//------------------------------//
// Magic 14: ゴルデンウィーク Ｉ 
// Story: 友達は魔法少女　～ＦＲＩＥＮＤＳＨＩＰ　ＩＳ　ＭＡＧＩＣＡＬ　ＧＩＲＬＳ～ 
// by MythrilMoth 
//------------------------------//

A council of grim-faced men and women met in a circular chamber in the government district of Pony City. Among those present were the Mayor of Pony City, a weary woman with a lined face, gold-rimmed half-moon spectacles, and grey hair, the hard-nosed, square-jawed Superintendent of the Pony City Metropolitan Police, the Prime Minister of Neighpon, the Ministers of Defense and Education, and a screen displaying the silhoutte of the Crysanthemum Empress, the moral and spiritual leader of the nation. At the center of the room, three flat screens were arrayed in a triangle upon a round pedestal, arranged so everyone in attendance could view the presentation.

"The mass incident is directly related to the previous incident which left a massive pile of dung and a large amount of damage to a city street and the city's sewage lines," the Superintendent said. "There is...an item of interest which has, to this point, remained classified. My department, upon securing this evidence, chose to seal the investigation records." He touched a screen in front of him.

On the screens, an image appeared of two halves of a large, humanoid insect creature, arranged on a gurney and tagged with evidence tags.

The Mayor frowned. "What are we looking at, precisely?"

"We're not certain," the Superintendent said. "A number of experts have examined these remains. This was an actual creature of some sort. The presence of..." He grimaced. "With apologies to Her Imperial Majesty...the presence of viscera of a type our science can only partially identify confirms this was a living creature. It appears to be largely insectoid; our experts say it bears strong similarities to a common dung beetle."

"It's rather large for a dung beetle," the Minister of Defense said.

"Hai." The Superintendent studied the image. "This corpse was found buried beneath the dung pile. We can only surmise that its existence is somehow related."

The Mayor adjusted her spectacles. "Some of the odd rumors surfacing on social media suddenly seem less ridiculous and more disturbing," she said. Coughing, she elaborated, "There are many who claim to have seen man-sized cockroaches during today's incident."

The Superintendent nodded. "Our surveillance confirms this." Another image, somewhat blurry, appeared. It showed several of the nondescript salarymen who had attacked Pony City walking alongside humanoid roaches. "This image was captured by traffic surveillance cameras."

"Are you suggesting Pony City was invaded by an army of cockroaches?" the Minister of Defense asked.

"I am suggesting nothing," the Superintendent said. "The investigation is still ongoing. What I can confirm is that apart from a number of weapons recovered in the city, no trace whatsoever remains of the agitators." He frowned. "They have simply disappeared."

"How can hundreds of men simply disappear without a trace?"

"We don't know." The Superintendent tapped his screen; the image changed again, depicting a group of girls and a young boy. "The last clear images from our surveillance network show these girls, apparently fighting the agitators. An unknown source of interference destabilized the surveillance network moments before everything...stopped."

"What do we know of these girls?"

The Superintendent touched his screen again. A new image appeared: a girl with violet hair and purple eyes. "Twilight Sparkle, a second-year at Umadakara High School in Pony City. Recently transferred from a small island. Her documentation appears to be an expert forgery, and the island she is allegedly a resident of does not exist." He frowned. "Furthermore, she was a victim in a shooting incident recently. The investigation report from the shooting is inconsistent with her appearance during this incident. She should still be in the hospital."

A new image appeared: a girl with multicolored hair and red eyes. "Rainbow Dash. Also a second year at Umadakara. Has lived in Pony City her entire life. Average student, above-average athlete."

A third image: a girl with curly pink hair and blue eyes. "Pinkamena Pie. Also a second year at Umadakara. Also a lifelong resident of Pony City. Recently revealed to be the true identity of an Internet celebrity known as Smile."

"Those other two girls...they were present with her at that publicity stunt in Hoshigusa Park, were they not?" the Mayor asked.

The Superintendent nodded. "Hai." The image changed again, showing a girl with long, elegant purple hair and blue eyes. "Rarity. A senior at Umadakara. Her family is quite affluent."

Another image. A girl with long, cherry blossom pink hair and blue-green eyes. "Fluttershy. A second year at Umadakara. She lives with her grandmother, who owns a small pet shop."

Another image. A tall, tanned blond with green eyes and freckles. "Applejack. A senior who transferred to Umadakara and began attending classes yesterday. She's originally from Cow Town, where her family owns a large apple farm."

"They're all students at the same high school," the Minister of Education mused. "Interesting."

"What do we know about the young boy?" the Prime Minister asked.

The Superintendent shook his head. "He doesn't exist. We were unable to find any records of him anywhere." He looked down at his screen. "There is one other matter. We have examined the weapons recovered in the city." He looked up. "They are fakes."

"Fakes? But...on the news, we all saw the gunfire..." the Mayor said, confused.

The Superintendent shook his head. "The guns appear to fire, but the bullets they shoot are...projections. Holograms of some sort. They're completely harmless. We have yet to determine precisely how they function."

The Minister of Defense squared his jaw. "None of this makes any sense. An army of identical men, armed with weapons that can't harm anyone, who disappear as swiftly and inexplicably as they appear. A group of high school girls who appear to have been involved in the incident somehow. A boy who doesn't seem to exist." He shook his head. "This situation is intolerable."

A soft, polite cough stilled the room. "If I may make a suggestion."

All eyes turned to the screen bearing the silhouette of the Empress.

"To act without knowledge is the jurisdiction of the fool," the Empress said softly. "My people are frightened. While they seek—and deserve—answers, I do not believe the proper course is to incriminate children when we do not know their role in what has transpired—nor, for that matter, do we know what has transpired. Suspecting these girls to be involved in these events merits caution and observation, but it does not merit action against them."

"Her Excellency is right," the Mayor said. "We're talking about children here. We must take a delicate approach."

"With respect," the Minister of Defense said, "that does not resolve the matter of public unrest over these events."

"No, it does not," the Empress said. "But I believe the wise and esteemed servants of the people of Neighpon who sit in my presence are more than capable of putting the public at ease without destroying seven young lives in the process."

"Of...of course, Your Excellency."

The Empress' screen went dark.

The council shifted, looking at one another. At length, they all turned to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister frowned. "Continue your investigation, but for the moment, those six girls are not to be investigated further. I will confer with my press secretary regarding the appropriate information to disseminate." He stood. "I sincerely apologize to all of you, but it looks as though we will be working through Golden Week..."





