//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: Memories, Libraries, and the color purple 
// Story: Finally at Pegasus A MLP: FIM and Ranma ½ X-Over 
// by Alicornian 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 7: Memories, Libraries, and the color purple

“Alright class! Remember to finish that Research paper on the 49er’s by next week!” Mr. Armor yelled as everyone left for the long holiday weekend. It was odd for a school to let out during the fall but James reassured Ranma it was normal. He had finally turn back to normal after his female form’s period was finally over. Normally his curse would only become locked if someone pressed a certain pressure point like the Full-Body Cat Tongue, used magical locking water from a magical locking ladle, or something of the like but no, this was a normal reaction to his body’s cursed form, since his last known doctor visit with a Dr. Ono Tofu before he had permanently left confirmed that ‘both forms were functioning properly’, meaning simple if he was a girl, he really was a girl. 

“So let me get this straight?” Ranma asked as the two walked towards a popular outdoor café known as the Golden Bit. “The school lets us out for some holiday called…” James sighed as he explained it yet again. “Family Appreciation Day. It’s a holiday here that celebrates family and it’s one of many town traditions. Most people spend it with people they consider family or they pay respect to those who passed away. It’s pretty big and really important to a lot of people here.” Ranma nodded at this till… “Ugh, every time!” Ranko yelled after yet another encounter with the sprinkler system to a small flower bed gaining a laugh from James. “So not funny.” Ranko said looking at him.

===

Applejack just sighed as she waited for Apple Bloom to get out of class. “Why did that day have to come so darn soon?” She said as she turned her mind back to the clash.

-Flashback-

The explosion was powerful! It sent her, her friends, and the villain Discord all over the place. Applejack just knew then she was in for a world of hurt when she landed but luckily Big Mac had used his body to catch her and one other and then there was just white. It took her a while to get her eyes cleared of the bright color of just plain white till she heard someone talking. “Y’all alright Granny?” Oddly enough it sounded like Big Mac when he was about Apple Bloom’s age and knew that couldn’t be right. “Oh course Mac. Go on and check the other youngsters.” She knew right off that the other voice she heard was that of Granny Smith. At the time she was okay and healthy. “Yep!” It was then she felt somepony shake her. “Come on sis. Up you go.” She felt like she was brought up to sit and soon rubbed her head. “What happen?” she had asked blinking the brightness out of her eyes. “Not sure but what ever happened don’t freak when y’all can see.” She shook my head a few more times and looked right in front of her to see Big Mac and Granny Smith where human. “WHAT IN TARNATION?!”

-End Flashback-

Applejack opened her eyes quickly as the school bell rang once again and children started to run out of the school. She waited till. “Jackie!” She smiled as the three girls. “Howdy girls. Ready to head on home?” The girls all nodded smiling and she began leading the way to each of the girl’s homes. “So what are you doing for Family Appreciation Day Scoots?” Sweetie Belle asked as they walked home. “I’m going to spend the day with mom and Dashie on our bikes! Mom’s found the best dirt path for us to ride on and it’s going to be so sweet.” Scootaloo gushed  finally happy to have a family who loved her. “What about you Belle?” Sweetie Belle sighed, “The usual, have breakfast with mom and dad then spend dinner at home but sis said we’d be doing something new this time and she won’t tell me what.” Apple Bloom just laughed. “I bet she’s going to try and get you in a dress again.” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes at this. “I hope not.” Applejack just shook her head smiling. “What about you Bloom what are you… oh right. Sorry.” Scootaloo nearly asked. “It’s okay.” Apple Bloom said sadly. She was only six when she passed and still cried at times when she thought on it a lot.

“Best we get you girls home. You can all talk again after the holiday.” Applejack said as she tried not to cry. Last year Granny Smith had passed on do to her old age and being human as well. Being nearly a eighty years old did not help the old grandmother as she was turned human. She lasted a full seven years before the old age caught up with her. She hoped and prayed that if they returned to Equestria that… Granny Smith would be with them again, smiling happily as she rocked back and forwards in her old wooden rocking chair. A homemade apple pie made by hoof by her waiting for them in their old farm house. She and Big Mac took the death the hardest out of the three since they were the only ones to remember the old mare fully. Apple Bloom however only had six long years with her and now had to go her seventh year without her. “Hurry up now. I want to get back to the farm before Mac starts making dinner.” Applejack said lowering her hat so she could let out a single tear.

===

Rainbow sighed as she rode her BMX with Fluttershy to her cottage. “You sure you want to spend this holiday alone Summer?” Fluttershy nodded looking down. “The Apples’ are very kind to have taken me in but… I’m just a distant relative and I think it’s best they spend it together. And I’m not really spending it alone Dashie, I’m going to have dinner with Rarity and Belle.” Rainbow Dash smiled at this. “Hey maybe next time you can spend it with my family, I know mom and Scoots would love to have you.” Fluttershy smiled at this. “Yeah. Still.” She stopped causing Rainbow to put on the breaks and stop next to her. “Still…” Rainbow coxed. “I wish we could go back to Equestria.” Fluttershy finished. Rainbow sighed at this as she looked back that day her and Scootaloo’s lives had changed.

