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// Page 44 
// Story: The Purloined Pony 
// by Chris 
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The group of you return to Ponyville, Applejack and Big Mac taking turns carrying Applebloom. She’s not hurt, and keeps insisting she can walk just fine, but her older siblings don’t seem to want to let her go.



As you reach town, Twilight puts a hoof on your shoulder. “Carrot Top,” she begins, “I don’t know how to thank you enough. Without your help, I hate to think what would’ve happened.”



You blush at the compliment, but Applejack pipes up as well, “Yeah, you really came through. We all owe you a mighty big debt.”



“Eee-yup,” contributes Big Mac.



Applebloom leaps off of his back and gives you a hug. Whispering in your ear so her siblings won’t hear, she says, “It was a little scary when I was all alone with the boggies in there. Thank you so much for saving me.”



Flush with praise, you barely hear Rainbow Dash as she calls out from up above you, “Hey guys, I see a hot air balloon coming in from Cloudsdale! Pinkie must be back!” She swoops a little lower. “Hey, I’ve got an idea! Pinkie loves having parties, how about I go round up everypony else and tell her to throw a celebration!”



Twilight laughs. “I think that’s a great idea, Rainbow Dash!” Then looking at you, she adds, “And I think I know who the guest of honor should be.”



As Dash flies off to tell Pinkie and gather the other ponies, you feel a warm glow in your chest. Too often, you’ve felt like you’ve been relegated to the background as other ponies took the reins during crises. Today, you’ve found out what it’s like to be in the limelight, and you discovered that you enjoy being the hero of your own story. 



Today there was a happy ending, and it was thanks to you. And there’s no better feeling in all the world.






The End