In Ponyville, most residents are as cheery as can be. Fillies and Colts playing games, older ponies chatting it up and making small talk. But most importantly, having fun with their lives. This description of the small town can't be said for some, however, as there was one creature, a Speed Shifter mind you, that wasn't feeling as cheery as his neighbors. Night Fury strode through town with a blank expression, his mood in clear opposition with the other ponies around Ponyville. Although he had all the time in the world to have a good time with friends, he just wasn't feeling like himself.
He slowly walked through the dirt paths of the rural town, letting the ambient noise of bustling work and kids at play full the void. He had never felt this sad and sluggish before, he was usually a very high energy, chippy creature. But for the past few days, he has been in the gutters. He made a right turn onto the main street of Ponyville and saw his friend, Twilight Sparkle, sitting under the shade of the Golden Oak Library while reading a book. He ultimately paid her no mind, but he couldn’t help but notice that as he walked by, Twilight looked up from her book and glanced at him.
He could see her expression change to a sort of somber "He doesn't look happy" type look. All of this happened in his peripheral vision as he continued to stride towards his abode, making him wonder what she was thinking when she saw him. For a few days, Twilight has been passing glances at him from afar, as if she could see through the act he had been putting up to keep anyone from asking him if he was okay. He didn't think much of it at first, thinking that she was just letting her eyes roam around. But today, she made it obvious that she was looking at him.
Could she be worried about me? I wouldn't be surprised considering she's the Princess of Friendship. But she, also, could have been looking at something else entirely too. Eh, I won’t bother with finding out.
He let out an exaggerated sigh as he walked up the hill to his villa and opened the door, closing it with his skinny tail before plopping down on his couch.
"Uuuugh, these past three days have been the absolute worst!" He moaned, "For a town that is filled with things to do and places to go, I just can't seem to find something that'll cure this boredom."
For Night Fury, he had managed to gain a bit of a reputation for being a very outgoing cat. He was often regarded as a 'Bright light of energy' and a 'Funny friend that could make your day'. But for the past few days, he was not that friend. He had been waiting for something to pop out at him for a new opportunity to have fun, but every corner he turned was a dead end.
He made a conscious effort to try and keep a happy face on for the past few days, but recently, his facade had faltered. He always kept a smile up when he was out and about, keeping his neighbors none the wiser as to what his situation was, but today was a day where he didn't have the energy to hide his sorrow. He didn't want to admit that he was bored, he was in the most perfect town for activities to keep you going after all. But nothing in town was seen as good enough to satisfy him and quench his boredom.
Fury sighed, “I wish someone or something would just pop up in front of me and actually help me with my problem, then I’d have something to do. But what are the chances of that happening?” He scoffed, not believing that anything would come up to greet him and save the day. But he would soon be proven wrong, when a bright flash of teal light filled his vision, a scroll materializing in front of him. He looked at it with a bit of confusion as to who could be wanting to speak to him. He didn't know many creatures that could use a scroll sending spell besides Spike and the princesses, so this was a strange sight. He grabbed the scroll with his paws and opened it, reading its contents.
Dear Night Fury,
I have heard from Twilight that you've been feeling a bit sad and bored these past few days and I'd just like to say that I feel just as bad for you as she does. As a good friend of yours would do, she came to the best of the best to try and help you with your problem and I am happy to say that we might have found a solution to your problem! I hereby invite you to The Crystal Empire with me and my fellow princesses to play a fun game from my past. I shall not reveal the details within this letter, but just know that this game will hopefully have you back to your old self again. We all hope to see you soon, Night Fury.
Much Love,
Princess Cadance
Night Fury sat on his couch wide eyed for what felt like an eternity before he smiled warmly at the letter. He was grateful that Twilight was looking out for his well being and his royal friends wanted to help. He always knew that he could count on them to help him out in his time of need.
“Okay, a new game from Cadance's
past that I've never heard of. Sounds interesting. I think I might have just found what I've been missing.” He spoke as he set the letter down on the table in front of him.