-Flashback-

Sure Rainbow had fallen before, and it was no big deal, but never this fast! “AHHHHHH!” She was going to hit the ground! She was going hit the ground and NOT get back up! She was so dead! “Gotcha!” Somehow she had stopped, well slowed down actually. In actuality someone had caught her and both were slowly going to the ground till. “WHOA!” White. Everything just went white and she had felt weird. She don’t know how long it took but someone was patting her cheek. “Hey, hey kid wake up. You okay?” She knew the voice. Slowly she opened her eyes and saw… she wasn’t sure what she was seeing at the time. “Who are you?” The… creature, all furless, tailless and well nothing like a pony at all just looked at her and blinked. “It’s a long story but… I think it be best you get up off this grass before you catch cold. There’s a little something or other beside me crying like a foal and well… I’m not too sure what to do. I never had to deal with a foal or anything like one before.” She looked the creature over and noticed… it’s uniform! 

“That’s the Wonderbolt uniform!” She soon looked up and noticed the signature orange and yellow flaming hairstyle. “And your hair! You can’t be… Spitfire?!” She had asked excitedly. She was with Spitfire! Spitfire had caught her! SHE WAS CAUGHT BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE WONDERBOLTS! SPITFIRE! Before she could do something embarrassing Spitfire nodded to her slowly. “And you are?” She blinked at this. Didn’t’ she know who Rainbow was. She was Rainbow Dash, best young flyer named by Princess Celestia and the one who saved Soarin’s apple pie not once but twice? She looked down at herself to make sure what had happened to Spitfire didn’t well… happen to her and well… she nearly gasped, nope, she just freaked. “But… I’m a Pegasus! Not some… monster!” Spitfire used her new… hoof? At the time she wasn’t sure what to call it but Spitfire had used it to try and calm her down. “Easy, easy. Look I’ll help you as best I can. Now what’s your name and we’ll try to sort this out.” She looked at Spitfire and just blushed having to tell Spitfire her name again. Was she that forgettable at that time? She didn’t know and still didn’t wish to know. “I’m… Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire blinked then just stared at her. She then slowly pointed to the crying creature next to her. “Then… who’s this?” She quickly looked at the tiny creature and instantly recognized it’s hair. “Scootaloo!”

-End Flashback-

“I know Summer but… if we do… what happens to the lives we already have?” Rainbow asked sighing. She didn’t want to lose having Spitfire as her mother nor Scootaloo her sister. Have already grown up with only Fluttershy as a friend and no actual family was not what she wanted. “I don’t know Rainbow but… if we can’t find Discord…” Fluttershy said slowly gaining a sigh from Rainbow on the very old subject.

It had been ten full years and still no one had found the former Chaos God Discord. Most of the guards had given up and gave their places to others that wanted to search for him. Still… She really hoped that when they did find him. Things now wouldn’t change.

===

Rarity sighed as she finally got out of her sowing club. It was fun and it was nice to talk about the latest human fashions but sometimes it was just good to be home and relax with well… family. It was important to her now since she nearly didn’t have one. The Clash nearly ended it for all of them back then.

-Flashback-

At one point she and the girls were facing that tyrant Discord then all of a sudden they all went flying through the air as if they were mere rag dolls. She greatly hoped that she landed in something soft and somewhat luckily she did, hay. Though why it had to be hay was beyond her but she was grateful and couldn’t really complain as was better than what she could have landed in, like nothing but solid ground. That was when everything just went as white as her former coat. It wasn’t till latter she was being shaken gently by someone. “Please you have to wake up. Oh come now it’s very important you do.” She knew the voice instantly as Nurse Redheart. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked into… “Oh good your awake. For a moment there I thought we may have lost you.” At that time she had been looking at a nurse hatted creature she couldn’t recognize as she tended to her sore body. 

“Now you’re only scratched up a small bit, but it’s nothing a some healing potion can’t cure.” Now she knew she was Redheart as she was very kind hearted and very gentle. “Nurse Redheart?” She nodded to her confirming it was her. “And your Rarity correct?” She had nodded back. “Good. I’ll go inform your family your fine. They’re quite worried about you. Oh and… please put on that outfit before you step out, I know it’s not much but for now it’ll have to do.” She then looked to where Nurse Redheart had pointed and saw it was one of her dresses from her boutique but it had been altered without her permission. How she was to wear something that had cloth on the stomach she didn’t not know till she remembered Lyra’s talk of humans at some point and looked down at herself and… screamed.

-End Flashback-

At the time she had never see her mother and father move so quickly to help her. She had become something she did not believe and her parents had held her dearly alongside a baby Sweetie Belle. Shaking her head she smiled at the plans she had made with her family and her good friend Fluttershy. She knew how Fluttershy felt about being with the Apples. Even though they took her in as a distant family member she still felt like she was intruding, especially after Granny Smith left them. Granny Smith was so kind to all of them and did the kindest thing she could have done, take Fluttershy in when she had no family. Still... to have seen such a kind soul leave them like that. She just hoped Applejack and Big Mac could make it through the holiday once again without having the need to break down with Rainbow or Pinkie’s Family again.

===

“Thank you come again!” Mrs. Cake said as she sold yet another holiday cake. “We best start closing up dear or we’ll never be able to have tomorrow off with the kids.” Mr. Cake said after washing his hands. “True. I’ll go put the closed sign up.” Mrs. Cake said smiling. She loved spending time with her children, all of them. Pound Cake, Pumpkin Cake, and Pinkie Cake. Even though Pinkie wasn’t really her birth daughter, she loved her dearly and they made their lives so much happier. “I’m home!” The Cakes smiled and hugged Pinkie after she arrived through the front door of the shop. “How was school dear?” Mrs. Cake asked getting Pinkie’s usual snack from the display, cupcakes. “It was really, really, really, slow today but Miss Lyra was really, really, really nice and didn’t give us any homework o do over the weekend but Mr. Armor had to assign us a report of the 49ers which I don’t get why they call them 49ers because it really doesn’t make a lot of sense calling them 49ers why not just call them miners because that’s what they are miners.” Pinkie said quickly before giving her mother and father a kiss and hug before heading up stairs gaining a loving laugh from her normal randomness and laughter, and only ten years ago they almost lost it.

