//------------------------------// // Chapter 17 - Pranking Day // Story: Star Dust // by Juu50x //------------------------------// Star Dust Chapter 17 Pranking Day The morning had started rather good. Last evening was rather uneventful, Star thought, but she didn't mind it. She was just thankful she could spend time with Twilight, even if Spike was with them. But the few times, when Twilight seemed to have thought Star wasn't looking, she had glanced at her with worried and even suspicious looks. That had almost made Star to ask why Twilight was looking her like that. But realised that would just lead her to a conversation she could lose immediately. Especially with Twilight's dragon assistant there as well. Besides that, the night had gone well, and this time she felt better rested than usual. And a new day had dawned. Only, the new day didn't seem to be a good one for the young dragons mood. ”Oh for the love of...!” Spike cursed when he stepped outside and found out that the entrance of the library was fully covered in snow. ”I just cleaned that up yesterday.” he groaned. Smacking his hand against his face and slowly trailing it down while a heavy frown rested on his face. “Don't worry Spike, Star and I can lend our horns.” Twilight said, looking at her dragon assistant. “With that at least you can do your job bit easier.” both Twilight's and Stars horns gave a quick flare, which got the dragon in better mood. “Well, if you say so Twilight then I don't mind at all.” Spike said smiling, putting his jacket on. Star and Twilight quickly following in suit. “There was certainly much more snowfall this year than last,” Twilight commented when they entered outside the library. She was rather surprised to see just how much snow had been gathered around her home. It reached all the way to her chest. “This might take a while.” she said bit more quietly. It did take a while, but with Twilight and Star, the snow was cleared up in couple hours. Spike looked really satisfied. “Well, I'm off to read some books about gems then.” he said happily. Before he could fully reach the door, a very large pile snow suddenly dropped from the skies, right perfectly front of the door and blocking Spike's entrance. “Oh COME ON!” he cried out, his hands stretched out. And then they heard familiar laughter coming above them. “Oh you've got to be kidding me Rainbow!” Twilight groaned loudly. Her horn glowing and soon the cyan pegasi was dropped in front of her face. Grinning apologetically. “Sorry Twilight,” she laughed. “And same with ya Spike.” she said, turning her head to the dragon. Who just just huffed, his back turned. “Just having little fun here.” “That's right.” another voice then said above them. Twilight, Star and Spike looked upwards with quite shocked looks on their faces as they saw something that never should be. Pinkie Pie. Standing. On a CLOUD! “What are you all looking at?” Pinkie asked innocently? Blinking rapidly and innocently. While Rainbow started laughing hysterically as Twilight dropped her “Wha-? How? When?” Twilight's brain was now going over-drive. While Star and Spike were just looking at the pink earth pony as if seeing her the first time. “Aaaaaw man, we really got you! Didn't we Pinkie?” Rainbow asked, slowly getting up. But having bit a trouble because of the heavy giggles that left her. “Just look at all of your faces!” “But-” Twilight stammered looking at Rainbow, then back up at Pinkie. “How?” whatever else Twilight had to say was drowned to her illegible mumblings. “Oh, these?” Pinkie asked innocently, showing one of her hooves. Which had your regular winter shoe, but this one had very small miniature pegasi wings on back of it. “These are really nifty things.” she smiled. “Came into the market around last Hearth's Warming Eve.” “They give the ponies that can’t walk on clouds a little help,” Rainbow then explained. Her laughter finally calmed down. “Especially those that don’t have an egghead that can cast a cloud-walking spell. So, here is a fix for that problem.” “But those no doubt are quite expensive.” Spike the pointed out. “How were you able to get those?” “Eheheh... well,” Rainbow chucked, rubbing back of her head. And Star noticed there was small embarrassment in her tone. “Well, I had a good luck.” “Yeah, especially when you are- HMPHMMP!” Pinkie's snout was quickly covered by Rainbow's hoof. “Pinkie!” she whispered loudly. “That is a secret!” there was a muffed “Oooooh.” as Pinkie's eyes widened from realizion. “Sorry.” she giggled when Rainbow removed her hoof. “Well, that's great and all, but you two just made my day a lot longer.” Spike growled at the ponies above him. Stars horn then glowed and the pile of snow blinked out of existence. Only to re-appear right above Pinkie