It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. At Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Slice and Midnight Sparkle were walking down the path with baskets full of apples.
“Thanks for helpin me with apple bucking today,” said Apple Slice.
“No problem. Always happy to help out a friend,” said Midnight.
“Yeah there’s no way I could’ve done all of it on my own. My mom and Aunt Apple Bloom are visitin relatives. My Uncle Macintosh, Aunt Cheerilee, and my cousins Crimson Crisp and Cherry Blossom are on their own little family vacation. Appleseed and Sweet Apple can do it, but they always get distracted. And my dad and Uncle Tender Taps can’t apple buck for the life of them.”
“You forgot somepony,” said Midnight.
“Who?”
“Your little cousin Jazzy. You know, your Aunt Apple Bloom and Uncle Tender Taps's little filly.”
“Jazzy Jubilee? She’s not little for an eight year old. Sure she’s not as tall as Sweet Apple who’s eleven, but she’s taller than most fillies her age. Haven’t you seen her next to Sweetie Belle’s filly or Scootaloo’s filly.”
Midnight started giggling at Apple Slice. “I didn’t mean little as literally little. I meant little as in young. Last time I checked she’s the youngest in your family. Well, before the twins at least."
“Oh.”
“Well why couldn’t she help,” Midnight asked.
“Two reasons,” said Apple Slice, “One: a pony like her at that age would get tired after a few trees. Two: she’s scared to.”
“Scared? She’s all into adventure. How’s she scared?”
“She’s scared she might break her legs, or the apples will fall on her head.”
“Oh. Poor thing.”
"What about Rhythm Apple and Gala Medley? Jazzy's brother and sister?"
"Seriously Midnight? They're only a year old," Apple Slice said.
"I'm just kidding," Midnight said giggling.
“Okay my point of this whole conversation is that I’m glad you were able to help me out.”
“Like I said before, no problem.”
After walking for a couple more minutes, Apple Slice was reminded of something. “Hey-um Midnight?”
“Yeah,” Midnight replied.
“Could you do me another favor?”
“Sure thing.”
“I have a second cousin that lives in Applewood. Her name is Apple Cider.”
“Okay...”
“Her dream is to one day meet royalty. Since I’m friends with you she looks highly up to you.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“Because she said she looks up to any pony, especially a princess, who wants to be friends with a simple farm pony like me.”
“She does know that we’ve been friends since we were foals right? We probably wouldn’t have met if our moms weren’t best friends.”
“I know. My point is that she’s comin to visit on Monday, and I was wonderin if you could stop by and meet her.”
“I would lo-”
“INCOMING,” yelled a blue pegasus falling from the sky. “OUCH,” she yelled as it hit the ground.
“Misty! You alright,” asked Midnight.
“You hit that there ground pretty hard. Are you hurt,” asked Apple Slice.
“Nope. Just a couple scratches. This isn’t the first time this happened.”
“It isn’t,” Midnight asked.
“No. I always race my brother.”
“How does racin your brother result in you falling to the ground,” asked Apple Slice.
“I’m not as fast as my mom, dad, or brother. Whenever I race Rainboom, I always go faster than I’m used to. When I reach a certain speed, I loose control of my wings and end up falling.”
“Shouldn’t you go see a doctor or something about that,” asked Midnight.
“Nope. My mom and dad said it’s normal for pegasi to loose control if they go too fast.”
“Really? Never heard that before,” said Apple Slice.
“I never heard it before they told me either. Both my parents are Wonderbolts. I trust them when they tell me things about wings and flying.”
“Makes sense,” asked Midnight.
“By the way, Midnight I need you on Monday,” said Misty.
“For what?”
“So remember how I went to Flight Camp when I was younger?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I had a Flight Camp Reunion recently and my best friend wants to meet you. I mentioned to him that I’ve been friends with you since we were babies. His name is Comet Fire. He’s Spitfire and Fleetfoot's son.”
“Oh?”
“I know it may be sudden, but he’s visiting Ponyville and I really want him to think of it as an awesome place like Cloudsdale. Plus, if it wasn't for your mom, he wouldn't exist.”
“Wow. You’ve never acted this way towards anypony else.” Midnight started smiling, “Do you have a cru-”
“Don’t. Say. A word.”
“Okay, okay. I guess I could-”
“Wait. What about my second cousin,” said Apple Slice.
“Oh yeah. I guess I could-”
“Please Midnight. I need you,” said Misty.
“You know Misty, I asked first. First come first serve,” said Apple Slice.
“Guys.”
“Ever heard of ladies first,” said Misty.
“Guys.”
“Midnight and I were born in the same year. Sure I’m older by like ten months, but we’re still pretty close in age,” said Apple Slice.
“Guys.”
“Midnight and I were Cutie Mark Crusaders together. Remember we were best friends when we were little, ” said Misty.
"I was a crusader too with you guys. My aunt started the crusaders. We wouldn't have been crusaders if it weren't for her."
“GUYS!”
“Yeah Midnight,” they both said.
“Both of you have good reasons for me to meet your friends, but I just can’t choose on the spot. I need to think about this,” explained Midnight.
