he tripped and broke his own leg.  And this is my fault that it happened.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Twilight said.  “If mom and dad found out, they would be upset at the both of us.”
“That’s true,” Shining Armor said.  
“If it makes you feel better,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I will argue on your behalves.  Besides, they wanted the Man’s Cub to look after Spike so that you both could prepare for her birthday.  So they do deserve some blame.”
“Thanks Chancellor,” Twilight said. 
“So now what?” Bright Mac asked.
“We return to the castle,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And salvage what’s left of Wanda’s party.”
Sunset looked at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and said “Come on you guys.  Let’s go.”
Hoops snorted and said “Fine fine.  Don’t get your tail in a twist.”
SHining Armor placed himself in the harness of the makeshift cart as he walked Bright Mac down the street.  Following from behind was Chancellor Cinch, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Ditzy Doo, Twilight Sparkle, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score
“I’m all tuckered out,” Ditzy said.  “Dunno if I can keep myself awake.”
“Look on the bright side,” Wanda said.  “It can’t get any worse than this.”
Suddenly, they heard a crash from a nearby corner and the sound of a stallion screaming in pain.  Twilight and Shining’s ears perked up and their face flushed red in fear.
“That sounded like dad,” Twilight said.
Princess Cadance looked at Shining Armor and said “Go investigate it.  I’ll look after Bright Mac.
“Are you sure?” Shining asked.
“Trust me,” Princess Cadance said.  “After what you’ve been through, you deserve some relief.”
“Don’t worry,” Bright Mac said.  “I’ll be alright.  Go check up on your parents.”
Shining Armor nodded as he removed the harness from his back before he and Twilight ran to the corner.  Once they arrived, they found Night Light backed up against the wall, holding his own leg in pain.  Next to him was Twilight Velvet freaking out.
“Honey,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I told you not to run like that.  Now look at what you did.”
“I’m sorry,” Night Light said.  “I just freaked out during our search for Spike.”
“Mom?  Dad?”  Shining Armor said. “What’s going on?”
Night Light and Twilight Velvet turned to face both Twilight and Shining, only for Night Light to turn his head in shame.
“Shining my dear,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I’m sorry to say this.  But when we were walking down the street, Twilight told me about Wanda being late for her birthday, and we decided to help her find not just them, but also Spike.  And now look at what happened.  Your father’s frantic search for Spike caused him to fall and break his leg.”
Shining Armor turned to Twilight Sparkle, who held her head back.
“Twili,” Shining Armor said in a semi-cold tone.  “Why didn’t you tell me that you told mom and dad about Spike’s disappearance?”
“Didn’t have the heart to do so,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Besides.  I don’t think you would have believed me.”
Shining’s frown turned into a smile as he rubbed Twilight on the head.
“I can’t be angry at you,” Shining Armor said.   “Especially since we’ve all been reckless tonight.  Come on.  Off to the Castle to salvage what’s left of Wanda’s party.”
“What’s this about salvage?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“It’s a long story,” Shining Armor said.  “And let’s say Wanda placed them under arrest for that stunt.”
With that, Shining Armor levitated Night Light onto his back as he, Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet walked back towards the group.

Later that night at the castle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Buttercup, Kibitz and Princess Luna waited with anticipation in the Grand Foyer.
“How long do you think they’ll be?” Moondancer asked.
“Not long,” Princess Luna said.  “They should almost be done.”
“And what about Wanda?” Cozy Glow asked.  “She wanted a birthday so badly, and she might miss out on it.”
“I don’t know,” Luna said with a smile.  “I have a feeling that they’re alright.  Though they have two ponies who have suffered injuries.  And I’m afraid one of them is your husband.”
“Oh no,” Buttercup said. “I’ll do what I can to tend to his injuries.”
“Ooooh,” Fluttershy replied while she winced in pain.  “That’s gotta hurt.”
“I know,” Buttercup said.  “It’s not like pa to hurt himself like that.  It may take days or weeks before he’s up and about again.”
“Also,” Luna said.  “I believe they caught the ones responsible for the crime.”
“They finally caught those three troublemakers?” Pinkie Pie said with excitement. She got up on her two legs and shouted “FINALLY!  JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERRRRRRVED!”vc
Everyone looked at Pinkie Pie awkwardly, causing the pink pony to fall into her four hooves and blushed embarrassingly.
