//------------------------------//
// Chapter 16 - Out of the Frying Pan... 
// Story: The Steeden University of Culinary Arts 
// by Dee Pad 
//------------------------------//


The Steeden University of Culinary Arts
By Dee Pad
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Chapter 16: Out of the Frying Pan...

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The night air over Trotholm was cool and mild, making for a nice night to take a walk or go jogging.  It wasn't exactly warm, as autumn was just around the corner, and there was a brisk breeze that may elicit shivers from somepony who wasn't accustomed to such temperatures or dressed appropriately.  Perhaps if it were midday, the sun would make the weather a tad warmer, to the point where additional clothing might not be necessary.  But it was quite late now—past midnight in fact—closing in on one o' clock.

Of course, that didn't stop four particular ponies from enjoying a refreshing breath of crisp, Steedish air.  Rainbow Dash, Candy Cane, Puff Pastry, and Sugar Cookie had been out and about for several hours now, but none of them would have guessed that.  As they made their way back to the university after their night on the town, the quartet of mares walked with chipper smiles on their faces, continuing their friendly conversations as they went.

It was a long night for them, but it certainly didn't feel like it.  Aside from aimlessly wandering the city, they had made a few stops during their outing.  They found a nice little restaurant shortly after stepping out and decided to grab a bite to eat; it might be one of the last times they had a chance to do so with the end of their course and graduation fast approaching.  But as the night went on, there were fewer and fewer places for them to go, with most places of business closing as the sun went down.  Pretty much the only places left open were various twenty-four hour corner stores, and they didn't really have any reason to visit one of those, aside from perhaps grabbing a small, late night snack.

"This has been pretty fun," Puff noted as she took another bite of the chocolate bar she'd purchased from that last convenience store.

"Yeah, it has," Candy agreed with a yawn.  "But it's getting pretty late, huh?  Honestly wasn't expecting us to be out this long."

"I am not going to complain," Sugar said with a grin.  "It is just nice to be able to hang out with you girls again.  I have missed this."

Rainbow Dash nodded her head in agreement.  "Yeah, this was pretty fun.  And, look, I'm sorry about all the crap I said to you, Sugar.  I guess I should actually say that it's nice to meet you.  No hard feelings?"

The unicorn waved her hoof dismissively.  "Of course.  The way I acted was unacceptable.  As I said, I will make it up to you and Pinkie in any way I can."

"Sure.  But speaking of which, I really wish Pinkie was here."

"Yeah, it feels kinda weird to be doing something as a group without Pinkie," said Candy.  "She's usually the one dragging us around like she's walking a dog."

"Considering how excitable Pinkie is, are you sure she's not the dog?" Dash joked with a chuckle.

Candy shrugged with an amused grin.  "Guess you've got a point."

"I've known Pinkie a long time.  I know I've got a point."

Sugar let out a wistful sigh.  "I really envy you, Rainbow Dash."

The pegasus lifted an eyebrow.  "Uh, well, I guess anypony would envy me.  I am me after all.  But, uh, I'm guessing that's not exactly what you mean."

"I envy how close you and Pinkie Pie are," Sugar explained.

"Um, Sugar..." Candy interjected.  "You guys just made up.  Are you sure it's a good idea to bring up your jealousy again?"

Sugar shook her head.  "There is a difference between jealousy and envy.  I am simply worried that my actions, despite my apologies, may have had an irreversible effect on my friendship with Pinkie.  I am afraid that we may never really get back to the same point as before I... assaulted her."  Her ears folded back in remorse.

Rainbow Dash saw that look on her face.  It looked familiar to her.  "You really like her, huh?"

Sugar breathed a guilty sigh.  "I do."

"I know that feeling."

The unicorn looked up at Dash, slightly confused.  She had expected her to be at least a little defensive.

Rainbow Dash looked Sugar in the eye with a grin.  "Her enthusiasm's pretty infectious, isn't it?"

Sugar nodded.  "Ya.  I feel like I was sort of drawn in by her optimism." 

"I can understand that, but take it from me, it is possible—and very likely—to get burned out on her when you've known her as long as me," Dash informed with a laugh.

Puff watched as the pegasus and unicorn shared in their interest for Pinkie, noticing just how well the two of them had been getting along when, less than twelve hours ago, Rainbow Dash would've been willing to throw down with her at the drop of a hat.  Puff giggled to herself.  "You know vhat vould be funny?  If you two tried going out together."

Rainbow Dash grimaced slightly at the notion.  "What?"

Candy also found the thought amusing.  "Actually, when you think about it, two ponies brought together by how much they care about somepony else; it's kinda cute."

"Yeah, no," the cyan mare deadpanned.

"I have to agree with Rainbow Dash," Sugar said with a blush.  "She is really not my type."

Candy nodded as she recalled what Sugar had told them earlier.  "Right, you like party girls."

The crimson unicorn shrugged lightly.  "It is not so much that as it is I am just not into tomboys.  Honestly, it would not kill you to put on a little makeup every now and then, would it?"

"Yeah, that's not gonna happen," Dash scoffed.  "Believe me, Rarity's tried, but every time she's tried to come at me with one of those powder puff thingies, I got the hell outta there.  I guess I'm on another boat all together; I think you wear too much makeup.  If I'm gonna kiss somepony, I don't wanna get gunk all over my face."

"It is funny to hear that from somepony who dyes her mane like that," Sugar laughed playfully.