-Flashback-

Mr. And Mrs. Cake where holding their baby protectively, praying to Celestia that all this… this… chaos would be over soon. “Shh it’s okay sweeties, it’s okay, mommy’s here.” Cupcake said to her little crying foals. “I hope Pinkie and the girls are okay.” Carrot said worried. “Oh I hope so…” It was soon they felt the explosion and Carrot on instinct used his own body to protect his wife and foals then everything had gone white. Both soon woke to the sound of the twins crying. “Carrot, Carrot? Oh sweet Celestia are you alright?” Cupcake asked worried till she looked down at her babies and gasped. “I’m fine but what… about…” He too noticed the change to not only his foals but his wife as well. “Cupcake?” Carrot asked his wife who nodded. “Carrot, if that’s you, what happened to us?” Carrot shook his head. “I’m not sure but…” Both soon gasped as they finally noticed one issue. “Pinkie!” As quickly and carefully as they could they ran out of their home and started searching for Pinkie Pie, who they loved and treated like their own daughter, even though she was only a foster child for some time. On their way out they had grabbed a blanket just in case knowing how upset Pinkie could get at times.

“Carrot I think I hear her!” Cupcake yelled as she slowly approached the sound of Pinkie Pie crying till. “Over here Carrot! I found her!” Carefully she looked her over and saw she was cut and scratched up, even bruised. “Oh sweet Celestia she’s hurt. Get Nurse Redheart!” Carefully she too the blanket and wrapped it around her and soon held as she always did when Pinkie was upset. “She’s on the way Cupcake!” Carrot yelled at back towards his wife. “Oh thank Celestia we found her right after we saw what happened to the twins.” Pinkie soon stopped crying and looked up worried about the twins. “What happened to the…” Pinkie started before she gasped.

-End Flashback-

For many years Pinkie didn’t have a family. Her mother and father passed away when she was only eight years old and sadly no one in the foster program could take her because she was so hyper yet the two had been around hyperactive kids long enough to know how to handle her, by giving her something to put that hyperactivity towards, baking, and she was quite good at it. 

Still to them Pinkie was theirs and they would keep and raise her as their own and have been since The Clash as many had now called it. Sighing they hugged each other before closing up for the day and prepared to have a lovely holiday with all three of their children.

===

Twilight just couldn’t wait to get home to her family, though she’d rather spend it with Princess Celestia but this time it was different. Her mother, father, big brother, and her sister in law was all going to be together this year! Last year Shining and Candence couldn’t come because of a late honeymoon present from Celestia but this time it was going to be different! Still she slowed down and wondered, about Discord and going back to their true home. Equestria. It frustrated her to know that without Discord they couldn’t return home at all. She wanted to teleport, lift items with her magic, cast spells, everything a unicorn is SUPPOSED to do at her age. She was the Element of Magic after all and if she couldn’t be that then what could she be? She sighed and decided it was best to let it pass. Tomorrow was the holiday she wanted to celebrate and nothing was going to stop her! Excepts homework. “Ack!” She looked to her book back and freaked. “Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no! How could I forget the report?!” She said face palming. “And the Library will be closed tonight and tomorrow! Oh how am I going to get it done now?” She sighed and thought, hard.

Normally Twilight wasn’t bad about little things but to her homework was no little thing! She still sent Celestia Friendship reports when she could since she was ordered to after a meeting with the Princess ten years ago but still she was a straight A student Human wise and she really wanted to keep that up. Having just ONE assignment would make her look like a slacker and she couldn’t allow that. No she would not allow one assignment make her tardy or even worse a B student! She was going to do the assignment and just hoped that Monday the school would still be closed, since many families would still be cleaning up after such a big holiday. Sighing she continued home with a frustrated groan.

===

Ranko finally dropped her school bag onto the floor of her entrance and sighed. Throughout the trip from school today she had be turned female eleven times and back to being make only ten times. “Why me? And it wasn’t even funny, I hate when I get changed like this.” She said to herself as she slowly walked into her bedroom for a change of clothes. Sighing she looked to the Pony Figures she now had displayed on a shelf she put up on the wall away from the foot of her bed. On the right of the shelf was her male version of herself with her newly made Kasumi Alicorn before a much better looking Celestia and Luna. On the left though was his female version of herself all alone by itself. She frowned at it and didn’t’ know what to do for it at the time. “It needs a few friends.” She said finally as she headed to the bath for a quick change and bit of shopping.