“What else did it serve?”  Danged Spell asked.  “Strawberry Ice Cream?”
“Danged Spell,” Everyone in the room shouted, causing Danged Spell to smirk with a slight chuckle.
“Worth it,” Danged Spell said.
Majordomo Kibitz walked up to the door and peeked through.  Immediately, he opened the door before he stomped his hoof on the ground.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” Kibitz said.  “May I present to you, Princess Cadenza Mi Amore, Princess Sunset Shimmer and the birthday girl: Princess Wanda Young.”
Everyone got up and cheered as Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Princess Cadance walked in with the Alicorn teen pulling a cart with the two injured ponies: Bright Mac and Night Light.  Behind them walked Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Twilight Velvet, Abigail Albright, Ditzy Doo, Chancellor Cinch, and Shining Armor, who was marching Hoops, Dumbbell and Score into the castle.  All those three pegasi could do is cover their faces in disgust.
“Come on you three,” Shining Armor said.  “Inside.”
“Fine,” Hoops said.  “But don’t think we’ll like it.”
As Wanda took a bow towards the group, Pinkie Pie ran up to the Man’s Cub.
“You finally made it,” Pinkie Pie said as she grabbed onto Wanda and gave her a big hug.  “We were so worried about you.”
“You would not believe what we’ve been through,” Wanda said. “But at least, the worst is over.”
“I’ll say,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And you caught the crooks who wrecked your party.”
“We’re glad to see you again, Wanda,” Rarity said.
Applejack and Buttercup  walked up to the cart where Bright Mac and Night Light sat.  She jumped up and sat next to her apple father.
“Daddy,” Applejack said.  “What happened?”
“Long story short,” Bright Mac said.  “Our frantic search for Wanda resulted in my leg being broke.”
“And it happened to me as well,” Night Light said.
Bright Mac chuckled and said “Guess you know the phrase Misery Loves Company.”
“Yeah,” Applejack laughed.  But she cleared your throat and said “But you could have gotten killed with that.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said.  “But we wanted to make sure the younglings were safe.”
“Dad,” Applejack said. “Promise me you’ll stick around for a long while.”
“My dear daughter,” Bright Mac said before he snuggled Applejack.  “I promise.”
Buttercup laughed a bit as she got up on her four hooves and snuggled Bright Mac.
As nearly everyone in the room cheered and talked together, they heard the sound of a hoof being stomped three times.  Everyone turned to the back of the Foyer where Princess Celestia stood proud.
“Princess Wanda Young,” Celestia said with a tear falling down her cheek.  “I am glad that you and your sisters are safe.  And I’m sorry for all that you’ve gone through.  But I have a surprise for all of you.”
“Mommy?” Wanda said in confusion.  “I thought my party was ruined.”
“It was,” Celestia said. “But not anymore.”
“Wait,” Hoops said.  “What did you say?”
Princess Celestia turned her tail and said “Follow me.  Because you’re in for the surprise of your life.”
Princess Celestia walked down through the doorway and down the hall, with everyone looking confused.
“Come on,” Princess Cadance said.  “We should see what mother has planned for us.”
WIth that, everyone got out and followed Princess Celestia through the back door.

At the front doors of the ballroom, Princess Celestia stood next to the closed doorway as everyone stood nearby.  Wanda Young walked up to Princess Celestia and looked up at her adopted mother.
“Go ahead, my darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “Open it.”
Wanda placed her hand on the door handle and pulled it open.  A bright light emitted from the ballroom, causing everyone to cover their eyes.
“What is this?” Sunset asked.
“I think Princess Celestia must have had a backup plan, just in case,” Twilight Sparkle replied.
When the light disappeared, Wanda’s eyes beamed with excitement.  The presents were restored to their former selves, along with the party props, the decorations, the food, and especially the cake, which was now bigger than ever.  Nearly everyone else was surprised by the entire ballroom setup, except Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who’s jaws dropped to the ground in horror.
“This..” Wanda said.  “This is my…”
“OH MY GOSH!” Pinkie Pie said.  “BEST SURPRISE EVERRRRRRR!”
“Everyone,” Princess Celestia said.  “That’s your cue.”
And with that, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, Shining Armor, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Kibitz and Chancellor Cinch all yelled out “SURPRISE!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY WANDA YOUNG!”
