//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Next Best Thing // by wingbeats //------------------------------// It was a chilly day in Ponyville, where the streets were nothing but busy. Each and every pony was doing their part to contribute to the special event taking place three nights later, hosted by Ponyville's most famous Apple farmer and Element of Honesty. Princess Cadence was sure to be dropping by as well. After all, who wouldn't miss Ponyville's Annual Hearts and Hooves Day Hoedown. It was definitely the talk of the town. The Apple Family promised that it would be a night no pony would ever forget. All were welcome, no matter if you were a pegasi, earth pony, unicorn or griffon. The attire was semi-formal (upon Rarity's request, of course). Food was no problem, as the Cakes and the Apple Family were supplying. Music would be provided by Fiddlesticks and DJ Pon-3 (a must-have, according to Rainbow Dash). It was definitely going to be a special night for all ponies with their dates. The word 'date' brought unease to a certain party planner, as Rarity brought it up at the castle. "Who are you going to the Hoedown with, my dear? Oh, you simply must have a date. You are the master of ceremonies after all!" Rarity chimed. "Ermmm...is every pony goin' with some pony?" inquired Applejack, hoping one of them had no date so she wouldn't be 'singled out', so to speak. "I'm going with Flash Sentry." Twilight squealed. She blushed faintly and tried to contain herself, as she received knowing looks from all of her friends. "Well I, for one, am going with Spikey-Wikey." said Rarity. Twilight rolled her eyes as Rarity continued. "He was so persistent in his asking that I finally said why not." "Oooh Oooh pick me!" Pinkie said enthusiastically, while holding her hoof up like a filly would in elementary school. Applejack nodded towards her, signaling she had the floor. "I'm going with Cheese Sandwich! He heard that it was gonna be the best party EVER and if you're a party pony, you definitely wouldn't miss the most Spectacular Super-Duper Party in all of Equestria! Even if it is all lovey dovey!" If Pinkie pie blushed at her last statement, no pony could tell. "I'm going with Bulk Biceps." Fluttershy declared quietly, blushing as well. "YOU'RE GOING WITH BULK BICEPS?" Rainbow Dash asked, as if she if didn't approve. "Oh yes" Fluttershy said, hurt. "Ummm...is there a problem?" "Umm no..there's nothing wrong with him. Its just...we always hang out together on Hearts and Hooves day. I hated that boring butterfly migration you made me go to but I still had SOMETHING to do!" Rainbow pouted, while crossing her hooves. She sat on her throne uncomfortably. "Oh..well Bulk Biceps asked me to go with him to the hoedown. He was so sweet about it that I couldn't say no. Sorry Dashie." Fluttershy smiled. "It's ok Fluttershy. You can go. I'll just find some thing better to do." "You mean YOU'RE NOT going to attend the hoedown?" Rarity squawked. Every one of her friends were equally shocked. After all, she did suggest the entertainment for the event. "No! And it's not because I don't have a date to go with." Rainbow lied, knowing that's exactly why she wasn't going, but she had a reputation to protect. "All that lovey-dovey stuff is just so mushy and I, the totally awesome Rainbow Dash, am NOT mushy." This brought relief to Applejack to know she wasn't alone but Rarity wouldn't let it go easily. "Oh don't be ridiculous" Rarity waved off. "You simply must go! We're all attending. And you must go with some pony." "Well..why does every pony need a date? Why can't two ponies just meet at the hoedown and have a good time?" "So are ya sayin' ya don't have a date?" Applejack said, with her quick wit and knowing smirk. All eyes were on Rainbow Dash. Oops! "Umm no..I mean yes..I mean... I have a date!" Rainbow shouted frantically. I'll get you back for that one AJ! "Oh Dashie! That's so exciting! You have a special somepony? Who is it? WHO IS IT?!" exclaimed Pinkie Pie. "Yes darling. Who is that special somepony enough to capture the heart of the..ahem.. "awesome" Rainbow Dash?" Rarity lightly interrogated, with a keen eye. "Well its...Uhh.. it's a secret!" Rainbow nodded. "We..uhh..don't wanna make it official yet! In fact, I'm going to see him..um..her.. right now!" Rainbow Dash zoomed out of the castle faster than one could say "zap apple". Only one thought came to her mind. She needed to find a date. Fast. Unknowing to Rainbow, a certain stetson-wearing pony's heart broke at the pegasus' last statement. "Are you ok Applejack?" Rarity asked, with a concerned look. "Ah'm fine Rarity. Just fine...." Applejack replied. The pressure from finding a date, the work from the event and the revelation from the cyan pegasus was just a bit too much.