and Rainbow. “HEY!” both of them exclaimed, as they left their small cloud. Both Twilight and Spike laughed at this while Star was grinning mischievously. “I think you two deserved that.” Star said, her horns glowing diminishing. Rainbow gave Star annoyed and deadpanned look while Pinkie had a thoughtful smile on her face. “Now that was a nice counter Starie.” Pinkie complimented. Suddenly both Twilight and Spike sharing worried expressions. “What ya say if you joined us?” “What?” Star asked surprised. “What!?” asked Rainbow loudly. “Oh no...” both Spike and Twilight said. “Join you? For what?” Star asked, tilting her head slightly. “Well, doing pranks of course silly!” Pinkie proclaimed proudly, spreading her front hooves. Something inside Star made her feel a strange tingling. A feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Both Spike and Twilight could see a small mischievous glee in her eye. “I'm out. I don't want to be around this.” Spike through his arms up, going inside quickly as possible and slammed the door shut. “Are you sure Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow asked worriedly. “I mean, sure Star is nice and all, but she doesn't look like a good prankster.” Star then sent Rainbow a challenging glare, which the pegasi didn't notice. But Twilight did and felt whatever was going to happen, wasn't going to end well and she should probably stay away from it. “Oh come on Dashie,” Pinkie giggled. “Can't you already see how good she is?” Pinkie pointed past Rainbow, who made a confusing frown looking to her left and saw Star with her mischevious grin and horn glowing. “What is that suppose to m-?” Rainbow wasn't able to finish her sentence as the snowy ground below her came to life. All the snow started swirling around her and Rainbow could feel a strong wind blowing, but only around her. before she could react, the world was swirling around her and soon her vision was covered by the snow. The, as soon as it had started, it had ended. “What the hay!?” Rainbow tried to keep her stance clear, but her head was still spinning from the surprise. Meanwhile, Pinkie was laying on her back giggling hard while Star just looked with satisfied look. Twilight's was more of disapproving. But couldn't help but crack a smile. It had looked rather funny even if she might not wanted to admit it. “You were saying.” Star smirked at still confused and bit upset pegasi. “Okay, you totally got me...” Rainbow pouted. She really got me by surprise. she then smirked. I'll get you back from this. “Sooooo...” Pinkie asked longley. Looking at Rainbow with large questioning and bit begging eyes. “Well, after that little demonstration there, I guess you’re cool enough.” Rainbow said with playful dismissing tone. To which Star replied with a playful tone. “Just 'cool enough'? I think I can beat you with everything.” Twilight shook her head. “Oh, is that a challenge?” “Maybe?” “This is GREAT!” Twilight on the other hand started leaving. “Twilight?” Star asked, remembering that she was still around. “I think I'm going to sit this one out.” she deadpanned. “I just don't want to have anything to do with this.” Star suddenly felt her stomach squirm at Twilight's tone her her confused expression changed more to distressed one. She didn't wish to disappoint Twilight like yesterday. Twilight noticed Stars expression, and quickly put her hoof on Stars shoulder. “Hey, there is no need to be like that.” she comforted. “You can go with them if you like.” she then smiled. That smile quickly became more serious. “But you better keep your antics away from me if you want to step inside my library again.” she warned. Which seemed to make Star blush while nodding fiercely. Behind them Pinkie and Rainbow were giggling at Stars reaction, which caused her blush even more and Twilight glaring at them which shut them up. With that Twilight gave Star a quick smiling glance before entering the library and closing the door. Star then awkwardly looked at the two other mares. “So,” she began. “What we do then?” slowly new smirks started to form on Rainbow's and Pinkie's lips. And Star felt her own smirk starting to form. “So, she went with them?” Spike asked when Twilight had removed her winter clothing. “Yes.” Twilight patiently replied. Trotting to the living room, quickly checking the fire was still on. Spike blinked at Twilight's response. “Just like that?” he asked, walking after her. “Well, of course I would let her go if she wanted to have some fun.” Twilight told him. Seating herself front of the fireplace. Spike looked at her confused. “But why did you let her go with them?” he then asked, sounding worried. “Aren't you worried that they just might do some kind prank when we are least expecting it?” Now Twilight was