Magic 14: ゴルデンウィーク Ｉ


After the battle, the girls had regrouped at Rarity's house. Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy had called their families to assure them they were alright, but had gathered at a friend's house because they weren't able to get home. Applejack had called her sister and told her much the same thing; she was relieved to learn Apple Bloom was just fine, and had run into a similar problem—in fact, she was stuck at a new friend's house too. A quick word with the mother of Apple Bloom's new friend Scootaloo secured an impromptu sleepover and let Applejack breathe easy.

Once Twilight had called her mother and given her a brief summary of what had happened, Velvet and Cadance had joined them. This had startled Applejack somewhat, as she still wasn't used to the idea of people who could just appear out of thin air.

Friday, the day after the terrifying cockroach monster invasion of Pony City, was the first day of May, and also the first day of Golden Week, a series of public holidays that occurred one right after the other and lasted for five days. After the exhausting battle and the excitement of finally being a full team, the six mahoushoujo decided to spend Golden Week together, just the six of them, and bond.

"So what do you girls wanna do?" Pinkie asked sleepily. "Do we wanna decide now, or wait until tomorrow?"

"There's a delightful little inn just outside of Pony City," Rarity said. "They have a complete spa, and an artificial hot spring that is simply divine."

"That sounds expensive," Fluttershy said timidly.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Rarity said airily. "It will be my treat, of course."

"Ah dunno," Applejack said. "Ah mean, we jes' met an' all, an' Ah don't feel quite right about puttin' you out fer that kinda cash, Rarichin."

"It's well within my means," Rarity said. "And...must you call me that?"

Applejack grinned. "Heck, if it bothers you that much? Ah surely do."

Pinkie giggled. Rainbow laughed. Even Twilight and Fluttershy smiled.

Rarity sighed. "If you must..."

"Can we afford to leave town right now?" Twilight wondered. "I mean, after what happened today, we should probably be on alert..."

"The inn is close enough that we can still handle any...problems, if they arise," Rarity said.

Applejack frowned. "Ah gotta look after mah little sis...we kinda live by ourselves..."

"Hmm...yes, there is the matter of my sister as well," Rarity said, glancing toward the stairs; Sweetie Belle was asleep upstairs. "I do so hate to leave her alone..."

"Oh, that's no problem," Velvet said. "I'll be happy to look after both of them while you girls relax."

"That would be lovely," Rarity said. She frowned. "But...are you certain it's a good idea to...oh, how should I put this so as not to offend..."

"Spike isn't interested in younger girls," Twilight said bluntly. "He only likes girls that are older than him."

"Heck, it'd probably do him good to make some friends closer to his own age," Rainbow said.

Rarity gave a sigh of relief. "It's...it's not that I don't trust Spike-kun, you understand. I do, and I value him as a friend. It's just..."

"We understand," Velvet said. "We're not offended." She giggled. "Spike wouldn't be either."

Noticing Applejack's confused look, Twilight briefly explained Spike's powers, and more to the point, his source of power. Applejack's eyebrows climbed into her hairline. "So yer kid brother runs on pervert power? That's...uh...fascinatin'..."

"Please don't kill him when he pervs on you, Senpai," Pinkie said with soulful, pleading eyes.

"And he WILL," Rainbow said. "With a body like that, you can count on it."

Applejack shrugged. "To be honest, Ah ain't too bothered by pervs, so long as they don't get grabby. Heck, it's better than people bein' scared of me cuz Ah'm so tall." She frowned. "He don't get grabby, does he?"

"Spike...mostly keeps his hands to himself," Twilight said, blushing. "Unless...unless he needs to power up really fast, but...he won't actually...you know...without permission."

"How'd he do that clone trick?" Rainbow asked. "I've never seen him do that before. It. Was. AWESOME!"

"Hey yeah, how come he's never done that before?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight's blush deepened. "Umm...he can't...use fire clones...unless he's overcharged."

Velvet raised an eyebrow. "You didn't."

Twilight ducked her head.

"Does this have anything to do with why you're not wearing a bra?" Cadance asked, smirking.

"Th-that...I just felt like being comfortable today!" Twilight exclaimed. "How was I supposed to know a cockroach army would invade Pony City and I'd have to let Spike feel me up?"

"Oh...oh my..." Fluttershy said, face turning almost as red as Twilight's.

"You mean...you actually let him...there?" Rainbow asked, eyes wide.

"Can we change the subject please?" Twilight asked, burying her face in her hands.

Rarity coughed delicately. "So then. Are we all agreed? The hot springs resort, just the six of us?"

They all agreed, and a short time later, they turned in for the night.


* * * * *


The following morning, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy called home to get permission to go on the hot springs trip. Applejack, meanwhile, called her sister and told her she would be staying with a friend's mother for Golden Week, and that she'd have some company. Meanwhile, Rarity made reservations by phone and purchased their train tickets online.

Pony City was still a disaster area, but a lot of cleanup had been accomplished overnight, and there were far fewer police cordons and barricades. The morning news reported that the investigation into the mass invasion incident was still underway, but that the incident had apparently been an elaborate, malicious prank, and the mob of individuals had been armed with fake weapons. Most of Pony City had figured that out on their own, and were more annoyed than afraid.

Sweetie Belle came downstairs as the girls were finishing up breakfast; Rarity introduced her to Velvet and told her of the plans she'd made.

Velvet smiled at Sweetie Belle. "You'll be alright with staying with me for a few days, won't you?"

Sweetie nodded. "I guess so..."

"You won't be all by yourself," Rarity said. "Applejack here has a little sister about your age who will also be staying with Velvet-san, and Sparkle-san's brother will also be there. He's quite nice, I think you'll be good friends."

After that, Twilight gave Applejack directions to her place; Applejack went to pick up Apple Bloom and take her home so they could both pack, while Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy all went home to pack.


* * * * *


"So...you're all going on vacation together?" Spike asked. "Where are you going?"

"Someplace the six of us can bond," Twilight said.

"Like maybe...a hot spring?" Spike started to drool.

"And this is why you're staying home," Twilight said archly. "Besides, you need to be here in case something else happens." She patted Spike's cheek. "We're not going far, we'll be able to come back on a moment's notice if there's trouble."

Spike sighed. "I wanted to get to know the new girl better."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to annoy Applejack-senpai into kicking you in the balls," Twilight said lightly as she packed some clothes and books. "Anyway, it won't be just you and Okaasan," she said. "You'll be having company while we're away."

"Oh?" Spike asked, curious.

Twilight nodded. "Rarity-senpai's little sister Sweetie Belle and Applejack-senpai's little sister Apple Bloom."

Spike tilted his head. "How little are we talking here, exactly?"

"I think they're both...eleven?" Twilight guessed. "I've only actually met Sweetie Belle."