After a quick shower and change of dry clothes he began his walk towards Cliff shop as he walked passed his fellow school mates and fellow citizens. Boy Kasumi would love this place. It’s a whole lot better than Nerima would ever be. He thought to himself as he waved at his favorite sweetshop owners, the Cakes. They were a really nice husband and wife couple with two ten year olds and a really hyper girl named Pinkie. Mrs. Pepper Cake gave him a smile and waved back as she went about helping her husband Red put up a few decorations for tomorrow. Looking around he noticed the entire really was serious about the holiday as each decoration had symbolized family and love. I wish I could spend it with Kasumi. She’s more of a family to me than the others, though… I could spend my day with James. He thought till… “Uh not again!” She looked down at herself and then to the person who did it. “Oh I’m sorry Ranko! I didn’t see you!” She looked up to see it was Miss Bonny who had accidently sprayed her with her hose. “Is everything okay out there?” came a voice and Ranko soon saw it was Miss Lyra. “Oh Ranko. Your soaking wet.” Lyra said to her coming out the house door. “It’s my fault, I wasn’t watching when I turned on the hose.” Bonny explained sadly. “It’s alright Miss Bonny, I’m kind of used to it.” Ranko said discretely wringing the water out of her shirt. “Well we just can’t let you go around soaking wet. Come inside and we’ll try your clothes for you and if you like you can borrow some of my own.” Lyra said smiling. “Oh I couldn’t. I don’t wish to impose.” Ranko said carefully.

“Nonsense. Now come on in before you catch a cold.” Bonny instructed as she gently led her inside. “I’m sure Lyra can find you something to wear.” Ranko sighed as she followed the two teachers inside the house. It was well furnished and had a sense of class to it. The living room was spotless and decorated in Lyre and fake stain glass candy wrapper ornaments. There was a fire place and a mantle full of pictures of Miss Bonny and Miss Lyra and a few others that had some people from town in it. There was even two Pony figures on the mantle that looked familiar to him. “You fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic too?” Bonny sighed and smiled. “Looks like we got found out Lyra.” Lyra giggled at this and came back with a set of clothes from a closet in the hall way. “So it seems, yes we are but please don’t spread it around. We’d like to keep things privet between us.” Ranko look between the teachers then got it. “Your together?!” Lyra frowned at this. “Is that wrong?” Ranko held up her hands defensively. “No, no, I’m happy for you both it just caught me off guard was all.” Bonny smiled at this. “Yes well it catches many people off but we love each other and would trade anything in the world to change that. Now, go down the hall and go into the second door on the right. That’s the bathroom, you can change in there.” Ranko nodded at this as she checked the clothing she was given. Luckily they were her size in both male and female form and was mostly androgynous. How and why Miss Lyra would have such clothes was answered right off the bat. The two where together so one of them had to be the male of the two. Shrugging Ranma changed and came out of the room in a new set of clothes, a simple white long sleeved button up shirt, a set of black dress pants with belt, and her normal shoes. “How do I look?” Ranko asked turning around knowing this is what girls did when they wanted others to help them in shops. Having been with Nabiki Tendo for so long you gotten used to such things.

“You look wonderful Ranko though a tie be a nice touch to go with it.” Lyra said smiling. “Lyra! Enough out of you.” Bonny said gently elbowing her. “Alright, alright, how about Bonny and I drop your clothes off tomorrow while we’re out?” Ranko nodded at this and handed over her home address. “Thank you for the clothes. I’ll make sure they’re clean before I return them.” Ranko said as she left. Both nodded at her as she walked off as Lyra leaned into Bonny to speak to her. “That was a close one Bonbon. Why didn’t you look where the hose was pointing before you turned it on?” Bonbon looked down at this. “Sorry Lyra.” Lyra just hugged her before giving her a peck on the cheek. “You owe me for those clothes.” Bonbon blushed at this before being pulled inside.

===

Fluttershy sighed as she looked over the Pony selection of toy clothing that was available. “You sure you don’t need any help Summer?” Cliff asked stocking the shelves behind her. “Um, n-no thank you. I-I think I can find them myself.” She said shyly. “Alright, but if you need me I’m always around.” Cliff said smiling. Fluttershy nodded as she returned her gaze at the clothing till the shop’s entrance bell rang. “Hey Cliff!” Fluttershy turned red at the voice. It was her again. “Oh hey Ranko, what’s up?” Cliff said waving. “I’m just here to pick up a few more blanks.” She heard Ranko say as she walked inside. Fluttershy dared not to turn around and show how red she currently was. “Sure thing. Need any help this time around?” Cliff asked getting up from his work. “Yeah kind of. You see I’m looking for a few blanks that be a good mix with my little avatar. You know the one right?” She heard Ranko ask. It was such a beautiful name. “Sure I know that one. Let me think here real quick.” Cliff said moving away from her. “Oh right, Summer if you need help be sure to ask okay? I don’t want you getting buried again like last time.” Fluttershy turned even darker red as she remembered sadly the last time she was in the shop.

-Flashback-

It was Fluttershy's turn once again to take care of The Crusaders that one weekend yet her mind just wasn't into it at the time. Her mind was on the cute new redhead at the school, who she introduced as Ranko Cloudsdale. Fluttershy could still hear her voice in her head every time she thought of it. It was heavenly. "Hey Summer." Fluttershy soon looked down to her distant cousin Apple Bloom and smiled. "Yes Bloom?" The Crusaders stopped and pointed at the new toy shop in town, Cliff's Toys and Collectables. "Can we please stop in the store and pick up some more ponies and Cutie Marks?" Fluttershy sighed. The Crusaders would never change. They still kept seeking out their Cutie Marks in secret yet to keep themselves busy they been buying up the human world version of their former selves as ponies. Personally she too wanted to check the small shop out since the girls before her had finally got her interested in them and made a toy version of herself so she could always remember what she really looked like. To be truthful she had even made toy versions of her friends as well so she'd always had them close when she was in France. Thinking she smiled at the idea of making a cute copy of her current love interest and keeping it in her bedroom for... company. "Alright girls but only if you have enough to get them." 

