> The Bet
>  by Blueninetails
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lunar Bay, a fairly popular coastal town some distance north of the city of Manehatten. The bay was a popular vacation spot for just about any pony looking to relax in the warm heat of Celestia's sun, to bask in the colorful flora and fauna of the surrounding environment, or simply stroll under the light of Luna's beautiful night sky. The sky itself was rumored to be far more spectacular at the town than anywhere else, earning the town its namesake as well as her highness's approval, supposedly.

Despite its recent popularity, Lunar Bay was known for a string of myths and rumors ranging from the popular rumor that a pirate pony's treasure was hidden in one of the caves around the area, to a dying myth of a hilltop that over looked the ocean called "Lover's Echo", which obtained it's name as the rumor went that if two individuals went up to the hilltop and shouted their special individual's name for the world to know, an echo would follow and either one of the Royal Pony Sisters would give their approval and best wishes.  This has been denied by Princess Luna in recent times though as nothing more than a mere rumor of old ponies long since past.

With such mentioned, it is for that reason that when Princess Celestia suggested that to her faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, and the newly-appointed alicorn's friends to consider a vacation to relax, she suggested Lunar Bay. In addition to the six pony friends though, were three younger ponies, better known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as well as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna themselves, and Spike.

Both Princess were present as Celestia wished to take a break from political business, even if it were just for three days, as well as have a chance to properly bond with her sister again. It was a matter that Princess Luna agreed to, especially after she needed to cool down after having an argument with the current financial advisor regarding one of her more recent expenses.

"Woo!" Pinkie exclaimed as she jumped off the short stone wall that separated the beach from the walkway, and landed on the soft beach sand.

"This is so awesome!" Rainbow agreed as she landed on the beach as well before she, Pinkie, and the Crusaders decided to race to the water.

The others watched in amusement before Twilight turned to look at her mentor, "Are you sure about this Princess? I mean, I'm sure we are very much grateful to be here, but are you sure about paying for us as well? And for a whole week?"

"But of course. In light of what has happened in the past couple months, I'd like to offer you all a time to rest and recover properly." she replied with a kind smile. "Though I do apologize for those amongst you that didn't make this decision of their own volition." Celestia added sympathetically as she looked at Applejack.

The orange earth pony shrugged. "Ya don't need to be apologizin' Princess, it weren't you that forced me offa mah farm fer a vacation. It was mah Granny that did. Still though, ah suppose might as well enjoy it. Come to think of it, ah don't rightly recall the last time ah took a long vacation."

"Well, you're more than welcome to have this vacation with us Applejack. Now, Princess Luna and myself will be going to check-in to the hotel. You may follow us if you wish, otherwise, be sure to find us at the buffet the hotel offers tonight."

The group gave a nod as Twilight and Rarity followed the two alicorns, rather eager to place their luggage somewhere safe, which now included Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie's as well, while Applejack and Spike opted to stay behind and guard their things, as well as the Crusader's. Besides, Applejack wanted to keep an eye on her sister.

As the day wore on, the group of friends decided to explore much of the more immediate sites of interests near the hotel, which did include a rather shallow cave, a cafe that offered tropical drinks made from local fruits, and the beach. All the while, Celestia and Luna had chosen to stay on the balcony of their room and simply chat.

Closer to sunset, the group was now relaxing on the beach. Twilight currently had her nose in a book of Sherlock Hooves as she sat comfortably on a beach towel. Nearby, Rarity and Fluttershy were deep in a conversation in regards to how things have been in their line of work. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in the middle of a very heated volleyball match, and had been for the last two hours, while Pinkie and Spike decided to have fun by playing as the match's announcer, referee, and score-keeper between the two. Though both seemed to have opted to be sitting behind a decorative long-board nearby as the two started to play even more aggressively with each passing minute.

"After that, I just guided them back in the right direction." Fluttershy explained

"My word Fluttershy, that's quite the story. Must've been quite difficult considering it was not just simply a couple of bears, but a rather large group of bears."

"Oh, no....it was very easy actually. I mean, if it's okay to be honest, I have a harder time keeping bunnies together." she replied with a small smile.

"No way Applejack!" they heard Rainbow shout, making Fluttershy, Rarity, and Twilight to look her direction, "That last point didn't count, we still have a game to finish."

Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Spike were now making their way to them. Seems the game had finally ended, and with Applejack as the victor. Of course though Rainbow wouldn't let it rest. Pinkie and Spike were following behind their two friends.

"Our game is done with Rainbow. That there ball landed within the line."

"No, it did not."

"Look it here Rainbow, we've been playin' fer two hours, and ah'm thirstier than a dehydrated lizard. If ya ain't gonna let it rest, then we can play a'gin later." Applejack stated, then gave a threatening glare, "So let it go."

"Fine! I'll let it go for now, but you had better be ready for a rematch." Rainbow huffed as the four of them had arrived.

Overhearing the conversation, Twilight used her magic to levitate each of the four a water bottle, which they all took eagerly.

"Thanks Twilight." Spike said, his voice sounding a little dry, indicating he either spoken very frequently in his time as the announcer, or hadn't had a good drink of water for several hours. Twilight was betting on a combination of the two.

The same thing could probably been said about Pinkie, seeing she hasn't said a single word up until now. At least that was before she managed to inhale her water in one big gulp. "Oh my gosh! Twilight, you should've seen it. First the ball was "Woo!" into Dashie's side, then it was "Woom!" back into Applejack's side, then "POW!" right into the sand. It was the most intense game of volleyball ever!"

"I'll take your word for it Pinkie." Twilight stated with a giggle.

"Still readin' that there book ah see." Applejack remarked.

"It's a good book."

"Ah ain't complainin', it's just that, ah think that there's the same book ya'll was readin' even on the train an' durin' our explorin' around."

Twilight gave it some thought. Without really thinking about it, she HAS been reading the same book since they left Ponyville, despite the fact she had brought at the barest minimum 6 others to read. She then looked up at Applejack and gave a sheepish smile.

Applejack simply gave a chuckle, before all seven of them turned their head in response to hearing Scootaloo shout.

Near the water, they saw the three fillies running for their lives as a small group of angry, red rock crabs chased them. Granted, of course, that the crabs were considerably slower than the three ponies. One seemed to be clinging to Scootaloo's tail, explaining why she had given a shout.

"Oh my...." Fluttershy stated as she went into a hover and flew off to try saving them, followed by Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity.

After the crab incident had passed, Fluttershy quickly took Scootaloo to her room to treat the young filly's tail with some herbal, painkilling-lotion that she had left over from when Zecora helped her with an injured rabbit that needed it. The others took the rest of the time to relax and enjoy what's left of the day on the beach except Rainbow, who opted to go flying around and practice her tricks instead.

As the sun finally set over the horizon, making way for Luna's moon and starry night sky, the group retreated to the buffet at the hotel to meet up with the princesses, as well as get a good first dinner of course. The entire group of friends were present, save for Rainbow Dash, who had flown off some distance away from the area over an hour ago.  True to most buffets, the hotel's, the Silver Saucer, provided a rather wide variety of dishes from very simple fruit bowls to the most exotic of Saddle-rabian cuisine. 

Most of them chosen a combination of several dishes, such was the case with Fluttershy, who had a salad, which contained soley Equestrian-grown vegetables, and a big bowl of soup that had some Mariditerranean history. The others, took a more straight forward dish, such as the one that both Rarity and Princess Luna had chosen to eat. The dish itself was a new creation from Las Pegasus, and was currently gaining popularity in all the major cities, such as Canterlot. It was inspired from cuisines from both the Equestrian and Griffon Kingdoms, which the ingredients were all from, and was topped off with the juice from a tropical island fruit, and was elegantly, and creatively, placed onto a plate. Also, if the look Princess Luna had on her face just before she took a bite was any indication, it smelled absolutely divine. In the most general case though all the food smelled wonderful.

"Applejack, ya think they...they have ta-go boxes?" Applebloom asked her sister with a nearly full mouth.

"Applebloom, ah know we grew up on a farm, but ah know we taught ya better manners than that." Applejack scolded her.

"Oh, don't be so hard on her Applejack." Rarity stated, "She is still a filly afterall. Besides, I must admit it is a little tempting to follow suit with with when the food is simply this delectable." 

Applebloom gave a mild groan at the statement, but pushed it aside.

"Mm-hm." they heard from Scootaloo in agreement as she voiced her two-bits on the matter with a completely full mouth of food. The little pegasus was eating spaghetti, and was clearly enjoying it enough so that the bit of pasta sauce she had managed to get on her mane was not bugging her in the least.

"If that's true, what's keepin' ya from doin' just that Rares?" Applejack asked with a wide smirk.

"Well, being a full grown mare certainly comes to mind. Also, a proper lady always has some level of finesse when eating." she replied as she wiped her mouth clean with a cloth napkin.

