Good morning, afternoon or evening.
Today I bring you a new chapter.
If you have any criticism about the story or any suggestions, I'll be happy to hear them.
I hope you enjoy it.
This fanfiction was created by a fan for fans for the purpose of improving in the art of writing.
This story can and most likely will have spelling errors.
Any criticism (constructive or not) will be read and appreciated.
This story is not going to be a HIE or G5, it will be tinged to the G4 story, MLP: FIM.
It's been a few days since the Nightmare Moon incident and the eternal night thing.
The party didn't last long, at most an hour and that was because all the ponies were incredibly tired, most of them had stayed awake unable to sleep because they were worried about the whole "eternal night" thing that the mare in the moon was going to bring.
So, it was no surprise that as soon as they had a chance, they went home to rest.
That was especially for me and the bearers of the elements of harmony, or mane six in short, that we were incredibly tired, they from the adventure they had, me from being kidnapped and held prisoner in an extremely painful and uncomfortable position.
After the princesses left, the girls came over to say goodbye.
Pinkie immediately came over to me to give me a crushing hug, saying a bunch of words per second, although I understood the substance, which was that she was glad I was okay and then we were going to have a party for that fact, to which I tried to dissuade her but couldn't, I only got her to promise to make it a small party between the 8 of us.
Applejack slapped me hard on the back, saying I was pretty brave for standing up to Nightmare Moon like I did, but at the same time scolding me, saying what I did was pretty dumb, I just smiled at her and nodded, too tired to do anything else.
Rarity and Fluttershy both said they were glad I was okay. However, it was a little hard for me to hear it from Fluttershy considering how softly she spoke, but at least not so low as it was when we meet, and Rarity congratulated me for getting rid of my hat but insisting I stop by her boutique to give me something better.
Rainbow congratulated me for giving Nightmare Moon a certain fight but also said, rather arrogantly if I do say so myself, that if she could have fought, she would have given the evil alicorn a good fight, which I thought was rather ridiculous but said nothing.
After that, everyone went to their respective homes and that's where the day ended, so to speak.
It was still weird that I was sharing a house with Twilight, since in all the years I've known her, I've only been to her house a few times and the same on her behalf, but never for a long period of time nor were they repeated times and all those times were for studies or to take care of Spike, or to teach him.
After that, came the biggest problem of my new stay in this town, moving.
While moving is usually not a big problem for most ponies, since with magic you can easily transport all the things needed for a new home.
And more so in our case, since our new "home" was already set up with all the necessary accessories to be habitable, such as a living room, bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, etc.
But the real problem was that I was leaving behind my workshop, along with all the magical tools necessary to safely create new spells. Everything I needed, including all my notes, was there.
While they could bring them to the tree house safely, another problem surged and it was that there was no place to put them or so I thought.
Until we discovered that in this library there is a basement.
And in that basement, I had the perfect space for all my magic tools, plus some stuff Twilight brought back too from canterlot.
But also, given the layout of my new house, developing my elemental Glyphs has been out of the question. Unless I want to risk setting my new home on fire, which brings us to today.
I was currently working on the coded language to try to create something like runes, which I got the idea for recently as a way to have a backup plan in case my Glyphs didn't work.
I'm also taking care of the library along with Spike, since Twilight went off to help Applejack with apple picking since Applejack asked her to, I stayed because I have my own work to do and Spike stayed because he wanted to.
No, I honestly have no idea why Spike stayed with me, usually Spike goes with Twilight because the two of them are very close, but Spike has never stayed with me.
Well, except that one time, when he decided to sleep over with me one day, when he was still kind of young.
...Yeah, I don't want to talk about that, let's just say Twilight can be a very paranoid mother when she wants to be.
Spike is cleaning up the library a bit, as it was getting a bit dusty but it didn't take him long to finish it and now, he is sitting near me to see if he could help me.
"So... why are you doing that again?" asked Spike for the millionth time as I was writing in my notebook trying to create the correct language for the rune.
"I've told you before Spike, it's for the creation of a new form of magic" I said without taking my eyes off my notebook as with my magic I held an open book with a spell I was trying to pierce, or rather adapt.
Or whatever, I don't even know the correct term.
"So, why can't I help you?" asked Spike, looking at the books and notes scattered around me.
"You've already helped me, Spike. You brought me these books and made breakfast," I said, glancing up from my book to smile softly at him.