I wonder what type of game this could be? Could it be an alternative version of an Equestrian sport? A homemade game? A board game? Who knows! But enough pondering, this feline needs some cheering up.
He thought to himself as he got up from his couch, made sure he looked decent, and headed for the train station to get to the Crystal Empire. He was still a bit sad with his recent experience and his expression did show that, but under that flat expression lay a spark of hope that his crippling boredom would soon be torn away from him. As he got his ticket and sat in his seat on the train, he thought to himself that he was very lucky to have made good friends with the royals of Equestria. He would have never guessed that they would be so kind as to invite him to their domains to have some fun with him to cheer him up. Even so, he was glad they thought of him as a worthwhile investment in their lives.
–
The train soon arrived at The Crystal Empire, the wooden doors opening to let off and on the passengers. Night Fury walked out onto the platform and looked on at the Crystal Palace in its full view. The Crystal Empire was a beautiful place to go to, especially in the summertime when the crystals shine their brightest. Night Fury felt lucky to have the privilege to be there, especially with an invitation.
“Okay, I just need to get to the castle to meet my friends. Ready or not, here I come.” He said blankly as he began his trek up the shiny path to the castle. The road to the castle shone in the sunlight, guiding Fury's steps as he drew closer to the tower. He looked around as he walked and saw kids playing with a ball. He noticed how happy they looked doing something so simple and it made him feel a slight twinge of bitterness. He wasn't jealous of them, he just felt insecure about how easy they were getting along with such a simple game of catch.
I'm not jealous of those kids, I know that. I just can't bring myself to admit that I feel a bit sour about how they can get along so well with a simple game of catch while I have tried everything in between to try and help myself! Okay, easy Fury, no need to get hissy about it.
He thought as he continued to walk. He then looked up ahead and saw his four royal friends standing there waiting for him. He would’ve gotten their attention and said “Hi”, but his sour emotions kept him from making first contact. He eventually made it to the base of the tower and met up with his companions, who immediately noticed him.
“Hey Everypony, Night Fury's here.” Twilight spoke. The three other princesses turned to him and walked up to him, Cadance making first contact.
“Night Fury, I'm so glad you could make it!” She said, hugging him. She then changed her tone when she realized he wasn't returning the embrace like he usually would. She pulled back and looked him in the face.
“Still feeling droopy today, huh?” She asked with sympathy.
“Yeah, I'm not feeling like myself. And, to be honest, I haven't felt like myself for a while." He said with a blank expression.
“Well, we believe that Cadance has an idea that’d be “purrfect” to make us all happy,” Luna said, with a wink. The other Alicorns couldn’t help giggling at the Night Princess’s joke. Night Fury however, didn't make a single noise. This got the immediate attention of the royals before him as they went silent in concern.
"Wow, have these past few days really been that rough?" Luna asked. “I thought for sure that you’d like that joke. I apologize if I upset you further, Fury.”
“It's okay, Luna. I liked the joke, I just can't seem to crack a smile.” Fury complained, his mood still somber. “I just hope this game Cadance talked about can help me with this.”
“I’m sure it will,” Twilight said with a smile. “She played it with me a good bit when I was a filly. And we were always very happy afterward. Lots of laughter was involved, and knowing my friend, Pinkie Pie, laughter is always the best medicine.”
"You've got that right, Twilight. Now come on, let's get inside so I can explain what this game is." Cadance said.
“As you wish,” Fury mumbled, heading in the direction the princesses were taking him.
–
The group stopped in the throne room and looked up at Cadance who sat on her throne. Clearing her throat, she began to explain what was happening.
“As we all know, our feline friend has been feeling a bit down lately. So I thought of the best game to bring his spirits up. A game that I have played since I was just a filly, Tickle Tag.” She announced. Night Fury's face contorted as he heard the name.
“Tickle Tag? I've never heard of that before, what is it?” he asked.
The other princesses started laughing, particularly at his confusion.