"Oh," Spike said. "Eh. I guess that's cool. I'll probably be busy patrolling most of the time anyway."


* * * * *


"Ah can't believe we just got here an' already you're goin' off for Golden Week with friends!" Apple Bloom said as she watched her sister pack.

"Heh, yeah, well...it's kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing," Applejack said. "Ah'm awful sorry, Ah know you wanted t' look around town an' all, but..." She smiled. "Ah'm sure Velvet-han'll take you an' Sweetie Belle anywhere you wanna go. And hey, you'll git t' make a new friend too, won't that be nice?"

"Ah guess..." Apple Bloom said, frowning. "You think maybe she'll let Scootaloo tag along with us?"

"If'n Scootaloo's parents are okay with it," Applejack said. "Oh, an' Twilight's brother Spike'll be there too. He pretty much does his own thing, but Ah'm sure he'll be around a fair bit." She ruffled her sister's hair. "It's only for a few days."

Apple Bloom ducked her head away, but smiled. "Have a good time, Anechan."


* * * * *


A little before two in the afternoon, Applejack and Rarity dropped their sisters off. Twilight left with them, and the three girls headed for the train station where they would rendezvous with the others.

The two young girls stood in the empty bookstore. Apple Bloom shuffled her feet awkwardly as she studied the pretty, well-dressed girl in front of her. "Uhh...hi," she said. "Ah'm Apple Bloom."

"I'm Sweetie Belle," Sweetie Belle said, bowing politely. "Pleased to meet you."

Twilight Velvet walked in from the back. "Sorry to keep you girls waiting!" she called with a smile. "I had to get Twiley-chan's room ready for you."

"Thank you for looking after us," Sweetie Belle said.

"Oh, it's no trouble," Velvet said. "I'm sure you'll meet Spike-kun later. He's out doing...whatever it is he does right now." She smiled sunnily at the two girls. "Do you like manga? You can pick anything you like out of the store. Your sisters said it was okay, they'll pay for it later."

"Cool!" Apple Bloom said. "D'you got th' new weeklies? Ah didn't have a chance t' git this week's, whut with th' move an' all."

"Of course!" Velvet gestured to the manga section. With an enthusiastic yell, Apple Bloom dove headlong into the stand for weekly publications, picking up the latest issue of Shonen Fight.

Sweetie Belle tilted her head. "You don't happen to like..." She stopped and fell silent.

Apple Bloom looked up from the manga. "Like whut?" she asked.

Sweetie Belle ducked her head. "No, it's..." She trailed off. "I was just wondering...since you picked up Shonen Fight...if you like Ramen Ninja..."

Apple Bloom grinned. "You kiddin'? That's pretty much th' only reason Ah even read this silly thing!" She paused, then added, "Well, that an' Gold Piece."

Sweetie Belle giggled. "Gold Piece...that's so silly!" She covered her mouth with a fist and coughed. "But...I'm glad you like Ramen Ninja...because...I do too..."

"Cool!" Apple Bloom said.

Velvet smiled. "Why don't you girls finish picking out what you want to read and then come upstairs."


* * * * *


The train ride took a little over an hour and a half. The girls disembarked, collected their luggage, and walked a short distance to a bus station, where a bus would take them the rest of the way to the resort.

"It's nice out here," Fluttershy said as they waited for the bus. "The scenery, I mean."

"Yes, it's lovely," Rarity agreed. "Very relaxing."

The bus arrived, and twenty minutes later, the girls stood before an expansive compound nestled amid a veritable forest of lush, dense greenery. In addition to leafy hedges and beds of carefully tended flowers, several rosebushes had been planted. An assortment of trees screened the traditional Neighponese inn from the street: mostly willows and cypress trees, but all along the broad walkway leading up to the doors, there were sakura which were lazily shedding petals that covered the ground in a carpet of pale pink-white.

"Kirei," Pinkie breathed.

At the entrance, the girls were met by two women who, apart from their hair color and kimono, were identical. The one on the left had long, shiny pink hair and wore a light cerulean kimono patterned with pale pink lotus blossoms, tied with a white obi. The one on the right was a reverse of the other: her glossy hair was cerulean, styled exactly the same as her apparent twin, and her kimono was pink, with an identical white obi, and patterned with pale blue-white lotus blossoms. They bowed in greeting.

"Welcome to the Twin Blossoms Inn," the woman on the left said. "I am Lotus, and this is my sister Aloe." The two each took a step to the side and gestured to the doors. "Please, follow us."

As the girls followed the two women inside, Aloe said, "It is pleasant to see you again, Rarity-sama."

"And you as well, Aloe-san, Lotus-san. Thank you for allowing me to book with you on such short notice."

"For you, it is no trouble," Lotus said. "Even had this not been the off season, we would certainly have accomodated you."

"You're too kind," Rarity said.

The girls signed the guest register, then Aloe led them to their room. "Spa services will be available from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon," she said. "The onsen is available all day, but please check with the front desk when you're planning to use it. We will be serving dinner in about two hours. Do you want the usual for you and your guests, Rarity-sama?"

"That would be lovely."

Aloe bowed. "Then please relax until then. I will bring tea in a moment." She slid open the doors, and the girls walked into their room.

"Whoa," Rainbow breathed.

The room was enormous. Two large closets were embedded in one wall, hidden behind ricepaper panels. A large flatscreen television was mounted on the opposite wall. An immense lacquered table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by cushions. The room was spotless and immaculate. Two windows set high in the wall at the back looked out on the serene tree line behind the inn.

"So we're just...all in one room?" Twilight asked. "Where do we sleep?" She blushed. "Sorry. I've never been to a place like this."

Rarity smiled indulgently. "There are futons in the closets. After dinner and once the dishes are cleared, we'll move the table and lay out the futons."

"Hey Rarichin, how come them gals're givin' you th' royal treatment?" Applejack asked.

"Oh. Well." Rarity coughed delicately. "My mother owns forty percent of this resort."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "But...does that mean..."

Rarity laughed daintily into the back of her hand. "Staying here...doesn't actually cost me anything."

Twilight, Rainbow, and Pinkie facefaulted.

Applejack laughed. "Now that's usin' yer noggin, Rarichin! You'd fit right in down in Cow Town!"

The girls stowed their bags in the bottom of the closets, then sat around the table. A short time later, Aloe returned, serving them all tea and placing two large bowls of seaweed rice crackers on the table.

"This is the first chance we've had to spend any real time with Fluttershy-chan!" Pinkie declared. "And Applejack-senpai too."