Candy and Puff both raised their eyebrows.  Rainbow Dash stared, aghast, her cheeks a deep red.  "W-What!?  W-Where'd you hear that?" she chuckled nervously.  She tried to straighten her expression and play it off coolly, running her hoof through her chromatic mane.  "I don't know who told you that, but this mane is one hundred percent natural rainbow."

Sugar held a hoof over her mouth to stifle a giggle at the pegasus's reaction.  "Right, right, whatever you say."

Rainbow Dash cleared her throat and tried to force her face back to it's usual cyan.  She turned to Puff and Candy, waving a hoof defensively.  "I don't dye my mane."

"Okay, we believe you," Candy said, not wanting to instigate.

Puff decided it best to change the subject slightly, tossing out another question.  "Out of curiosity, vhat's your type, Rainbow Dash?"

"I'd think that'd be obvious," Candy tittered.  "Pinkie.  Duh."

"Well, yeah, that's about right," Dash admitted.  "Pinkie's really the only mare I've ever been interested in.  Besides her, I don't really think I have a type.  I'm not particularly attracted to party girls like Sugar is.  Just Pinkie."

"Do you plan on looking for a date when you get back home?" Sugar inquired.

Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head.  "Actually, Pinkie seems to have got it in her head that I need to be fixed up with somepony, and maybe she's got the right idea.  I guess it might help get my mind off her.  I'll put some feelers out, I suppose, but I'm not going to any singles' bars looking to hook up or anything like that.  I'm fine being single for now.  I'm also getting a little tired of people thinking I need relationship advice," she said with some slight agitation.

"We're just trying to help," Candy said in their defense.

"And I appreciate it, I do.  But if I really need your help with something, I'll ask."

"Fair enough."

"What the—?"

The four of them had stopped walking.  They had finally made it back to the university and were standing at the bridge leading them to the courtyard.  However, Sugar's sudden confusion directed their attention to what was in the courtyard: several bright red carriages with flashing lights on top and an enormous crowd of people standing around.

"Why is the fire department here?" Sugar asked with concern, being the only one of the four capable of reading the text on the side of the red carriages.

Candy's eyes widened with fright.  "Fire department?!  There was a fire?!"

"Maybe.  I do not know."

"That must be vhy all of the students und faculty are outside," Puff postulated.

"Well, we're not going to get any answers standing around here.  Let's find out what's going on!"  Rainbow Dash took to the air, flying ahead of her friends and over the front gate into the courtyard.

Out of the crowd of hundreds, Rainbow Dash looked for someone who'd be able to fill her in on what was going on.  Thankfully, there was one particular pony that stuck out from the crowd, mostly due to her height and a mane that glowed like an aurora in the moonlight.

"Princess Celestia!"

The alicorn, still wearing her plush, purple night robes, turned towards the voice, seeing Rainbow Dash touch down next to her and her two guards.  It didn't take long for the pegasus's three friends to catch up.

"Oh, thank goodness," Celestia said, breathing a sigh of relief.  "I was worried when I didn't see you around.  I thought you all might still be inside."

"What happened?" Candy asked, the distress in her voice increasing by the minute.

"I don't know all the details.  The fire alarm went off, and then everyone was rushed outside," the princess explained.  "Apparently, a fire somehow started in one of the class kitchens, but that's as much as I know."

"You don't think somepony forgot to turn off the oven after class, do you?" Puff speculated to her friends.

"I think that's very unlikely," Candy argued.  "We triple-check that stuff everyday, and I'm sure all of the other classes do, too."

"Then the only remaining explanation is that someone was using the kitchen," Sugar deduced.

"Isn't that against regulations?" Celestia asked.

"Yeah.  But I don't know who'd be dumb enough to do something like that," said Candy.  "I mean, we have the same ovens in our dorms.  Why would someone even need to use the downstairs kitchen?"

"Oh, crap!" Rainbow Dash blurted in panic.  "Where's Pinkie!?  Is she okay!?"

Her friends showed similar concern when Pinkie was mentioned.  However, Celestia was quick to quell their worries.

"Don't worry, I saw she and Gwenivere just a few minutes ago.  As far as I am aware, everyone got out of the building just fine; no one was hurt."

Dash breathed a deep sigh.  "Thank goodness.  So where is she now?"

Princess Celestia used her superior height to look around the crowd until she managed to spot a pink earth pony and a black-furred griffon standing off by themselves.  "Oh, I think that's them over there."  She pointed Dash and her friends in that direction.

"Okay, thanks."  Rainbow Dash had barely finished talking before she was already in the air and headed off to meet up with Pinkie.  Candy, Puff, and Sugar followed close behind.

When they made it there, they noticed a distinct look of dread on both their faces.  Gwenivere especially looked to be in dire straits, her eyes bloodshot and her feathers ruffled.  Pinkie looked like she was in shock.

"Pinkie!"

Before the earth pony could even turn to see who it was, a pair of cyan hooves grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie said shakily.

Dash pulled back, her hooves still on Pinkie's shoulders.  "The princess told us what happened.  You okay?"

Pinkie opened her mouth to talk, but no words came out.  Instead, her lips quivered slightly and she pulled Dash in to continue the hug, more for comfort than anything else.

Rainbow Dash, concerned by her best friends behavior, looked up to the griffon.  "Gwen?  Are you guys okay?"

Gwenivere rubbed one of her forelegs nervously.  It was only now that the pegasus noticed that she had been clutching a piece of paper in her talons, but couldn't make out what it was.  "We're in trouble, Rainbow Dash.  Big trouble."