The girls cheered at this and checked their pockets and purse, purse in Sweetie Belle's case. "How much you got?" Apple Bloom asked after pulling out her bit of spending money. "I got ten. What about you Bloom?" Sweetie asked. "You’re lucky, I only got five fifty. What about you Scoots?" Apple Bloom soon asked. Scootaloo looked down. "I only got enough for a Cutie Mark." Fluttershy looked to Scootaloo and pulled out her own wallet and looked inside and found she had enough to help The Crusaders out. "Well if you'll all help me around my cottage tonight and tomorrow I'll help you get your toys." Fluttershy offered. "Really?" the girls asked and received a shy yet kind smile. "Yay, thank you Summer!" They quickly ran off toward the store getting a giggle from Fluttershy, "Their so cute." She soon followed then towards the store.

The girls had gotten into the store before her and were greeted by the store’s owner and good friend Cliff from the city. He had moved to Coltsville with Celestia and the Mayor’s permission and set up shop. He’s been having to keep the store stocked ever since. Just as she was about to enter the shop James and Ranko had left it and passed her causing her to see her beautiful blue eyes, warm smile, and long braided red hair. Slowly she walked inside and went over to Cliff as she tried to calm herself down. “Well hello there Summer, how was France?” Summer turned redder at this. “F-fine thank you. Um C-Cliff?” Cliff looked to the Crusaders then back to her. “Yes Summer?” She gulped out of her normal nervousness and soon spoke. “Do you… Do you know Miss Ranko?” Cliff blinked at this and nodded slowly. “Yes I do. Something wrong about her?” Fluttershy quickly looked up worried. “N-no, no, it just um I’d um… Eep.” Cliff looked at her and soon smiled. “Let’s me guess, Dashie and Rarity?” Fluttershy sadly nodded and was glad that he along with one other was allowed to know the secret of the town. Well two other actually. It be three but sadly… she had passed away in a car accident. The other was a meat eater and the last one was a very kind hearted and protective Brony from Japan. Cliff smiled at her. “No worries Fluttershy from what I know Ranko’s a sweet girl and really nice. Almost a mirror image of James if you know what I mean.” Fluttershy nodded again shyly as the girls behind her talked about which blank to get this time.

“I’ll help you out. She made an avatar of herself as well and I always remember what someone gets. Go over and get yourself a Pegasus blank and I’ll get the rest for you.” Cliff said kindly. Fluttershy nodded and squeaked out a thank you. Slowly she went over to the blank shelf and not wishing to disturb the girls reached for one on the top shelf which sadly wasn’t quite secured yet and… “Ah!” The girls and Cliff quickly turned to see Fluttershy get buried by the toys. “Oh no! Summer!” Cliff said coming over to her and helping her out. “You okay? I should have warned you bout that top shelf.” Fluttershy just looked forward having been spooked. Luckily no one herd her bawd like a sheep before she passed out.
Still Fluttershy couldn't believe her luck. She met the cutest girl on campus, learned her name, found she goes to the same toy store she and The Crusaders go to, got buried under a whole shelf of toys and she now had a copy of the girl she fell for. Sighing she left the room the girls were sleeping in back down stairs to look at her pony self and the masterfully made Pegasus copy Cliff had informed her Ranko had made. She currently had each dressed in a tuxedo and a dress in front of a small doll sized wedding cake. She smiled at the cute pony couple before covering herself up on her couch thinking of the real them wedding either here or back on Equestria. She was in the tuxedo watching as James handed of Ranko to her, Celestia speaking the vows till Fluttershy finally fell asleep after saying two small words happily, "I do."

-End Flashback-

Fluttershy finally came back to the present as she finally found the items she had been looking for. Sadly Angel Bunny had gotten ahold of her dear ponies and ripped the toy clothes she had cleaned off of them. Normally she’d never be angry with Angel Bunny but now… he was currently banned from the inside of the house and was starting to reconsider keeping him around or choosing a brand new pet from the numerous animals in her care. Looking back to all the times he had been… moody she slowly found that her little Angel Bunny may need to be let go. She did love him and did not wish for him to have to be punished like he had this week but… having finally learned that it was he who caused the Chicken Coop to have been nearly destroyed and that it wasn’t the first time Angel Bunny had gotten out of control. She remembered when Spike had taken over for her while she and the girls had to deal with a dragon. Spike looked so over whelmed and even stated that he’d never watch over Angel ever again. Sighing she got the brand new dress and tux and turned just in time to find Ranko was dressed nearly in a tuxedo. She was dressed in a white button up shirt, black dress pants, and was currently wearing her normal tennis shoes. She slowly turned and made a mental note to have her Ranko Pony be dressed in the tuxedo and not her avatar this time around.

===

“Well from what I know about you Ranko you’d want that one to be around… someone comfortable. Someone you actually like.” Cliff said looking over the blanks. “Yeah but who?” Ranko asked also looking. “Hmm best bet for now be to do what James and I do when we have this issue. Go with the show.” Cliff answered. “Huh? What do you mean?” Ranko asked confused. “Well you haven’t made many friends here in town other than me and James right?” Cliff asked still looking over the blanks. “Well yeah. I just haven’t gotten up the courage to speak with anyone else yet.” Ranko said honestly. “Make sense. Well what we do is imagine ourselves on Equestria and think of which of the mane six or of the ponies there that we’d like to be friends with us. Me and James want all the girls from the Mane Six to be our friends but sometimes we kind of… favor one more than the others if you know what I mean.” 