Applejack gave a chuckle at that, "If ya say so." then turned her attention to Twilight, who was still muzzle-deep in a book, granted it wasn't the same one from earlier, and using a semi-formed barrier to protect it from food bits that the pink earth pony next to her somehow managed to make airborne for a time despite that she was eating her food in a rather neat way.

"Ah think yer food is startin' ta get a lil' lonesome there Twi." Applejack remarked, "Whatcha readin' there anyway?" then took a bite of her food.

"Yeah. I mean, just look at those daisy buns you have on your plate. Oh, they're so lonely...so cold...so yummy...." Pinkie stated in agreement, her eyes the whole time locked onto the alicorn's plate.

Twilight looked at her for a moment and pushed her plate closer to her friend, "Um...do you want them Pinkie? I don't mind letting you have them."

"Really?!" Pinkie asked excitedly, but before she dared lay a hoof on a single one she stopped herself for the briefest of moments, "Are you sure? It is your yummy, scrumptious, tasty food afterall." she then gave her lips a quick lick, trying to kinda cover up that she was drooling a bit.

"Don't worry, I'll just get more later. The buffet shouldn't close for another hour or so."

With that said, Pinkie didn't hesitate any longer as she started gobbling up the cold food.

"Anyway, to answer your question Applejack, it's a book of magical theories and spells that Princess Celestia thinks would be worthwhile for me to try. I'm not going to lie, all these spells...they're easily far more complex than any spell I've ever attempted before; but, I can tell the results would be rather rewarding in the long run."

"Hm." Applejack gave a nod in understanding.

"Here's something you might like Applejack. If I recall correctly, you have zap apples at Sweet Apple Acres, right?"

"Yep."

"Well, there's actually an old spell here that might increase the number produced per tree."

"Oh...." she replied, Twilight now holding all of her attention.

"It doesn't look very easy, but it has something to do with increasing the magical energies that are stored up in the tree itself, essentially increasing its overall health to encourage more flower growth, resulting in an increased in fruit production."

Applejack gave the idea some thought, until she noticed a certain cyan pegasus walking towards them, "Well, it's about time ya got here Rainbow. Ah was startin' ta think ya got lost or somethin'." she stated jokingly

"Me...? Lost? Never gonna happen. I never get lost." Rainbow stated confidently

"You probably should get some food Rainbow. I think they're gonna start cleaning up soon." Fluttershy rang in, "Um, that is...if you want to, and...haven't eaten yet."

"Yeah...that's probably a good idea right about now." Rainbow admitted as her stomach growled in agreement.

"Perhaps ya'll should join Dash an' grab a bite to eat too, Twi." Applejack suggested looking at the alicorn, "Seein' ya haven't eaten as much as ya probably should." She then turned her attention towards Pinkie, who was working on the very last of the daisy buns that Twilight let her eat.

As the time passed, and both Twilight and Rainbow gotten their foods, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy chatted about their plans for the next day. Granted that Twilight had only eaten half of her food, leaving the other half to once again get cold. Both Princesses had left quite some time ago after finishing their meals. Princess Celestia had chosen to call it a day and went to get some sleep, while Princess Luna figured she could go for a moonlit stroll near the beach to relax her mind. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had also gone to bed as well, mostly at Applejack and Rarity's wishes for them to do so though. The same was true for Spike, who was feeling rather drowsy a few minutes after he had finished eating.

"Hey Twilight, Rainbow." Applejack called out, "Listen, Pinkie, Shy, an' mahself were thinkin' about visitin' one of the bakeries around town tomorrow."

"Yeah, some of the bakeries here in Lunar Bay are the best in Equestria." PInkie stated, "Which I find kinda hard to believe, because wouldn't the best be in Canterlot? Unless of course, they didn't want to work in Canterlot, so the best really is here after all; but, wouldn't the -mmph mmm-" her words becoming muffled as Applejack put a hoof over Pinkie's mouth.

"Ah think we get the idea sugarcube." she stated before looking back at Twilight and Rainbow, "So whatcha say? Fancy taggin' along with us?"

"Rarity isn't going?" Twilight asked as she looked at the white unicorn.

"Nah, said somethin' about her watchin' her figure?"

"Of course dear Applejack, a lady must always be conscious of her appearance."

"Ain't never bothered me none."

"Anyway, I'm not certain Applejack. I was hoping on putting aside most of my time tomorrow to practice some of these new spells I've been studying." Twilight replied

"I was gonna go flying." Rainbow simply stated, "With the open air, and no duties, I could practice all my amazing flying tricks."

"Aw, but that's what you did almost all day today." Pinkie exclaimed in sad tone

"Please tell us that isn't what you two were planning to do this entire week of vacation.." Rarity rang in.

"Well, without any of my usual duties..." Rainbow started, indicating that was pretty much what she had in mind.

"Not the entire trip. I did of course put off some time I wouldn't spend practicing magic to simply hang out with you girls." Twilight stated

"Well, that's good; but, how much of that there time DID ya put off ta the side fer yer magic practice?" Applejack asked.

Twilight's cheeks grew a little red as she silently admitted in embarrassment that it was a rather large chunk of her time.

"Oh come on! We're suppose to be on vacation, just doing what we like to do to relax." Rainbow argued, "Mine is flying."

"A fair point there Rainbow." Applejack said with a nod, "But ya know me, ah'd rather be at Sweet Apple Acres in the orchard."

Rainbow gave a scoff in response.

"Um...maybe they could play just one game with us. I mean...I don't see anything wrong with it if they want to do something else..." Fluttershy voiced in

"That does sound like a fair point, at least for now." Rarity agreed, "Don't you agree Applejack."

"Eyep, ah reckon just one game would be fair fer now."

"So a game, huh?" Rainbow mused, "What kind of game are you suggesting?"

"Ooo! Make it a fun game!" Pinkie exclaimed

Applejack remained silent for a moment as she thought about the question, before a smirk formed on her face, "Ah think ah have just the right game that should suit ya'll's fancy. Twi and Rainbow don't even have ta be with us ta play. How do ya two fancy a wagerin' game?"

"A betting game Applejack? Is that truly what you find to be entertaining?" Rarity asked

"Jus' let me finish. 'Sides, ah'll be the one makin' the bet afterall."

"Okay, so what kind of wager do you have in mind?" Rainbow asked, giving an amused grin.

"How 'bout that ya two don't use yer abilities for the whole trip. That means, no flyin', and no magic."

"What?! No, I am NOT going to agree to that!"

"If ya win Rainbow, I'll give ya anythin' ya want. As long as what ya ask fer is reasonable, I'll give it to ya."

"Hm...first off fruit-butt, tell us, what do you get if YOU win."

"Hm..." Applejack thought about the question as she brought a hoof to her chin, "Well, how about ya help out on the farm fer one week? It'd be nice to have the extra help tendin' ta things, especially at this time of the year."

"But, aren't we already willing to help you out on the farm Applejack?" Twilight asked

"That ya are, but under this, ya'll will be workin' for me rather than helpin'."

"So...if we win, you'll give us anything we want...?" Rainbow asked

"As long as it's reasonable."

"Hm, how about...you let me have one of the trees in the orchard for a week. I could always use a new place to rest after I 
practice; and, I get to see you eat your hat."

"That's two things Rainbow Dash." Twilight pointed out.

"Ah ain't gonna eat my hat!" Applejack stated, "This here is a family heirloom."

"I'll get ya new one to eat then. As long as you do eat it." Rainbow argued as she gave a cocky smirk, "As for me asking for two things, I want to make sure it's well worth it since I'll be giving up what I love to do best."

Applejack remained silent as she closed her eyes to think about the idea, after a minute or so, she opened her eyes again and held out a hoof, "Alrighty then Rainbow, ya got yerself a bet."

Rainbow hoof-bumped with Applejack, sealing the deal. Applejack then looked toward Twilight, "Willin' ta give it a go there Twi?"

"I don't know..."

"Just give it a try Twilight." Rainbow stated, "At worse, you're just gonna get a little dirty helping out at Sweet Apple Acres."

"Well...I suppose it wouldn't hurt giving it a try." and put a hoof up.

"Uh-uh, first we settle what ya want if ya win."

Twilight remained silent for a moment before saying, "Well, how about I ask if you can bake me an apple pie."

"An apple pie?" Applejack asked, a bit befuddled.

"Twilight, you can always get apple pie." Rainbow exclaimed, "Jeez, you can even get one just by tagging along with them tomorrow."

"Yeah, I bet even Applejack or me can make you an apple pie. You just have to ask." Pinkie added

"Well, yes, but seeing that apples are the specialty of Applejack's family, they always taste a little better. No offense intended Pinkie."