Spike has always been a wonderful assistant who loves to help. I'm pretty sure part of that is due to the upbringing Twilight gave him, though maybe I had a bit of an influence too.
We'll never know.
Anyway, I'm very grateful to Spike, as he's the one in this house who cook for both me and Twilight almost every day.
It's not that Twilight and I can't cook; we certainly can if we put our minds to it. It's just that we usually have our noses buried in books or busy with our own tasks. I'm always wrapped up in my research, and Twilight is deeply engrossed in her studies. It's amusing to reminisce about the times our parents had to practically drag us away from our studies just so we'd remember to take care of ourselves.
Well, it was not an easy task and definitely wasn't funny, for them at least.
Anyway, Spike smiled back at me with a proud expression and said, closing his eyes, "Well, glad to be of service! After all, I am your #1 assistant!"
At that, I just smiled and shook my head in mock exasperation.
That's right, Spike is my number 1 assistant, or rather, mine and Twilight's.
I'm not sure where it came from or why he came up with the idea, but one day, out of nowhere, during one of my study afternoons at Twilight's house, Spike declared himself our number one assistant and started trying to do everything for us.
At first it was cute, but then it was infuriating because Spike wanted to do everything for us, although after talking to him, making him understand that he doesn't have to do everything for us, he stopped.
Though that didn't stop him from still being our number one assistant, more of Twilight's than mine, since he was still living with Twilight after all, but you get the idea.
Anyway, it's time to get on with my work.
What I'm trying to do, as I had said before, is to move this spell into coded language so that it can be used on the surface without resorting to using our magic.
It is quite similar to the Glyphs I was trying to do but, unlike the Glyphs, the runes are quite limited in what they can do in comparison.
For example, Glyphs, in theory, can cast any spell with in correct coded language so that it can work, using the magic that is around us so that it can work.
But runes are more limited in some respects.
First, they can't be used for just any spell, only very specific ones like the levitation spell I'm using now.
Second, the coded language for runes is different from the one I use for Glyphs, making it harder and more time-consuming for me to create them.
Third, runes can't absorb magic from the environment as easily; I've already checked. Instead, they need an internal source of magic to work properly.
Why did I make it so different from using Glyphs? Because, oddly enough, it can't work any other way.
Runes and Glyphs are very closely related, which is why I can work on both without problems, but they are not the same.
This is because-
"Hey, Platinum," Spike suddenly said as he brought a book with him, "can't this book do you any good?" asked Spike showing me a book.
Hmm, magic lines? Isn't that the book that talked about the root of the spells we unicorns use nowadays?
Wait... that might actually work for me, I've already read that book and if I remember correctly, there are certain parts that detail the difference the way we use it today to how they used it in the past and before ponies used magic with the environment they lived in.
Smiling cheerfully, I turn to Spike putting aside my notes and the book, "that's a great idea Spike, give me the book please," I said as I held out my helmet.
He happily was about to give it to me, until he suddenly dropped the book as he covered his mouth with his hand and the other went to his stomach, as if he was going to throw up.
Wait, that's it- "Spike, you have to let it out, don't fight it" I tried to advise the dragon, who listened to me or at least I think so, since he couldn't keep up the fight and let out a burp, taking out his blue flame that soon turned into a letter.
Yes, Spike has been able to send and receive letters from Princess Celestia for a long time now.
We found out by accident, one day Spike accidentally burned Twilight's homework, which made Twilight angry, but the homework suddenly appeared in my room while I was resting after a long day, leaving me very confused.
Since then, Princess Celestia charmed Spike's fire so that he could send letters to any pony as long as Spike has a clear idea of who he wants to send them to and have a connection with them.
Luckily, it's not the first time it's happened and I was prepared, moving away from the fire before it hit me, I didn't want to repeat what happened the first time it did it in front of me.
Ugh, my fur still itches resentfully from that incident.
Shaking my head, I watched Spike pick up the letter and open it without a second thought. Before he could read it, I put the paper down and said, "Spike, what have I told you about reading the Princess' letters when Twilight isn't present?"
"Um... that I shouldn't?" said Spike, smiling sheepishly. Then, hastily, at my scolding look, he added, "But, this might be something important."
"Spike, it's from Princess Celestia. All her messages are important," I said, rolling my eyes and feeling annoyed with myself for saying it. I have nothing against the Princess; in fact, I respect her a lot, as I've said before.