"It was an accident!" Pinkie blurted in panic.  "We were just talking, and then we were gonna work together, but then..."  She looked like she was about to burst into tears.

Candy approached them worriedly.  "Pinkie, did you two... start the fire?"

"Zis is my fault," Gwenivere said in shame.  "I should not 'ave been so stubborn."

"This is serious," Puff said with unease.  "You two could be in some deep trouble for this."

A commotion suddenly started up from the giant crowd of people.  A group of firefighters were exiting the front door of the university, rolling up their fire hoses as they went.  It seemed as though the situation had been abated, which likely meant they could all go back inside soon.  The firefighters hitched up their carriages and left the courtyard.

The faculty were all beginning to gather at the entrance, ushering the students back inside.  However, one instructor looked in the direction of Pinkie Pie and Gwenivere.  Gustave walked over towards them, the stern glower on his face perhaps more intense than any of them had seen on him before.  He gestured to Pinkie and his daughter.

"You two.  Come wiz me.  Now!"

The pair gulped, too afraid to say anything in response.  They simply followed him back and went inside with their heads hung low.  Pinkie cast a defeated glance back at her friends, seeing the worry on Rainbow Dash's face in particular.


*****     *****     *****


Both Pinkie and Gwenivere fidgeted nervously.  Gustave had brought them to one of the lecture halls, but left them there by themselves for a few minutes as he needed to consult the higher ups about the situation.  That gave the two students more than enough time to think about what they've done and what repercussions would result from it.

Pinkie Pie had gotten in trouble before, sure, but never like this.  Any past mishaps that she had caused were easily cleaned up and ultimately harmless.  But this was different.  She could have been hurt.  Gwenivere could have been hurt.  Somepony else could have been hurt.  She knew that no amount of owning up and taking responsibility was going to get her out of this.

Pinkie glanced over to Gwenivere.  The griffon was clearly upset by this turn of events, even more so than Pinkie.  The look that her dad had given both of them was enough to instill that sense of looming dread.  Gwenivere knew something bad was about to happen to them, it was just a matter of how bad.  And because Gwenivere had been so preoccupied by how disappointed her father must be, she hadn't said a word since he brought them in.  Admittedly, Pinkie thought that she might try to blame this on her in order to regain some favor from her father.  But as much as the griffon has said on numerous occasions that she does not like Pinkie, she was more noble than that; she would not attempt to shift the blame.

However, considering they had some time, Pinkie figured now might be a good time to get something off her chest.

"Thanks."

Gwenivere looked up from the floor, having briefly forgotten that she wasn't the only one who was in trouble.  "Why are you zanking moi?"

"I froze up back there.  I panicked.  I did everything wrong.  It was like I forgot everything about workplace safety and what to do in an emergency.  We were supposed to know that stuff, but I just blanked.  If you weren't so level-headed, one of us could've been hurt.  You... kinda saved my life."

Gwenivere sighed.  "You are exaggerating.  You would 'ave run if zings got too bad.  Mais, I do not zink I could tolerate it if I let you come to 'arm."

Pinkie smiled at Gwenivere's compassion.  "Aw, Gwen.  You do care."

The griffon straightened up, clearing her throat, but unable to hide the redness in her cheeks.  "Do not read into it too much.  You are ma partenaire for zee Cake-Off après all.  Also, I dislike you, mais zat does not mean I want to see you get 'urt."

Pinkie just nodded.  "Okay.  But I still want to thank you though.  I owe you one."

"Zink nozing of it," Gwenivere said apathetically, too busy thinking about what was coming to them to really pay much attention to Pinkie's expression of gratitude.

The pair's attention was diverted from their brief conversation when they heard the door open.  As expected—but no less disconcerting—Gustave had returned.  As he made his way over to the desk at the head of the room, Pinkie and Gwenivere made note of the expression on his face.  They weren't surprised to detect any amount of disappointment and even anger in the way his brow was furrowed and beak was curled after what they'd done, but what was strange—unsettling even—was the presence of what seemed like remorse in his eyes; he barely made eye contact with them until he sat down, and even then not for several moments of awkward, uncomfortable silence.

"What were you zinking?" he asked the two, his voice unnervingly quiet.

Gwenivere spoke, hoping she could talk her father down from whatever furious rage he was clearly attempting to suppress.  "Papa, we—"

But she was unable to speak her piece as Gustave ignored her and continued.  "It is strictly against zee rules to make use of zee class kitchens après class hours.  It is incroyablement dangereux not only to you, but to zee ozer students as well.  And Princess Celestia is 'ere as well.  By ignoring zee rules, you put even 'er life in danger!  And do not try and convince moi zat it was not you; your belongings were found in zee kitchen, albeit significantly burned.  Now zen..."  Gustave clasped his claws together, took a deep breath, and looked the pair straight in the eyes.  "What do you 'ave to say for yourselves?"

Despite having wanted to speak up before, Gwenivere opened her mouth, only to have nothing but a guilty sigh escape her lungs.  No excuse she could come up with to justify her actions would ever be acceptable under their current circumstances.

Pinkie looked at Gwenivere, seeing the utter defeat in her eyes as their gaze trailed towards the floor and away from her father.  She wanted to speak in her stead, but like the griffon, no words came to her mind that could soften the blow they were about to receive.

Gustave waited, but having gotten no response from either of them, assumed that they were willing to accept their punishment.  The real question was: could they handle it?