“It’s basically the same as a regular game of tag. Except, whoever’s ‘it’ tags the other players by tickling them.” Twilight explained, still giggling.
“And Cadance has informed us about how much you love a good tickle.” Celestia said, looking at Night Fury. A sly grin upon her face.
“Trust us. You’ll love it,” Luna said, reassuringly. Fury was a bit hesitant playing this game, but it was the only way he could think of to cure his somber mood.
“Okay, I think I'll do it. So, how does this work?”
Twilight started laughing, again. “So, we have to choose somepony (or cat) to be ‘it’. Whoever’s it has to chase the others around trying to tickle them. They are running around trying to avoid getting tickled. If they get tickled, they’re ‘it’. Did I miss anything?” She explained.
“Just one thing, Twilight.” Cadance added, stepping down from her throne. “If you get tickled, you join the ticklers and chase down whoever's left.” Twilight blushed and giggled, embarrassed that as bright as she was, she had forgotten that rule. Then she realized something. “Umm, should we give Night Fury wings and a horn, or have the four of us wear magic suppressors and not use our wings? I mean, it has to be fair, right?”
“Twilight, you do remember what power I have at my disposal, right?” Fury reminded her, running a few quick laps around her with his super speed. Seeing this made Twilight dizzy, which caused her to laugh again. “Touché,” she replied, after regaining her composure. “So, how should we decide who gets to be ‘it’ first?”
“Well, since this was her idea, I propose Cadance take the first round.” Luna said. “I second that,” Celestia agreed.
“I would also suggest we get rid of our regalia.” Celestia continued. “It would give a better chance to truly experience the tickling in this game on our hooves.” The other princesses and Night Fury agreed. Celestia ignited her horn and in a bright flash, all of the regalia was gone from the princess's bodies.
“Wow, I have never seen you three without your regalia. You basically look naked without it.” Fury commented.
The princesses blushed, slightly embarrassed by his statement. “Yeah, hehe, wearing clothes isn’t something that ponies usually do. Unless, of course, you’re an upperclasspony or in royalty. But, I don't even wear clothes, unless I’m going to an event such as the Grand Galloping Gala.” Luna spoke softly.
Cadance soon accepted her role as first ‘it’ and took her position back on her throne. “Okay, Night Fury, prepare to have that frown turned upside down. You all have 20 seconds. Go!”
Night Fury and the other princesses scattered out of the throne room, each in a separate direction. Night Fury was still a bit skeptical about how this would work for him, but he didn't let that stop him from trying to enjoy it.
After the allotted getaway time, Cadance began her hunt for the other players. She began her search around the kitchens and dining hall as she slowly snuck around as to not draw attention to her position. She looked around the table and curtains for any traces of prime tickling subjects, but nothing came up. That was until she heard a strange rattling noise from the cabinets. “I wonder who that could be?” She thought to herself, giggling slightly at the thought of finding a potential target so soon.
She opened every individual cabinet in an effort to find her prey, finally opening the last door to find her sister-in-law hiding away inside of one. “I found you.” Cadance stated, excitedly. “You’d better run, because it’s tickle time!”
Twilight let out a squeal that would put a wild hog to shame before making a mad dash out of the kitchens and into the halls. Cadance followed close by as her sister-in-law ran for her life. Unfortunately for Twilight, she was no match for Cadance, who was born a pegasus before she became a princess. Cadance soon caught hold of Twilight and began to mercilessly tickle the younger Alicorn’s hooves. Twilight was in stitches as her former foal-sitter attacked her biggest tickle spot.
“Ehehehehhehehe! Stop it, Cadance!” Twilight squeaked, trying to make a getaway.
“I don't think so! I could always stop, if you call uncle, of course.”
“Ahahahahahahahaha, nohohohohohohohoh!” Twilight pleaded. However, she eventually had trouble breathing, which finally caused her to say the safe word. “Uhuhuncle!” She squealed, embarrassed that she couldn’t take it anymore. Cadance obliged her request and let her go, allowing her to catch her breath as she giggled on the ground.
