//------------------------------//
// Arc 14(Wanda's Afternoon Blues)-1: Romance in the Air? 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


Arc 14: Wanda’s Afternoon Blues


	Romance in the Air?



“HEEEEELP!  MAD DOG WANTS TO EAT US!”
Wanda Young ran through the streets of Canterlot in a hurry.  Running alongside her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie and Sunburst.  Right behind them was the Alicorn Bulldog, chasing after the younglings, barking wildly and with her teeth snapping at them.
“GET AWAY!” Trixie yelled. “SHOO SHOO!  LEAVE US ALONE!”
But the Alicorn Bulldog responded by snapping at Trixie, causing her to scream and back off.
“Why can’t that big mean dog just leave us alone?” Starlight cried.
“I know,” Wanda said.  “I thought the roc in the sky was gonna eat us, and we decided to hide out.  But then that mutt thought we would be on today's menu.”
“NOT DINNER!” Abigail screamed.
“Just keep running,” Sunburst said.  “The sooner we find a place to hide, the better.”
As the group ran as fast as they could, they noticed a wall bunker in front of them with the door held wide open.  Wanda had a brainstorm in her mind.
“Hey I know that place,” Wanda said. “We should hide in there until the dog goes away.”
“Wanda,” Sunburst said.  “With all due respect, you almost missed your birthday when you, Sunset, Cadance, and even Spike and Abigail locked yourself up in there.”
“At least this time,” Wanda said.  “I don’t have anything important to worry about.  But it’s better than nothing at all.”
“I’m afraid she’s right,” Trixie said.  “Better to bunker down again than to put up with that dog.”
But as the group came closer to the door, the Alicorn Bulldog flew into the air and landed right in front, blocking them from entering the doorway.  Wanda fell down on her rear and stared at the dog in fear.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “Wanda get out.”
But Wanda could not hear Starlight’s words.   She stared helpless at the dog, who growled at the Man’s Cub.  Starlight immediately jumped out and ran up to Wanda, holding her tightly.
“Starlight,” Sunburst yelled.  “Get back here.”
“I’m not leaving Wanda’s side,” Starlight said. 
Starlight struggled to pick Wanda up as the dog growled at both of them.  Immediately, Trixie and Sunburst used their magic to pull Wanda and Starlight back while Abigail meowed by the two unicorn’s side.
But the bulldog was undeterred.  With a flash of her magic, the bulldog began to pull Wanda and Starlight back towards its gaping maw, snapping right at them as she pulled them closer.