wearing a very devious grin on her face which caused slight shiver ran down on Spike’s spine. “That's why I placed a small defensive spell on her incase for that.” she then turned her head at a bookcase on her left and used her magic to pick up one book at random. “OK.” Spike said with a small sigh in it. “If you are sure about that.” with that Spike left to do what he did best. Quickly check everything was at least good and then return to his book. Twilight giggled at Spikes comment, while opening the book. And besides: I have enough trust in Star that she won't even dare think about pranking me. she thought to herself. But then raised a wondering eyebrow and looked upwards. But knowing Rainbow and Pinkie, they might try to pressure her to do it... she tapped her chin with her hoof. She shook her head dismissively. That counterspell will do the trick if it comes to that. Then another doubt started to creep to her mind. Star seems to have a very good knowledge about magics and spells, so there is possibility that she might have noticed it. However, she didn't seem to notice it at all. So there is that chance. Or was she pretending... Twilight shook her head again, and placing her hoof now on her head. I'm thinking too much into this! I need to wait and see how things go. She glanced to outside from the window. if it fails, I just have to give them a good lecture. for some reason, Twilights mind started to wander back to Star and what she so far knew about her. And what she liked about her. She seems to have very good grasp on use of magic and its theories. that earned a very big and happy smile on Twilights face. Although she seems to know a lot more that she lets on. Just how much does she know, and is she even more powerful? That made her slightly worried. A pony with too much power could cause quite lot of problems and she had some experience from that. she is a really nice person and has good sense of humor. Maybe bit too competitive like Rainbow Dash. At least those two seem to work well together. she seem to take some things too seriously. that made Twilight giggle quietly, as she recalled their first slumber party. Twilight turned her eyes from the window back to the book. Now, back to business. Hmmmm... I wonder what I book I picked up? “All You Needed To Know About Dating 101” Twilight's cheeks started to burn brightly. Why did I pick this book!? she quickly started to put the book back it's place, but something seemed to have halted that thought and the book slowly levitated back to her. It doesn't hurt to read a little bit doesn't it... she tried to humor herself. It's not like I plan on dating Star or anything. she laughed weakly. Suddenly her stomach made a twist, but not the kind it does when you eat something disgusting. But she probably would be nice compa- This was made from a strange kind of nervousness, and her cheeks still felt warm. What is it about you Star that makes me feel like this? she wondered. And what am I going to do!? she looked back at the book. With a considering look in her face. Maybe. Just... maybe? “For the love of Celestia! WHOEVER IS DOING THAT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!” a purple pegasi stallion yelled very annoyed when another snowball hit the back of his head. The three mares, far away enough were snickering hysterically. The plan had been quite simple. Rainbow and Pinkie had the stallion distracted, Star had placed a small spell on him that “attracted” the snow to fly towards him. In form of small snowballs. Which now had flew towards him many times. This time the stallion had learned not to look behind him when the snowball made contact. immediately another one flew towards him. He quickly dodge, figuring out their flight pattern. “Well, it seems somepony learned.” Rainbow said. Her laughter contained. Star was still smirking, looking at them. “Oh, I'm not sure about that.” she said. Turning her gaze back to the stallion. And watched as the snowball suddenly turned around and hit the shocked stallion in the face. All three of them giving out new sets of giggles as the stallion had found himself laying on his back. “OK, I think this is quite enough.” Star said, smiling. Her horn glowing and quickly dimming. Both Pinkie and Rainbow giving small disappointed sigh's. “Have to say, you completely took me by surprise.” Rainbow finally admitted. After a long day of pranks being done, as the day was already setting. “Those pranks were just hilarious!” Pinkie over exclaimed. “That spell that made Cheerilee's book fly,” Star had used a spell on the teachers books, that made them fly around her like pestering birds. “Dancing candles and cakes.” Rainbow snickered. Pinkie had quite a blast with that. At first she had been unsure about the idea when Star had suggested it. But after a good explanation from Star, she decided to go with it. And it was quite funny. As all the pastries and candles started to sing and welcoming each customer. It had been quite funny in its own right. “Where do you come up with this?” Rainbow then asked. Star giving them a knowing smirk. “I have a good history of throwing some pranks.” she then looked around, as if expecting somepony was listening her. “Especially to my sister and some of our... 