Twilight Sparkle strolled down the streets of Canterlot, her nose in a book. The title was "101 Equestrian Facts to Nock Your Horseshoes Off".
"Huh! I thought Celestia was everlasting! Apparently she has only exsisted for about four thousand years!" She muttered to herself.
Twilight didn't see the four fillies in front of her until she hit them. It was quite the sight to watch them all hit the ground with the contents of Twilight's saddle bags blowing about.
"Watch where you're going you…" the leader of the group paused as Twilight's school ID found itself at her hooves. The mare gasped. "Celestia's personal student! It is an honor! Will you hang out with us today?"
"Um... I actually need to get back to studying." Was the shy reply.
"Nonsense! I doubt Celestia would kick you out because you spent the day with friends instead of studying!" One of the fillies piped up.
"Well…alright." Twilight agreed hesitantly. She looked around anxiously for a reason to get out of "hanging out" with these ponies.
"First off, introductions! My name is Jade Sets, this is FireFly, this is Sweet Stuff, and you must be Twilight Sparkle." Jade Sets said.
-----------------
Celestia chuckled when Twilight told her of these ponies. They all came from important families, and it was about time that Twilight got friends.
-------------------- Several Years Later-----------------
"Twilight Sparkle! Come here this instant!" Princess Celestia said with a slight bit of anger in he voice.
"Yes, Princess?" Twilight bowed regally before her mentor.
"Orange Seed told me that you have been rude to the servants again! Just because you are my student doesn't mean that you can order everypony around! I'm very disappointed in you, Sparkle!" Celestia lectured for the ten millionth time.
"But…I thought I was special!" Twilight had mastered whining long ago. It still worked on her sweet teacher.
"You are special, Twilight. But I think it's time that you learned a little humility. I've already talked with your parents."
"Don't ground me, Princess! Please!" Twilight interrupted.
"I have a special assignment for you and Spike. I need you to study friendship. You must send me letters on what you learn." Celestia sighed as her student interrupted her again.
"You mean I get to spend time with my friends, and call it studying!" Her eyes lit up happily.
"No." Celestia said. She watched as her student deflated. "I'm sending you and Spike to Ponyville to make new friends."
"WHAT?!" Twilight looked angry. "But I like it here! You don't have to send me away! I'll be good! I promise!"
Celestia turned so Twilight wouldn't see her tears. "Go pack your bags. You leave after I raise the sun tomorrow." Then she walked out of the room and left her student on the verge of tears.
Celestia stepped out on to her balcony.
"Oh, dear Lulu, I am worried about your return. Twilight is advanced in magic, but I doubt her ability to make good friends in time for your return. I know of no other to bear the last Element. I hope on Mother's mane that I am wrong and that she will succeed."
Then the Princess returned to bed, sorrowful after her one-sided conversation with her lost sister.
----------------Cloudsdale, shortly before Rainbow Dash's first Rainboom------
"Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy can hardly fly!" Three bullies chanted in unision.
"Great job, Cluttershy!" One of them said.
Fluttershy looked away from them, tears beginning to stream down her face. She quietly sobbed as the teasing continued. Then, out of the corner of her eye she saw a rainbow streak towards her. It stopped in front of her, revealing Rainbow Dash, the most athletic filly in flight camp.
"Leave her alone!" The brash pegusus commanded.
"Why, Rainbow Crash?" The bullies asked.
"Cause I said so, that's why! And I challenge you to a race!" Rainbow had not but confidence in her voice. The bullies quickly agreed.
Less than ten minutes later, Fluttershy found herself on a cloud with a flag in her mouth. Nervously, she started the race. Four fillies rushed past her, knocking her off the cloud. Everypony was too busy watching the race to notice. Just as she accepted death, she hit the ground. It was softer than she had imagined it, and closer than it looked. She looked down and saw several beautiful butterflies holding her up.
"Thank you." She whispered. Then a loud sound shattered the near silence she was in.
"boom!!
All of the animals in the area hid from the loud sound. Fluttershy hit the ground as the butterflies beneath her scattered.
"Ow." She said and rubbed her rump where she hit the ground. She then turned to the animals. "Hush…it's alright. Fluttershy's got you." She smiled as she gently coaxed the animals out of hiding.
"FLUTTERSHY!" The voice of her father called. Once again, the animals fled in fear.
"Daddy?" Fluttershy's father picked her up and carried her home.
"Congratulations, Flutters." Her dad said.
"What do you mean?"
"Your Cutie Mark." Fluttershy turned and squealed in joy at the pink butterflies on her flank.
----------------the next day--------
"Rainbow Dash? I just wanted to say thanks for defending me yesterday." Fluttershy said to the cyan pegusus.
"Next time, defend yourself, weakling! Cause I sure ain't doin' for ya!" She snapped.
"I'm sorry!" Fluttershy flew home as fast as her wings could take her, tears streamed down her cheeks the whole time.