Wanda’s eyes flowed with tears, but her mouth formed a smile.  She wiped the tears from her face and turned to her friends.
“Thank you, everybody,” Wanda said. “Not just for this birthday surprise, but also for not losing faith in me, my sisters, Abby and Spike.”
“We couldn’t,” Starlight Glimmer said as she walked up to Wanda and gave her a hug.  “You’re our friend, and friends don’t leave other friends behind.”
“After all,” Trixie said as she walked up to Wand and Starlight.  “You deserve a Great and Powerful Birthday.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“If there’s one thing you shouldn’t underestimate,” Sunburst said.  “Is how powerful friendship can be.  After all, Friendship is Magic.”
With that, everyone in the group walked into the doorway, cheering for Wanda.  The only exceptions were Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who just sat there while Shining Armor looked at the trio.
“Come on,” Shining Armor said.  “Inside.  March.”
Reluctantly, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked inside, grumbling to themselves.
“Still can’t believe they undid the damage we did to the party,” Hoops grumbled.
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “How do we maintain our status as hated when they find a way to fix the mess we made?”
Wanda looked at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, then proceeded to tap Princess Celestia’s shoulder, causing the alicorn to drop her head down.  Wanda whispered something in her ear before Celestia whispered back into her ear, to which Wanda nodded.
“May I have your attention everyone?” Princess Celestia said.  “I wish to address the damage that Hoops, Dumbbell and Score did to the party before it was undone.”
“Come on, you two,” Shining Armor said.  “It’s time you paid for your crimes.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked up to Princess Celestia and Wanda Young, who stared down at the trio.
“What you three did was not okay,” Princess Celestia said in a harsh tone.  “Wanda had a birthday to anticipate and you chose to trash it out of spite.”
“Of course we did,” Hoops said.  “We’re supposed to be reviled by everyone in Equestria.  That’s how we roll.”
“That being said,” Princess Celestia said as her tone mellowed out.  “I was also made aware that you somehow saved Wanda from being eaten by a bulldog, even at the risk of your own lives.  For that, I am grateful.”
The three turned their heads back as Dumbbell said “We wanted to make her cry, not kill her.”
“However,” Celestia said.  “Because this is her birthday, and it’s also her personal wish, Wanda will cast her judgment on you three.”
Princess Celestia took a few steps back as Wanda stepped forward in front of the three colt pegasi.  She cleared her throw and stared down the trio.
“Well get on with it,” Score said.  “Do your worst.”
“Hoops, Dumbbell and Score,” Wanda announced. “As Princess of Equestria, I hereby sentence you three…..TO ATTEND MY BIRTHDAY!”
Everyone, except Princess Celestia, freaked out at the words of Wanda Young.  Even Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were completely shocked by Wanda’s decree.
“Have you gone crazy?” Applejack said.  “After what they did?”
“Yes,” Wanda said. “Especially after their confession.”
“Young lady,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Are you really sure about giving them a lenient sentence for these three?”
“For once, I agree with you,” Hoops said.  “Throw in prison, in Tartarus, turn us to stone.  But please, did it have to be attending a party?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Wanda said.  “On our way back home, Uncle Bright Mac told me about what happened at Coltsom and how those three wrecked the whole place, and how they found so-called stun blasters.  But it made me wonder who put those kinds of weapons deep within a Juvenile Detention Cell?”
“And she’s right,” Bright Mac said.  “I’m beginning to suspect foul play and the fact that these three, despite all they have done, may have been used to cause the breakdown of that place.”
“Even more so,” Wanda said.  “I realized another thing.  You three were punished greatly for what you did, like what happened at the Ponyville Providence Fair and here in Canterlot.  And time after time, the punishments you got did nothing to set you on the right track.  Especially banishment from La Maresa.  All it did was that it convinced you three that you’re better off as criminals than as members of society.  That’s on us.”
“And sadly, she’s right,” Bright Mac said.  “I got caught up so much in punishing Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, that I didn’t realize that it was only encouraging their behavior.”
“That’s why I chose to make attending my birthday party their punishment,” Wanda said. “Because our goal is to correct their actions, make them realize how wrong they are, and to make them realize the kind of happiness they were missing.”