“That’s okay Midnight,” said Misty.
“Yeah. Take all the time you need,” said Apple Slice.
“Thank you. Now, I’m gonna go out to town and get lunch. See ya later.” Midnight started to walk away when Apple Slice and Skylar started glaring at each other. “And don’t you dare hoof wrestle you two.”
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Midnight was walking into town to get food when all of sudden...
BAM!
“Cheesecake? What are you doing,” Midnight asked.
“Oh hi Nighty. I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” said Cheesecake.
“Why.”
“So you know Pumpkin Cake.”
“Yeah.”
“Well she has a friend from the Crystal Empire that totally adores Strawberry and I.”
“Yeah, and...”
“Pumpkin Cake mentioned that we’re friends with a princess.”
“Okay.”
“AND SHE WANTS TO MEET YOU!!”
“Wait. What even is this “friend’s” name?”
“Sugar Sprinkles, she lives in a bakery in the empire. That’s kind of how her and Pumpkin Cake got to know each other.”
“And when is Sugar Sprinkles coming over?”
“MONDAY!”
“Monday? Um.. I don’t know. I’ll have to se-”
“Oh there you are Midnight,” said a dragon/pony hybrid.
“Jade? You’re looking for me?”
“Yeah. You know how we’re so close. We’re practically cousins,” said Jade.
“We are kind of cousins I guess. I mean your dad is a dragon that was hatched and raised by my mom and is basically a brother to her.”
“Exactly! So can I ask a favor of you?”
“What is it,” Midnight asked a little annoyed.
“My friends from Canterlot are coming over this week. They meet royalty all the time, but they have yet to meet you. They’ve met Princess Celestia, Princess Corona, Princess Luna, Prince Stargaze, Princess Cadence, Prince Shining Armor and their kids, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.”
“They haven’t met me, but they’ve met my mom.”
“Yeah weird right. So my friends are the son of Hoity Toity and Photo Finish, Shining Star, and the daughter of Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, Noble Grace. They’re coming on Monday!”
“Monday!?”
“Yeah Monday!”
“I think I’m-”
“Um, Midnight,” asked a yellow-green pegasus, “Do you have a minute?”
“What do you need Lightning?”
“So, my mom has a friend named Tree Hugger.”
“Okay...”
"And she married my uncle Zephyr Breeze."
"Okay..."
"And they have a daughter who's my cousin."
"Yeah, that's usually what happens when your uncle marries someone. Their kid becomes your cousin. Who would've thought?"
"Anyway, my cousin's name is Tree Embrace."
“Tree Embrace? I’ve heard many odd names in Equestria, but that one is probably the weirdest.”
“That's not her actual name. It's a nickname my aunt Tree Hugger came up with and it kinda stuck. Uncle Zephyr isn't really fond of that name. My mom blames Discord. Not sure what that’s supposed to mean. Anyway, she’s coming to visit and she wants to meet you.”
“Why?”
“Because I mentioned to her that I’m friends with a princess.”
“Of course.”
“So can you meet with us on Monday.”
“Monday? Really? I-uh-”
“Sorry to be rude, but Midnight’s meeting my friends on Monday,” said Jade.
“NO! She’s coming to meet Pumpkin Cake’s friend on Monday,” said Cheesecake.
“What are you talking about,” said a voice, “She’s coming to meet my second cousin on Monday,” said Apple Slice.
“Apple Slice!? What are you doing here. Have you been following me?”
“No. I’ve been following her,” said Apple Slice pointing at Misty.
“What!? I just want to make sure Midnight’s meeting Comet Fire on Monday,” said Misty.
“But she has to meet Tree Embrace on Monday,” said Lightning. The five of them just continued to argue over who Midnight gets to meet on Monday until Midnight couldn’t take it anymore.
“ENOUGH! Look I know all of you have good reasons for me to come meet your friends.
“To have a second cousin’s dream to come true,” said Apple Slice.
“Two ponies getting to meet all of Equestria’s royalty,” said Jade.
“TRUE LOVE,” said Misty. Everypony just stared at her. “I-I mean for a fr-friend to meet a p-princess.”
“Look. I’m starving. I can’t think of anything on an empty stomach. I gonna go eat.”
“Fine,” they all said.
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“I don’t want to hurt any of their feelings. Which one am I gonna choose,” Midnight asked herself. “I should just eat. I shouldn’t worry about this right now-”
“HEY THERE MIDNIGHT,” yelled Apple Slice.
“Apple Slice? What are you doing here? What’s that behind you?”
“Just a cart full of delicious apple products. I’m ain't gonna tell you all the names of these meals, so why don’t ya dig into this here delicious pile of deliciousness.”
“You made all of this?”
“Nope,” said a voice from behind the cart, “He did not.”
“Hey Sweet Apple. Who made all these meals?”
“I did. If you remember correctly, this guy has no cooking talent what so ever,” said Sweet Apple.
“Now I remember,” said Midnight.
“Well what are you waitin for? Take a bite,” said Apple Slice.
“Well to does look deli-wait, why are you doing this? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday,” asked Midnight.