The concept of a monarchy feels antiquated and somewhat flawed to me. Governance shouldn't be solely in the hooves of a single pony, but rather shared among two or more, with input from the people. This form of government persists mainly because of the trust every pony place in Princess Celestia. However, this reliance on one pony has left others feeling helpless in various situations, disinclined to take initiative knowing that Princess Celestia will handle everything for them.
You see this a lot in the nobility, like that nephew of hers...
Ugh, I don't even want to think about him.
Anyway, turning my attention back to Spike, who was watching me as I was having my little internal monologue.
Sighing, I removed my helmet from the letter and said, "Okay, Spike, you can read it, but make it the last time you read the letter without Twilight being here."
At that, Spike smiled, cleared his throat and said: "Hear ye, hear ye," oh, old English, must be something very important, "Her grand royal highness Princess Celestia of Equestria is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent city on Canterlot on the 21st day of um… yadda, yadda, yadda… cordially expends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest!"
"Eh, a second letter? That's new," I said as Spike grabbed the letter, a confused look on his face as he glanced at me for answers. Normally, when Princess Celestia sent a letter, it was always just one. It's rare for her to send a second letter.
Nodding to him, Spike opens the second letter and says, "hear ye, hear ye, Her grand royal highness Princess Celestia of Equestria is pleased to- wait, I just read this," oh, wait, don't tell me what it is- "give me a second, city of Canterlot, 21st day of... yadda, yadda, yadda... extend an invitation to Platinum Breeze, plus one guest."
As he looked at the letter in surprise, I had a look of annoyance, as I didn't like the "Grand Galloping Gala" like other ponies, this was mainly due to some bad memories I had about the gala.
Before I could continue with my line of thought, the dragon burped again, this time bringing four special golden invitations, "Look! Tickets!" exclaimed Spike excitedly, obviously more excited than I was from all the anticipation.
"Yes, they are," I said, rolling my eyes with some annoyance as I grabbed my tickets offered by Spike with my hoof and tucked them inside my cloak, waiting to be forgotten.
"Isn't that great, we should go find Twilight, she'll be so thrilled to see these tickets-"
"Then by all means," I interrupted the dragon before he could finish speaking, "Go and show Twilight those things. I still have work to do," I said as I sat down and grabbed my notes, feeling the nonexistent weight of my own tickets on my back.
"Oh...you're not coming?" said Spike looking at me confused, which is reasonable.
Normally I wouldn't pass up a chance to see Twilight, whether it was to tease her or just to hang out, either studying or... well, studying, it really was rare that we did anything else.
But I really felt like continuing my study and besides, I needed to think and decide if it was worth going to the Grand Galloping Gala.
"Sorry Spike, but I really need to focus on this right now," I replied looking up from my notes to look at the young dragon.
He looked at me, confused and hesitant about what to do, until he finally shrugged. "Alright then. See you later!" I waved with my hoof as he hurried towards the door and left the building, undoubtedly eager to show the tickets to Twilight and hoping to be chosen to go with her.
Because that's how it always is, the ponies go crazy trying to get a ticket, but the gala always ends up being a disappointment.
How do I know that? It's really simple, several years ago I went to one.
As you may know, my father is the captain of the unicorn royal guard, or was, until he retired to make room for the new sensation, Shining Armor, Twilight's brother, to take his place.
Anyway, as I was saying, considering how important the gala is for all the ponies, the guards keep an eye on the place, making sure that civil order is maintained and that no mishaps occur.
My father, being in the old days the captain of the unicorn royal guard, always had to be present at the gala, to write rotation schedules for the guards and make sure everything goes as it should.
One day, Princess Celestia allowed my father to bring me along, the reason? I don't know if I'm honest, maybe my father asked or the Princess suggested it to him.
Well, in that time since I was a kid, I always knew that the gala wasn't the big deal that everyone made it out to be, I don't remember exactly why but I definitely wasn't very excited about the idea of going to the gala when I was a kid.
That was re confirmed during the gala, since I was just a foal at a fancy party that is usually roomed with high class nobles, I ended up getting bored quickly and decided to go find my father so we could leave or something, I don't remember well.
After circling around the entire building about three times looking for my father, I had the unfortunate luck to run into Princess Celestia's nephew, Prince Blueblood.
Apparently, they brought him along so he could see what the festivities were like and get some connections.
When I saw him, I wasn't happy to see him, I don't exactly remember the reason why either but I knew it was because of something from my past life but I ignored it, thinking to give him a chance considering he was also a foal and might not be as bad as I remembered him.