“And I think my dear sister taught her well,” Princess Luna said.  “It may not push these three to total reform.  But it will set them on the right path.”
“Don’t think our way will change with this punishment,” Hoops said as he crossed his arms.  “I don’t expect any sympathy with what we did.”
“That’s because you’re too proud of what you did,” Pinkie Pie said as she offered a plate of cake to Hoops.  “It’s time you saw things our way.  And don’t even think about throwing that cake piece.”
Hoops looked at the cake piece before picking it up and taking a bite.  He chewed with delight before swallowing.  Wanda walked up  to the trio with a smile on her face.
“So,” Wanda said.  “Will you accept tonight’s party?  Because if you don’t…”
“For now,” Hoops said.  “We’ll play your game.  But next time, we’ll tease you like we used to.”
“Deal,” Wanda said.  She turned to everyone else and said “Now let’s all PARTY!”
With that, everyone in the room cheered loudly.

Later that night, everyone was enjoying themselves as Wanda blew out the birthday candles.  They cheered as they enjoyed apple pie, pizza, drinks and all the goodies there.  Wanda unwrapped her gifts, smiling at each one.  Bright Mac sat next to Night Life as they drank punch together.  Even Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were enjoying the moment as they sat next to Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo and Fluttershy.
“So tell me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What makes you three think you can outrace the legendary Sonic Rainboom Master?”
“What makes you think you can do so?” Dumbbell asked.
“I nearly caught up with you when you swiped Silverstream,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“This makes me wonder why you three can’t be more like us,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Besides, I think you three lied about ditching your parents.”
“Well now,” Hoops said embarrassingly.  “That’s something that’s between brothers.”
“Oh come on,” Fluttershy said.  “I bet they loved you well and wanted what was best.”
“At least you three didn’t have a cruel mother like I did.”  Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned to the crowd where Cozy Glow flew up to the six.
“Hey Cozy,” Ditzy said.  “Came to chat with us?”
“Actually,” Cozy Glow said.  “There is something I should show those three.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score leaned over as Cozy Glow moved a part of her mane up, revealing her alicorn horn.  The trio looked completely surprised.
“You?”  Score said.  “You’re an alicorn?”
“Sadly,” Cozy Glow said as she let her mane cover her horn. “Much like my mother and sister.”
“Long story short,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Cozy’s mother treats her like garbage and she chose to ran away.”
“Oooh,” Dumbbell said.  “That’s horrifying.”
“You three know what else is horrifying?” Bright Mac said as he chugged down a cup of punch.  “Ever heard of the Pony of Shadows?”
“Are you talking about the Shade of Hate?” Hoops asked.
“Oh yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “Let’s just say it made Princess Celestia into a demonic monster that would have been Equestria’s demise.  You don’t wanna mess with the Pony of Shadows.”
“Bright Mac,” Night Life laughed.  “I think you’ve had too much punch.”
“So I did,” Bright Mac laughed.  “So I did.”
As Bright Mac, Night Life, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and Cozy Glow laughed, we cue to a nearby table with Rarity, Danged Spell, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Moondancer, who were eating pizza together.
“So how long are you three going to be here?” Moondancer asked.
“Sadly,” Rarity said.  “We’re only going to be here for a short while.  Tomorrow, we return to La Maresa.  But it’s great to be back here.”
“It’s also great to see my favorite Glim Glam once more,” Trixie said.  “Too bad the Great and Powerful Trixie couldn’t perform for you or Wanda.”
“But it’s still great to see you again,” Starlight said as she and Trixie gave each other a hug.
“I think those two are the ideal friends,” Moondancer said.
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said with a smirk.  “That’s one bright friendship.  Get it?”
With that, Starlight, Trixie, Rarity and Moondancer all yelled out “DANGED SPELL” before they broke down in laughter.
“What can I say?” Danged Spell said. “I’m the life of the party.”
But as the group laughed, we cue to Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet, Buttercup, Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Wanda Young and even Chancellor Cinch as they all gathered together, enjoying some cake.  Next to them was Abigail and Spike, who sat next to each other enjoying some pizza.
“How are you enjoying the party, Wanda?” Twilight asked.
“Even in spite of what we’ve been through,” Wanda said.  “Best party ever.”