Nearby, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran down the street as fast as they could.  When they saw Wanda and Starlight being pulled in by the bulldog, they came to a stop.
“That’s Wanda and Starlight,” Cadance said.  “And that dog again.”
“Can’t that dog just leave us alone?” Shining Armor said in a huff.  “Guess I have to scare it off again.”
“Not this time,” Cadance said.  “I got this.”
As Princess Cadance ran towards the group, Trixie and Sunburst struggled to pull Wanda and Starlight back from the bulldog, who continued to snap at the duo.
“HEEEEELP!” Starlight cried.  “ WE DON’T WANT TO BE A DOG’S DINNER!”
Abigail immediately ran towards the bulldog as Trixie and Sunburst struggled to pull Wanda and Starlight back.  The kitten jumped right into the air and landed right on the dog’s face before scratching her in the eyes.  The dog let out a loud yelp, and lost her magical grip on Wanda and Starlight, causing the duo to fly back towards Trixie and Sunburst.
“INCOMING!” Trixie yelled.
With a loud crash, Starlight and Wanda collided with Trixie and Sunburst, causing them to fall towards the ground.  Abigail got up and ran towards the four younglings before turning back towards the Alicorn Bulldog.
“Wanda,” Starlight said, all while Wanda continued to stare off in fear.  “Wanda, snap out of it.”
The Alicorn Bulldog marched up to Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst and Trixie, and growled loudly, causing the four younglings to turn towards the ferocious canine.  Abigail stood there, growling and hissing at the dog, while swiping at her.
“Guys,” Wanda cried.  “It’s been fun knowing you.”
But with a loud and thunderous smash, Princess Cadance landed behind the group, and stared down the Alicorn Bulldog.  She cast some magic onto her vocal cords before glaring at the beast.
“I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU HARASSING MY SISTERS OR HER FRIENDS AGAIN YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!” Princess Cadance yelled with her voice reverberating in the air.
The high volume of Princess Cadance’s voice was enough to cause the Alicorn Bulldog to yelp, turn around and make a run for it in the opposite direction.  Princess Cadance looked at the fleeing dog and cracked a smile.
“You four alright?” Shining Armor said as he ran up to the younglings.
“We’re fine,” Sunburst said.  “Thanks to Princess Cadance.”
“Never thought I would finally put that Royal Canterlot voice to good use,” Princess Cadance said with a smirk.  “I have to thank Chancellor Cinch for teaching me this spell.”
Princess Cadance turned towards the group with a smile on her face.  While Trixie, Sunburst and Abigail smiled with relief, Wanda and Starlight burst into tears, crying loudly.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Cadance said. “What’s wrong?”
“WHY DOES THAT BAD DOG HAVE TO KEEP CHASING US?” Wanda cried.  “WE DID NOTHING WRONG!”
“YEAH!” Starlight cried.  “I NEARLY LOST WANDA TO THAT BEAST!”
Princess Cadance turned towards Shining Armor, who picked up both Starlight and Wanda and gave them a comforting hug.
“We were so worried about what the Predacons were going to do to Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “We forgot about this ferocious beast that kept giving us problems.”
“I think we should accompany them for a while until we feel that it’s safe,” Princess Cadance said.
Shining Armor nodded.  He turned towards Wanda and Starlight and said “Tell you two what.  We’ll stick around and keep you safe, be it from that mutt, or from any other danger.  Not even a roc will get past us.”
“You…” Wanda said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You think so?”
“I don’t think so,” Shining Armor said.  “I know so.”
Wanda cracked a smile before Shining Armor lets go of her and Starlight.  Starlight looked at Wanda and gave her a big hug.
“Wanda,” Starlight cried.  “Please don’t scare me like that, again.”
“Don’t worry,” Wanda said.  “I won’t.”

Later that day, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were walking down the street with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Trixie by their side.  Right behind them were Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst walking together. 
“After all that we’ve put up with,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m glad we get some time to ourselves.”
“Well that and looking after my youngest sister,” Princess Cadance said.  “Along with her friends.”
Wanda turned around to see Starlight happily walking alongside Sunburst.  She looked at the two and smiled for them before turning back towards Princess Cadance.
“Big sis,” Wanda asked.  “Could I whisper something into your ear?”
Princess Cadance turned to Wanda and said in a sweet tone “Well this is unexpected, little sis.  What’s up?”
Princess Cadance lowered her head down, to which Wanda whispered into her ear.
“Are you sure about that?” Princess Cadance asked.  Wanda only responded by nodding.
“What’s going on?” Trixie asked.
Wanda turned towards Trixie and proceeded to whisper into her ear.  Then Trixie turned to Shining Armor and whispered into his ear.  But the scene of Trixie whispering into Shining’s ear caught the attention of Starlight and Sunburst.
“What are you all up to?” Starlight asked.
“Oh, just pondering about that dog who kept chasing us,” Wanda said.  “And the Predacons that they told me about.”
“Oh,” Starlight replied.
Sunburst looked at the group in front and thought to himself “That’s rather strange.  I wonder what’s really going on.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance walked up to Shining Armor and whispered into his ear.  Shining Armor nodded before he split from the front group before walking up to Starlight and Sunburst.
“Tell you what,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Cadance is going to get dinner with Wanda and Trixie helping out.  “How about I take you guys out to a nearby toy store while we wait?”
“YAAAAY!” Starlight cheered.  “We’ll go.”
“Okay?” Sunburst said.  “I guess.”
“Then come on,” Shining Armor said.  “Let’s go have some fun.”
Shining Armor ran off in the opposite direction with Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst following from behind, leaving Princess Cadance, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Trixie Lulamoon behind.
“So,” Princess Cadance said.  “You want to set up a special dinner for Starlight and Sunburst.”
“That’s right,” Wanda said, pounding her chest once with excitement.  “There is a spark within those two that I also see between you and Shining Armor.”
“You think so?” Trixie asked.
“I know so,” Wanda said.  “Starlight told me that she’s been close friends with Sunburst since their days as foals.  But I believe there is a greater spark between Starlight and Sunburst.”
Trixie looked down the street, barely seeing any sign of Starlight, Sunburst or Shining Armor, before she said “You know what, O Princess of Love?  You may be right.  There is a spark between Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, and you must make sure that spark stays bright.”
“Oh believe me, I will,” Wanda said.  “And by the way, I’m not really a Princess of Love.  That belongs to my big sister.”
Trixie looked up to Princess Cadance who said “She’s got a point.  I am a Princess of Love.  And like Wanda, I do believe there is a spark between those two.  They’ve known each other long before coming to Canterlot, and so we should make sure the spark in their friendship will stay strong into adulthood.”
“Then what do you say?” Wanda said.  “Will you help us prepare a meal for Starlight and Sunburst?”
Trixie Lulamoon stood on two legs before she said “The Great and Powerful Trixie wishes to aid the Princesses in ensuring that Starlight and Sunburst will grow up to be a Great and Powerful romantic couple.”
Abigail got on two legs and clapped for Trixie before yelling out “Yay” in a meek voice.
“Then come on,” Princess Cadance said.  “I know a good place and a good friend who can help take care of that.”
Princess Cadance walked off in another direction with Wanda, Abigail and Trixie following from behind.