"Oooooh. Well that's okay, no arguements from me." Pinkie replied then gave a grin

"Why jus' one then there Twi? It ain't no problem fer me ta bake ya one. Don't feel mighty fair that ah'd ask ya ta do one whole week of work fer a lil' ol' pie. Maybe, free pie that week? Ah'll give  ya one as many as ya want. That seems more fair."

"I'm sorry Applejack, as much as I do find that offer tempting, I'm not sure I can eat that many pies. Do you remember when we first met during the Summer Sun Celebration a couple of years ago?" Applejack gave a nod in response, "Well, after 'sampling' much of the food your family and yourself had to offer, as delicious as it was, I wasn't so sure I could stand eating another apple-based product for days afterwards." Twilight explained as she rubbed her stomach, recalling how much it had ached after

Applejack gave a chuckle in response, "Well, it was yer choice ta stay that long sugarcube. The family wouldn't have said a thing if ya wanted to skeedaddle after the first fifteen minutes of tryin' out the food."

"Hm, well, how about four apple pies then. Does that sound a little fair to you?"

"Ah don't suppose ah'm gonna convince ya otherwise?" she asked amusingly, to which Twilight simply shook her head, "Well, ah suppose that's a fair deal."

"Wait, Applejack mind if I'm exempted from the 'no flying' portion? I really need to practice flying, and I do need a little more work on my landings." Twilight asked

"Sure, if you consider making a magic bubble to soften your crashes as landings, then I guess you could use 'a little more work' on your landings." Rainbow stated an amused smirk.

"Well..., yer suppose ta be no magic, so ah see no problems with that." as Applejack quickly hoof-bumped Twilight to seal the deal, "We can start the bet tomorrow, fer now ah'm more interested in gettin' some shut-eye. Goodnight everypony."
The others bade Applejack a good night, as the farmer trotted out towards the elevator. As time ticked by, the others soon followed suit as they each slowly related to sleepiness and retreated back to their rooms for a good night's sleep.
> Day 1
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Twilight lightly groaned as the morning sunlight woke her from her slumber, but loudly  yawned as she willed herself to sit up and rub her eyes. She hadn't gotten as much sleep as she would've wanted after the events of last night so she had to rework her entire schedule for the entire trip. Once her eyes had adjusted properly to the light of her mentor's sun, she proceeded to roll herself out of bed and go to the bathroom.

On the way, she did notice that Spike seems to be gone from his bed. The two shared a hotel room with two separate beds. Twilight's best guess as to where her little assistant had gone, downstairs enjoying a good breakfast.

Technically, being in the bathroom of her own private hotel room, she could've used magic to go through her usual morning routine and nopony would ever know, but Twilight knew what she was getting herself into and refused to be so uncouth as to be dishonest to her friends. Besides, it offered her a great opportunity to experience how non-unicorn ponies go through everyday life, and as with any good study, she had to be as consistent as possible through out the entire study. Unfortunately, that was easier said than done.

By the time Twilight had properly gone through her routine, a full hour had passed and she was still struggling to finish brushing her mane. As soon as she was somewhat satisfied with how her mane looked, Twilight picked up her saddlebag and headed out the door.

"Mornin' Twilight." Applejack greeted her

"Morning Applejack."

"Betcha yer rather hungry right about now, huh?" Applejack asked with a smirk.

"Yes, you'd be right about that Applejack. I really could use a good breakfast right about now."

"Actually, ya might wanna consider gettin' brunch instead. It's eleven in the mornin' sugarcube."

"It's that late?!"

"Yer one of the last ones awake. Well, next ta Rainbow anyway. That mare hasn't woken up yet."

"I see..." Twilight commented as they started toward the lobby of the hotel, "Are you still planning to go along with Pinkie and Fluttershy to that bakery today?"

"Ya bet. We're just waitin' on Shy right now. She took mah sis, 'er friends, an' Spike down ta the end of the beach ta look at some seastars. Why? Plannin' ta follow along?"

"I'm sorry Applejack, but I'm going to have to decline the offer again. I'm too hungry at the moment to really want to wait the trip to get food."

Applejack chuckled at the statement. "Well, ah have no problems wit' that. Especially, since ya didn't eat much last night, an' ya missed breakfast. We'll see about bringin' ya somethin' back if we can."

As they reached the lobby, Twilight and Applejack went their separate ways as the alicorn went to go appease her hunger, and Applejack headed out to where Pinkie and Fluttershy were suppose to meet her.

"Howdy Pinkie Pie. Did Fluttershy finish up with them crusaders yet?" she asked the pink pony, who was sitting near the entrance outside eating an apple from the buffet area.

"Nope, not yet." Pinkie replied before taking another bite, "This is really good." she commented out loud after a momentary pause.

"My goodness, it's really quite warm out today." Rarity rang out as she came out of the hotel and joined her friends.

"Hiya Rarity!" Pinkie greeted.

"Yep, but it ain't nothin' ta be worried about." Applejack stated, "Ya goin' somewhere Rares?" she asked, noticing Rarity seemed to be carrying her saddlebags.

"Why yes, I am. I'm going down to the shopping centers to see what's fashionable here. It might give me some ideas for my own work once we return home."

"Ah thought ya were goin' ta watch them fillies today."

"Oh...right..." she stated as she recalled that detail, "Oh dear, I completely forgot about that."

"Hm...Well, why don't we take the Crusaders with us fer a time? I'm sure Pinkie an' Shy wouldn't mind if they tagged along fer a bit." Applejack stated, "We can bring 'em to ya later if ya want."

"Oh, of course. You can probably find me near the central plaza, that is where the more well known stores are located." Rarity replied with a nod, "Applejack, if you don't mind me asking, I'm afraid I don't quite understand, why a betting game with Twilight and Rainbow Dash? Pinkie, Fluttershy, and myself are taking no part in it. How does that ensure we all can meet and socialize together?" she added after a moment, to which Pinkie gave a nod in agreement as she hopped over to them.

"It was so we could Rares. Ya heard it yerself, they both were goin' ta be busy as a honeybee in spring with their own plans ta hangout."

"So you gave them a reason to, by taking away the key element to their plans...? My Applejack, I wasn't aware someone so honest can be so cunning." Rarity stated with an amused smirk.

"Hey, it ain't like ah'm lyin' to either of 'em." she replied defensively

"I said nothing of the sort dear Applejack." she simply replied back in a sincere voice, "Well, I'll be taking my leave now. I wish you three have fun on your trip today. Ta." and without another word, was off.

About that time, Applejack heard an audible yawn behind her. Looking back, she saw her cyan friend sleepily trotting up to her.

"Mornin' Rainbow."

"Morning you two."

Pinkie waved back to her, since her mouth was currently full.

Rainbow then gave another yawn before shaking her head to wake herself up more, then opened her wings to stretch them.

"Remember, no flyin' Rainbow." Applejack stated with a smirk

"I remember." Rainbow rebutted as she rolled her eyes, "Stretching my wing muscles does NOT count as flying." she added before  she pressed her wings back onto her sides.

"Jus' givin' ya a friendly reminder." she stated as she looked back at the where the crusaders and Fluttershy were, "So, whatcha plannin' ta be doin' today Rainbow?"

"Well, since I can't really fly around and practice my tricks, like I wanted to." she shot Applejack a glare, "I'm going see if Twilight needs tutoring in landing. I don't have to be in the air to teach her that."

Applejack simply replied with a nod, before looking back out to the beach.

As the sun was near setting on another day for the group, Twilight and Rainbow Dash could still be found on the beach, along side with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike. They couldn't really say where the others were at that time, other than Fluttershy, who had retreated back to her room for a quick nap, and the princesses, who had also retired to their room after a two-hour long scuba diving adventure. It was a matter that Twilight mentally noted to do a little research on and possibly try.

Rainbow was still helping teach Twilight how to properly land. The two had started a little over three hours ago, and Twilight still couldn't quite grasp the proper timing when it came to coming to a stop in mid-air, and landing safely on her hooves. Granted though she was improving.

"Alright Twilight, let's try landing again." Rainbow shouted out, "And remember, don't push backwards too hard when you slow down." she added as she fidgeted slightly. 

Twilight gave a quick nod in affirmation before descending in a spiraling fashion. Once she was a couple of feet above the ground, Twilight beat her wings forward to slow down and eventually came to a halt. Unfortunately though, Twilight still landed flat on her rump as she miscalculated the amount of push needed to come to a full stop.

"Well..., at least you're getting better Twilight. At least you landed on your butt rather than your back this time." Rainbow stated as she chuckled

Twilight groaned in response.

"Oh come on Twilight, you did good. You just need to adjust your technique a little."

Twilight sighed. "I'll do some research later. For now, I'm tired."

Rainbow sighed as well, followed by her opening and closing her wings.

"Howdy ya two." They both heard Applejack greet them.

They both looked to see the farmer pony trotting up to them. Pinkie and Rarity right behind her.