'guests'.” she told them, much more quieter tone. “Well, you certainly got your prankster heart in the right place.” Pinkie smiled, placing her hoof onto Stars chest. “I think you are not our honorary member of Ponyville Prank Cult.” “What?” Star made a face. “Ooopsie. Sorry, I meant Ponyville Prank Society.” “Okay...” “Yeah, she certainly has earned it.” Rainbow then said, walking beside to Pinkie. “But I think there could be one more 'test'.” she told with a smug look on her face, which got Star worried, but also feeling like taking up the challenge, or whatever Rainbow had in mind. “And what you have in mind Dashie?” Pinkie asked interested. Twilight felt her cheeks were still feeling quite warm. Even though she had finished reading the book, the context of the book was still haunting her mind and she swore she could few times see certain lines fly by her eyes. “What am I going to do!?” Twilight said out loud, distressed. The book, and the context inside of it had bothered and distracted her mind from all the other things she had in mind. “Do I really look into Star differently that I had thought?” she wondered out loud. “Would she return these feelings? Or am I just over analyzing this?” Twilight breathed. “Yes! That is! I'm again just over analyzing and making these assumptions up!” she convinced herself. Or rather tried. Twilight took couple deep, calming breaths. Trying to think of about this the most logical way she could. But the logic just didn't seem to belong into this situation. But Twilight was able to calm herself down. What am I going to do- “Hey Twilight.” Spike called from upstairs. Breaking Twilight's trail of thought. “What is it Spike?” she called back. “Just letting you know that the snowbirds are invading the library.” the way Spike said, was strange as it was rather calm as if he had experience from this. “What?” Twilight jumped and ran to the nearest window to look. And Spike wasn't lying. She could see at least dozens of small white and round birds flying around her library making strange kind of noise that wasn't the usual bird chirping. And Twilight could immediately feel frustration slowly building up. Oh, you've got to be kidding me... she groaned. Her forehead then rubbing at the windows edge. But she then jerked back from startling when few of the birds had spat very small snowballs at the window. “Oh this is getting ridiculous.” Twilight murmured. Walking to the door. “Alright, I suggest you ponies come out and stop this ridiculousness and-” few of the birds and turned to her and spat their snow at her, cutting of her lecture. “Aaaah!” Twilight exclaimed when the snow hit her hooves and face. Dropping her on her back. Somewhere, she could hear Rainbow's howling laughter and Pinkie's giggling snorts. She got up quickly, her horn activating and firing few beams, which either hit or missed their targets. “I'll give you this one chance to walk away and just suffer my lecture!” Twilight called angrily. That only got much bigger laugh from Rainbow Dash. “Oh, I'm so scared!” she heard Rainbow laughing. “Star!” she then called. “I know you are behind these birds, so stop at this moment or I'll give you a heck of a lecture!” For a moment, nothing seemed to happen as the birds still were on her. But then, slowly each one of them started to dropping on the ground. And soon all of the birds were turned back to snow. Twilight sighed relieved. “Well, go to know one of you is at least bit mature about this.” she complimented. “Now, if three of you would step here and- AAAAAAH!” Twilight screamed when she was raised from the ground the world started swirling around her. And this time she also heard Stars voice laughing. Alright. Twilight thought, her patience lost. You three asked for it. Twilight's horn the glowed, But only for a couple seconds. Quickly the swirling snow halted and dropped Twilight on her hooves. then a larger version of the small twister was formed and quickly started to move to a direction of Star and her accomplices. A small special Tracking Spell and you didn't notice it. Twilight chucked. Then again, it is rather unnoticeable, so that was to be expected. She watched as the twister seemed to have reached its destination. It stayed in its place for a while, until Twilight could