Later, Princess Cadance walked up to a familiar cafe.  Behind her, Wanda, Abigail and Trixie looked up at the sign before turning towards Princess Cadance.
“Is this a good place for Starlight and Sunburst?” Wanda asked.
“It is,” Princess Cadance said.  “In fact, Twilight and her friends were here earlier to get themselves some root beer floats.  In fact, I think I can ask Helga to help us out on this.”
“Helga?” Trixie asked.
“Helga Hearthsoup,” Princess Cadance said.  “The head waitress of this establishment.  Trust me.  You’re going to enjoy her presence.”
“Well what are we waiting for, big sis?” Wanda asked.  “Let’s go talk with her.”
Princess Cadance laughed before she said “Guess there’s no reason to hold you both back.  Come on.”
With a scrape on the surface of the street with her right front hoof, Princess Cadance walked into the cafe once more with Wanda, Abigail and Trixie following from behind.  Inside, Helga Hearthsoup had placed down a tray of food on a table with customers before turning towards Princess Cadance and the younglings.
“Princess Cadance,” Helga said.  “Back so soon?”
“Funny thing is,” Princess Cadance said.  “My little sister wants to do a favor for a couple of friends.”
Helga turned to Wanda and said “Princess Wanda, is it?”
Wanda looked up at Helga and said “Y..yes ma’am.  There are a couple of friends that I would like to reserve for a special dinner.”
“But of course,” Helga said.  “I have a special booth for your two friends.”
“And can you make it romantic?” Wanda asked.
Helga laughed before she said “Anything for the Princess of Equestria.”
Princess Cadance placed some bits onto the table and said “Here’s an advance payment for the special dinner.  Hope they enjoy it.”
“Believe me.” Helga said, scooping up the bits.  “I’ll make it really special for her friends.”
As Princess Cadance smiled for Helga, she felt a tap on her leg.  Cadance looked down to see Trixie looking up at her.
“What do you wish for me, the Great and Powerful Trixie, to do?” Trixie asked.
“Trixie Lulamoon,” Cadance said.  “It won’t be long until Helga has a booth ready.  Could you go get Starlight and Sunburst, and let them know we found a good place for dinner?  I believe Shining Armor took them to the toy shop.”
Trixie saluted Cadance before she said “It will be done, so says the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
With that, Trixie turned tail and ran out the opposite way, leaving Princess Cadance, Wanda, Abigail and Helga in the cafe.  Wanda turned to Helga, who was walking towards the kitchen.
“Miss Helga,” Wanda asked.  “Is there any way I can help out?”
Helga turned to Wanda and said “No customer has ever asked me that before.  Especially a Princess.”
Wanda bowed to Helga and said “Don’t worry.  Me and my partner Abigail will be a great help.  I promise you that.”
But Helga only laughed before she said “Oh you don’t really need to help me, Princess Wanda.  But if you and your kitty friend wish to pitch in, then I will allow it.  Just know that I won’t go easy on you despite Princess Celestia being your mother.”
“Then I promise to ensure that everything will be done,” Wanda said.
“With that out of the way,” Helga said with a firm tone.  “Follow me.  I’ll need all the help I can get.  From you and your kitty friend.”
With that, Helga turned towards the kitchen with Wanda and Abigail marching right behind her.  Princess Cadance was laughing mildly, struggling to hold in her laughter.
“My sister is one who would do anything to help,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think mother taught her too well.”