Ranko nodded at this knowing exactly what he meant real life wise. “So, who would you like as your friends?” Cliff asked pointing to a poster of the Mane Six together. Ranko looked the group over and… couldn’t decide, because she liked all of them though she did favor a few over the others. Applejack, Twilight, and Fluttershy where the ones she favored the most. Applejack because like her she was a hard worker. Twilight because well she and her was very much alike from the start, and Fluttershy because well… she was kind of like Kasumi in a way. Sweet, gentle, and very kindhearted. She just couldn’t’ chose which since she had to be careful of her spending money at the moment. Buying personal items for her female form had taken a bit more out of her normal budget this month than she had planned. “Can’t decide?” Cliff asked worried looking between Summer and her. “No.” Ranko said sadly. “Well… how about we go by elimination and that might help. Which three you like?” Cliff asked kindly.

“Applejack, Twilight, and Fluttershy.” Ranko answered. Cliff watched Summer from the corner of his eye and noticed the slight jump at her true name. “Well Applejack’s not bad personally I don’t think she’d be one you want to close to your avatar. She’s nice and all but she’s a bit too stubborn at times. And I’m not sure you’d want to be that close to someone like that.” Cliff informed. Ranko thought on this and nodded. Applejack be a really good friend to have but… she could find her female half wanting her to be her close personal friend, or better yet best friend like James. “Yeah, she’d be a nice friend to have but I’m with you on her being my best friend. What about Twilight?” Cliff cupped his chin on that one. “Well… she’s a bit bookish and spends most of her time studying. You want to be in a library all the time with her?” Ranko sighed at this. It was true Twilight be a great friend to have and even better study partner but she was an outdoors person and didn’t like being cooped up for very long. 

“Yeah she’d be a good friend as well but not a best friend at the same time. I mean I like her but I’m not one to be cooped up for a long time and I really like the outdoors.” Cliff nodded at this and smiled. “Well then you got your choice, Fluttershy. She likes the outdoors, she’s a bit shy and quite but she’s a real sweetie when you get to know her and she gets to know you.” Ranko nodded at this. “She’s actually sweet, kind, gentle, and she really likes the outdoors since she’s always tending to her animals. Yeah I’d like her to be my best friend.” Cliff smiled and she saw Fluttershy close up on herself with her hair. “Alright, You go ahead and get the Pegasus blank while I get the other parts. Oh and Summer I see you found the items you’ve been looking for. How about I ring you up the same time as Ranko here.” Summer just nodded her head quickly. “Great, just give me a few moments to get the right stuff.” Cliff said grabbing the needed items for Ranko.

===

Fluttershy had never been so red in her life. She was so close to the girls she really liked and she couldn’t even say hello to her. She looked down as she walked home sighing. Maybe next time she’ll have a chance to say it. For now she had some toy pony clothing to replace and a bunny to talk to.

===

The next day finally came and Ranko was up early to receive her clothes back from Miss Lyra and Miss Bonny. Today was the holiday the town celebrated, Family Appreciation Day. Stretching Ranko got up and got everything ready for the clothes exchange and finally pulled out her purchase from yesterday. “Well now. Let’s get started and then call up James and just spend the day as friends.” She said as she got to work. A few hours later she had just put the blank down to dry after being given a canary yellow coat when the someone knocked at the door. “Coming!” She called as she got the folded up clothes she washed last night out and headed to the front door. “Oh hello Miss Lyra.” Lyra smiled as she handed over a bag. “Happy Family Appreciation Day Ranko. I didn’t know you and Ranma lived together.” Ranko nearly flinched at this. “Well um yeah. You see he’s my brother and…” Lyra raised her hand. “No need to go any farther. I’m guessing you and your brother came together and since you had other business to take care of he took care of the housing issue.” Ranko blinked at this and decided to go with it. “Yep, you got it. He’s asleep at the moment right now, I wanted him to be have a really nice day today since all the stress we’ve been through these last few months.”

Lyra nodded at this and smiled. “That very sweet of you Ranko. Well here are you clothes. I hope you don’t mind them smelling of lavender, it was all we had in the house.” Ranko shook her head. “Not at all. Thank you for the other day.” Ranko said handing the clothes over. “You’re welcome. See you in school.” Lyra said walking away. Ranko sighed. “That was really close.”

===

Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom all stood before a grave marker under two Granny Smith Apple Trees, the same apples Granny Smith was named after. “It’s been a while Granny Smith. Happy Family Appreciation Day.” Apple Bloom said putting her gift for her grandmother before the grave marker which read: Here Lies Maria Smith Apple. Founder, Mother, Grandmother. May she rest in peace. Apple Bloom soon rose and hugged her sister and brother with all her might. “You go ahead and run on home Bloom, Jackie and I got some business to take care of than we’ll sit down and eat.” Mac said kindly to his little sister. She nodded and after a final hug and kiss on the grave stone ran home. “It’s been a whole year hasn’t it Mac?” Applejack asked sadly. “Yep.” Mac said normally. “Did we ever really see it coming Mac, be honest with me.” Applejack said kneeling before the grave to put a single Granny Smith Apple, freshly picked from the tree around the grave, on the ground before it. “I can’t recon we did Jackie. She was old we all knew that we just… didn’t want to accept it.” Mac said sadly. Applejack got back up and looked at the grave as the memory of that sad day came to mind.