"Hey Applejack." Twilight greeted.

"Where've you three been?" Rainbow asked.

"We went a lil' bit outside the town ta have a look around."

"It's rather refreshing actually." Rarity stated, "As much as the town is beautiful, much of the area all around the town is just as visually appealing."

"Ah hear we're suppose ta have good weather all week, so ah reckon a lil' picnic would be just dandy."

"I think that's something we can all do." Twilight replied with a smile, "So, when do you plan on holding the picnic?"

"Ooo, ooo, how about tomorrow?" Pinkie asked excitedly. Apparently the idea was so appealing to her, she wanted to do it as soon as possible.

"Whoa there sugarcube, we still have ta hear when Fluttershy is feelin' up ta it as well." Applejack stated with a smirk.

"Oh yeah..." Pinkie replied along with a nervous grin, before her expression went to confusion as she noted that Rainbow's wing seemingly twitching once in a while, and the cyan pegasus acting a bit fidgety.

"Actually, I'm not sure if I can join you girls for a picnic tomorrow, if you do choose it for tomorrow." Twilight stated as she gave an apologetic look.

"Already made plans for tomorrow darling?" Rarity asked

"I made a promise to Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle that I'd take them exploring in one of the caves that's open to tourists."

"Ain't that somethin' ya should be askin' us about first?" Applejack asked

"Don't worry, the cave I have in mind is quite safe. I'm sure you remember it." Twilight stated, "It's the one that supposedly has fossils and a pirate's lost treasure."

"Ya mean that one cave where a blue stallion is always in front, soundin' a lot like Flim an' Flam?" Twilight nodded in response, "Ah dunno..., ah mean, ah know the cave yer sayin' Twilight, but ah'm not so sure ah'm comfortable lettin' her go. Maybe if it was jus' 'er, ah know ya can watch 'er jus' fine, but all three...?"

"Indeed, those three are quite the hoof-ful when together." Rarity added.

Pinkie, who had been looking at Rainbow, noted another wing-twitch from Rainbow Dash.

"Well...why don't you girls join us? It does fall within your objective of hanging out together doesn't it?"

"Oh...um..." Rarity replied nervously, "I think I'll have to pass on that offer Twilight. I'd love to, but there's just too much...ugh, dirt..."

"Oh, it ain't that bad. A lil' dirt in yer mane ain't gonna hurt ya." Applejack stated, earning a slight scoff from the white unicorn, she then turned her attention once again to Twilight, "Well, ah certainly wouldn't mind that. A reckon a lil' cave explorin' is a dandy idea."

"Great, we can meet at the hotel lobby tomorrow after lunch." 

"Are you okay Dashie?" Pinkie asked, once she saw Rainbow fidget and her wing twitched once more.

"I'm fine Pinkie." Rainbow replied dully.

"Why? What's wrong with Dash there Pinks?" Applejack asked

"She keeps twitchy-twitching."

"I said I'm fine." Rainbow shouted defensively. Unfortunately, her wing gave another twitch that seemed weird in sense that one opened up completely then closed, while the other barely got up to half-way before being folded back on her side.

"Are you sure Rainbow?" Twilight asked, "Because, now that Pinkie mentions it, I did notice that you seemed a bit...I don't know, tense while I was flying."

"..."

"Hm..." Applejack gave a thought before giving a smirk, "Ya know, ah bet this has somethin' ta do with our lil' deal last night. Itchin' ta fly again there Rainbow?"

"What?! No, I'm fine. You'll see Applejack, I'm not going to lose our bet." Rainbow rebutted as she gave a cocky smile, her former jittery behavior now gone.

"We'll see Rainbow." Applejack remarked, "But, if ah'm right-"

"Which you're not." Rainbow stated firmly as she glared at her

"If ah'm right, yer probably gonna snap like a tree branch with a ton a' snow on it before Twilight does."

"I'm not going to lose, and I'm definitely not going to let Twilight beat me." Rainbow stated firmly, "Twilight, I'm coming along tomorrow. I'm going to make sure you lose before I do, that is if I do choose to lose." then stomped off back to the hotel to cool off.

"Okay...that wasn't exactly how I pictured asking if Rainbow wanted to join us, but...I suppose that works too." Twilight stated, then gave a sigh, "Well, I have some planning to do for tomorrow, so I'm going back to my room. I think you'll find the crusaders over there." she then pointed what kind of looked like a small mound of sand, "They were digging a hole there earlier for whatever reason they saw fit. It's not deep though."

"Alrighty, gotcha Twilight." Applejack said as she started trotting towards it, Rarity just behind her.

"Oh, if you see Spike over there, tell him I want him back at the hotel before eight tonight." Twilight called out.
> Day 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day proved to be another sunny, clear day as Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders made their way to the cave. Both Twilight and Applejack had their saddle bags with them. Twilight did try to convince Spike to come along as well, but it seems the young dragon had already made up his own plans for the day: hanging out and helping Rarity for the day.

"It's not very far now." Twilight stated

"Are we really goin' ta look fer fossils Sis?" Applebloom excitedly asked her sister.

"That's what ah'm gettin' from what Twilight told me." She replied with a smile.

"Well..., to be honest, most of the 'fossils' we find will more than likely be fake." Twilight explained as she gave a nervous look.

"What?! But if they're fake, what's the point?" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Well, real fossils are very difficult to come by, not to mention that real ones take a lot of patience to excavate and catalog properly, and are probably in several different pieces." Twilight explained

Applejack gave a chuckle, "Just think it this way, it might be yer special talent and this is good practice."

All three crusaders looked at each other, as if asking if they've done that already, before shouting out, "Cutie Mark Crusader Archaeologists! Yay!"

Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash immediately stopped in their tracks and clenched their teeth at how loud the three were.

As the ringing in the three older ponies' ears started to subside, the sound of somepony chuckling started to be heard.
"Those three sure sound excited." a blue stallion stated, the same one who ran the cave tourist attraction that Twilight mentioned the day before.

"Good afternoon sir." Twilight greeted.

"Afternoon." he greeted, before looking at the crusaders, "Also as a side note, the term you three are looking for is 'paleontologists', not 'archaeologists'."

"What's the dif?" Scootaloo asked

"A paleontologist is somepony who studies ancient life, particularly ancient animal life. Archaeologists is around the same area, but is more centered around ancient cultures like...the culture of the Three Tribes before Equestria." Twilight explained

The blue stallion gave a nod to that before saying, "Well, seeing you six are up here, am I to assume you're here to visit Broken Bone Cave?"

"Broken Bone Cave...?" Applejack repeated questioningly.

"My grandfather named it, not me. I think he named it after the fossilized bones that were found here those years ago. Don't worry though, I've spent my whole life around this cave, and I haven't gotten hurt yet."

"Yes, we are." Twilight replied to his earlier question

"I'm pleased to have you here. You can call me Dusty, and welcome to Broken Bone Cave. Now for the matter in regards to the entrance fee, and if I can get you to please sign these waiver forms." he stated as he handed them a copy of the waiver each, "It just a formality, so it's understood that I'm not held responsible in the event you get injured due to issues regarding existing medical conditions you may have, and any injuries you may suffer in the event you go into the unmarked areas of the cave." he explained as Rainbow, Twilight, and Applejack signed the waiver forms and gave it back to him.

"Now...for the entrance fee...I usually charge three bits a pony, but I think I can give three of Equestria's heroes a discount. How about for eight bits, the six of you can go in?"

"Ah ain't much for things like that, but thank ya kindly fer the discount." Applejack stated as Twilight and herself paid the fee. Rainbow couldn't since she didn't have any money on her at the moment.

"You don't have to be so humble about it." he said as he gave a chuckle, "Some ponies may forget what you six did during the Nightmare Moon and Discord incident, but not me. I'm thankful you mares did what you did."

As the six of them started their way in, they heard the stallion give a shout to get their attention, "I almost forgot, there is one rule you have to abide by. You can have any fossil you find, though five is the usual limit, but no getting any fossils that are heavier than you can carry, or bigger than your torso. It's more for your personal safety, than for the continuation of my business."

They each said something about understanding the rule and continued in as the stallion started voicing out his usual pitch to attract more tourists.

The cave itself was actually very well lit, and the walls and ceiling certainly looked sturdy as it was reinforced with the typical wooden-beam supports. Though it probably was stable without the beams, as the walls and ceiling started to look more solid as they got further away from the entrance.

"Kinda looks like the cave we slept in when we went campin', eh Applebloom?" Applejack remarked with a smirk.

"Yeah, ah suppose it does...It don't have those hanging spikes though." Applebloom noted as she looked up, "How are we gonna tell when we see a fossil?" she asked as she looked at Twilight.

"Well... first off try looking at some of the rocks we see as we walk. If you see something, take a closer look at it and see if there's any distinguishable features that may not naturally appear on any rock, such as the shape of a leaf, a hoof-print, or a bone."