Meanwhile, at the toy shop, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst were in one corner, observing a set of kites, while Shining Armor looked at some Ogres and Oubliettes figures nearby.  
“There’s always something fascinating about these kites,” Starlight said.
“The aerodynamic design?”  Sunburst asked.  “The colors?”
“A bit of both,” Starlight giggled.
“Yeah,” Sunburst said.  “That’s what I’m also thinking.”
“And the other thing that I like about kites,” Starlight said.  “Is that they’re a great way to relax and unwind.  As if your cares disappeared.”
“I do miss those days of just flying my kite in the skies above Sire’s Hollow,” Sunburst said.  
“Back then,” Starlight said.  “Outside of our board games, Uncle Meteor Flare used to show me some really neat kite tricks that give off the illusion of being a bird.”
“I remember back then,” Sunburst said.  “Your uncle really knew how to fly one of those.”
Starlight looked down at her chest and said “I wonder what he would say right now?  What kite would he recommend I buy?”
“I haven’t seen much of him since he chose to be by your side as a cosmic core,” Sunburst said.  
“Neither have I,” Starlight said.  “But I’m glad to know that he’s still with us, even though his original form passed on.”
As Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst looked down at the filly’s chest, they both heard the sound of another filly clearing her throat.  The two younglings looked to the right to see Trixie standing there.
“Trixie,” Starlight said.  “So I take it you, Wanda and Cadance found a good place to eat.”
“But of course,” Trixie said.  “And as your Great and Powerful escort, I will lead you to din din.”
Sunburst giggled before he said “Din din.  Now that’s something I should remember.”
Starlight laughed before turning towards Trixie and said “Lead on, Trixie.”
“Then come this way,” Trixie said.  “Our din din awaits.”
Trixie marched down the aisle of the toy shop, with Starlight and Sunburst following from behind.   But nearby, Shining Armor continued to observe the Ogres and Oubliettes figures.
“These figures have some pretty awesome quality,” Shining Armor said. “I should buy a few for 8-Bit, Gaffe and Poindexter.  I wonder what Starlight and Sunburst would say.”
But when Shining Armor turned to his left towards the kites, he noticed that Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst were gone.  This caused Shining Armor to place the figure back and freak out.
“OH NO!”  Shining Armor said.  “Starlight.  Sunburst.  Where are they?”
Shining Armor frantically looked around the perimeter of the toy shop, looking around for Starlight and Sunburst.  But he came to a stop when he saw Trixie walking out of the store with Starlight and Sunburst following from behind.
“Wait a minute,” Shining Armor said.  “I think I know what’s going on.  Princess Cadance has found the ideal sp..I mean food for dinner tonight.  I can’t wait.”
With nothing in his hooves, Shining Armor walked down the aisle and outside the door.  Nearby, an employee rearranged the Ogres and Oubliettes shelves before turning towards the departing Shining Armor.
“What a shame,” the employee said.  “And I was hoping he would buy a few figures.  After all, grown stallions and mares are suckers for these babies.”