I was wrong, big time, whatever education his parents gave him make him to be a [Beep] as he was as I remember, so it started from when he was a foal, as he was behaving like he was underneath it, just because he was a Prince.
He literally expected me to carry his stuff for him, or bring him his food, or be his [Beep]ing seat!
I ended up getting so fed up that I ended up throwing him into the fountain in the garden party.
Of course, I was scolded for the way I treated Celestia's nephew, although she didn't mind, as she knew her nephew could be very exasperating.
In the end I had to apologize, reluctantly, to the "poor prince."
It was super annoying.
And now I was officially being invited to the "party" I hated so much...and I'm really considering it.
While I really don't want to go, I'm pretty sure Twilight will force me to go one way or another, she has her means to do it.
I shake my head, now is not the time to think about it, I must concentrate on my research.
Then I can decide whether or not to go to that [Beep] party.
I put my hoofs on my head while massaging my head
I'm not making any progress at all.
This should be easy, I managed to generate a small fire with the Glyphs! Why can't I get this book to float in front of me with a rune?
I've managed to set up the encoded text, I've managed to get it to absorb the magic of our environment so that it can work on its own and sustain itself.
So why isn't it working?
As I was killing my head thinking, I could hear the door opening.
Maybe Twilight can help me with my little problem, she's smarter than me after all.
Uh...
"Oh. Um... excuse me Platinum, I hope you don't mind if I come in..."
I blinked, not waiting at all for the little Pegasus in front of me to come through the door, before giving her a soft smile, "Good afternoon, Fluttershy, it's no problem for me, after all the library is open to all the public." I said, despite being quite curious as to why she came despite Twilight not being around and definitely not coming for me, but I kept it to myself.
"Thanks, I hope I'm not interrupting anything" Fluttershy says as she gives me a shy smile looking at all the books lying around along with several of my notes and some objects.
"Not at all, in fact, I was just about to take a break." I said as I closed the book that was floating with magic and my notes and stood up to stretch. Phew, I feel more battered than I thought, I must have been in that position for longer than I thought.
Looking at the Pegasus pony in front of me, I couldn't help but have to sate my curiosity and asked, "If you don't mind telling me, what brings you here Fluttershy? Neither Twilight nor Spike are around at the moment," it was then that an idea popped into my mind, remembering Spike leaving to tell Twilight about the tickets, who at the moment was with Applejack.
Don't tell me that by a quirk of fate, or rather for the sake of plot, all the mane six girls found out about the tickets.
That means.
Instead of answering my question, the yellow pony turned and said to someone outside, "You can come in now," and then, to my surprise, multiple creatures from the forest suddenly entered the building.
Looking around, I could see a rabbit, a squirrel and three birds.
Fluttershy must have noticed my puzzled look, "I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to clean up the library a bit for Twilight. I thought it would be nice of me to be a good friend to her. Oh, and for you too!" she said adding that last part nervously.
I couldn't help but smile and chuckle a little, "Hoping to win her sympathy so she can take you to the gala?" I said as I looked at the animals doing some unnecessary cleaning as Spike cleaned the library before he left.
He stopped midway through giving his bunny, who I have no idea what his name is, a brush, "What, oh no, I never-!"
"It's okay Fluttershy, feel free to dust the library all you want, I'm sure Twilight will appreciate it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have something to do." I said as I ignored her thanks, using my magic I returned the books I used to their respective shelves and picked up the rest to take to the basement.
Before leaving, I made sure my tickets were securely fastened and hidden inside my cloak, I didn't want to be in Twilight's position.
But first, "Will there be something to eat in the kitchen?" I couldn't help but wonder, as all my time in my studies made me hungry.
I was sitting at one of the tables that wasn't being cleaned by Fluttershy's little animals while reading my book and finishing the sandwich I had made myself, when I heard a muffled cry, "Fluttershy, not you too!"
"Honestly, I don't know why you're surprised Twilight," I said as I read my book, though honestly, I wasn't really concentrating on it, the soft melody Fluttershy was singing was quite distracting, considering it was a nice tune and made me quite sleepy.
Not that I was going to admit it, it's kind of embarrassing.
"Oh! Well, hello Twilight," I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath at her innocent tone of voice, "I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you two." I laughed again at the poor lie Fluttershy just told.
You're a sweetheart Fluttershy, but you need to get better at your lies.
"It's summer."
It is indeed.
But that reminded me of a song lyric.
Well, more like just its melody but now it's stuck in my mind.