"Ya mean like that one?" Applebloom asked as she pointed at a rock that appeared to have a very large bug on it, just before the three fillies ran over to have a closer look.

The rock in question was a fairly good sized one, about 5 inches in length and 4 inches wide. It was also a fossil, though quite possibly fake, of a trilobite.

"Oh, yes, that's a good example of one. That's a fossilized trilobite if I'm not mistaken." Twilight stated as she, Applejack, and Rainbow came over to also have a look

"A trilobite...?" Scootaloo asked, "Is that scientific-y for 'Giant weird bug'?"

"That's actually it's common name, and I guess you're somewhat close in your guess. Trilobites are actually similar to horseshoe crabs, which belong in a subgroup to crustaceans called chelicerata, which is similar to arachnids." Twilight explained as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a book with her teeth. After flipping through a few pages, she found the section she was looking for about horseshoe crabs. "Here, this is a picture of a horseshoe crab. They're usually found near shallow ocean waters, and they tend to eat small clams, worms, and algea."

"Ya said this thing is possibly closer to arachnids? As in spiders?" Applejack asked with a raised brow.

"Yes, that would be correct Applejack; but, if you prefer, you could just think of it as a type of crab."

"You know Twilight, it'd be easier to just say, 'It's a really old spider' than to say all that about horseshoe crabs." Rainbow stated as a matter-of-factly.

"It's not exactly a spider, that's the point of explaining it in a greater detail Rainbow."

"Ah found it, it's mine." Applebloom announced as she raised a hoof in the air.

"Be my guest. I don't think I want a-" Scootaloo was saying, just before catching herself, "I mean, I'm sure they'll be a much cooler find later than some old trilobite."

Sweetie Belle agreed without a second thought, she wasn't too fond of the idea that it was possibly a big spider.

After Applebloom managed to get the trilobite into her sister's saddlebag, the group pressed on till they reached a large cavern area. The entire cavern area looked to have been an area eroded from water coming from above, or possibly suggesting the entire cavern at some point was below sea-level filled with water in its past. Either way, it resulted in a large cavern that showed prefect examples of stalagmites, stalactites, and columns features, that also had obvious mineral deposits which made the whole area sparkle. It definitely stood out by a long shot compared to the tunnel they just walked through.

"Wow, this so cool!" Scootaloo exclaimed, "I've never seen anything like this before."

After another moment of awe and amazement, the group heard Scootaloo state out loud, "Well, what are we waiting for crusaders?"

"Yeah! Let's git lookin'." Applebloom replied, before the three fillies ran off and disappeared behind some large boulders to look for fossils, or just about anything really.

"Hey come back, ya hear me?!" Applejack yelled before running off after them.

"You're not going to follow them?" Twilight asked Rainbow after a couple of moments of silence.

"Nah." she answered rather quickly, "Like I said yesterday Twilight, I'm going to make sure you lose your bet with Applejack WAY before I ever do."

"So...? What, are you going to follow me around till I do?"

"Yep, that's the plan." Rainbow responded firmly with a nod.

"That's absolutely ridiculous Rainbow." Twilight declared as she shot her friend a look, before giving a sigh, "Fine...but don't bug me on what I choose to do."

Rainbow nodded in response.

"Applejack, Rainbow and I are going to check the other side of the cave. " she announced, "Think you can handle those three on your own?"

"Sure thing. Jus' make sure ya find us before these three decide to split up." they heard her reply

With that, Twilight and Rainbow trotted off in the other direction.

"So..., um, how are you enjoying the vacation Rainbow?"

"What...?"

"I asked how are you're enjoying your time so far at Lunar Bay?" Twilight repeated, "I figured as long as you're going to follow me, I might as well try striking up a conversation."

"Oh...Yeah, I guess it's alright. The cave is very nice." Rainbow replied, "Though, I think I'd rather be outside breathing the fresh ocean air."

"Well, it was your choice to come along with us Rainbow." Twilight stated with an amused smirk.

Rainbow gave a light scoff in response, before noticing that as much as Twilight should've been looking at all this science-y fossils, the alicorn wasn't. In fact, there was quite a number of small trilobite and seashell fossils that the alicorn just passed by without a second glance.

"Uh...Twilight...you're not going to look at the fossils? You just passed like...a bunch of them."

"Well, most of these fossils are the usual common ones I've seen; and, like I said before, they're most likely fabricated fossils. Besides, I've had my chance to look at real ones back at Canterlot as a filly."

"Then why wander off from the others?"

"I guess, I wanted to have a quick look around. You never really know what you'll find Rainbow."

After about twenty minutes of silence between the two, the only real sounds coming from Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders somewhere in the cavern, Rainbow gave a loud groan in boredom and rested her head on her hooves. She was currently laying flat on her stomach on the ground. All the while Twilight was closely looking at what Rainbow could only guess was a fossilized leaf.

"Are you done looking at that yet?" Rainbow asked sounding almost like she was pleading

"I'm almost done." Twilight replied without really taking her attention away from the fossil, "Hm, if only I could have a closer 
look this." she muttered to herself, wishing she had remembered to bring her magnifying glass.

Rainbow groaned again before looking off to the side. Her boredom was replaced by curiosity as she took notice to what looked like a path to another cavern deeper in the cave. Letting her curiosity get the better of her, Rainbow trotted over to have a closer look.

"Hey Twilight, check this out."

"Hm...? What did you find Rainbow?" she asked as she put the fossil she was handling down and went over to see what the cyan pegasus had found

"It's another cavern."

"Hm..." Twilight took a quick glance before taking a step back to look at a sign that appears to have been bolted onto the cavern wall, "Caution: Area beyond this point deemed hazardous by management.  Proceed with extreme caution." she read outloud for Rainbow to hear.

"I don't know Rainbow, it's probably best we t-" Twilight was saying before noticing that Rainbow had gone ahead and walked into the other area already, "Rainbow!"

"What...?"

"Rainbow, weren't you listening? The sign just pointed out that this area is dangerous."

"Oh come on Twilight, where's your sense of adventure? Or...are you just chicken?" 

"The level of my bravery is beside the point here Rainbow, if something goes wrong, you could die."

"Come on, it won't hurt to have a little look." Rainbow stated as she went over and looked at a rock, "See, look. I just found a fossil we didn't see in the other area."

Rainbow rolled it so Twilight could have a better look at the fossil she had found.

Twilight was about to rebut her friend before her mouth hung open as her eyes settled on the fossil Rainbow had found. The fossil itself was simple, but it was of one that Twilight had taken interest in seeing, it was a fossil of a jellyfish.

"I'm not sure what it is though. Is it a dino egg?" Rainbow asked, the fossil wasn't of the typical types of jelllyfish, it was one of the variants where the tentacles weren't as obvious.

"Actually Rainbow, that's a jellyfish fossil." Twilight replied, still looking in disbelief at what her friend had just found.

"Oh..." Rainbow dully stated, "And here I thought I found something cool. Then proceeded to kick it off to the side.

Twilight reacted by quickly rushing in and grabbing onto the fossil, "Rainbow, this IS a cool find. A jellyfish is one of the hardest creatures in ancient history to find fossilize."

"But a jellyfish is soooo boring. All it does is float around doesn't it?"

"Well, yes, it does mostly just float around; but, it is impressive when you consider it's a species of animal that doesn't have a brain or any basic internal organs." Twilight stated, "So even if it is a fake, it's still a worthwhile keepsake."

"Is that so?" Rainbow asked, her tone sounding interested now, "Well, then I want it back."

"What?! But you just kicked it off to the side!"

"Well, that was before I found out it's a worthwhile keepsake." Rainbow stated, "Besides, I found it." she added as she tackled Twilight, just enough to knock the alicorn onto her side, grabbed hold of the fossil with one of her wings.

"But you didn't even like it." Twilight stated as she got back up and did the same to Rainbow to take back the fossil. As soon as she got a hold of it she started running from Rainbow, who quickly gave chase.

After a few moments of chasing and tackling each other for ownership of the fossil, Twilight managed to get Rainbow to a point where pinned Rainbow to the ground, her hooves firmly planted against the pegasus's stomach.

"You...you seriously want that fossil?" Rainbow asked

Twilight couldn't give more than a nod as she panted, quickly tired out in comparison to her friend, though that obviously didn't stop her from having just enough energy to hold Rainbow down without the use of her magic.

"Fine..., you can keep it. Just get off'a me."

Twilight obliged as she stepped aside and sat herself down to rest.

"Jeez, Twilight, I didn't think you had that kind of fight in you." Rainbow stated as she rubbed her stomach, "Not bad...for a librarian anyway."

Twilight took the chance to give a small grin of victory, then gave a deep breath and a sigh.

