//------------------------------//
// Being Gilda's friend 
// Story: Rainbow over Griffany: RotE Episode 7 
// by Dream Volt 
//------------------------------//

	Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity were staying behind.  Celestia was for the moment, but she had a busy schedule and would switch with Luna once she finished her visit to somewhere else.  I know I'd heard where a few times, but I wasn't paying enough attention.  Also Gilda was coming with us.  She'd stay in the embassy in Canterlot this time, and might actually do the job she was supposed to, but I had the feeling Pinkie wouldn’t be much of a taskmaster like her dad had been.  I was a little surprised we were leaving so soon, but AJ and Fluttershy both had stuff to do back home, and I had to pull the blimp.  One of Luna's unicorn guards was the one running the magic thing on the blimp and piloting it.  We had almost finished with our goodbyes.

"Now Rainbow, are you sure you'll remember…"

"I'm sure.  Geesh.  I totally know right where your parents house is, I can tell them easy."

"Very well.  I still can't believe Rainbow knew and you do not dear."

"I'm sorry, you never took me to see them." Said Fluttershy

"It's alright dear.  I'm sure it will be fine."

"Do you think we should go over my checklist again?"

I sighed.  "Twi, I'm pretty sure eight is enough."

"I love that show." Said Pinkie  "I mean it's not my favorite, but still funny."

Gilda laughed  "I have no idea if that makes any sense, but whatever.  You know, I really think I could really get to like you after all.  I mean I didn't think you had it in you."

"Do you mean muffins, cause I just ate and totally have muffins in me."

Gilda just blinked, staring for a moment.

"Well I guess you should just go." Said Twilight.  "We'll see you all once this is all wrapped up.  Luna or Celestia will teleport us right home, depending on who is here at the time."

"But it might be a while?" asked Fluttershy.

"Don't worry, I think we can make short work of things here." Said Rarity.  "As long as somepony doesn't keep making our job harder."

Pinkie rolled her eyes.  "What?  Balloon quality control is really important."

"Not important enough that…"

"Shut it." Yelled Gilda  "If we have to wait for you to finish that lame argument we'll never leave.  Anyway, as I was saying.  I really respect you Pinkie."  Gilda then got a huge grin on her face.  "I didn't think you could be so ruthless."

"Ruthless?"

I sighed.  "G could you maybe not…"

"Nope, I can't.  Yea, ruthless.  It should really win over the populace despite the whole humiliation of you actually winning.  I mean some griffins will hate you anyway, but that kind of vindictive behavior must have really won over more than a few griffins."

"Vindictive?"  Pinkie's mane looked slightly more limp

"Yes, downright cruel really.  But really it doesn't matter too much whether they hate or love you, the really important bit is after the dragon bit they fear you."

"Fear."  Pinkie then blinked.  "I'm a ghostie?"

"I dunno, you still make no sense to me.  But yea, I didn't think you had it in you to be a fearsome and terrifying queen, but you did it."

Gilda then spun around and walked into the blimp, barely holding back her laughter.  Pinkie just stood there for a while, hair looking slightly limp.  Then she ran after Gilda.

"Get back here.  That's not right.  That's not right at all.  Don't respect me."

"What the hay just happened?" asked AJ

I sighed.  "Welcome everypony to your introduction to being G's friend."

"You mean even when she likes you she's mean?" said Fluttershy

I nodded.  "Sometimes meaner, because she knows how to push your buttons."

"Well I don't know about you Twilight, but I'm suddenly glad to be here a bit longer."

"I suppose."

I then walked into the blimp, looking for Gilda and Pinkie.  I think it will take a good long time before anypony else really gets Gilda.  If ever, and of course I'm pretty sure a real good understanding of how she is might still not be enough.

"I am not a mean Pinkie.  I'm not mean.  Now slow down so I can prove it to you with this hammer."

I blinked.  Of course with Pinkie the normal rules never applied.  I had no idea how this would all turn out between them.  I also didn't know we had a hammer onboard the blimp.  I wonder what Pinkie is planning to do?