see three figures being thrown out of it and were now falling towards her direction. The screams of the ponies were brought to a sudden halt as they hit a very soft pile of snow. Good thing I placed few of them around the library for this. “Oh, heheh, hey there Twilight...” Rainbow awkwardly chuckled as she was the first one to get up. “Hiya Twilight. What’s up?” Pinkie innocently greeted as if nothing had ever happened. “Uuuuh... hey Twilight...” Star said very, very awkwardly. Which caused Twilight to think: That is just adorableSTOP! “Anything else any of you want to add?” A long silence. “Drat!” Star then cursed. Punching the side of the library, And in return got buried under a pile of snow. Much, much later. “ACHOO!” Star sneezed. “Bless you.” Twilight said. Seating herself next to Star. “How are you feeling?” she asked sincerely. No hint of “I told you so” or anything like that in her tone. Star blew another hankey before answering. “Good.” Star sniffed. “I guess...” everything around her seemed to swirl horribly. Thankfully not as bad as a few hours ago in Twilights twister. “Uuuuum... Twilight...” Star started awkwardly, not daring to look at her at the moment. “About that little prank-” “No need to stress yourself about it Star.” Twilight said dismissively. Raising her hoof. “I think I gave you a good enough lecture.” she smirked, which caused Star to murmur from embarrassment. “And you don't really have to feel embarrassed about this. You just wanted to have a good time.” “But you don't always have to have too much fun.” Twilight quickly added. Star then mumbled something. “Sorry, what was that?” “I was actually more against this...” Star said slightly louder. And Twilight wasn't fully sure if the redness on Stars cheeks were from the fever at the moment or the embarrassment. Or even both. But that didn't matter because she was trying to make sure her own face wasn't going to glow. “Oh, well, good know.” she awkwardly smiled. “But maybe next time you should try not to give into Rainbow's pressure.” she tilted her head. “She doesn't mean anything bad with it, but it's just her competitive side that often times gets the better of her.” Star nodded. “Noted.” she replied. Before sneezing fiercely. “What you say if I go and make you some warm strawberry juice?” Twilight got up. “That would be lovely.” Star said. Wearing a bit goofy smile on her face. “And I doubt you just could join me here when you return?” she suddenly suggested, in rather suggestive tone. Which caused Star to make a small yelp before putting both of her hooves to mouth. While Twilight was now fighting against the blush while her eyes had grown on their size and her mouth had very wide and confused frown. “Sorry!” Star squealed behind her hooves. “It's just the fever...” “Eheheheh. It's... it's OK.” Twilight awkwardly said. Her body suddenly feeling rather twitchy. “I'll... I'll just go make the juice then.” What is my brain doing!? “Sure. Thanks.” Star thanked. “And... sorry... about that comment.” she then apologized. “It, it was stupid.” “No harm done Star.” Twilight appeased. Feeling little bit more calm and in control again. “They were just some funny fever-ish words.” she humored, still feeling the heat on her face since Star’s suggestion sounded rather nice to her “Alright. And thank you again.” Star smiled back. Burying herself deeper into the blankets. Twilight was about to leave, but suddenly Star stopped her. “Twilight, wait.” she quickly called back. “Hm?” Twilight asked, turning back to Star. “I- there is something else I would like to sa- talk with...” Star said shyly. Rubbing her hooves together. “Something... important...” Twilight felt her heartbeat quickening. Was Star now probably going to tell the truth. Star was about say something, but then seemed to doubt, looking away from Twilight. As if considering and weighed something. “I... I...” she struggled. Twilight waited patiently. But inwardly she was very nervous. And she could that Star was no doubt feeling the same. But then she suddenly had a disappointed and sad look on her face. “It's nothing.” she sighed sadly. “It's so important.” she added. Shaking her head slightly. “It's OK.” Twilight said comfortably. While hiding her own disappointment. “But, can you stay with me?” Star then asked, so innocently and sadly that Twilight wanted to go to her and just hug her. “I'll be back soon.” Twilight said. Leaving the unicorn alone with herself. When Twilight had left, Star punched her blanket. This is the greatest humiliation of my life! Star, or Luna bemoaned, feeling like smacking herself hard. First I get tricked by Rainbow and because of my error I now suffer a flu! A FLU! And then THIS! she felt small tears forming in her eye. Why must this be so hard?