A few moments later at the Cafe, Trixie marched up to the entrance of the establishment.  Behind her were Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, with Shining Armor following from behind.  She looked inside before turning back towards the two unicorn younglings from Sire’s Hollow.
“Your seat has been prepared,” Trixie said.  “You may enter.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “Our seat?  But what about yours?”
Trixie smiled and said “Oh don’t worry.  The Great and Powerful Trixie already has a Great and Powerful seat of her own.”
“Trixie,” Sunburst said.  “That’s not what she meant about your seat.”
Trixie laughed before she stepped aside and said “Well all jokes aside, make your way inside.”
Starlight and Sunburst turned towards each other before shrugging their shoulders.  They stepped forward, making their way towards the entrance.  Behind them, Shining Armor came to a stop with a smile on his face.
“I sure hope they enjoy it,” Shining Armor thought to himself.  “If anything, I think they deserve a good bit of happiness.”
But as Shining Armor followed Starlight and Sunburst towards the entrance, up on the roof, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator observed the ponies going inside.
“Now why attack the same place twice in a row?” Quickstrike asked.  “Don’t they have an alicorn by their side?”
“Capturing Twilight Sparkle turned into a total failure,” Inferno said.  “And as stupid as this is, capturing Princess Wanda Young may be a better alternative.  Besides, I have a little surprise for her once we make our attack.”
“Oooh,” Quickstrike said in anticipation.  “Don’t tell me that’s the alicorn nullifying spell that Queen Chrysalis taught you.”
“Not just alicorns,” Inferno said.  “But also unicorns.  Once we make our move, we will disable the magic of every alicorn and unicorn around us.  Then taking the Princess to Queen Chrysalis will be a breeze.”
“Waspinator like that idea,” Waspinator said.  “If ponies can’t fight back, then we Predacons will win.”
“Then take your positions,” Inferno said.  “When I give the signal, we’ll launch our attack and give them the surprise of a lifetime.”
Quickstrike and Waspinator nodded before the two Predacon changelings jumped off the roof and hid behind some trash cans.  Inferno looked down at the cafe with a sinister grin on his face.
“I hope you’re hungry, little ponies,” Inferno said.  “Because we’re about to serve up chaos and destruction.”

