//------------------------------//
// Bow to me! 
// Story: The Clock is Ticking 
// by BlueBlitzPegasister 
//------------------------------//

"What's the rush?" Said Shadow as he was flying alongside Moonlight. Moonlight silently squealed. She had a huge crush on Shadow, so him being this close made her delighted. "My mom had to see us exactly 21 minutes ago!" She yelled. Shadow rolled his eyes, Moonlight Twinkle was so wrapped up in making her mom proud. He slowed down to Apple Buck, who was trotting at the back of the group. "Hey, AB. Mind if I walk with you?" AB simply nodded. Shadow stopped flying and walked alongside Apple Buck. 
"What's up Haystack?" Apple buck said

"The ceiling." Shadow joked.

"Heh. Nah, seriously, dude. Ya always act real strange 'round Moonliaht. Anythin' ya wanna say teh me?" He winked.

"No! No.. no no no... ish.."

"AH KNEW IT!" Apple Buck yelled, a bit too loud. Everypony was looking at him. "Nuttin' ova here. Move on please." Apple Buck moved back to Shadow.

"So... How long have you had a crush on her?" Shadow rolled his eyes.

"Not long. It's just... well... hmm..."

"Alright. How's 'bout ya tell me wha ya like her?"

"Well, she's smart, talented, funny. Not to mention, she's a princess. This is the real deal, man. Every stallion's dream mare!"
Apple Buck nodded. "Ah agree, she's real smart, real cute, and real good wit' magic.  But don't get the wrong idea. I a'int got no crush on 'er, believe me! I reckon you'd be a mighty fine match fer her."

Shadow blushed sightly. Apple Buck rolled his eyes. They started to talk about the preparations for the summer sun celebrations, when suddenly, the group stopped.

"Hi Mom" Groaned Moonlight Twinkle. She bowed, which startled the rest of the group. Why would Moonlight, her own daughter, have to bow to her mother? But nevertheless, everyone bowed with her. Twilight Sparkle smiled and said, "Please don't bow to me. It makes me uncomfortable." Everyone rose, but Moonlight Twinkle stayed down.
"Get up.." Twilight said, jokingly. Moonlight rose, her eyes closed. "All of you must be tired, get some rest and come back here in 3 hours. The six young ponies walked down the hall to their room.  Moonlight opened the door with her magic and flopped on the nearest bed. Shadow trotted over to his bed, he took out a Daring Do book from his saddle bag and read. Apple Buck took a bottle apple cider from his saddle bag, walked to the window and took a sip. Sundae, Crystal, and Timid were talking about Nightmare Moon, causing Timid to squeal and hide under his bed.

Moonlight chuckled. She loved her friends, some more than others. She remembered the first time she met them....