"You 'ave been responsible for a few incidents in zee past," he said, looking at both of them, but particularly directing his attention to Pinkie Pie.  "Mais zose incidents were paltry compared to zis.  Offering to 'elp clean up zee mess you made is not enough to acquit you of zee offense.  Not zis time."

Pinkie and Gwenivere became more worried by the second.  The earth pony even noticed that Gwenivere was beginning to shake slightly.

Gustave let out a regretful sigh, running his claw over his forehead before looking back at his two students.  "As you know, I stepped out pour un moment to speak wiz zee ozer members of zee faculty about zee situation.  And we came to a... razer unfortunate conclusion.  Zough zee university was willing to overlook past transgressions, we 'ave a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to endangering zee lives of zee ozer students.  As a result, I am afraid zat zee only course of action zat could be agreed upon was to 'ave zee boz of you... expelled from zee university."

The pair's jaws dropped in utter shock, unable to formulate a response to this bombshell.  All they could do was wait and hope that there was a "but" that followed.

However, when Gustave continued, his total lack of optimism and his sympathetic tone did not inspire confidence.  "I fought in your favor, I tried to urge zem to go easy on you, but in zee end, zere was nozing I could do.  I am très, très désolé."

Pinkie Pie finally managed to speak, despite her shock.  "So... that's it then?  We're done, just like that?"

Gustave nodded solemnly.  "I'm afraid so.  I wish zere was anozer way, but my claws are tied."  He breathed another sigh of disappointment.  "And so close to zee end as well.  'Ow unfortunate," he said quietly.

Pinkie went silent once more.  She had no idea how she was supposed to react.  This was never an outcome she had ever really considered before, at least not under these circumstances.  Was she supposed to be sad?  Angry?  She couldn't say she was either really.  She was mostly in the same boat as Gustave: disappointed.

Pinkie turned her head at the sound of a quiet sniffle.  Turning her head, she saw Gwenivere staring down at the floor, eyes clenched shut, fighting back tears.  Pinkie had never seen Gwenivere cry before, or anything even close to that.  It was unsettling to the pony.  Gustave couldn't even bare to look at her in such a state.  It clearly hurt him deeply to have to do this to his own daughter, especially knowing how important this entire endeavor was to her.

"You two should return to your dorms," Gustave suggested softly, not making eye contact.  "You are expected to leave tomorrow, so you may want to pack your zings tonight before you go 'ome."

"Wait."

Gustave looked up at Pinkie, a pleading look in her eyes.  Gwenivere, too, finally opening her eyes again, waited for Pinkie to speak.

"Gwen doesn't deserve this."

Gustave raised an eyebrow curiously.  "'Ow so?"

"I suggested that we use the class kitchen to practice for the Cake-Off," Pinkie claimed.  "The fire was all my fault."

Gwenivere stared incredulously at the pink pony, but before she could correct her, Pinkie glanced back at her, her eyes seeming to signal to her to play along.  Gwenivere didn't know how to feel about this.  Her pride coaxed her to take her punishment, but at the same time, she most definitely did not want to get kicked out when her life-long goal was within reach.

Gustave shook his head.  "Taking responsabilité again, Mademoiselle Pie?  Admirable as it may be, you cannot continue taking zee bullet for your friends.  We found Gwenivere's bags at zee scene."

"So?  I told her to take them.  We needed some way to get my stuff down there."

"Your stuff?" Gustave questioned.

"Yeah.  See, Gwen didn't wanna come because she knew it was against the rules, but, you know me, I like to throw caution to the wind."

"You aren't going to suggest zat zee charred bacon zat was found was yours as well?"

"Uh, no.  I told Gwen to take a snack since we were gonna be there for a awhile."

Gustave mulled this information over for a moment silently.  "As commendable as zis is, I am 'aving difficulty believing you.  As much as I 'ate to admit it, zee evidence points to Gwenivere as the primary suspect, wiz you as zee accomplice."

Gwenivere lowered her head in resignation.  She appreciated Pinkie's help, but it was ultimately hopeless.

Pinkie, too, had a hard time trying to find something else to latch onto, and Gwenivere's somber expression just made it harder for her.

As Pinkie's eyes fell to the floor as well, ready to accept her fate, something caught her eye.  Clutched in Gwenivere's claw was a piece of paper, and she had a feeling she knew what it was.

"Wait!"  Pinkie grabbed Gwenivere's claw, taking the paper from her.  She laid the paper on Gustave's desk and smoothed out the wrinkles.  It was just as she had thought.  She tapped the paper excitedly.  "See?  This is my recipe!  This is proof that it was my idea to use the kitchen!"

Gustave picked up the piece of paper and looked it over.  It looked like it was written by a three year old.  Definitely Pinkie Pie's hoofwriting.

For once there seemed to be some modicum of hope that Pinkie's ploy could work.  If there were ever a time for Gwenivere to begin playing along, it was now.

"It is true, Papa.  Pinkie came to moi earlier, 'er 'ooves full of supplies, and asked moi to accompany 'er to zee class kitchen.  Mais in 'er 'aste, she 'ad forgotten 'er own bags, so she borrowed mine."

Pinkie smiled, relieved that Gwenivere was willing to go along, even if it meant lying to her dad.

"She 'ad ozer recipes, as well," the female griffon continued.  "Mais zey were left next to zee stove where zee fire broke out and were incinerated."