"Oh-" why does she keep saying oh at the beginning of each of his sentences? "-well, better late than never, right?"
...that's not how it works, Fluttershy, Besides, I'm certain this place had a thorough spring cleaning not long ago.
"It was Angel's idea" eh, so the bunny is named Angel, good to know.
Seriously though, blame the bunny Fluttershy? I thought better of you.
Angel doesn't seem to mind though and it seem happy about it, maybe it was really his idea?
"You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" of course not Twilight, she's doing this out of the goodness of her heart.
...Wait, she might very well get to do this out of the goodness of her heart, even if that's not the case this time.
Uh, I hadn't thought of that.
I should improve my sarcasm
"Oh, no! I'm doing this for you and Platinum are my best friends, right Angel?"
At that, I just blinks in bewilderment at her, "do you know that level of friendship can only be achieved over time, right?" the Pegasus just shrugged innocently, causing him to facehoof at the silliness and putting my eye roll.
'Angel' seemed to agree with me.
"Oh, yeah, we're just doing this for the ticket," at that, both Twilight and I blinked, neither expecting the blunt one. Then I hear the loudest growl I've ever heard from a stomach...other than my own but luckily, I've already eaten.
Uh... that food was made by the rabbit? I wouldn't eat it if I were you, Twilight.
"No, no, no!" it's okay, Twilight, there's no need to get so frantic about refusing a meal, there are better ways, though I understand your irritation. "Well, this is all very kind of you and Angel, but I won't accept any additional favors until I've made my final decision," at that, I nodded approvingly, as sometimes you need to be firm to be listened to, "So I'm going to ask you to leave-!"
"Surprise!" at the sudden super loud sound, I drop the book I was reading to see Twilight being kidnapped by pink hooves.
Stepping out to see what's going on, I see something quite surreal.
"Twilight is my bestest friend, Whoopee! Whoopee!"
"Pinkie…"
What…
"She's the cutest, smartest, all-around best pony! Pony!"
"Pinkie…!"
…am just witnessing.
"I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party! Party!"
"Pinkie!"
"She'll give her extra ticket to the gala to meee!"
"PINKIE!"
"Yes, Twilight?" after throwing her some sort of party or something, Pinkie approached Twilight happily hoping she had won the ticket.
That... was really weird, but honestly, with only knowing Pinkie for a short time and a little bit of my memories, it's something she would do just to try to win Twilight over.
But it was still very chaotic and annoying.
"At least the other ponies are trying to be subtle about the ticket!" said Twilight annoyed getting up from the ground.
"Wait... what ticket? What gala?" uh oh.
"Oh, you didn't know?" wait, no Pinkie- "Twilight has an extra ticket for the Grand Galloping-!" before she could finish her sentence, I rushed to her side to cover her snout but the damage was already done.
"The Grand Galloping gala?!" exclaimed all the ponies around us in unison.
After that, everything went into chaos, with all the ponies talking, flattering Twilight to curry favor with her to get them to take them to the gala.
Twilight and Spike tried to escape but the ponies surrounded them offering favors among other things.
Seeing that they were in trouble, I tried to rush to help them but I couldn't get close and before I knew it, Twilight and Spike were running away and the army of interested ponies followed them.
Uh, that just happened.
I feel kinda worried for Twilight and Spike but I can't help them now.
Entering the house and closing at the door, I see Fluttershy standing there while together with her animals.
"Um... I don't mean to be impolite, but you all need to leave, at least your animals, Fluttershy," I said as I opened the door. The animals seemed a bit offended, but after some kind words from Fluttershy, they left, except for the rabbit, who decided to stay close to its owner.
"Oh, Platinum, you dropped these," said Fluttershy as she grabbed some tickets, my tickets, oh [Beep] me, "oh, you got your own tickets to the gala too?"
"No, Fluttershy, they are tickets to the great beyond" I said resignedly but also expressionlessly.
"Oh... why?" at her response, I couldn't help but give myself another facehoof at the fact that she didn't detect my sarcasm.
I seriously need to improve my sarcasm.
"Yes, Fluttershy, these are my tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala" I said as the Pegasus gave a silent squeal of excitement, then an idea occurred to me "uh... you can take them if you want" I offered, extending my tickets towards her.
The pony's eyes widened in shock as she approached me, "Both? But one is for you, and the other is for whoever you want to take with you, right?"