“Wheee,” Pinkie Pie cheered.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I think what you said about Hoops, Dumbbell and Score may be right,” Applejack said.  “We were so caught up in punishing those three that we forgot about making sure they don’t pull those stunts again.”
“Sure they’re going to keep giving us a hard time after tonight,” Sunset said.  “But at least this is the first step towards their reform.”
“But what about the fact that their names have been soiled because of what they did at Coltsom?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“That’s just the news media and their desire to rile up fur,” Princess Cadance said.  “They don’t care about the truth.  They do this for attention.  Don’t pay any attention to that.”
“Princess Cadance is right,” Applejack said.  “Miss Velvet, don’t pay any attention to that dangerous propaganda.”
“She’s right, mom,” Shining Armor said.  “I have a feeling that they’ll find out what we’re doing with those three.  And once that happens, we gotta stand up against the noise machine.”
“Don’t worry,” Twilight Velvet said.  “They want a piece of me?  I’ll give it to them.”
Twilight Velvet smashed her hoof on the table, causing the food to shake a bit.  Everyone looked at Twilight Velvet and laughed a bit.
“Miss Velvet,” Sunburst said. “I think you’ve had too much cake.”
“Oops,” Twilight Velvet said as she blushed embarrassingly.  “That’s on me.”
As the group laughed, Pinkie Pie walked up to Wanda, who was enjoying her cake.  Abigail and Spike got up on the table and cheered for the Man’s Cub.  Twilight Sparkle sat next to the Man’s Cub, who was enjoying her pizza and punch.
“So how does it feel to be older, Wanda?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I don’t feel that much older, “Wanda said.   “But I’m glad I’m becoming a bigger girl.  I hope next year’s Birthday party will be even better.”
“Oh believe me,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’ve got bigger plans for your next party.  After all, you and your sisters are proud to have you.”
“Maybe we could invite you down to La Maresa to celebrate your next birthday,” Buttercup said.  “That way, you can have the birthday of your life.”
“Only if mommy would approve of it,” Wanda replied.
“Oh I think I might consider talking to Princess Celestia about setting your next birthday in La Maresa,” Buttercup replied.
Abigail meowed before she said “Birthday.”
“Thanks Abby,” Wanda said before she petted Abigail on the forehead.  She did the same thing to Spike, who only cooed at the touch of her fingers.
“Wanda,” Twilight said.  “Could you watch over Spike for just a bit longer?”
“Oh?” Wanda said.
“I think you did a good job at keeping Spike safe despite all you’ve been through,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “And I hope you keep him safe even longer.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said.  “And I promise I will.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “May I have your attention, everyone?  We have a surprise guest.”  Wanda turned towards the front before everyone where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Majordomo Kibitz stood in front of the open door.
“Mommy?” Wanda asked.  “What’s going on?”
“Why?” Princess Celestia said.  “Someone who wanted to see you.”
“And I bet you’ll be glad to see them.” Princess Luna said.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Majordomo Kibitz stepped aside, and Wanda’s face lit up.  In stepped Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Prince Blueblood, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes.
“Aunt Novo, Cousin Skystar, Cousin Blueblood, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes,” Wanda said.  “You made it.
Wanda jumped out of her seat before she ran up to the group and gave Queen Novo a big hug.  Princess Skystar walked up and gave Wanda a hug as well.
“When I heard about what happened to you, Small Fry,” Queen Novo said.  “We feared the worst.  But I’m glad you got out safely with your sisters.”
“And I heard you were able to show three bullies the errors of their ways,” Princess Skystar said.
“Not quite yet,” Wanda said.  “But we’re getting there.”
Wanda looked to her side as she saw Prince Blueblood, who bowed towards his human cousin.
“When you last had a birthday, I was but a miserable brat,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But now, I come truly as your cousin to wish you the best birthday ever.  I hope you enjoy life far more than I did.”
“Oh don’t you worry, cousin,” Wanda said with a wink.  “I will.”
Immediately, Wanda lets go of Queen Novo as Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, Princess Cadance and Danged Spell ran up to the group.  
“How’s it going, Skystar?” Pinkie Pie said with delight.
“Oh it has been a long time since the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Skystar said.  “How’s life been back in La Maresa?”
“Boring,” Pinkie Pie said.
“It’s been that boring?” Wanda asked.
“Well since the Gala,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even less ponies are visiting.  Though there were some that came by just to live there out of fear of their own safety.”