"See now, Chef?  This whole thing is my fault.  I just wound up getting Gwen involved.  Actually, all things considered, if she hadn't been there, I don't know what would've happened to me.  I panicked when the fire started.  Gwen was the one who pulled the alarm and got me out of there safely.  She saved my life."  Pinkie smiled gratefully at Gwenivere.

Gustave was surprised to hear that.  "Saved your life?  Hm.  Zen I suppose zis situation could 'ave been much worse.  Gwenivere, were you truly roped into zis by Pinkie Pie?"

For a moment, Gwenivere considered coming clean rather than continue lying to her father.  But at this point, doing so would only make Pinkie's efforts to help her save face pointless.  "Oui.  I just wish I 'ad been adamant wiz mes protestations.  Zen perhaps zis entire zing could 'ave been avoided."

"Zere is no guarantee zat even wizout you Pinkie would not have still put her life in danger," Gustave explained, giving the pink mare a corrective glare.  "She should be zankful zat you are a responsible friend."

Pinkie grinned.  He might have been reprimanding her, but everything he was saying seemed to suggest that her ploy was working.

Gustave rubbed his forehead as he deliberated all of this.  Pinkie and Gwenivere waited in eager anticipation for his thoughts on the matter.  "Given zis information, per'aps it is possible to lessen zee gravité of your punishment, Gwenivere.  I will see what I can do."

Pinkie clapped and giggled with glee, ecstatic that her plan may have worked.  And for what Pinkie was sure was the first time ever, Gwenivere smiled at her, her face full of gratitude.

However, Gustave was quick to put a damper on Pinkie's celebration.  "Mais, since you are claiming responsabilité, I am afraid zat you must still be expelled, Pinkie Pie.  I am sorry."

Pinkie took a deep breath.  It was a painful blow, but in the end she managed to save Gwenivere from the same fate.  She gave Gustave a satisfied smile.  "I understand.  I'm just happy that Gwen didn't get in too much trouble for something I did."

"I 'ave not actually spoken to anyone about it yet.  Do not get your 'opes up just yet," Gustave corrected.  "Mais, I suppose zat is all we can do as of now.  I will try and get a verdict for you tonight, but until zen, you two should return to your dorms and get some rest.  Pinkie, you, at zee very least, 'ave a long flight 'ome tomorrow."

Pinkie nodded.  Despite her situation, her smile still persisted.  "Yup.  And I just wanna say thanks, Chef.  It was fun having you for a teacher, and I definitely learned a lot.  I'll never forget how much fun being here was."

"I am glad to 'ear zat," Gustave said, finally managing a smile himself.

With that, Pinkie made her way to the door.  Gwenivere, however, didn't move.  Having a moment to herself allowed her to reflect on what had just happened, and the bullet she had just dodged.  All thanks to Pinkie Pie.  She turned back to the desk, the piece of paper she had unconsciously been clutching since the fire still laying there.  She picked it up again, taking it with her as she made her way back to her dorm.


*****     *****     *****


It was an unusually nice morning; the sun shining through the windows, and birds outside singing a soothing song to the early risers.  While this would normally be very welcome weather, the reason it was unusual was because it didn't match the atmosphere in the dorm of two particular earth ponies this morning.

Or perhaps it was the dorm of just one earth pony as of today.

Pinkie Pie attempted to stuff yet another cookbook into one of her duffle bags, but found that rather difficult what with how many others were in there.  She hadn't realized just how many she'd bought since arriving in Steeden, but it was certainly more than she'd brought with her.  She may have to leave one or two behind if she wanted to get her bags on the ship.

Unable to properly fit the book into the bag, Pinkie gave up and placed the book on the bed with two others for which she hadn't been able to find room.  She turned to her roommate, the pig-tailed mare looking depressed, almost as if she were about to start crying.

"I can't seem to get these in my bags," Pinkie said, a smile on her face in spite of her predicament.  "I guess you can keep these, Puff."

"I can't believe you're actually leaving," Puff said, not at all concerned with Pinkie's luggage problem.

Candy Cane, who had come over to see Pinkie off, wore an expression much the same as Puff.  "This is such a waste."

Pinkie looked at her books with confusion.  "It's not a waste if you can still use 'em.  Consider it a gift."

"I'm not talking about the books.  I'm talking about... this."  Candy pointed to Pinkie's packed bags.  "You put all this time and effort—not to mention money—into coming here only to get sent home less than a month before graduation.  All because of a freak accident.  I get that you two broke the rules and everything, but you'd think they'd at least let you finish what little of the course is left, especially considering how talented you are.  And they know how talented you are, too!  They have to know what they're losing here, and they're still doing this.  It's not fair.  It's not fair that you get sent home while Gwen gets to stay."

Candy had mentioned that when she came over.  Gustave stopped by their dorm late last night to deliver the news to his daughter that the decision had been made that she would be allowed to stay, though not unpunished for her involvement.  As to what her punishment was exactly, they haven't decided yet.  It was unlikely that Pinkie would be around long enough to find out anyway.

What was odd, however, was what Candy had told her about Gwenivere.  Apparently the griffon had been awake all night, just sitting on the couch and never once even attempting to lay down in her bed.  Of course, Pinkie did much the same, not being able to find the peace of mind to doze off, but what reason did Gwenivere have to be restless?  She was off the hook for the most part.

Pinkie zipped up her last duffle bag.  "It's like I told Gustave: I got her roped into it.  She shouldn't have to suffer for my mistake."