Inside, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst stood there, staring at a neatly decorated booth nearby.  Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Helga Hearthsoup stood next to the booth, holding their arms out to direct the two younglings to the table.  Princess Cadance stood nearby as Shining Armor and Trixie walked up to her.
“How?” Sunburst said.  “How did you know it was for us?”
“Surprise,” Wanda said.  “This is for the both of you.”
“But,” Starlight said.  “You didn’t have to do this for us.”
“It was the insistence of Princess Wanda and Princess Cadance,” Helga said.  “I have an ideal speciality for you both.  Now come.”
Starlight turned to Sunburst and said “Well, when in Canterlot.”
Sunburst nodded before he and Starlight walked up to the table and got into their seats.  They noticed the high quality tablecloth that covered the table, some tall lit candles nearby, two perfectly folded napkins, and some exquisite cutlery in front of them.
“Now will you excuse me?” Helga said.  “I have dinner coming up for you both, courtesy of Princess Cadance.”
Helga then stepped away from the group before walking towards the kitchen.  Starlight and Sunburst turned towards Wanda, who stood there with a smile on her face.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “What’s going on?”
“It’s just something special for you and Sunburst,” Wanda said.  “After all, you’re both really special.”
“Really what?” Sunburst asked.
“Really special,” Wanda said.  “Because you’ve both known each other for far longer than the rest of us, I think you both deserve a real treat.”
“Oh I do appreciate this,” Starlight said.  “But you and Princess Cadance didn’t have to go out of the way to do this.”
Sunburst tapped on Starlight and said “Maybe we should play along.  After all, she did this all for us.”
Starlight stopped for a moment before turning to Sunburst and said “Okay.”
Sunburst’s nose suddenly picked up an irresistible aroma.  He turned to his right to see Wanda and Abigail step to the side as Helga brought out two plates of delicious food, along with two root beer floats, all on a serving tray.
“Here you go, a speciality of mine,” Helga Hearthsoup said.  “Manehattan spaghetti with oregano oatballs, and two root beer floats.”
“Enjoy,” Abigail said.
As Helga stepped away, Starlight and Sunburst looked down at the food and their mouth began to water.
“This looks so delicious,” Starlight said.  “I want to try just one bite.”
“So do I,” Sunburst said as he picked up a fork and knife with his magic.
Sunburst cut off a piece of the oatball before eating it.  He chewed for a few seconds before swallowing.  His eyes watered with delight as he licked his lips.
“How was it?” Starlight asked.
“This is unbelievable,” Sunburst said. “The flavor just pops right in your mouth.  Try it.”
Starlight Glimmer picked up her fork and knife with her magic and cut a piece of an oatball from her plate off before biting into it.  After chewing for a few seconds, she swallowed before her eyes started to water.
“You’re right,” Starlight said.  “I can’t wait to show mom and dad this.”
“You know,” Sunburst said.  “I’m glad we’ve been friends for a long time.”
As Sunburst ate a bit of spaghetti, Starlight said “You’re right.  And not only that, we’ve been making friends here in Canterlot, such as Princess Wanda, Princess Sunset, Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Trixie, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and even Cozy Glow to name a few.”
After Sunburst swallowed, he said “I wonder what would have happened if we both didn’t come to Canterlot.”
Starlight’s smile slumped down to a frown as she said “I can only think of one thing, and I don’t think it would be pretty.”
Sunburst looked up at Starlight and said “Don’t worry about that.  We’re not going down that path, and I can assure you.  So stay strong for all of us, for our friends and family, and out cutie marks.”
Starlight Glimmer looked down at the cutie mark on her hip and said “Don’t worry.  I will.”
As Starlight and Sunburst drank their root beer floats, Wanda and Abigail walked up to Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Trixie, all of which had a satisfying smile on their face.
“You were right,” Trixie said.  “They do have some kind of spark.”
“Just like big sis and Shining Armor,” Wanda said.
Shining Armor blushed before he said “Now come on, Wanda.  We’re not that big of a deal, yet.”
Wanda scooted up to Shining Armor and said “Don’t lie to us, Shining Armor.  I know you care alot for big sis.”
As Shining Armor blushed with embarrassment, Princess Cadance looked down at Wanda and said “Hey Wanda.  Do you have a certain someone in your life?”
Wanda looked down and said “I don’t think so.  After all, I’m the only human here in Equestria, and I don’t think I can find a certain someone to spend my life with.”
Princess Cadance wrapped her arm around Wanda’s shoulders and said “Don’t worry.  We’ll find a certain someone that will care for you like I do, like the rest of the family does.”
“Oh big sis,” Wanda said with a smile.
Suddenly, a huge crash echoed through the room, causing everyone to scream in surprise, with one individual yelling “NOT THIS AGAIN!”  Helga Hearthsoup stepped out from the kitchen observing the damage done to the glass window.
“Oh for crying out loud,” Helga yelled.  “And I had the window replaced about an hour ago thanks to these delinquents.”
Wanda looked up above the broken shards of glass and screamed in horror.  In front of her, and around everyone else were Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, once again assuming their Beast Preadcon forms.
“You three again?” Princess Cadance said.  “Can’t you leave us in peace?
“I’m afraid that is out of the question, Princess Cadance,” Inferno said.  “Since we failed to capture Twilight Sparkle, we have a new target…your sister Princess Wanda Young.”
Princess Cadance pulled Wanda close to her and glared at Inferno as Shining Armor and Trixie took their side.  Helga Hearthsoup stood by Starlight and Sunburst, who both hid under the table.
“I don’t know what is in the minds of you three,” Helga said.  “But I will not let sadists like you trash my establishment and threaten my customers.”

	To Be Continued in…


	The Fury of a Friend