“Y'know, you haven't changed a bit since you were a filly, Twilight.” Cadance remarked, reminiscing on her old foalsitting days.
“Yeah,” Twilight said, still giggling because the tickles hadn’t completely worn off. “And it’s just as fun as I remember. Who else have you found?”
“Sorry, Twily, you're my first victim.” Cadance said. Twilight cursed herself under her breath for not being able to last longer, but she had fun nonetheless.
“Well, who should we try for next? Twilight asked.
“Let's go get Luna next, she has always been bragging about her superior hiding skills. I say we give her a bit of karma.” Cadance suggested
Twilight laughed very hard at that statement.
“True that! Let’s show her who’s boss!” And with that, the two sisters-in-law went to find the Princess of the Night.
–
Twilight and Cadance soon came up to the castle library and looked around the large room as they stepped inside. The room was very large and was home to books as old as the castle itself, but did it hold the nocturnal princess within its walls?
“Hoo boy, this is gonna be hard. She could be anywhere in here.” Twilight complained, looking around the large room.
“But I’m sure you can find her. You did live in a library for years. You should be able to notice if an odd sound occurs. I’ll bet it’ll most likely be Luna.” Cadance assured her sister-in-law. Twilight gave a confident smile in return as her fellow princess gave her some encouragement.
“Okay, I'll see what I can do. You take the fiction section, I'll go for astrology.”
Cadance nodded, then remembered something.
“Twilight! If you do find her, her back hooves are her weak spot.” She said with a wink. The two alicorns went their separate ways as they began the search for the lunar goddess. Twilight scoured the aisles of books as she continued her search. With every nook and cranny, she paid thorough attention for anything out of place.
She soon came up on the horoscope books and noticed something was off. She saw what looked like a small blue waffle cone sticking out of one of the shelves. Twilight grew a sly smile as she casually approached the out of place object. She then plucked a loose feather from one of her wings, just in case.
“Oh wow, look at all of these horoscope books.” She said innocently. “And what's this? A small, blue waffle cone? I had no idea there was ice cream here, perhaps I shall see if it's real.” She then began to wiggle the feather over what was obviously Luna's horn. The Night Princess’s breath hitched slightly as she felt the touch of the feather on her horn, almost blowing her cover.
To Luna, it was more of an irritating itch rather than a tickling sensation, as her horn wasn’t a tickle spot. However, it was almost enough to give her away. Cadance soon showed up to the scene and saw what was happening. Twilight gave her a simple look and she understood that it was time to play along.
“Pray tell, what is it that you've found, Twilight?” she asked, feigning ignorance.
“It seems that I have found a strange, blue waffle cone sticking out of this shelf. Perhaps the other end shall reveal the ice cream.” Twilight said, emphasizing on the ‘other end’. Cadance understood Twilight's words and walked to the other side of the shelf. Lo and behold, one of Luna's back hooves was sticking out, a prime target for tickling. Fortunately for them, it wasn’t long before Luna broke into an uncontrollable fit of giggles and gave herself away.
“Yahahahahahahhahaha! Not myhyhyhyhy hohohohohooves!” Luna begged, realizing that she’d been caught. “Okay okay! Uncle Uhuhuhuncle!"
Cadance finally let go of Luna once she heard the safe word, letting her squeeze her way out of her hiding spot.
“Hehe, I must admit, I wasn't expecting you to have caught me so off guard.” Luna explained, still giggling.
“Well when you leave your horn sticking out for all to see, it's kinda easy to find out who's attached to it.” Twilight spoke, walking around the bookshelf.
Luna’s cheeks turned crimson, and she let out an embarrassed chuckle. “A valid point, Twilight Sparkle.” Then she looked around to see her companions. “I take it you still haven’t found Tia?” She asked them.
“Nope, and we still haven't found our feline friend yet either. He still needs cheering up.” Cadance said. She then got an idea. “How about we save him for last?