"And I refuse to believe that," Candy said in disagreement.  "You might've done some... questionable stuff in regards to the rules before, but I don't believe that you suggested to use the class kitchens when I've seen you bake some pretty crazy stuff with just one oven and the limited stock in your pantry."

Pinkie lifted her duffle bags onto her back, the weight of them not bothering her in the slightest.  "You believe want you want.  At least this is better than both of us getting expelled."

Candy followed Pinkie Pie out into the living room, intent on continuing her argument.  "At least she would deserve it.  She couldn't even be bothered to come over to see you off, or at the very least say thank you.  I would have expected you to be a little spiteful that she gets to stay and you don't."

"Then obviously you don't know her as well as you think you do."

The three mares turned to the living room window, which had been opened to the morning air.  Standing on the windowsill, with bags of her own slung over her shoulder, was Rainbow Dash.

The cyan pegasus hopped down onto the floor.  "Pinkie has never done anything that wasn't for somepony else's benefit.  Everything she does, she does to put smiles on people's faces.  Honestly, I'd be upset if Pinkie was mad at Gwen, cuz that wouldn't be the Pinkie I know."  Rainbow Dash wrapped a hoof around Pinkie's shoulder and pulled her close with a grin.  "But I don't think she's really missing out on much by leaving now.  I'm proud of her for making it this far anyway."

"Says the pony who didn't want her to leave in the first place," Candy deadpanned.

Dash shrugged that off.  "I've changed my stance since then."

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation.  The door crept open and in poked the violet mane of their unicorn neighbor.  When Sugar Cookie saw that Pinkie was still here, she stepped inside.

"Oh, good morning, Sugar," Pinkie said with a chipper grin.

"I am glad I am not too late to say goodbye," Sugar said with relief, but there was no hiding the sadness in her eyes.  "It is just so unfortunate that this would happen right after we made up.  I was hoping we could have more time together."

"Yeah, me too," said Pinkie remorsefully.

"Excuse me."

Once again, the attention of the dorm's residents were diverted to the door, this time by the soft, soothing voice of Princess Celestia herself as she stood at the threshold.

"Hi, Princess," Pinkie greeted.  "I guess you heard, huh?"

Celestia stepped inside with a sympathetic nod.  "Yes, Gustave informed me this morning.  I'm so sorry this happened, Pinkie Pie.  I know how much this school meant to you.  And I was really looking forward to the cake that you and Gwenivere were going to make for the Cake-Off."

"So was I.  But I guess that's not gonna happen now," Pinkie said with a sigh.

"Whatever it woulda been, it'd probably be awesome," Dash declared with confidence.

Princess Celestia only now noticed that Rainbow Dash was also packed up.  "Oh, Rainbow Dash, are you returning home with Pinkie Pie as well?"

The pegasus lifted an eyebrow.  "Well, yeah.  Why wouldn't I?"

"I just thought, this being such a lovely country and that you still have friends here, that you'd want to stay a little longer.  Twilight does have you all set up here."

Dash shrugged.  "Yeah, I know, but the whole reason I came over here was to support Pinkie.  If she's not here, there's not really any reason for me to be either.  Uh, no offense, guys," she said to her other friends.

"Don't worry about it," Candy dismissed with a wave of her hoof.  "We know you just wanna be close to your 'best friend.'"  The coyness in Candy's voice elicited a light blush of embarrassment from Rainbow Dash, although the reference appeared to go right over a puzzled Celestia's head.

"In any case, I'm sure your friends and family will be happy to have you home and will be proud of you regardless," Celestia assured with a comforting smile.

Pinkie nodded in agreement.  "Yup.  And I'm definitely still looking forward to seeing everypony again.  And I'm especially looking forward to getting back to work at Sugarcube Corner.  I've really missed that place."

Rainbow Dash glanced up at the clock, noting the time.  "Hey, Pinkie, we should get going.  Don't wanna be late."

Pinkie looked up to confirm the time.  "Oh, right."  She turned back to her friends, their soft, yet disheartened smiles making leaving more difficult, not unlike when she left home to embark on this journey.  Pinkie made her rounds, giving each of her friends a hug and saying goodbye, even receiving a light embrace from the princess.  "I'm gonna miss you guys," Pinkie said, teary-eyed.

"Don't," Candy insisted.  "We're gonna come visit you when we finish up here.  I promise."

"I vould feel awful if I couldn't see you again after this," Puff said, wiping her eyes.  "I'll do vhatever it takes to get to Equestria to see you again."

"I as well," Sugar agreed.

Pinkie's smile began to quiver at her friends' kind determination.  "You guys..."

"Pinkie."  Rainbow Dash stood at the doorway, tapping her fetlock as if she were wearing a watch.

Pinkie Pie held back her tears and skipped over to Dash's side.  "Sorry."  For one last time, she stopped to look at her friends, trying her hardest to not make this any more emotional than it already was.  "Bye, everypony."

They all bid their friends a fond, albeit bittersweet, farewell as they stepped out the door, officially ending Pinkie's stay at The Steeden University of Culinary Arts.

The two best friends made their way to the front entrance of the school.  As Pinkie Pie stepped outside into the courtyard, she was hit with the realization that she'd never be walking through those doors again.  Yet she was not overwhelmed by her emotions.  She was sad and disappointed, to be sure, but at the same time, satisfied and excited.  She may have been closing this chapter of her life, but that only meant that she was starting the next chapter.