-Flashback-

Applejack had just finished the last of the year’s harvest for the time being and came inside with Apple Bloom who had just returned home. It was Mac’s turn to make dinner that night and it smelt delicious. “Mac is that Granny’s famous carrot and apple quiche you’re making?” Applejack asked as she entered the house. “Yep. Granny had the recipe laying out so I thought that was what she wanted me to fix tonight. Mind waken her? She’s up in her room asleep. Last I looked.” Mac said pulling out the delicious meal. “Sure thing Mac. Go on and get cleaned up there Bloom while I go get her.” She went upstairs as Apple Bloom went to the bathroom to wash up. She knocked on the door and listened. “Granny it’s time to eat, time to get up.” There wasn’t an answer. Shaking she opened the door and came in turning on the light. “Come on Granny, dinner.” Still no answer, or even movement. “Granny you okay?” She asked walking up to the elder Apple. She soon noticed she wasn't moving at all, not even breathing and quickly checked for a pulse and nearly freaked. Quickly running out of the room she yelled. “MAC RING THAT DARN BELL!” Mac knew exactly what bell the ring when Applejack yelled like this! The Fire Bell for the fire was big enough and loud enough to be heard all over town.

About an hour later Mac, Apple Bloom, her, and her friends where in the waiting room of the towns medical center. The doctors got Granny Smith into the OR as soon as they get her there and were working like mad from what she could tell. Finally… a doctor came out frowning. The group stood hoping this wasn’t the doctor they had to wait on and that he had bad news. “Are you the Apples?” he asked looking at them. “We are sir. How’s Granny?” Applejack asked worried. “I regret to inform you that… she was already gone when we got her here. We tried to resuscitate her but… At least she went peacefully and at home.” The doctor informed them sadly. Applejack couldn’t take it and just broke down with her friends all around her.

-End Flashback-

“If only she had told us Mac we wouldn’t have to deal with all this.” Applejack said letting tears fall. “I know sis. I know.” He said taking his sister and hugging her tightly as they both cried for their loved one.

===

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle all sat at the table of Rarity’s boutique’s kitchen in the very back. “Thank you for having me Rarity, I really didn’t want to spend it alone.” Fluttershy said happily. “Not at all dear, we love having you over and you know we all love you as a sister.” Rarity answered putting down a lovely made vegetable salad and quiche. “Yeah, we all really like you Fluttershy, you’re the stare master after all.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle. They all giggled at this remembering the time Fluttershy and Stared Down a Cockatrice. “Now, now, Sweetie, let’s not bring up pony past. We’re here to be as family and that’s what we are. Family.” Everyone smiled at this happily before digging into the well-made meal. “Oh Rarity this is so delish.” Fluttershy said as she ate her slice of quiche. “Why thank you dear though I can’t take all the credit. Sweetie helped as well.” Rarity said smiling proudly. “Yeah, I got to crack the eggs and stir the stuff.” Sweetie said happily. “Let’s not forget the salad, you helped tossed that remember?” Rarity said smiling which gained a smiling nod from Sweetie.

“So Fluttershy I heard you’ve been to Cliff shop yesterday.” Rarity said making Fluttershy stop eating in shock. “Well um yes. Angle did something really bad and I had to replace a few items he destroyed.” Fluttershy admitted sadly. “Oh dear. I knew he’d be upset about you leaving for a long time but surely that little dear couldn’t hold that bad of a grudge.” Rarity said in the bunny’s defense knowing home much Fluttershy loved her pet. “He destroyed two set of my pony clothing.” Fluttershy said going to her normal stare voice and posture and Rarity knew if she ever when into that it was bad. “Oh my. He really did that? I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding dear I thought it be something more like a cup or such. I know how much you miss being a pony dear and I now agree with you that what he did was wrong.” Rarity said gently. Fluttershy settled down and nodded slowly returning to her shy self. “I had to punish him this time. He really went too far and I’m not sure if I should have him in the house anymore. I just hope he learns his lesson and becomes a good bunny again.”

Rarity and Sweetie nodded at this and gave her a much needed hug. “I have homework to do. Thank you for dinner and thank you for coming Fluttershy.” Sweetie said heading up to her room. Rarity giggled at this. “Actually she’s gone to make her newest pony I just got her as a gift yesterday for passing her spelling test. She got an A plus on it.” Fluttershy smiled at this. “I’m glad she’s working hard on her homework and that was so nice of you to do that.” Rarity smiled at this. “Yes I know, now dear we can talk more on some personal things, like that Ranko girl that showed up last month.” This sadly caused Fluttershy to hide in her hair, turn red, and just clam up on the topic. “Fluttershy did I say something wrong?” Rarity asked worried she had said something that offended her friend. She got a very quick head shaking no from this. “Come now dear you can tell me. You know I can keep a secret dear.” Fluttershy looked up through the small opening in her hair then back down before whispering something shyly. “Come now dear you can tell me but you’ll need to speak up.” Rarity gently prodded.