"Y'all don't gotta call me 'senpai'," Applejack said. "Jes' call me AJ." She turned to Fluttershy. "So, yer new t' all this too?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I-I just met these girls...Monday...and got involved in...in all this...Wednesday."

"It's been a really busy week," Pinkie said. "This time last week, Rarity-senpai wasn't even a mahoushoujo yet. Then we fought this big creepy bug lady and Senpai joined us, then Monday Twilight-chan got shot, then..." She shrugged. "It's just been a busy week."

"Sounds like it," Applejack said, blinking. "So...question. How come them costumes we get are so...indecent? Ah mean, Ah'm glad it's not all ribbons an' lace an' weddin' dresses an' all, but...it don't seem practical, y'know?"

"I honestly don't know why the Elements assigned us those outfits," Twilight said. "And...I'm really sorry you and Fluttershy-san have..." She blushed.

"Aw heck, it don't really bother me," Applejack said. "Ah don't mind showin' off mah body a little. Ah was jes' wonderin' is all."

"I, um, have a question also," Fluttershy said. "Why...why do I have wings when I transform?"

"I don't have an answer to that either," Twilight said. "I don't know why you and Rainbow-san have wings. Or why it's just the two of you that have them. I asked Celestia-sama, but she doesn't know either." She shrugged. "The truth is...we actually know very little about the Elements of Harmony. Celestia-sama discovered them a little over a thousand years ago. She told me that...in all that time, they've only been used once before."

"Ooh, story time," Pinkie said.

Twilight shuddered. "I don't...think you want to hear it."

"Well now you gotta tell us," Rainbow said.

Twilight sighed and took a sip of tea. "Alright." She looked around the table. "There was...someone...a long time ago. Someone Celestia-sama trusted more than anyone else in the world. She was...a very powerful sorceress. Almost as powerful as Celestia-sama herself.

"She turned...evil. She wanted...she wanted to blanket the world in eternal night. She began experimenting with darker and more dangerous magic, and eventually her power eclipsed Celestia-sama's.

"Celestia-sama and five others, her closest friends and advisors at the time, were able to activate the Elements of Harmony, and used their power to seal the sorceress away in a magical prison. They created six crystals, each containing incredible magical power, which act as an eternal seal. With the power of the six seals, the sorceress is trapped forever."

Twilight took a deep breath and studied her tea. "But...you see...that sorceress...was Celestia-sama's sister."

The others gasped.

"Celestia-sama was so distraught at being forced to imprison her own sister for all time that...she secluded herself for fifty years. The Elements of Harmony became inactive, and remained so until...until I was sent to Pony City." She frowned. "I still don't know why the Element of Magic awakened and chose me when it did." She looked around the table and smiled. "But if it hadn't...I would never have met all of you. So...I'm glad it did."

"Awww," Pinkie cooed.

"And we're delighted to have met you too, Sparkle-san," Rarity said. The others agreed.

Fluttershy looked down. "Still...I can't imagine having to...having to do that to your own sister..." Her eyes began to mist up. "She must...she must have been so sad..."

"She still is," Twilight said softly. "She hides it well, but the people closest to her can see it. Sometimes, she lets her guard down..." She shook her head and sighed. "Let's change the subject." She looked over at Applejack. "AJ-san, why don't you tell us all about yourself?"

Applejack scratched her nose. "Well, Ah was raised on an apple farm..." Her forehead crinkled. "Down in Cow Town, don't ya know. Ah got a big brother an' a little sister. Mah brother does all th' real heavy work on th' farm. Ah do most'a th' harvestin'. Uhh...mah brother, Big Macintosh, he's up in his twennies. Baachan wants him t' court, but...he's kinda shy, y'know? Don't talk much, neither. Apple Bloom, she's eleven." She put her hands on her thighs and rocked from side to side. "Mah Ma an' Pa, well...they're..." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "They're gone. Pa had th' cancer, an' Ma...after he passed, she worked herself down t' th' bone. She...she got th' pneumonia."

The others looked down at the table. "That's...that's awful," Pinkie said.

"Applejack-san...I'm so sorry," Rarity said.

"Yeah, that totally blows," Rainbow said.

Fluttershy looked like she was about to cry.

Twilight sighed. "That must be so hard for you..."

Applejack shrugged. "Yeah...it ain't been easy."

"How...how long ago? If you don't mind me asking."

"Three years since Pa went," Applejack said. "Ma passed in January. Anyway...me an' Niichan, we've been keepin' up th' farm best we can since...since then. Thing is, Ma always handled th' business on th' farm, she had th' smarts. Pa was good at growin' apples an' fixin' stuff, but he...he didn't have no real schoolin'. Niichan's th' same way...he's dang good with his hands, but he ain't much fer numbers an' figures." She swallowed. "Ah ain't all that good with it neither, but...Ah'm tryin'. Someone's gotta do it, or we ain't gonna have a farm for long. So, afore she went, Ma told me, she said, AJ, me an' yer Pa wanted you t' have good schoolin', so you can handle things when it's just you an' your brother, so Ah'm fixin' it so you an' Apple Bloom can go t' Pony City an' finish out your schoolin' up there." Applejack looked down at her hands. "Course, Ah was already about t' be a senior, so movin' to a new place an' graduatin' high school an' takin' mah exams an' all up here didn't make no sense, but...it's really mostly fer Apple Bloom, Ah think." She sighed. "Apple Bloom's a lot smarter'n me in a lotta ways." She chuckled. "An' a lot dumber in others. Ah reckon Ah'll only be runnin' th' business back at th' farm until she gets her schoolin' done, then Ah'll be right back out in th' fields. But...that's how it's gotta be, y'know? We can't lose that farm. That farm's been mah whole life. Baachan an' Jiichan build up that there farm from nothin'. It's all we got."

"Well, given the quality of your produce, I don't doubt that you'll have little trouble upholding your legacy," Rarity said with a smile. "I've truly never tasted a finer apple than the one you gave me."

Pinkie blinked. "Wait. You're not talking about Sweet Apple Acres, are you?"

"Sure am."

Pinkie gasped. "Oh my gosh! Cake-san uses your apples at his shop! The apple cakes there are the best ever, and it's because of those apples!"

"Now that you mention it," Fluttershy said, "Obaasan only buys Sweet Apple Acres jam and apple butter."

Applejack scratched her nose. "Heh, shucks, y'all. Yer makin' me blush." She stretched her arms over her head. "Ah'll be sure t' let Baachan know folks up in Pony City like her jam. She spends durn near all day ever' day in th' kitchen jammin' up a storm."

The others blinked.

"You...you mean to say..." Rarity stared at Applejack. "Your products are...are all handmade? No machinery? No...no factory?"