I shrugged, knowing this gave me an excuse not to go. "I'm not the biggest fan of big social events, and honestly, it's no big deal. Take them, you can bring along the bunny or any of your other animals," I said, ignoring the rabbit's protest squeals. Clearly, he didn't want to go to a boring event either. We're on the same page, little buddy.
"But...it's the Grand Galloping Gala! How could you possibly not want to go?" he said as he looked at me, not taking the tickets from my hoofs.
"Simple, like this," I said as I dropped the tickets on the ground, showing how much, I cared about the event, much to the dismay of the Pegasus in front of me.
"But... it would be impolite to refuse such an invitation from Princess Celestia!"
"Yeah, well... it sucks to be her, doesn't it?" I said as the pony gasped again in shock, this time accompanied by her rabbit in shock, an amused smile crossed my face, amused by the whole situation, "I can't just be forced to go to an event I don't want to go to, no matter how much I respected the Princess," I said as I looked at the tickets to then look at the pony in front of me. "Take them, I don't need them, besides I don't want to go through the situation Twilight is going through right now," I said as I went to sit at the table where I was reading my book, to go back.
Well, time to continue relaxing- oh, my thoughts are interrupted midway when the yellow Pegasus came to my side and left the two fallen tickets next to my book, "I'm sorry," she started sincerely, "but I can't accept these tickets; they are for you and whoever you decide to bring, it wouldn't be fair of me to take them away from you, it's not right,"
"Sometimes life isn't fair Fluttershy," I said closing my book and looking at her, "besides, you'd be wasting the tickets, I don't need them, I don't feel like going to a high-class party full of snobby nobles and arrogant studs,"
"It can't be as bad as you say, Platinum," said a voice turning me to see the blue Pegasus, Rainbow Dash with a smile, along with the other girls who at one point entered the house.
Seriously, how did all five of them get in without me noticing?
Looking at her, I said, "Have you ever been in the gala, Rainbow Dash?"
At that, her look turned shy, "Well...no, but I've always wanted to-!"
"Exactly, now do me a favor and please shut up," I said as I stood up from the table, ignoring her jaw dropping at the sudden command, or favor.
Looking at each of the assembled mares, I looked at them with a hard stare, "look at you, all of you; trying to win Twilight's favor so she could take you to the gala, but instead, you just ended up annoying her. Do you honestly think she would just share her ticket with any of you?"
"Of course she would," Rarity said in protest, not liking my annoyed tone, "We're her best friends-!"
"Exactly, ALL of you are her best friends! Although, saying you're her best friends despite the short time you've known her seems a bit absurd to me," and no, I'm not saying this out of jealousy or anything. "Do you really think she would take just one of you to the gala if she can't take all of you? No, the most likely thing that would happen is that Twilight would return the tickets to Princess Celestia-" I said, ignoring their gasps at the thought "-because she can't decide who to take. You might not know this, or maybe you haven't noticed, but Twilight values all of you equally. There's a reason she decided to stay here in Ponyville instead of going back to Canterlot. And if you keep pushing her for the tickets, you'll only make things worse."
After I finished speaking, I let my words sink into their skulls as I drank some water, not bothering to hide my smile as I watched the ponies look away in embarrassment. It felt good to make them reflect on their behavior today.
Seriously, they call each other their best friends despite only knowing each other for a short time, they didn't know Twilight like I did, and no, I'm not saying that out of jealousy.
"Well, gee, I hadn't thought of it that way..." Applejack was the first to respond, as she rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, "I guess we've all been pretty selfish with poor Twilight."
"Indeed, Applejack," Rarity said as she nodded her head, her tone suggesting she was embarrassed, "I feel ashamed for picking on dear Twilight like that!"
"Oh! Oh! I know!" I couldn't help but chuckle a little at the enthusiasm the pink pony had, even in a tense moment like this, it really represented laughter, "As soon as I get Twilight, we'll apologize to her!"
"Great idea, Pinkie!" said the blue Pegasus as she nodded her head then looked at me, or more specifically at the tickets resting on the table next to me.
Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like what she's about to say?
"So, Platinum... you sharing that ticket or what?" Yeah, I didn't like it at all.
The sound of my hoof slapping my face was heard throughout the library.
After a long time, after dark, Twilight and Spike finally return home. The indescribable sound of the transportation spell, which can only be described as a "POOF!" was suddenly heard and I lifted my head from my book, which is a science fiction book if you were wondering, to see the appearance of Twilight and Spike.
"Uhh... phew, looks like Twilight's magic wasn't controlled, considering Spike's appearance.