"Also Twilight, don't take this the wrong way, but I think you need to lose a few pounds. You're actually kinda heavy." she remarked as she gave a grumpy look at her friend, all the while still rubbing her stomach.

Twilight proceeded to give a sheepish grin, before looking around, "Hey where did the fossil go?"

"Um...I think I saw it roll that way when I last tackled you." Rainbow pointed in the direction she believes she saw the fossil roll away.

Twilight started walking in the direction that Rainbow had indicated, closely followed by Rainbow.

"By the way, don't tell anyone that I gave up." Rainbow stated.

Twilight giggled in response and said, "Sure, I won't breath a word of the matter."

Though it did take a little time to do so, they eventually found the fossil near one of the center most columns.

"Hmm...Oh good, it doesn't appear our little tussle caused any damage to it." Twilight stated cheerfully as she tried observing it as close as she could.

"I honestly don't know how you can tell that Twilight. I mean it did look roughed up to begin with."

Twilight opened her mouth to explain, but then closed it again as she thought about her answer. "I guess, I'm just good with details like that."

Rainbow gave a scoff, "Whatever..." and proceeded to look at the column the fossil landed closest to.

"Hey, Rainbow...I was thinking, you said you were going to follow me around until either one of us loses Applejack's bet, am I correct?"

"No. Until YOU lose Applejack's bet." Rainbow rebutted with a smirk, "You really think you're going to best me, Twilight Sparkle?"

"Nonetheless, you're going to be following me around, correct?"

"Uh, yeah, I am." Rainbow replied dully, as she decidedly gave the center column a quick test kick with one of her rear hooves.

"Twilight, Rainbow, mah sis' an' her friends are done 'ere." they heard Applejack shout out to them

"Alright Applejack, go ahead and leave the cave. Rainbow and myself are almost done here, we'll meet you up front in a couple of minutes."

"Got it."

"Well, I was thinking..." Twilight began saying as they listened to the sounds of the Crusader and Applejack heading out, "Since you're pretty much decided on taking this as something more of a competition between the two of us. Why not make it more official?"

"Huh...?"

"What I mean is, why not the two of us make a bet between ourselves as well?" Twilight suggested, "The individual between us that gives in firsts will owe the victor one favor."

"What kind of a favor?"

"Anything really, as long as it's reasonable. For example, if I win, I could ask if you could help me with my study with clouds and wind currents."

"Hm...Eh, why not. You're on Twilight." and put a hoof out.

Twilight hoof-bumped to seal the deal, just before noticing that Rainbow seemed to be more interested in the column behind her.

"Um, mind explaining to me why you're kicking that?"

Rainbow gave a grin in response before saying, "Just having a little fun. Hey, look, I'm Applejack." and gave the column another kick, "Howdy thar, I'm Applejack, and ya can find me on mah farm bucking apple trees." another kick, "See, it's as easy as apple pie." another kick against the column.

Twilight gave a scoff as she smirked at Rainbow's attempt to mock their friend, "That's not very nice Rainbow, I'm certain Applejack wouldn't take it too kindly if she finds out that you're making fun of her."

"Oh, fine...you're no fun." Rainbow gave the column one final kick, one that unfortunately proved a little too strong for it.

The two ponies started to hear the column begin to crack, and the sound persisted till it reached the roof of the cavern, which was quickly followed by one of the stalactites coming down. Fortunately it didn't hit any of them, though the closeness was more than enough for make both jump.

Twilight inadvertently dropped the fossil again in panic just as another stalactite fell down nearby, "Run!"

Twilight was the first to start toward the exit, while Rainbow did just that, but took a little extra moment for another matter to grab Twilight's saddlebag, which had fallen off it's owner during their little fight for the fossil earlier.

Both having just made it out in the nick of time. The unstable cavern area didn't completely collapse, just enough to obstruct the small tunnel that led into it.

Rainbow gave a short chuckle, "Wow, we sure were lucky we managed to get out."

"'Lucky'...?" Twilight repeated in disbelief, "Lucky?! Rainbow, you're the one who caused the tunnel to collapse."

Rainbow gave a nervous grin

Twilight then gave an audible sigh, "Well, were both okay, and we both got out of there in time. We should be happy about that." she said before taking her saddlebag back from Rainbow, "Thank you."

"Heh, you're welcome Twilight. You're also welcome for this." Rainbow stated, as Twilight gave her a curious look, and the pegasus uncurled her wing off of the fossil that Twilight wanted.

Twilight's jaw could only drop in response. Apparently Rainbow had taken the extra time to also re-obtain the fossil for Twilight.

"Don't worry, I made sure I could get it safely. Besides, you should know by now that wings or no wings, I'm still a very fast pony." she boasted.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Twilight quickly stated as she gave her friend a quick hug.

"Hehe, no problem Twilight. You know I'd never leave my friends hanging."

"I still can't believe you'd actually go out of your way, just to get a fossil that you dismissed before I even told you about it."

Rainbow gave proud grin in response, as Twilight put the fossil in her saddlebag for safe-keeping. It took a moment for Twilight to do so, but she managed to get her saddlebag on her back again. One of the annoyances she deemed necessary to this no-magic bet. Afterwards, the two ponies started toward the exit to this cave, the noise created from the cave in they could already guess caused some concern from the others.

"Are ya two alright?" Applejack asked as they neared the cave entrance.

"Don't worry, we're alright." Twilight replied

"What tartarus happened in there?"

"Rainbow and I were exploring the cavern we found deeper in the cave, and well...the cave started to come down."

"Didn't you two did see the sign I put up?" Dusty asked

"Yes, we did sir. We understood what we were getting ourselves into." Twilight stated, sounding as respectful as she could.

"Anyway, did you two find something worth taking home? Afterall, going into an unstable area, you two must've had something you two were after."

"It was mostly me who found something worthwhile really." and carefully pulled the fossil out of her bag with her wing.

"Oh, well, that is quite a find indeed." Dusty stated

"What's so special 'bout that? It kinda...looks like one of those jellyfish ah saw in picture once." Applejack stated.

"A jellyfish fossil is very difficult to come by, mostly because they lack any real hard surface like that trilobite your sister found." Dusty explained

"It's due to that fact Applejack that finding one is by sheer luck, as the only way a fossil of one could ever form is if a unique number of events occurred to it." Twilight added, to which Dusty gave a nod in confirmation.

"Now, I just finished asking your friend this, as well as these energetic fillies, but by any chance would be willing to trade that fossil for some bits?"

Twilight thought about the offer, but respectfully declined the offer. "I'm sorry, but I was really interested in being able to take this one home."

"I understand. Be sure to take good care of it, and give it a proper home." Dusty stated, "Also, I do apologize about what happened inside the cave, I've been working on getting some wood to help support much of the unstable inner cavern."

"That's alright, we managed to get out without any injury anyway." Twilight stated as the group started back toward the hotel, "Thank you having us."

"It was a pleasure. Oh wait! I forgot, I wanted to ask you three something."

They stopped and looked back at him

"I wanted to ask, I know that both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are in town as well right?"

"Yes, they're the ones that suggested we take this vacation."

"Do you know if any of the royal guards came with you?"

The three looked at each other, wondering if any one of them remembered seeing a guard on board the train, or getting off when they arrived.

"I'm just a bit curious since there was incident yesterday. My wife heard about a photographer pony from Manehatten that got attacked yesterday."

"What?! Are you serious?" Rainbow asked

Dusty gave a nod, "They say the poor fella's camera broke in the incident. Now, he wasn't hurt too badly from what I heard, just a bruised shoulder; but, from what I heard he was near the beach yesterday when the Princesses were there, and the description of the attacker kinda sounded like it was a guard."

"Do ya know if he was robbed?" Applejack asked, deeply concerned

"No, it was just a hurt shoulder and a broken camera, nothing any more serious than that from what I heard."

The three looked at each again before they all shook their head.

"We don't think so. We don't quite recall seeing any guards onboard the train or when we got here."

Dusty gave it some thought, as if he was thinking, "Now, the mystery deeps further." before deciding to shrug it off, and continued to wave the others good-bye.

"Do ya think any of the guards tagged along with us sugarcube?" Applejack asked Twilight, as they continued on their way.

"I don't think so, but I suppose it would hold to reason that a few guards would be around while the Princesses are outside of Canterlot." Twilight replied, "I'll try asking the Princesses later, if there's any pony who would know, it's them."

"But wouldn't they be, you know, guarding the Princesses, not attacking a random photographer pony?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah, that's not really 'guarding'." Scootaloo agreed.