“We find Auntie Celestia first, and have all four of us try and catch him? And once we do, we give him the best tickling he's ever had.” She suggested. Twilight and Luna nodded in agreement with the plan.
“I say that's a wonderful idea. Come, let us find my elder sister and make her laugh.” Luna said, guiding the other two princesses to find her.
–
The search for Celestia extended to the loads of guest bedrooms that filled the halls and was proving to be very difficult.
“Any weak points we should be looking for once we find her, Auntie Luna?” Cadance asked.
“Her wings are her biggest tickle spots. I remember when our mother found Tia trying to sneak some cookies for a snack when we were young and she was mercilessly tickled at the base of her wings.” Luna explained. Twilight was trying extremely hard to keep herself from giggling, and was barely succeeding. As were the other two.
“Okay, not trying to jinx us here, but shouldn't it be easy to find her? I mean no offense, but, isn’t she huge?” Twilight questioned.
“Tia and I have our “disappearing tricks” that don’t involve magic, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna informed the younger Alicorn. “While the both of us may be bigger than the average pony, we still have our ways of hiding away.”
They then came to the last guest room at the end of the hall and decided to take a look inside.
“Anypony wanna take a gander?” Luna asked, with a smirk. The younger princesses gave a nod as Luna opened the door to a seemingly empty guest room.
“Now we just have to find where that growling is coming from. Spread out.” Twilight ordered. They all spread out across the room in search of the solar princess, listening very closely for the sound of Celestia. The trio soon decided to take a look in the small walk-in closet nearby.
“Okay, are you ready?” Cadance asked, the two other royals nodding. “Okay. One, two, three!” with one big effort, they heaved the closet door open. They expected to find something but we're only met with a pile of clothes.
“Awww, dead end.” Twilight whined.
“Oh but wait, just because we can't see anything, doesn't mean there isn't something else to listen for, right?” Cadance suggested.
Luna agreed. “That is true. But what should we…”. Luna froze. She heard something. “Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” Twilight asked.
Then the sound came again.
“I heard it that time,” Cadance said. “It sounded like growling.”
“It sure did,” Twilight said. “But, it didn’t sound like any creature I know about.”
“You’re right, Twilight Sparkle. It sounded like…” Luna’s eyes widened as the noise sounded again, and this time she realized what it was. “Oh, Sister…” Luna giggled, shaking her head lightly. “You are trying to hide from us and you do it on an empty stomach? How embarrassing.”
Cadance and Twilight tried hard to keep their giggling together, and were just barely succeeding. Luna then noticed a glow coming from under the bed. She looked at her companions and pointed her wing toward the glow. Then each Alicorn gently plucked a feather from her own wings with their magic, and sent them below to where the glow was. Seconds later, they heard the delightful sound of Celestia’s hysterical laughter, as the solar princess realized she’d been caught.
“Uncle uncle!” She called from under the bed. The three princesses retracted their feathers and waited for Celestia to reveal herself. She then slowly scooted her way out and stood at her full height.
"Oh bother, what gave me away?" Celestia asked. Cadance and Twilight finally broke out in hysterics as Luna poked at her sister.
“Your growling stomach, that's what.” The teased, poking at her sister's underside, causing her to giggle. Celestia blushed a bright red as she felt embarrassed that such a natural occurrence would give her away.
“Oh well. It was fun while it lasted.” The solar princess stated as she looked around at the troupe. “Have you found Night Fury yet, by any chance?”
“Nope, he's our last one. He's got to be somewhere around here just waiting for us.” Twilight said.
“This can't leave him feeling somber once we give him a good tickling.” Cadance said. She then got an idea. “Hey, how about we put on an act for him? Let's say a little 'Tickle Monster invasion'?”
The other princesses laughed happily at that suggestion.
“That’s a great idea, Cadance. But, we should be sure to allow him a chance for retaliation if he desires,” Luna said.
“Of course, he needs to at least get the chance of getting away from this so-called 'invasion'. But where else have we not looked?” Twilight inquired, putting a hoof to her chin.