One negative effect of teleporting is that if you don't do it correctly you can hurt yourself, though not the user.
The spell is meant to keep the user safe regardless of the user's mastery of the spell, the same cannot be said if I teleport someone with it.
"Let me know the next time you're going to do that..."
"I didn't even know it was going to happen!"
"Hi Twilight, hi Spike," I greeted as I casually approached them, wondering how long it would take for them to notice the other ponies in the room.
After the discussion, they decided to wait quietly for Twilight to return, thankfully leaving me to enjoy my reading in peace. "You guys look terrible."
"Now is not the time, Platinum, now quick Spike, lock everything up!" I couldn't help but blink with a mixture of bemusement and amusement as they closed all the doors and windows and turned off the lights.
Looks like they had a good time, at least now I don't have to worry about their well-being.
After they finished, they sighed in relief and leaned back against each other.
Then the main light came back on.
Uh, it seems that in the midst of all the chaos, she didn't realize the other girls were here.
And I unconsciously brought my hoofs to my ears as I watched Twilight scream in frustration, my goodness, she must have reached her peak of how much she can take today.
"I can't decide!" the unicorn said as she started to panic and I unconsciously moved to her side, "I just can't decide! It's important to all of you and I can't bear to let you all down and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference! Because you're all my friends! And I want to make you all happy! But I can't, I just can't!"
She ended with an exhausted collapse, putting her hooves on her head and sounding deeply ashamed to admit the truth, I put my hoof on her back and started stroking it in an effort to soothe her, comforting other ponies at times like this has never been my forte.
It seems Applejack had the same idea, because she reached over and put her hoof on her.
"Twilight, sugar..." why does she call us all "sugar"? "We didn't mean to push you so hard; you see, we didn't really come here for the tickets." And you can believe those words, since they come from the bearer of the element of honesty.
Twilight looked up in surprise, "You're not? But-!"
"We've all thought about it and realized how selfish we were, it's your choice, not ours, who you decide to take with you. We won't hold it against you."
"That's right," added Fluttershy as she flew over to us, offering her support. "It's terrible how I, how all of us—" hey, don't include me in that group, "—made you feel bad." "And so did I! It's no fun picking on a friend!"
"Twilight, it was unfair of me to force myself on you like I did."
At their words, I nodded in approval, at how well behaved they were and the fact that they were learning their lesson.
"Yes! That means the ticket is mine!"
...well, not all of them.
"I got the ticket~! I got the ticket~!" before she could continue her dance, a lightning bolt rang out and struck her flank, causing her to jump in surprise and look at us in bewilderment, seeing that they were all looking at my flaming horn.
I just gave her an annoyed look, which got the message across, I also ignored the disapproving looks Applejack gave me.
"Uh, on second thought, anyway, I haven't perfected my signature move for the Wonderbolts anyway, I don't need the ticket either."
I smiled, happy to see that now I was really thinking things through.
"We were all so excited about going about going to the gala, but Platinum-" my ears perked up at the sound of my name and I looked at them, seeing that they were still talking, "made us realize how obnoxious we were being, told us how much pressure we were putting on you."
Spike looked at me in surprise and I just smiled back, though I felt a little embarrassed to be called that.
"Sorry Twilight!" I smiled reassuringly as I watched Twilight smile at the chorus of apologies from her "best" friends, as she stopped stroking Twilight's back.
"Spike, take a note," I stepped aside to let Twilight stand up as Spike magically produced a scroll and quill from nowhere. "Ahem, 'Dear Princess Celestia'—" as Twilight began to dictate her letter and Spike wrote it down, an idea suddenly occurred to me.
Grabbing my tickets from the table, which surprisingly weren't taken by any of the ponies while I was distracted, I used my magic to slip them into the message Spike was writing, ignoring the curious looks from the other ponies.
"-'returning both tickets for the grand galloping gala'"
"What!" I grimaced a little at her shouts.
"'If all my friends can't go, then I don't want to go either!" finished Twilight proudly, smiling confidently at her own words.
I just let out a huff as I nodded, "I told you she was going to do that..."
"Well, yes, But-! Twilight, you don't have to do that!" said Applejack in shock.
"No, I've already made my decision."
"So have I," I said as everyone turned to look at me while Spike prepared the letter, "I've also made up my mind and I'm staying."
"Oh yeah," Twilight said as if remembering something, "Spike mentioned that you have your own tickets. Speaking of which, Spike, you can send the letter now. Wait, Platinum, you're not going either?"