"Again, I don't really know. It's best we just ask either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna about this later." Twilight stated

Later that night, they shared with the others how their cave exploring went, with a few mixed reactions. Such as while Pinkie sounded a little jealous that she didn't tag along at all, Fluttershy showed concern for them and they had to constantly tell the timid pegasus that she didn't have to worry and they got out just fine. Nonetheless though, they did show interest in what the others had found. Twilight and Rainbow with the jellyfish fossil, Applebloom with her trilobite, Applejack who found a grasshopper that got entrapped in amber, Sweetie Belle who found an old gold necklace, one of those supposed pirate treasures, and it was one she gave her sister Rarity, and Scootaloo who found a small fossil of a supposed raptor claw.

After a good dinner, which closely resembled their meals about two days ago, the others decided to head to bed early today. The events of the day had left most of them tired. Before Princess Celestia was able to hit the hay as well, Twilight, along with Rainbow, asked her and Luna about the attack yesterday and the possibility of a few guards following along. Unfortunately, they got even more confused by the Princesses' reply. While Celestia seemed to hesitantly admit that maybe one or two guards were in the town with them, Luna seemed somewhat firm in her statement that there wasn't any guard in the town outside of the usual local police. Either way, Twilight didn't want to think too much about the matter, and didn't feel like staying up late calculating the possibilities of the matter.
> Day 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, the group of friends once again went their separate ways to do separate activities. Applejack decided to go along with Pinkie on a trip to the cave again, Pinkie wanted to have a little souvenier as well as a good look at the place herself. Rarity and Fluttershy, along with Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, headed over to the local park to see more of the local bird species, and to see a classical music concert later in the afternoon. Twilight, Rainbow, and Scootaloo, who wanted to hang out with Rainbow that day, were headed to the suite where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were staying. Celestia had offered Twilight a chance to play a game, if only to give her student something to do that day besides hide in her room and read a book.

"So..., why are we going to see the Princesses again?" Rainbow asked

"Well, Princess Celestia offered me a chance to try a game she and Princess Luna had been playing as of late." Twilight replied, "You, you're just following me around, so I can't say; and, unless I'm mistaken, Scootaloo is following you."

"You know, you didn't have to follow us Scoots." Rainbow stated as she looked at the little filly following them, "I already told you that we probably weren't doing anything worth talking about."

"Yeah, I know, but...you know. I just wanted to hang out with you, Rainbow." she offered with a big grin.

Rainbow chuckled in response, "Whatever suits ya, kid."

As they arrived at their destination, the door was opened as Celestia used her magic to open it for them.

"Welcome Twilight." Celestia greeted them from the balcony, where Luna was also, "And I see you brought your friend Rainbow Dash, as well as Scootaloo if I'm not mistaken."

"I hope that's alright with you Princess."

"Of course it is Twilight. The more the merrier. Now, if you will, you three are welcome to join me and Luna out on the balcony." Celestia stated, "We're almost done with our game."

The three looked at each other, before silently walking out to the balcony. The door closing behind them as Princess Celestia pushed it closed. As soon as they walked out onto the balcony, they observed Princess Celestia and Princess Luna staring down on what looked like a board for a board game, and one that appears to be a complete map of Equestria.
Upon looking closer, the three of them can see what looks like to be several smaller transparent ponies on the board, two of which are distinguishable as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Each of these seemed to consist of one-to-three ponies standing on a hexagonal tile. Another notable feature is that every single pony on the board, including the Princesses, were donning battle armor. From the looks of it though, it seems that Luna is losing the game as much of the map seemed to be occupied by Celestia's pieces, which were in a vibrant orange color.

They watched as the piece representing Celestia step onto the tile with Luna's representing piece, before Luna's piece seemed to take a few steps back and collapse onto the tile before disappearing.

"Looks like I claim victory this round dear little sister." Celestia stated as she gave a small grin.

Luna only scoffed in response and rested her chin on the board in frustration as all of Celestia's pieces also vanish.

"Oh don't be so down Luna, you did well. Besides, unless I'm mistaken, you still lead with one more victory over me."

"It's still a loss." the blue alicorn complained.

Princess Celestia gave her sister a sympathetic smile before turning her attention back to Twilight, Rainbow, and Scootaloo. "Thank you again for coming Twilight."

"It's an honor Princess." she said as she, Rainbow, and Scootaloo gave a bow in respect, "Is this the game you told me about?"

"The one and the same." Celestia replied as she got up, "It's a unique map that Luna and myself tend to use for personal and political purposes."

"It kinda looked like you were fighting each other." Scootaloo stated

"And we were." Luna replied as she sat back up.

"You see, both Princess Luna and myself play a turn-based game with that board to test our personal capabilities of running the empire both from a peaceful and violent points of view."

"Why?" was all Twilight could ask in disbelief.

"As the leaders of Equestria, naturally both Luna and myself must know how to lead under several circumstances, which sadly does include the circumstance of war." Celestia replied, "While we both would prefer leading in a peaceful world, the changeling incident during your brother's wedding, taught us that we still must be prepared in the event of a repeat occurrence."

"I see..."

"We came to the conclusion that now as a princess of Equestria, it would be beneficial to gauge how you yourself would fare under such circumstances. Don't worry, you won't have to worry about actually leading all of Equestria as we do." Celestia added as she smiled, "As I've explained to you before, your position doesn't necessarily give you the same position as Luna and myself; but, it does indicate your position as a voice of importance within the political atmosphere in Canterlot."

"Having you play the game will give us a chance to see how you handle important resources, the happiness of those you lead, and just how well of a leader you are." Celestia continued.

Twilight remained silent for a brief moment to consider Princess Celestia's explanation, before giving a smile, "Well, if you think it is for the best...This won't take too long to play right?"

"Well that depends on how your opponent and yourself pace your turns; but, I don't believe it will take too long. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you see, Pinkie heard that they were doing a sand sculpting contest today later this afternoon, and we were thinking about entering as a team to make a winning entry."

"I see." she replied with a smile, mentally asking herself if Luna and herself should also enter, "So, do you want to try?" she asked, indicating the game.

"Yes, I'll give this game a try Princess."

"Excellent." Celestia replied with a smile, "Now, I've arranged your opponent to be my sister, Princess Luna. She should off-"

"Sister, I would actually like to recommend a substitute opponent to take my stead." Luna interrupted.

"Oh?"

"After three games, I'm a little weary, if not a little hungry now. So I would like to suggest that Twilight's friend, Rainbow Dash, to take my position as her opponent."

"What?!" Rainbow quickly asked.

"If I'm not mistaken, I believe you wish to join the Wonderbolts. Is this not true?"

"Well...yes, of course, but why?"

"Members of the Wonderbolts, while they are the best of the best, they are merely entertainers and present their impressive skills in flight to an audience of many ponies at any given time." Luna explained, "While this fact is indeed true, a few select of the members serve as part of the Equestrian military in our air squadrons. Two of the best known of this status I believe you've already met on several occasions, Captain Spitfire and her second-in-command Soarin'."

"..."

"Hm..." Luna gave a smirk, "Playing as Twilight Sparkle's opponent won't guarantee you a spot as a Wonderbolt, Spitfire has the final say on that during training camp sessions; but, if you prove to be quite well, I promise to give Spitfire my recommendation, which will improve your chances."

"Why didn't you just say so?" Rainbow stated suddenly extremely interested, and proceeded to push Twilight toward the board, "Come on Twilight, let's get started."

"Okay, okay, you don't have to push me Rainbow." she complained

Princess Celestia spent a few moments explaining to both Rainbow and Twilight how the game works, which was pretty much like a complex version of chess. The game itself works by using magic the board already possesses to connect their minds to the board and take orders on movement and other important decisions. Princess Celestia of course first had to tell Twilight that she was aware of the on-going bet and that she had checked with Applejack that the game wouldn't overstep the boundaries of their agreement. Essentially it would use it's own innate magic, Twilight wouldn't need to use a single spark of magic to play.

After giving the game a new set of orders, primarily to only require Twilight and Rainbow to monitor happiness, food, and metal, and to localize the map from all of Equestria to an area that contained Canterlot, Manehatten, Ponyville, and all the major features in-between, the two mares were ready to start and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna took their leave to get food.

"Princess Luna, if I may ask, are you sure that was okay? I mean offering Rainbow Dash a recommendation to play the game?" Celestia asked as she shot her sister a curious look.

"It is still within my bounds to do dear sister. There is nothing wrong with me doing so."

"I know it is, but...you know a recommendation from either one of us carries great leverage. It would be rather unfair in the long run toward any pony who is also up for consideration into the Wonderbolts."

Luna pretended to think about it for a moment, though the smile on her face didn't help hide the fact, "It's merely an opinion, I'm certain it won't cause so much trouble as you suggest. If it does though, I believe that isn't our problem, it is Spitfire's problem if that occurs." she remarked with a smirk.

Celestia gave her sister an amused look as a yellow aura surrounded Luna's crown and pushed it over her eyes.

Luna chuckled as she replaced her crown back properly on her head, followed by Celestia giggling in response.