Despite how Rainbow Dash had been trying to get Pinkie moving so they could catch their ship, their pace as they walked through the courtyard was less than hurried.  They were upon the tail end of summer, and it seemed like Trotholm's weather team were intent on making summer last as long as possible before they had to usher in the chilly winds of autumn.  Rainbow Dash was just relishing the fair weather and unique air of Steeden one last time before she left.

Pinkie, however, was more focused on the other students wandering around the courtyard.  It was strange to think the people around them really had no idea that these two ponies were leaving, never to return, or that the pink one was partially responsible for last night's fire.  They were just going about their day like any other, perhaps discussing the events of the previous night, but, seeing as there wasn't too much damage, didn't really think much of it other than being a freak accident.

As the pair approached the bridge leading to the city streets, Rainbow Dash cast a small smile to Pinkie.  "Sorry if I caused you any trouble since I got here.  It really wasn't my intention to distract you from your work, or try and convince you to come home, or anything."

Pinkie smiled back.  "I know.  But I can't help but wonder what my stay would've been like if you hadn't shown up."

Dash let out a sigh.  "Yeah, I should've just stayed home and not risk getting you in trouble.  It probably woulda made your stay a lot smoother at least."

"Hm?  Oh, I didn't say I would've rathered you stay home.  It's the opposite actually.  I'm super-glad you came."

"Seriously?" Dash said in disbelief.  "It certainly didn't seem that way when I first got here."

"That's just because I was worried about you.  If you had told me you were coming and actually got a ship over here, I wouldn't have given you such a hard time about it."

"So you're saying that, if things were the other way around, you would have gotten an airship to come see me?  That doesn't sound very Pinkie Pie.  I expect more of a surprise entrance from you, like you did when we went back for spring break."

"I didn't say that.  If anything, I mighta done something even more stupid, then you'd be mad at me for doing something risky."

Dash laughed at Pinkie's hypothetical.  "Guess there's a reason why you 'n' me are so close, huh?  Or maybe I'm just a bad influence."

Pinkie nuzzled up against Rainbow Dash's cheek.  "You can be a bad influence all you want, you'll still always be my best-est friend."  Pinkie pulled away again, her tone becoming oddly sheepish.  "But if I'm being honest, the best part about you being here was finding out how you really feel about me."

The pegasus groaned.  "That's not so great for me.  I know I'll get over it, but it was still pretty hard for me to admit that knowing that you had to reject me."

"I didn't reject you.  As a matter of fact, if I was into girls, I'd go out with you in a heartbeat.  I'm just happy that you care about me that much.  I know how special I am to you, and I know the lengths you're willing to go to make me happy, and just knowing that makes me happy.  Maybe I'm the one who likes to spread smiles, but you're the one who puts a smile on my face, Dashie."

Dash grinned slightly.  "I guess that does make me feel a little better."  Out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie gave Rainbow Dash a quick peck on the cheek, causing the pegasus to blush and cast a confused glance over to her.  Seeing the innocent smile on her face made Dash feel a touch annoyed.  "Okay, now you're just being a tease."

Pinkie winked and stuck her tongue out playfully at her flustered friend.

"Pinkie Pie!"

The pink pony turned around to see who had called out and was pleasantly surprised to see Gwenivere flying across the courtyard to catch up to them.  The griffon touched down next to them, an expression of guilt on her face.

"Hey, Gwen," Rainbow Dash greeted with a smile.  "I was starting to worry you weren't gonna say goodbye."

Gwenivere didn't even acknowledge the pegasus; she was too focused on the earth pony.  Pinkie tilted her head as Gwenivere went silent, having expected her to say something.  She noticed how dark the area around Gwenivere's eyes were, likely a result of her lack of sleep last night.

"You okay, Gwen?  You look like something's bothering you," Pinkie inquired.

"Why did you lie to mon papa?"

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow.  Pinkie hadn't mentioned anything about a lie.

Pinkie herself was rather caught off guard by Gwenivere's guilt-stricken tone.  "So you wouldn't get expelled.  I thought that was obvious."

"Mais... why?"

Pinkie simply shrugged.  "I was just trying to see if I could convince him to let at least one of us stay.  It'd be pretty bad if we both got kicked out."

"Zen why not just tell zee truz?  You willingly incriminated yourself even zough it was all my fault."

"Wait, you're the reason Pinkie got kicked out?" Dash snapped at Gwenivere.  "And you just stood there and let her lie about it?"

Gwenivere turned away in shame.  "I admit I was too shocked to really say anyzing.  I saw an out and I took it."  She turned back to Pinkie.  "I just cannot figure out why you would do such a zing.  I have been nozing but a jerk to you all year, and yet you would lie to mon papa in order to take ma punition while I get off lightly.  I do not understand."

"It's because I know how important this school is to you," Pinkie said simply with a grin.

Gwenivere was confused by that answer.  "Mais... is it not important to you?"

"Well, sure.  I've been saving my money for years to come here.  But this is more like a bucket list thing for me than anything.  You, though.  From the day I met you I could tell just how important this was to you.  Your dad went to this school and you just want to follow in his hoof—er, pawprints.  Clawprints?  Anyway, I saw how disappointed both of you were last night when he was talking to us.  For me, this school is just something I want to do for the sake of doing it.  I always planned to go back to Ponyville and work at Sugarcube Corner regardless of if I graduated or not.  For you, this school means so much more.  It's about your respect for your dad and how all you want to do is make him proud.  I'd hate to see him so let down by having to kick his own daughter out.  You stood to lose more out of this, so I stepped in to fix it."