"Nah, I'll send them back the same way you did," I said as I watched Spike send the letter with his green fire, "I was considering going, but if you're not going, I'm not going either."
"Huh?" why do you look so surprised, Twilight? "Why?"
"I have no reason to go, and even more so considering I hate that party," now everyone was looking at me surprised, considering they had never heard of a pony saying they hated the gala, "besides, I still have my research to do, so I'll be busy too."
"Well... okay," said Fluttershy to look at Twilight, who was looking at me to then turn to look at her friends, "But Twilight, you're not going to the gala either..."
"It's okay girls, I couldn't have fun without my best friends with me," she said sincerely, ignoring the twitch in my eye, as the rest of the group hugged the unicorn, I tried to pull away, but they grabbed me and forced me to join the group hug, Ugh. "So, I'd rather not go."
Eh, same thing, better to go with good company than to be left alone at a party full of noble snobs.
And Spike suddenly makes noises like he's resisting throwing up, making me slap myself in the face if I wasn't trapped in this hug, how many facehoofs have I given myself today?
"Well, wallop my withers, Spike," Applejack said, which made me blink in surprise, as I'd never heard of that term, "Isn't that just like a kid? Can't take a little feeling- hey!" started Applejack only for me to pull her away by yanking her tail with me magic, out of the way of the green fire, 'Wow nelly!' now a term I understood.
"You're welcome," I said after managing to escape the hug, stretching as I saw the letter, that was quick.
"A letter from the Princess? That was fast!" my exact thoughts, Twilight.
"My faithful student, Twilight, why didn't you just say that in the first place?" I couldn't help but let out a snort after hearing what Celestia wrote, as I watched Spike pull several tickets out of the letter, "Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" exclaimed Spike as he held up the tickets.
The mares around me let out a collective gasp, "Now we can all go!" at that, my smile evaporated.
"Well, have fun everyone," after all, there were only seven tickets, for the girls and the dragon, looks like the Princess forgot about me, which is weird but there's always a first time, though now at least I have a reason not to go.
Ignoring the look Twilight was giving me, I turned around heading for the stairs, only to turn around by a green glower, which was another letter from the Princess, "This one's for you, Spike." Spike read as he grabbed the ticket that came with the letter.
That means... oh no, ignoring Twilight's smile, Spike says, "Hey Platinum, you can keep this ticket!"
"I don't want it Spike, thanks," I said turning to go up the stairs, only to stop at the sight of the ticket rubbing in front of me, "Twilight," I said looking at my smiling friend.
"I remember you said you wouldn't go if I didn't go, neither would you," Twilight started saying as she walked up to me, ignoring the roar of her gut, "now that if I'm going, you have to go too Platinum" Twilight finished, standing practically in front of me.
I just gave her a annoyed look as I turned to her, refusing to take the ticket offered. "Yes, but that was before I decided not to go. Now you can use the ticket to invite someone else to go."
"Then I invite you."
"I decline."
"Then I decline your decline."
"You can't force me to go, Twilight. I've made up my mind."
"Well, I'm not leaving my best friend here alone."
"Why not? You have other best friends," I said, then covered my mouth with my hoof, but the damage was done.
Upon hearing what I said, Twilight blinked in surprise before giving me a mischievous grin. "Wow, I didn't know you were jealous, Platinum." I could feel my cheeks burning as the mares around us chorused with "awws."
"I'm not jealous."
"You don't have to be jealous; you'll always be my first best friend."
"I'm not jealous."
"It doesn't matter if—" I placed my hoof over the unicorn's mouth, who kept blabbering nonsense in front of me.
"If I say I'm going, you'll drop this matter," she simply nodded with a playful look in her eyes, to which I sighed and grabbed the ticket. "Fine, if I go."
I ignored the laughter that erupted all around, only to be interrupted by the rumble of Twilight's stomach, to which she let out a shy giggle.
Before I could tease her, Rarity said, "Allow us to treat you to dinner."
The ponies began to leave, and the tickets went with them, charmed to follow their respective guests. When Spike left, the ticket he was holding flew towards him, and the one he had flew towards me.
As I turned off the lights and closed the library door, I glanced at the ticket and said, "Twilight won't let me forget this, will she?" Silence was my answer, but I already knew the response. "I hate you," I said, looking at the ticket as if it were somehow responsible.
In the end, I simply sighed as I went to eat a few cupcakes.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Until next time.