“Well, we still haven't checked around my personal quarters yet. Maybe he's somewhere around there.” Cadance spoke. The other princesses nodded with her as they decided to go looking for him.
“Okay ladies, let's go cheer Night Fury up with a good show and a lot of laughs!” Celestia cheered, leading the final charge to find the feline in question and cheer him up.
–
Night Fury sat in Cadance's personal quarters in anticipation. He had to admit that he was feeling better than he was before. All of this talk of the suspense of this game he was playing was exciting to him and he didn't hate one bit of it.
“This game is super fun! I have never felt so good under pressure in all my life.” he said, although still a bit down. He then perked up as he heard strange noises coming from all around him. Not knowing what to do, he called out.
“Hello? Who's there?” There came no answer for a few seconds before all went dark and a purple light lit up what looked like Twilight. But she didn't look like she was here to hide with him.
“Night Fury, I have come for you from another world." A ghostly voice came.
“What do you want from me?” he asked, shivering at the cold atmosphere.
“I have come to cheer you up in the most powerful way possible. I am a part of a special group of monsters that you should feel great fear for.” Said the voice.
“Wh-what kind of m-m-monsters?” He asked, terrified. The creature stayed silent before jumping out at him and yelling…
“Tickle Monsters!”
Realizing that he wasn’t in any real danger, he made a mad attempt to flee, giggling the entire time.
“You’ve gotta catch me first,” he taunted.
He darted out of the room and headed for one of the living spaces in the building, hoping to find some cover from the curtains or furniture. He turned a corner into one of the living spaces and dove behind the couch, letting Twilight pass by. He let out a sigh of relief that she didn't catch him, but little did he know, she wasn't the only monster after him.
“Oh Furyyyyyy~” another voice chimed. Night Fury's blood ran cold as he gulped and turned around, only to be met with another Tickle Monster, Cadence.
“GAH!” he screamed, and made another attempt at fleeing. He managed to outrun her and flee into the kitchen, taking a moment to catch his breath.
“Hoo, that was close. There can't be more of them roaming around here, it's just two.” He reassured himself, but he would be soon proven wrong.
“That’s what you think, silly boy,” he heard as a bright silver glow appeared behind him. He turned around and saw Luna standing there with a menacingly large amount of feathers and a grin on her face that would rival the Joker.
"There are actually three of us, but are there more? No time to find out, this monster is about to serve you up on a platter!” She said deviously as she sent all of the feathers towards him. He managed to start dodging the feathers as they flew by and kept himself from getting caught once again as he made a mad dash down the main hall.
As he ran, the three monsters behind him tracked his every move making attempts to catch him as he went. He made turn after turn, trying to get them off his tail, but they wouldn't go away. He then saw that they began to back off as he kept running. Were they making a retreat?
“Ha, see ya later! You so-called monsters are all bark and no bite!” He boasted. But one more roadblock would ultimately trip him up. He looked forward and gasped as he saw the final monster, Celestia, sitting in his way.
“Sweet mother of Equestria!” He called out in panic. He tried to hit the brakes, but the smooth crystal floors just let him skid and slide as he got closer and closer until…
“Gotcha!” Celestia caught him in her forelegs.
“Grrrr, let go of me!”
“Not a chance! Us monsters have to work together. And now, we have what we need.” Celestia spoke in a dark tone. The other three princesses soon descended upon him in his captured state.
"Well well well, looks like we have our prey.” Twilight giggled. “This is where we do what we Tickle Monsters do best.”
“Puh, good luck with that! There's still one ace up my sleeve, you all don't know my weak spots!”
“Oh, really?” Cadance asked, menacingly. “What about… here?”
She then started twirling a feather around his hind paws.
"Eh, I've felt worse.” he said casually, but Cadance was determined.
“Okay. How about here?” She moved over to his neck. No effect. She tried everywhere else, his back, front paws, and even his flanks. But she just couldn't find his weak spot.
“I don't get it, where could your weak spot be?” She huffed. Celestia then spoke up.