She said it again a little louder but still Rarity couldn’t accurately hear it. “One more time dear, it almost sounded like you said you liked someone.”  Finally Fluttershy broke like she did when with the dragon. “I love Ranko!” She quickly covered her mouth and closed in on herself. Rarity was not expecting that. “You… you love Ranko? But you haven’t even talked to her let alone did anything with her.” She replied gently. Unlike many people Rarity was… open minded and was a romantic at heart. To say love was blind was an understatement at times but it did not stop Rarity from being a good and generous friend. “Yes but… she so lovely, and beautiful, and she has such an amazing voice and the most interesting eyes and her hair is such a lovely shade of red.” Fluttershy said lovingly while blushing fiercely. “Dear sounds like you have a very serious crush. Does she hold the same feelings?” Fluttershy blushed harder at this. “I… over heard her in the shop about the pony me. She… she thinks… Eep!” Rarity waited patiently for her friend to speak. “She… she told Cliff that… the pony me was actually sweet, kind, gentle, and like her I really likes the outdoors since I’m always tending to my animals. She even said… she’d… like… me to…” Rarity waited for the rest on the edge of her seat.  “Be my best friend!” Fluttershy finished quickly and went bright red. “Oh… oh my.” Was all Rarity could say.

===

Finally Monday came and the town was still cleaning up from the holiday. Ranma just couldn’t believe how big a celebration like this was. Still he was glad for the day off since he really needed to finish his report on the 49ers. Sighing he headed to the library that currently held one other.

Inside Twilight was going over every book she could find magically and quickly before anyone came inside the library and found out what she was doing. “Oh where is it?” She said out loud to herself. Sadly her time was up as the door to the library open and someone came inside. Quickly Twilight used her magic to put everything up but one book and went to where it was originally located when she was met by none other than the boy she met from the day she returned home. “Whoa, I wasn’t expecting you to be here.” Ranma said in shock seeing the  girl in Gothic clothing. She was till dressed the same the day they had met. Gothic clothing yet in the same color as her hair and eyes, purple, along  with many charms on her clothing that looked to be a six pointed star with smaller circle around it, about five of them. “Yeah same here. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier I should have in class.” Twilight said holding out her hand. “Sparkle Sunset.” Ranma took it gently and shook it. “Ranma Cloudsdale.” Both smiled till they looked at each other’s homework and then each other. “49ers?” Both asked at the same time gaining a laugh from each other. “Yeah I have the same assignment, though a lot of these books are really out of order. I know the town take care of it every weekend but seriously can’t anyone here keep an system in this place?” Sparkle said tiredly. “Then it’ll take us forever to find the right books for the reports.” Ranma said face-palming.

“Not unless we work together. I think we might be able to find the books before lunch at least.” Sparkle said hopefully. “Well… okay since we’re doing to same subject. Mr. Armor’s class?” Ranma asked. “Yeah. Oh wait you’re the new kid Ranma aren’t you. You’re the talk of the school you know.” Sparkle said starting on a shelf. Ranma soon started on his own as they talked. “Really? I didn’t know I was so popular.” Sparkle nodded at this. “Yeah well word spreads around fast here and you did show up the same time as Cliff’s new shop. You know him right?” Ranma stopped and pulled a book out double checking it. “Yeah, I met him with my buddy James the first day I got here. He’s a pretty cool guy.” Sparkle nodded at this pulling out a book as well looking it over. “Find it?” Ranma said putting his book back onto the shelf. “No, you?” Sparkle said putting her book up as well. “Well maybe their further in the back?” Ranma said starting to head to the very back. “Wait no!” Sparkle said stopping him. “Why what’s wrong?” Ranma asked worried. “The books back there are off limits to us. Their um… really old and you have to have a lot of signatures to see them along with someone who can handle the books for you while you look at them.” Sparkle quickly explained. “Oh I see. My mistake I didn’t know.” Ranma said turning around. Sparkle breathed a big sigh of relief at that.

“So… your from here right?” Ranma asked trying to strike up conversation again. “Huh? Oh yes, I’ve lived here all my life. What about you?” Sparkle joining Ranma once again for the elusive books on the 49ers. “Well… I’m from Japan. A ward in Tokyo actually but… its personal.” Ranma answer kindly pulling out yet another book and looking it over. “It’s okay I won’t go any farther but… is Tokyo really as big as they say it is?” Sparkle asked pulling out another book to look over as well. “Oh yeah, trust me you’d get lost in it fast if you’re not a resident. Though there are some areas of Tokyo you want to avoid.” Ranma said smiling. “I’ll take your word for it. Ugh this isn’t it either. What about you Ranma?” Sparkle asked putting the book back up. “I found it but… it’s the only issue I see.” Ranma answered handing it over. “That’s odd. Why would it be in the horror section instead of history?” She asked looking the book over. “Who knows? But um… think we could study partners on this? Since there’s only one book and all.” Ranma asked looking at her. Sparkle looked at him and smiled nodding. “Sure, let’s check the book out and get something to eat, I’m starving.” 

Both blushed as their stomachs growled nearly at the same time. Both laughed at this. “Sure why not.” Both signed the book and put it in the log book for the library and left towards the local café. “Hey Ranma?” Sparkle asked as they walked. “Yeah?” Ranma asked. “Would you… like to be friends?” Sparkle asked carefully. “Sure. I don’t have many friends actually and well… I’d like to have a study partner from time to time.” Ranma answered carefully. “Sure. You um… like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?” She asked. “Does this whole town like it?” Ranma asked curious. “Well it is a very popular series.” Sparkle tried to cover. “True. I just find it odd that an entire town likes the same show, not that I’m complaining though, I like it as well.” Ranma answered.

“Really what episodes?” Sparkle ask as they walked. “Well there’s the first two episodes…” Ranma started as the two walked becoming brand new friends.

To be Continued