“Wow,” Sunset said.  “I didn’t know that.  Sounds like we’re living in troubled times.”
Danged Spell turned towards Buck Withers, who gave the little colt a hoof noogie.
“And how have you been, Spell?” Buck Withers asked.
“Wish I could say fine,” Danged Spell said.  “But lately, life has been a bit crazy since the Gala.”
“By the way, did you hear?” Lemony Gem said.
“Hear what?” Danged Spell said.
“Bucky and I are getting married,” Lemony Gem replied.  Those words caught Princess Cadance’s attention.
“Congratulations,” Princess Cadance said.  “Is there anything we can do to help out?  Maybe figure out the place for the wedding, like this castle.”
Buck Withers laughed and said “Don’t you worry.  We’ll figure something out.  But you don’t need to do this for us.”
“Yeah,” Gad Zookes said.  “Bucky here knows how to plan a wedding like he knows how to take out a hydra.  And how to babysit twenty foals in one day.”
“You did all that?” Danged Spell said.
“Oh that was a nightmare,” Buck Withers said.  “I think I’ll stick to one foal.”
“Well if you two need any advice,” Queen Novo said.  “I could be of some assistance.”
As Danged Spell, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes all laughed, Prince Blueblood walked up to Sunset Shimmer.
“I heard a certain pony at Daisy Joy Tech could use some comfort,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Considering that she’s all alone without Cozy Glow.”
“I think I have an idea,” Sunset replied.
But as everyone enjoyed the night away, Eleanor Young watched from behind the front door of the Grand Ball, smiling at Wanda’s joy.
“I’m proud of you, my daughter,” Eleanor Young said.  “I’m proud of the fact that Princess Celestia has taught you well in this world.  I know it’s hard for us to be here.  But after what happened in Evevanya, I can not think of any better planet for you to be.  And no matter what, I will continue to watch over you, as your mother and as your guardian angel.”

Later that night at Daisy Joy Tech, Golden Lace lay down in her bed, looking up at the ceiling.  She looked down and depressed, as there was not a living soul around her.
“Dear Cozy,” Lace said to herself.  “You should have seen the look on Miss Honey Twist’s face when I bested her best at the spelling bee.  Boy was she furious and she decided to disqualify me.  After that, I got a week’s worth of dish scrubbing for that stunt, stating that bad girls need to be put in their place.  Well if they didn’t force me to attend the bee, none of these would have happened.”
Suddenly, Lace got up when she felt a light come out from the wall.  She turned to face the light and saw Princess Luna, Cozy Glow and Wanda Young emerge holding a slice of cake on a plate.
“Wanda?”  Golden Lace said.  “Cozy Glow?  You’re all here?”
“We’ve come to check up on you by request of your father, Silver Banks,” Luna said.
“Truth be told,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’ve missed you since moving in with the Princesses.”
“And I have a little something to give,” Wanda said.  “Even thought it is my Birthday.”
Wanda walked up to Golden Lace and placed the piece of cake right next to her.  Lace tore off a piece of the cake with her magic and bit into it, chewing with delight.  Tears flowed from her eyes as she cracked a warm smile.
“You really shouldn’t have, Wanda,” Golden Lace said.
“I insisted,” Wanda replied as she sat down next to Golden Lace.  “After what you’ve been going through, you deserve every bit of comfort.”
“We won’t be long,” Princess Luna said.  “But don’t you worry.  We will return to check up on you.  After all, you are a friend to Wanda, to Cozy Glow, and everyone else.  And they did say they miss you.”
Golden Lace leaped onto Wanda and cried into her chest.  Wanda did nothing but brushed Lace’s mane with her fingers, shedding a few tears herself.
“Wanda,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’m glad you got to see the better side of Golden Lace.”
“And I’ve got Aunt Novo to thank,” Wanda said.  “After all, it was her who made Lace see the error of her ways, and it made me realize that she was in true need of a friend.”
“That is correct,” Luna said.  “Not only are we One as a Family, but Friendship is Magic.  A magic that is more…than meets the eye.”

With that, Wanda and Cozy Glow embraced Golden Lace as the night continued across all of Equestria.


	To Be Continued in


	Act 7: The Lost Soul of Nightmare Night


	The Secret of the Cosmic Cores