"Ever' apple from our farm is hand-picked, ever' jar o' jam made right in Baachan's kitchen." Applejack grinned. "It's why it's all so good, y'see."

"That's...kinda awesome," Rainbow said.

"That's SUPER awesome!" Pinkie declared. "I didn't even know people still did that!"

Applejack shrugged. "It's more common than y'think," she said. "Ah mean sure, most'a what you get at th' store is mass-harvest, factory-canned, an' such, but th' best produce an' products are all handled th' old way. Th' right way." She grinned. "Papa's favorite sake, fer example. Heck, most sake. That stuff's no good if it ain't made right."

Rarity frowned thoughtfully. "Applejack-san...surely you have more workers on the farm than just yourself, your brother, and your grandmother?"

Applejack shook her head. "Nope. It's just us. Well, right now it's just Niichan an' Baachan, but..." She chuckled. "Niichan's worth ten men on a bad day." She cast her eyes down. "He pushes himself a mite too hard sometimes, though. Especially since Pa passed. He's usually up at four or five in th' mornin' workin', an' don't quit till around ten at night." She brightened. "Oh, but he's strong, don't get me wrong! We don't call 'im Big Macintosh for his wing-wang."

"Applejack-san!" Rarity gasped, scandalized. Rainbow snickered. Fluttershy eeped and hid her face in her hands. Twilight groaned.

Pinkie giggled. "You're funny! And...and I'm amazed you can smile with all you've been through."

"Aw, heck," Applejack said. "Bein' all mopey an' stuff just ain't me." She looked around. "So, uh...that's enough about me. Ah reckon it's somebody else's turn now."


* * * * *


Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle lay on their tummies on Twilight's bed, reading comics and talking and giggling. Velvet had brought them drinks and snacks, and promised to take them out to eat dinner later.

The sun was low in the sky when Velvet poked her head in. "Girls? Are you getting along alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sweetie Belle said.

"Right as rain," Apple Bloom agreed.

"Well...Spike-kun just called; he's on his way home. If you'd like to come into the living room and watch television until he gets back...we'll be going out to eat in a little while. Or you can stay in here and read comics if you want..."

"What do you think?" Sweetie Belle asked Apple Bloom.

"A little TV sounds good right now," Apple Bloom said.

It took them a few minutes to pick something to watch. A little bit later, the front door opened. "Tadaima," a boy's voice called.

"Okaeri," Velvet called. "Our guests are in the living room."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked up as a boy with spiky green hair and bright green eyes walked into the room, hands in his pockets. "Yo," he said as he flopped down in a chair across from them.

Sweetie Belle felt her cheeks heat up. "H-hello," she stammered, her voice cracking.

"Hey there," Apple Bloom said indifferently. "You're Spike, right?"

"Yeah," Spike said. He smirked. "You must be Applejack's sister."

"That's right," Apple Bloom said. "Ah'm Apple Bloom, an' this here's Sweetie Belle."

"Rarity-sama's sister, huh?" Spike smiled. "Nice to meet you."

"N-nice to meet y-you..." Sweetie Belle said. She ducked her eyes away, suddenly shy.

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle, brow wrinkled in concern. "You feelin' alright?" she asked.

"O-oh! Um...yes," Sweetie Belle said. Her eyes flickered over to Spike, and she ducked her head.

Apple Bloom suddenly understood, and a grin spread across her face. *Ah think th' next few days're gonna be a lot more fun than Ah thought...*


* * * * *


"My mother died giving birth to me," Fluttershy said softly, eyes sad. "I...I don't know who my father is. I've lived with my grandmother my entire life. She, um...she owns a pet shop in town. Not a big one, just a little one. Oh, and...it's not the kind that actually sells pets. Just...you know...pet food and toys and stuff. Oh, and there's a pet day camp. That's the best part of the store and where Obaasan makes her real money." She smiled. "I love going in after school and playing with all the pets. I love animals." She ducked her head. "And, um...that's...that's really all there is to say. About me."

Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. "My mom died too. Not giving birth to me, but...she got sick in the hospital after I was born. Some nurse made a mistake or something, I never understood it. Oyaji sued the hospital big time and won." She looked over at Fluttershy. "So...I can kinda relate."

"Rainbow-chan..." Pinkie said sadly.

"Eh." Rainbow shrugged. "Me an' Oyaji get by okay. We've always been tight. He taught me soccer, we go jogging every morning...he's big on sports. He's a fitness trainer."

"Well, now I'm starting to understand your...rather tomboyish nature," Rarity said.

"So what about you, Senpai?" Rainbow asked.

"Oh, me, yes, well..." Rarity tossed her hair. "My mother is an heiress, my father has an uncanny talent for the financial markets. Neither of them is...how shall we say...suited for high society, despite their wealth. Still, they've provided an elegant, austere home for myself and my sister. They're constantly on the move, so I've been left to my own devices in regards to Sweetie Belle's upbringing. I'm doing my best." She sipped her tea. "And you already know my interests are fashion and Judo." She smiled. "I believe Pinkie-san and Sparkle-san are the most interesting members of our little group by far."

Pinkie scratched her head absently. "Eheh...well, my entire family is really obsessed with rocks, and I hate rocks. I love singing and dancing and making people smile, so...I secretly became a Net Idol. At first I was just doing it on my own from my bedroom when nobody but Oneesan was home, and then I got popular and I started getting producers and stuff, but I was careful to keep my double life a secret." She shrugged. "Then I met Twilight-chan and Rainbow-chan, who were my first real friends like, ever, and then I turned into a mahoushoujo and, well...now everybody knows I'm Smile, and Oneesan helped me get my family to accept it, so...now, I'm a not-so-secret Net Idol, and a mahoushoujo, and I have friends!"

All eyes turned to Twilight, who laughed sheepishly. "Well..."


* * * * *


Sunlight sparkled off the glittering spires of the Temple of the Sun. It sat atop the tallest hill on Sun Island. All around the base of the hill, the Campus of Sages stood proud, an ancient ring of six buildings, each constructed in a hexagonal shape, with brilliant, colorful tile roofs; the roofs were made of specially enchanted stones that absorbed the light of the sun, converting it into magical energy which was used to power the island's defenses.

Twilight Sparkle nervously smoothed her lavender tunic and straightened her dark purple skirt as she walked alongside her mother and Spike on the marble-tiled Path of the Sun, the road that led to the Campus of Sages and the steps leading up to the Temple. "What do you suppose Celestia-sama wants with us?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know," Velvet said. "But her message was urgent."

The trio approached the gates to the Campus of Sages. The Captain of the Guard himself stood at the gates, a younger soldier at his side. The Captain straightened and attempted to look imposing and impressive as they approached.