“No. I’m just trying to help out a very hungry friend,” said Apple Slice.
“What are you talking about,” said Sweet Apple, “You said that’s exactly why you’re doing this-,” she was cut of because Apple Slice had covered her mouth with his hoof.
“Look, I know you really want me to come meet your second cousin on Monday, but giving me food is not gonna work. Now if you excuse me, I’m gonna go eat,” Midnight said as she walked away.
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Midnight sat at the outside dining part of a restaurant. She was still trying to decide which friend to help out. “Oh, they all have really good reasons. I could go with Misty because it’s to impress a stallion, but there would be four sad ponies.”
“Uh Miss,” said a waiter
“I CAN’T DECIDE!” Midnight had almost got the attention of everyone outside. “I mean, I’d like a Hayburger with Horse Shoe Fries please.”
“Sure thing,” said the waiter as he walked away.
“I wish I had someone to talk to about this. Like mom with the gala tickets. She had Uncle Spike to talk to,” Midnight said to herself.
“Here you go miss,” said the waiter.
“Thank you. I’m starving.”
Midnight was about to take a bite, but the waiter interrupted her. “Uh Miss? Are you going to eat in the rain?”
“What do you mean? It’s not raining.” She looked out to Ponyville and saw that it was raining, just not on her. She looked up and saw Misty. “Aura Mist, what are you doing? Are you trying to get me to come to you on Monday?”
“What? Of course not. I’m just trying to keep my best friend dry while she eats her food,” said Misty with the sun shining behind her.
“I’m not choosing you right now,” said Midnight.
“Fine,” said Misty as she zipped up the clouds.
“Thank you.” Midnight picked up her food with her magic. As soon as she picked up her food, rain started pouring down. “Just great”
“Midnight, it’s raining,” said Jade who was dressed in a raincoat with an umbrella.
“No. Really,” Midnight said sarcastically.
“Come one let’s go fix you up,” said Jade, “We’ll go to the spa. We can have a girls’ day out!”
“No no no! I’m not choosing right now,” Midnight said as she flew away.
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Midnight flew all the way back to her home in the castle. She then flew all the way up to her room. When she got there, Lightning was cleaning her room.
“Lightning, not you too,” said Midnight.
“I remember you mentioning awhile back that your room needed cleaning, so I decided to help you out.”
“No no no!” Midnight flew out of her house and landed right in front of the doors of the castle. “Can’t they just leave me to decide who I’m gonna choose.” Midnight continued to think about it until she was swept off her feet
“Midnight is my bestest friend whoopee whoopee...” Cheesecake sang as random ponies threw Midnight in the air.
“Cheesecake...”
“She’s the cutest, smartest. all-around best pony..”
“Cheesecake...”
“I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party party...”
“Cheesecake...”
“She’ll come to visit Pumpkin’s friend for me!”
“CHEESECAKE!” As soon as Midnight said that, she was dropped. “I don’t know if I’m gonna meet your friend on Monday.”
“Your meeting ponies on Monday,” asked one of the ponies. “I actually have a relative coming in on Monday and-”
“NO!” Midnight then flew off and had ponies chasing her. “Why are my friends just like their mothers.”
"You should be saying that about yourself too,” said Flashlight.
“Flashlight? What are you doing here?”
“I have no idea.”
“Okay...”
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Midnight was chased all the way back to her house. She went up to her room which was dark. Suddenly the lights turned on, and her friends were standing right there. “No! I’m sorry guys. I just can’t choose. You all have really good reasons and I just can’t decide who to choose. I don’t want to hurt any of your feelings.” Midnight was now crying into her hooves.
“We’re sorry Midnight,” said Lightning.
“Huh?”
“She said we’re sorry,” said Misty.
“Instead of thinking about your feelings, we took advantage of your status as princess, and that we’re best friends with a princess,” said Jade.
“We should be grateful that we’re best friends with such an important pony like you,” said Cheesecake.
“We shouldn’t have taken advantage of this with us wanting you to meet ponies we know just to make ourselves look good in front of the other pony,” said Apple Slice.
“It’s okay everypony,” said Midnight, “I forgive you.”
“You don’t have to come meet my friends on Monday. You can choose somepony else,” said Jade.
‘But I want to meet your friends. I just don’t know who to choose.”
“Why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said a voice coming into the room.
‘Mom? What are you doing here,” asked Midnight.
“I heard noises so I decided to come up. Now why don’t you meet everypony on different days,” said Twilight.
“That could work,” said Midnight.
‘It could,” said Misty, “But I still need Monday. Comet Fire will only be here on Monday.”
“I guess I could take Tuesday,” said Jade.
“I got Wednesday,” said Cheesecake.
“Tree Embrace is leaving Friday, so Thursday would be best for me,” said Lightning.
“And I’ve got Friday,” said Apple Slice.
"Hey that worked out perfectly,” said Midnight. Midnight’s stomach started making noises. “Looks like I’m still hungry.”
“That you are,” said Twilight, “Why don’t we go get Hayburgers for dinner?”
“Yeah,” they all said. They were now happy that it was able to work out for everypony in the end.