“Oh Cadence, why are you working around the problem when you need to get to the center of the issue.” She suggested.
Catching her drift, Cadance grinned evilly.
“Ok girls, Flip him over.” she ordered.
“Wait! What?” Night Fury yelped as the other princess did as they were instructed. Fury was soon flipped over and on his back. His eyes widened as he realized what they were doing. But before he could speak, Cadance jumped in.
“We have you where we want you. And it's time for us to do what Tickle Monsters are known for. Do you know what it is?”
“Oh dear,” Night Fury said, fearfully. “No, I don't.”
“TICKLE!!!!”
Cadance and the other princesses then attacked his poor tummy with everything they had with them. He was in hysterics, instantaneously.
“Bahahahahahahaha, nohohoohohohohoho!” He squirmed and squealed like a baby as he was mercilessly tickled.
“Coochie Coochie Coo!”
“Nohohohoho stahahahahahp!” He begged, but nothing came of it.
“Aww, he's got a ticklish tummy. How about a little buzzer beater?” Luna suggested, breathing in and blowing the biggest raspberry on his belly.
“Nahahahahahahahahahaha!”
“I've got something better, a couple of ants that I got from Fluttershy.” Twilight mentioned, revealing a container full of the insects. “Alright, little guys, give Fury your worst!”
She opened the container and the small insects began to do as they were told and give Fury a good tickling. Night Fury was kicking and squealing at the seemingly endless tickling, but soon he had enough and gave in.
“Uncle! Uncle!” He cried, after enduring ten long minutes of the brutal torture. The princesses heard the safe word and immediately stopped. Twilight recalled her ant army, Celestia and Cadance pulled their hooves away, and Luna raised her head from where she’d given him a belly blast. Fury lay there, giggling and squirming around like a child. He had never expected for the princesses to put on a show while coming after him, but nonetheless, he was feeling better.
"So, you feeling better, fuzzball?" Cadance asked, Night Fury nodding as he was still recovering from the attack.
“Say, I can’t believe I’m asking this. But, is anypony, or cat, up for another round?” Twilight asked. The other princesses took a moment to think. The game was rather fun and let them be loose for once in a while, especially for Cadence, Celestia and Luna. For years, they all have had the same problem of having to maintain a serious and impenetrable composure all day every day. But now, they could finally let loose and be silly.
“I must say, this game makes me feel so much younger." Celestia remarked. "And it's not everyday that I or Luna truly get to be free from our obligations and be the cheeky selves we were as fillies. I say yes to another round!”
“Well, I’ll admit, I did enjoy this a bit more than I thought I was going to, not that I thought it wasn’t going to be any fun, that is. I’ll gladly play again!” Luna declared.
“Well, now all we need is approval from our feline friend. So what do you say, whiskers, you good enough for another round?” Cadence asked. Night Fury had finally got himself together enough to speak fluent English and nodded.
"Sure! And I feel so much better now! I can't thank you guys enough for putting me as top priority. I would have thought that this was out of the question, considering how backed up you all are with royal stuff. But now I see that I'm just as special to you guys as you are to me, and I can't believe what I would be like if I never met you." He said, pulling everyone into a giant bear hug.
“And don’t you ever doubt that for a second.” The princesses all said, embracing the smaller feline.
"So, now that this round is over, who's next to be ‘it’?” Fury asked.
“Well, the way I play it usually begins each round with the first one who was caught to be ‘it’. So, Twilight's next." Cadence declared.
“Uh-huh!” Twilight said, blushing from the embarrassment of being caught first. “Well, let's head back to the starting point and get ready for round two!”
The other players nodded as they headed back to the throne room to begin round two. By now, Night Fury was feeling way better than he was before. This game did just what he needed it to do to cure his boredom and sadness, while also giving him a new perspective of his royal friends. He had no idea they could be so cheeky, considering they were high ranking figures that stood tall for their kingdoms. But right now, he was glad that they were showing this side of themselves, having found four new friends that he could always call on for a fun time.