Velvet wasn't having it. "Shiny-chan, you have lipstick on your cheek." Twilight giggled.

Shining Armor nervously wiped away the lipstick smear. "Okaasan," he whined. The younger guard snickered; a glare from Shining Armor silenced him. Shining Armor cleared his throat. "Celestia-sama is waiting for you at the Shrine of Magic."

"Not at the Temple?" Twilight asked. She shared a glance with Spike. An audience with the Great Sun Sage was customarily attended at the Temple; for her to be meeting them at the Campus of Sages...

Shining Armor and the other guard opened the gates for them. The trio entered and headed for a building with a light lavender roof. They walked through the front doors; inside, a royal purple carpet with gold trim led through a foyer with austere columns and rows of bookshelves filled with ancient tomes. An acolyte sat behind a mahogany desk, reading. She looked up and nodded to them. "The Great Sage awaits in the Inner Sanctum."

Twilight gasped. "The...the Inner Sanctum? But...but...only the High Sages..."

"Twilight," Velvet said, laying a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Calm down."

"Right," Twilight said, taking a deep breath. The trio continued down the foyer; at the other end, there were three sets of double doors. Twilight knew that the doors to the left led to the Hall of Magic, where young mages such as herself were tested, rated, and licensed; the doors on the right led to the Athenaeum, which held the greatest repository of magical learning in the entire world. Her mother, as the Keeper of the Athenaeum, was one of the most highly-respected mages on Sun Island.

But the center set of doors led to the Chamber of Sages, and beyond that...

Velvet raised her hands, which glowed a soft white. The doors responded, shining brightly and opening. She stepped through; Twilight and Spike joined her. Once the three had entered, the doors closed loudly behind them.

The Chamber of Sages was empty. The two tables which formed a broken hexagon sat ominously to either side of the carpet that bisected the room. At the far end was a simple crystal door, remarkable only for the fact that it was made of crystal and not wood or stone.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, Spike." The voice of Celestia, the Great Sun Sage, resonated in the empty Chamber. "Enter the Inner Sanctum and join me."

The crystal door slid into the wall. Swallowing nervously, Twilight stepped forward, Spike and her mother behind her.

Twilight gasped as she entered the Inner Sanctum. The entire room was made of shining crystal. There was a dais, upon which stood an ornate pedestal. Atop that pedestal sat a hexagonal lavender crystal. Celestia stood to the right of the pedestal, her elegant white and gold gown flowing around her, her beautiful pastel hair glowing in the reflected light from the crystal walls.

"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said.

"Celestia-sama," Twilight greeted, bowing. Velvet and Spike did likewise.

"I suppose you're wondering not only why I summoned you today, but also why I've called you to such an unusual place." Celestia took a deep breath. "Twilight Sparkle...it has been quite some time since I have had the pleasure to watch a young mage with as much promise, as much potential, as you. Every instructor at the Academy of Mages speaks highly of you. You are the envy of your peers. You have surpassed every expectation."

"Th-thank you, Celestia-sama," Twilight said, blushing.

"It is for this reason that I have called for you this day," Celestia said. "I'm entrusting you with an important mission. One that will require you to leave Sun Island for the foreseeable future."

Twilight gasped. "L-leave Sun Island? B-but I..." She gulped. "H-hai, Celestia-sama. If...if it's necessary...if you trust in me to do...whatever it is you're asking me to do...then I will accept this mission." She took a deep breath. "What do you need me to do?"

Celestia's eyes were full of worry. "Are you familiar with Changelings?"

"I've studied them," Twilight said. "They're dangerous creatures from a parallel dimension of dark magic. They...they feed on human emotion. They're able to impersonate human beings...and they usually kill the person whose form they assume."

Celestia nodded. "Very good." She took a deep breath. "In the nation of Neighpon, in the place they call Pony City, someone is summoning Changelings into our world."

Twilight gasped. "But...that's impossible!"

"It's highly unlikely, true, but...nevertheless." Celestia frowned. "I have been unable to discover the identity of the perpetrator. I suspect they are hiding in a place where the light of the sun does not reach."

Twilight's eyes narrowed. "That would mean...whoever it is...they're from Sun Island."

"That's correct." Celestia fixed her gaze on Twilight. "Twilight Sparkle...I believe you are the one most suited to the task of protecting the people of Pony City from these Changelings, as well as discovering the identity of the summoner."

"You...you want me to fight Changelings?" Twilight asked. "I...don't know if my magic is strong enough for that..."

"I have every confidence in your abilities," Celestia said. "But I would not send you on such a dangerous mission without providing you with an advantage." She plucked the hexagonal crystal from its place of honor and cupped it in her hands. "You know what this is, of course."

"It's...it's the Element of Magic," Twilight said. "One of the six Elements of Harmony."

"Very good. The Elements of Harmony have slept here in the Campus of Sages for one thousand years. In fact, the Campus of Sages was built specifically to protect these six treasures." She looked down at the gem, a shadow of deep pain in her ancient eyes. "Hold out your hand, Twilight Sparkle."

"Celestia-sama...?" At Celestia's commanding look, Twilight gulped and extended her hand. Celestia descended from the dais and placed the gem in Twilight's hand.

The Element of Magic began to glow brightly...and changed shape, becoming a six-pointed star.

Velvet gasped. "It can't be...!"

Twilight stared at the Element of Magic. "What...?"

The Element strobed with a brilliant lavender light, nearly blinding everyone present.

Twilight rose into the air, a sourceless wind stirring her hair and clothes. Her clothing exploded away from her body, which began to shine with a brilliant lavender aura. The aura coalesced around her torso, arms, and legs. The nearly-blinding lavender glow slowly faded, and Spike and Velvet gasped.

Celestia smiled and raised her hand; a shimmering rectangle of reflective magic appeared in midair in front of Twilight. She caught sight of her reflection and gave a startled yelp.

Her clothing had changed: She now wore a lavender corset with violet trim along the sides, with five small, white six-pointed stars arranged in a 'belt' across her waist, knee-high lavender boots with gold trim at the top, inset with tiny six-pointed pink gems, and elbow-length lavender gloves with ribbed violet cuffs. A violet choker adorned with a large pink gem in the shape of a six-pointed star graced her throat, and matching six-pointed earrings dangled from her earlobes. She held a slim, meter-long lavender baton in her right hand; one end was capped with a small gold six-pointed star, while the other end sported an ornate golden unicorn head with a long, tapered horn and sparkling garnet chips for eyes.

"What...what just happened?!" Twilight cried, staring in shock at her reflection.

"Whatever it is, I like it," Spike said.