Gwenivere stood motionless and silent, stunned by Pinkie's show of selflessness.  After the way she's treated her, after all of the insults and all of the disrespect she'd shown her, she would so willingly lie to take the fall in her place.  After all of this, Gwenivere felt as though she owed Pinkie something, a thought that, just yesterday, she would have never considered.

Gwenivere lifted her claws shakily.  Pinkie immediately noticed a sparkle of moisture forming in her eyes, but before she could ask about it, the griffon wrapped her forelegs around Pinkie's shoulders, pulling herself in for a tight and grateful embrace.  Pinkie could feel Gwenivere's remorseful tears against her neck, a bit surprised by her unexpected display of emotion.

"Zank you.  Zank you so much," Gwenivere sobbed quietly into Pinkie's neck.

The pink pony smiled softly, giving the emotional griffon a light pat on the back.

Gwenivere pulled away, a grateful smile on her face as she wiped the tears from her eyes.  "If zere is anyzing I can do to make zis up to you, just name it.  I will gladly repay you for what you've done."

Pinkie gasped quietly as she made a realization.  "Wait, does this mean what I think it means?" she said, trying to contain her excitement.

Gwenivere sighed, but still smiled.  "Oui, Pinkie Pie.  I am 'appy to call you ma amie."

Pinkie shot up onto her hind legs, her bags falling onto the ground with a hefty fwump, and thrust her front legs into the air triumphantly.  "Yes!  Finally!"  Pinkie began to dance in a ridiculous fashion, garnering some puzzled looks from the other people in the courtyard.  Gwenivere and Rainbow Dash just watched in slight amusement and embarrassment until she was finished.  Once she was done, she picked her bags up again, her smile wider than ever.  "I know I came to this school to improve myself as a baker, but my real goal, after seeing how abrasive you were, was to befriend you.  I saw a challenge and I pursued it, and now I've finally done it!  You know, there were points where I was starting to think it was a lost cause, but now I don't care that I don't get my diploma; hearing you say that has made this entire journey worth everything!"

Rainbow Dash let out a chuckle.  "Congratulations, Gwen.  You're officially one of us.  May Celestia have mercy on your soul."

"I suppose you need to get going," Gwenivere reminded them.  "I just needed to get zis off moi poitrine.  Per'aps we'll see one anozer again someday."

"I'm looking forward to it," Pinkie said with a nod.

Gwenivere extended her claw to offer a friendly claw/hoof shake.  "Au revoir, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie grabbed her claw, but pulled the griffon in for another embrace.  "You silly.  Friends don't shake; they hug."

The griffon, surprised by the sudden embrace, locked eyes with Rainbow Dash, who was giving her an "I told you so" look.  Regardless, Gwenivere hugged back before letting her go so they could be on their way.

"Bye, Gwen," Pinkie bid her, feeling a little apprehensive to leave now that they were officially friends.

"Later," added Dash.

The pair finally crossed the bridge, leaving the university behind.  Pinkie turned back one last time, seeing Gwenivere giving her a wave.  Of course, she waved back.

The rest of the walk to the docks mostly consisted of Pinkie and Rainbow Dash using this one last chance to take in the scenery.  The vast lakes and rivers; the sprawling mountain range in the distance; the soft, fluffy clouds floating gently on the cool, Steedish breeze.  It was a good time for taking mental pictures—or actual pictures in Pinkie's case, as she had pulled a camera out of one of her bags and was fervently snapping shots for a photo album she was no doubt going to put together when she got home.  This may have been their last few moments in the country, but Pinkie was intent on making those moments last forever.

Before long, the airship docks were in sight, looking as busy as usual.  The two foreigners could already see the decadent Canterlot airship that was going to be taking them home.  Luckily, it seemed their lollygagging hadn't cost them as it appeared the ship had yet to board, evident by the large crowd sitting around on their luggage and chitchatting.  They probably had some time to kill, which made Dash feel a touch guilty for rushing Pinkie earlier.  When they walked out onto the dock's waiting platform, the pair did as the crowd did and used their bags as cushions while they waited.

"Guess this is it then," Dash commented as she stared at the airship.

Pinkie simply nodded with a grin, tucking her camera away.

"Any regrets at all?"

This time, Pinkie shook her head.  "Not really.  I guess things could've ended better, but all things considered, I'm pretty happy with how things turned out.  Do wish I could've been in the Cake-Off though; that sounded like a heckuva lot of fun."

"And you're really okay with not getting your diploma?"

Pinkie grinned happily at Rainbow Dash.  "Wasn't it you who said that I don't need a piece of paper to tell me I'm a good baker?  Diploma or no diploma, I learned a lot since I got here, and they can expel me all they want, but they can't take all that stuff away from me."

Dash chuckled quietly.  "And let me guess: the best thing about this trip was all the great friends you made, right?"

With a wide grin, Pinkie gave Rainbow Dash a tight hug.  "That's why you're my bestie: you can read me like a book."

A speaker on the waiting platform sounded, followed by the voice of a mare telling everypony to board the airship to Canterlot, then repeating the message in Steedish.  The people around them each began to stand up and make their way to the ship.  Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie followed suit, hoisting their bags onto their backs again.

Dash gave Pinkie a proud smile.  "You ready?"

Pinkie nodded resolutely.  "You bet.  Let's go home, Dashie."