Celestia smiled. Her eyes shone with pride and relief. "I knew you were the one," she said.

"Celestia-sama, what...what is this?"

"The Element of Magic has accepted you as its new master," Celestia said. "You are now an Element Bearer...you are now a mahoushoujo."

Twilight blinked several times. "A mahoushoujo..."

"I believe the High Sages await," Celestia said. "Let us return to the Chamber of Sages." She raised her hands, which began to shine with a bright golden light...

...and the four of them stood in the center of the Chamber of Sages. The tables were no longer empty; six men and women, each wearing a different-colored robe, sat behind the two tables. In front of five of them lay hexagonal gems, each matching the robes they wore. The last, who wore a lavender robe, held a small, gilded chest.

Celestia held out her hand, palm-up. With a flash, a silver locket appeared. "Take this, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight accepted the locket. "What's this for?"

"This will allow you to wield the Element of Magic when needed," Celestia said. "Concentrate on returning the power of the Element to that locket."

Twilight closed her eyes. After a moment, she began to glow lavender; her clothing returned to normal. She looked down at the locket. The cover glowed; an emblem engraved itself into the silver: a six-pointed star surrounded by five smaller stars. She opened the locket and found the Element of Harmony inside, nestled in a little velvet niche which was perfectly shaped to accept it. She took the seemingly innocuous little gem out of the locket. The Element vanished.

"When you need the power of the Element, simply call it forth," Celestia said. "It will appear. Place it in the locket as you call its name, and you will become a mahoushoujo." She looked around the room and nodded to the Sages. Hesitantly, they used their magic to levitate the remaining five Elements of Harmony into the gilded chest the High Sage of Magic held. Celestia picked up the chest.

"Twilight Sparkle, your mission is to go to Pony City, eliminate any Changelings you encounter, and search for the one responsible for bringing them into our world. During your mission, you will be enrolled in one of the local schools." She turned to Twilight Velvet. "You will accompany your daughter. I have arranged for another to undertake your duties in the Athenaeum. I've also arranged for living quarters in the city. My agents in Neighpon have purchased a small book store with an apartment upstairs. This is where you will be living and working while in Neighpon."

Twilight Velvet nodded. "I understand, Celestia-sama."

"Spike," Celestia said. "You will also join them in Pony City. Your abilities will allow you to move unseen among the locals." She summoned an onyx pendant, which she handed to Spike. "Wear this at all times. In the presence of Changelings, it will react to their dark magic by glowing green. It also serves another purpose." She handed Spike the chest. "Now that the Element of Magic has awakened, the other Elements will follow suit. When an Element of Harmony is ready to awaken, the pendant will react. Until then, I'm trusting you to keep the Elements safe."

"I won't let you down, Celestia-sama!" With a burst of his own magic, Spike sent the chest into his personal pocket dimension.

"I know you won't," Celestia said with a smile. Five more silver lockets appeared in her hand. "You'll be needing these as well." Spike accepted them and sent them to join the chest.

"But...I don't understand," Twilight said. "How are we going to find five mages in Neighpon?"

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Twilight Sparkle...who said the Elements only respond to mages?"

"But...!"

Celestia raised a hand to silence her. "At this time, the school year in Neighpon is just ending. The next school term begins in two weeks. You are to use that time to study Neighpon and assimilate the local culture so you'll blend in. My agents will create documentation for you and your mother, and see to it you are enrolled in a school near your new apartment."

"But...if I'm supposed to be searching for Changelings...do I really have time for that? Not that...I mean..." Twilight fidgeted. "You know I enjoy studying, and it might be fun to see what school in the outside world is like, but..."

"It's all part of your cover," Celestia said. "You must do everything you can to appear to be an ordinary teenage girl." She smiled. "Besides, going to school is an important part of your other mission."

"My...other mission?" Twilight asked.

"I've noticed that outside of your family and Spike, you don't spend much time socializing with others," Celestia said. "Velvet has told me herself that you don't seem to have any friends." She stared into Twilight's very soul with her ancient eyes. "While you are in Neighpon...I want you to make friends."

"Friends..."

"It's important for everyone to have friends...moreso for a young lady such as yourself. Promise me, Twilight Sparkle. Promise you'll take the time to make friends."

"I...I'll try..."


* * * * *


"I didn't understand at the time..." Twilight said. "I didn't know that...that friendship was the magic that would awaken the Elements of Harmony." She looked around the table at the other girls. "I...I still don't really know any of you very well, but..." She swallowed a lump in her throat. "I...I'm glad to have met all of you."

"Awww!" Pinkie cooed, leaping over the table and tackling Twilight in a hug.

"Waaah! Pinkie-san!" Applejack and Rainbow laughed. Twilight teleported out from underneath Pinkie and straightened her clothes. "Mou..."

"No fair!" Pinkie pouted.

The door slid open. Lotus knelt outside, head bowed. "We are ready to serve dinner now," she said.

"Thank you," Rarity said primly.


* * * * *


Velvet took Spike and the girls to FcBURGER for dinner. "So, girls, tell me all about yourselves," she said as she added dressing and red pepper to a teriyaki chicken salad.

"Umm...you go first, Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said hesitantly.

Apple Bloom had just taken a big bite of her cheeseburger, so it was a moment before she replied. "Well, Ah'm from Cow Town, mah family owns an' runs Sweet Apple Acres, that's a big apple farm down there. Mah Mama an' Papa done...done passed away, an' me an' Anechan came here t' Pony City fer our schoolin'. Ah miss Anichama an' Baachan, but...Ah been here two days an' Ah already made some new friends, so maybe it'll be okay."

"Your folks are gone?" Spike asked. "That sucks."

"That's very sad," Velvet said. "And you, Sweetie Belle? I've met your sister, but I'm afraid I haven't gotten to know her very well yet."

Sweetie Belle was looking down at her food instead of up at everyone else. "Anou..." she began, her voice cracking, "Okaasama and Otousama make lots of money, so we're very well-off, but...they're never really around. Oneesan takes care of me...and teaches me about how to..." She looked up, caught Spike's eyes, then ducked her head again, blushing. "How to...be a proper lady and...be all refined."

"Well that sounds...interesting."

"I, well...I really just want to play like the other kids," Sweetie Belle said. "But Oneesan keeps saying that isn't what a lady does, and I have to be a lady, and..." She took a sip of her shake. "So, I have to do what she says."

Velvet frowned mildly. "I don't think that sounds very fair at all."

"Rarity-sama wouldn't make you do anything that wasn't good for you," Spike said.

"Now Ah don't know so much about that," Apple Bloom said, gesturing with a fry. "Older brothers an' sisters got a funny way of decidin' what's good fer ya."

"Anou...what about you, Spike-san?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Huh? Me?" Spike blinked. "Uhh...well...I just moved here a few weeks ago with Obasan and Neechan."

"Obasan?" Apple Bloom asked, looking curiously between Spike and Velvet.

Velvet sipped her soda. "Spike-kun...he's sort of..." She glanced at Spike, who shrugged helplessly. "He's not related to either of us by blood," she finished.

"Oh, so he's adopted?" Apple Bloom asked.

"No, no," Velvet said, laughing. "He's just...he..."

"I wanted to come to Pony City with Neechan, and my folks said it was okay," Spike said.

"Oh. Well that's cool," Apple Bloom said.

"What school do you go to?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I'm...homeschooled?" Spike ventured hesitantly.

"That's exactly it. Spike-kun is homeschooled," Velvet said.

"Hey Spike, do you like Ramen Ninja?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Ramen Ninja?" Spike echoed, tilting his head.

"You know, that manga so many children your age like," Velvet said.

"Oh. I haven't...really read it," Spike said.

"We're not from Neighpon," Velvet said. "We've only been in the country for a few weeks."

"Oh," Apple Bloom said, sounding a little disappointed.

"Ah, you're from another country?" Sweetie Belle asked brightly. "Which one?"

"It's...you wouldn't have heard of it," Velvet said. "It's a really small country."

"Yeah, it's like, barely a country," Spike agreed.

"But what's it called?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Maybe I can look it up on the Internet!"

"I really don't think you'd find anything," Spike said. "We just call it Sun Island."

"Sun Island, huh?" Apple Bloom asked. "That sounds..."

"Sunny?" Sweetie Belle offered.

"Yeah, sunny."

"It is very sunny," Velvet said with a smile.


* * * * *


After dinner, the six girls decided to make use of the onsen.

"Now this here's livin'," Applejack said. Her hair was floating loose in the water, and she sat against the edge of the spring, her towel folded up into a makeshift pillow which she laid her head against.

"You can say that again, darling," Rarity said. "This water is very relaxing, and very good for your skin."

"So this is an onsen," Twilight said. She, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash had towels wrapped around their bodies; Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie had entered the bath nude. "I read about them, but the actual experience..." She blushed. "You're sure nobody can see us out here?"

"There's a three-meter fence around the onsen," Rarity pointed out. "And this resort has segregated bathing. AND we've reserved the bath for the next hour."

"Yeah, relax Twilight! As long as Spike didn't follow us here, there's nothing to worry about!"

The girls paused to contemplate that.

"Yyyyeah okay that didn't help," Pinkie admitted with a nervous giggle.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Okaasan's making sure he doesn't find out where we are."

Rainbow looked around at the other girls, then down at herself. She sighed. "It's not fair," she whined.

"Aww, don't be all pouty!" Pinkie said.

"What's wrong, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"Look at you girls!" Rainbow cried. "ESPECIALLY you, AJ!" She threw her hands out. "You're all like BOOM and I'm like—" She blew a raspberry.

"Well, Twilight's more like zwoo," Pinkie pointed out, waggling her fingers.

"Yeah, but zwoo is better than pthbbbbbpt," Rainbow muttered.

"You know..." Twilight said suddenly, "it DOES seem like every time a new Element awakened, it chose a girl whose breasts were bigger than the last."

"Oh, please, darling, that's entirely a coincidence," Rarity said. After a pause, she added, "Besides, Fluttershy-san's chest is not bigger than mine."

"Yeah, she's built about like me," Pinkie said. "They just look a lot bigger in her bunny-girl getup." She got up and walked over to Applejack. "Now AJ here, she's the queen of Boobtopia." She wrapped an arm around Applejack, seizing her breast and giving it a squeeze.

"H-hey now!" Applejack said, squirming. "Cut that out!"

"Aww, I just wanted to touch it..."

"Well ya done got yer feel, now get outta my personal space!" Applejack thundered, face red.

"Ahem...Pinkie-san..." Rarity averted her gaze. "Perhaps you should AIIEEEEEE!"

Pinkie had moved over to Rarity and was groping her. "Wow, yours are soft," she said. "AJ's are kinda hard!"

"Pinkie, willya cut that out?" Rainbow cried. "Sheesh! If you wanna play with tits that bad, play with your own!"

"Eh, I can play with my own any time," Pinkie said.

"Uhh...Pinkie...you ain't...you ain't a..." Applejack swallowed. "You ain't queer, are ya?"

Pinkie giggled, letting go of Rarity. "I'm not a lesbian, silly! I just think boobs are fun."

"Uhh...okay then..."

"Just ignore Pinkie," Rainbow said. "She's crazy."

"That's me!" Pinkie agreed, nodding.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Y'all sure are somethin' else," she said with a chuckle.

After bathing, the girls put on yukata, drank fruit-flavored milk, and played a few rounds of table tennis before returning to their room, laying out the futons, and turning in for the night.


* * * * *


"So, you got a crush on Spike, huh?" Apple Bloom asked as she and Sweetie Belle changed into their pajamas.

Sweetie Belle's face burned red. "Wh-what makes you think that?"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "It's pretty obvious," she said.

"W-well..." Sweetie Belle said, ducking her head and poking her index fingers together. "He...he's just...really cute. And he looks...cool."

"If you say so," Apple Bloom said, shrugging. "Welp, Ah'm beat. G'nite, Sweetie Belle."

"Goodnight, Apple Bloom."


* * * * *


Seven people gathered at Hoity Toity's posh, upscale apartment.

"This is all that's left?" Hoity Toity asked, looking around with a frown.

A woman with dark lavender hair sighed. "That...whatever it was...that wiped out the Infestation killed all the rest."

A tall, musclebound man in a white shirt grunted. "They were weak. We're strong."

"That power...it affected all of us," a slight man in a hoodie said. "We've all been weakened."

"We have another problem," an old man in the robes of a Shinto priest said. The others turned to him. "I've lost contact with our Queen."

The others hissed. "That's...! But how?"

"I don't know," the priest rumbled. "But for the time being, we should feed." He frowned. "Keep these forms if at all possible. We're strong enough to feed without killing."

"Where's the fun in that?" the purple-haired woman asked.

"This isn't a joke, Vespia!" the priest snapped. "We need to be careful. Our enemies are much stronger than we anticipated! They defeated the Infestation! The entire Infestation!"

"And they killed Princess Pupa."

"Alright, fine," Vespia said, rolling her eyes. "So you just want us to what, lay low and feed?"

"For now," the priest said. "I'll keep trying to reach the Queen."

One by one, the Changelings left, returning to their stolen lives.