After about an hour later, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna returned back to their room, Luna carrying what looks like a steamed bun. Upon returning, both princesses stopped to give a curious look at what they saw before them. Out on the balcony they saw Twilight and Rainbow still playing their game, but Twilight seemed to be giving a sympathetic smile toward her friend, Rainbow was face flat on the board in frustration, while Scootaloo was seemingly giving Rainbow a massage to calm her idol.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other, before turning their attention back to the others, "Hello my little ponies." Celestia greeted them, letting them know they've returned

The others reacted by instantly looking in the Princesses direction, "Oh, hello Princess Celestia."

"Your game not going as you planned?" Luna asked

"Well...not exactly." Twilight replied nervously.

"This game is too hard!" Rainbow voiced her frustration, "Twilight keeps kicking my tail."

"Already?" Celestia and Luna asked simultaneously in disbelief.

"I've already lost to her two times, and I'm about to lose again!"

"Two times? Are you sure you are even trying Rainbow Dash?" Luna asked, "Even a game with no restrictions, but for mere experimentation, would last at the very least two and a half hours to play."

"Of course I'm trying. I would never let any pony beat me so easily."

"Hm...may we have a look." Celestia stated as she and Luna walked over to have a closer look.

Getting a closer look, they were able to see a rather glaring weakness in Rainbow's forces. Outside of a group near the town Rainbow started at, every unit in Rainbow's control were pegasus ponies.

"Rainbow...are all your forces pegasus ponies?" Celestia asked

"Why? What's wrong with me doing that?"

"Nothing really, but you are aware that you do give Twilight an advantage since the game replicates Equestria, not the time of the three tribes." Celestia replied with a smirk

Rainbow scratched the back of her head in nervousness.

"Each of the three groups, pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies have specific advantages and disadvantages. Pegasus ponies, of course, as I'm sure you've already learned Rainbow Dash, are very good for recon, quick and nimble fighting, and of course, air superiority. Unicorns, they have the advantage of range and greater defensive capabilities due to their innate use of magic. And, Earth ponies, naturally don't have the capabilities of unicorns and pegasi, but they are strong, hardy, and possess a great knowledge of the land that unicorns and pegasi lack." Celestia explained

"It's because of these advantages and disadvantages that it is advised to have all three within your ranks." Luna added

"Here, why don't Luna and myself act as teachers for a while? We'll guide and give you advise as what we believe would be best. Afterwards, we'll simply watch." Celestia offered, to which Twilight agreed was a good idea.

It didn't take too long to show Rainbow the proper ropes on how to play the game, as well as show Twilight a few tricks that she wasn't aware existed. Afterwards, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat on the sidelines watching to two play. Both did seem rather impressed at certain points, as both Twilight and Rainbow had obvious differences that even the princesses didn't predict to see. In complete honesty, overall both did show very good leadership skills, though in very different ways.

Rainbow's usual brash and blunt nature had given her a considerable advantage in a sense she worked fast was able to build up enough small towns and military outposts, mostly outposts, to give her almost complete control of the map. Unfortunately, she lacked proper resources to fuel each area. Much of her outposts occasionally remained empty, ripe for Twilight to conquer and take, as Rainbow had to constantly withdraw troops or they'd die from starvation from the lack of a proper food supply.

In comparison, Twilight was in the exact opposite position, she was completely surrounded, she only had two towns and no outpost of any kind, and she had a very limited militia in comparison to Rainbow Dash. Which was the reason why Twilight couldn't push back to take areas of the map. Despite, the increasing odds against her, Twilight was able to hold out. Twilight's usual meticulous and organized way of thinking had given her a benefit of leading a highly prosperous group, thus giving the alicorn an unbelievably tough defense. Her usual militia consisted of highly-trained, well armored, and well armed unicorns and earth ponies that was able to defend her towns so well that even Luna and Celestia were left wondering if they should start taking notes. Essentially, all those units under Twilight's command were in an age of prosperity and security.

"Agh!" Rainbow loudly groaned as another one of her battalions fell to Twilight's impenetrable defense, "Come on, there must be a way to break your defense." she tiredly complained

"Getting tired Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked with a slight smirk on her face.

Rainbow looked up from the board to notice Twilight's smirk, "What are you smiling at egghead? You haven't won yet."

"I know. I was just simply making a statement about your current frustration." Twilight remarked as she used a few of her resources to train and replace a small group that had fallen while defending against Rainbow, as well as healed those that had gotten injured.

Rainbow then made her move and trained another three units, two earth pony groups and one pegasus group, before proceeding to move another group to an outpost.

Twilight's next move was fairly simple, she moved an earth pony battalion to help defend her second, only other, town on the map.

"Are you just messing with me Twilight? You are, aren't you?!" Rainbow asked in an accusing tone.

"I'm doing nothing of the sort Rainbow."

"Then why don't you actually fight? We've been at a stalemate for what...? A hundred turns!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Actually, you two have been at a stalemate for the last 87." Luna voiced in.

Twilight, Rainbow, and even Princess Celestia looked at Luna. Mostly curious if the Princess of the Night was actually keeping count as she watched the two.

"Anyway...I'm just playing it safe Rainbow. Afterall, the best offense is a good defense isn't it."

"No, the saying is, 'the best defense is a good offense'."

Princess Celestia then cleared her throat to get their attention, "In my experience, both strategies have legitimacy and work quite well; but, I believe it's about time you go on the offense Twilight. It's also getting quite late. Don't you and Rainbow have to meet with your friends soon?"

"Oh, right...I almost forgot about." Twilight replied embarrassingly, though in disbelief that she had lost track of time that badly.

A nervous grin from Rainbow seemed to imply that she had also forgotten about the contest.

"Well, we have to finish this game quickly Rainbow."

"Why don't you just give up?" Rainbow offered as she smirked, "I mean that's the fastest solution afterall, especially given the circumstances."

Twilight shot Rainbow an unamused look, "Rainbow, you really want to win that easily? I've managed to hold off for nearly 100 turns, and all the while you attempting to break my defense, with very little progress I might add." she stated with a smirk.

Rainbow glared at Twilight and growled at the alicorn in response

Twilight gave a nervous giggle, "I'm just kidding Rainbow. Figured I'm allowed at least one moment to sound a bit smug considering how well I've managed to hold out against your attacks."

"Hm, only when you're not against me. I'm only willing to give you bragging rights when you're not bragging against me." Rainbow replied as she moved more of her units out to launch another attack.

Twilight simply replied by giving a sigh and shook her head.

"It's you're move Twilight."

Twilight paused for a moment to consider her next move, "Rainbow, we need to end this game quickly, correct?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Well, I was thinking, why don't we just do one big battle? We can send all our troops out to fight in big battle. The winning side, is the one who wins the entire match."

"So..., we're just going to do a giant battle to end it all?"

"We're currently evenly matched. This is the only way I can see us ending the game without waiting another hour or so for one of us to finally make a move."

"Alright. You're on Twilight!"

"Is that okay with you Princess." Twilight asked as she looked at Princess Celestia.

"I can't say I approve of such a...reckless strategy, but I suppose that's one step towards ending this stalemate." she replied

"I believe you should, one of you two had to deviate eventually from the way things are going. I believe Celestia and myself have already gathered enough for now on your leadership skills." Princess Luna added

Twilight then gave a nod as Rainbow and herself prepared their armies for one final fight. It took a couple more turns to do it, but both eventually got both their armies to the middle of the board facing each other. It certainly promised to be a fight worth seeing, Rainbow's large, attack-based militia versus Twilight's smaller, strongly defense-based militia. With both their armies now out in the open, ready to fight for their respective leader, it's now obvious just how big Rainbow's army was, a solid 8-to-1, against Twilight.

"Last chance to give up Twilight. Surrender now, I've got you outnumbered." Rainbow stated as Scootaloo switched from sitting with the Princesses to a kind of cheering bounce for Rainbow

"Numbers don't always indicate a clear victory Rainbow." Twilight remarked as she shot her friend a look that seemed to be challenging the pegasus.

Rainbow's eyes widened at look Twilight had on her face, but quickly gave a wide smirk as she accepted the challenge.
As the two prepared themselves for their final showdown, they took their positions on the field as well. Rainbow being a bit more daring though as she unexpectedly took her position in front of all her units. Just before either side could sound the horn of battle, a lone figure appeared on a tile in-between the two armies. The figure looked very draconequus in shape, and was wearing something that looked like it belonged to Starswirled the Bearded

"What the...?" Rainbow asked as she leaned over to have a closer look at the figure, "Is that...?"

"Is that Discord?" Twilight asked as all five of them leaned over to have a closer look

The figure raised a staff with one of it's hands, grabbed hold with the other hand, mutter something squeaky and unintelligible, and slammed the staff against the ground causing an explosion of blue clouds. The clouds expanded even further past the board and hit each pony in the face. When the cloud subsided on the board, both Twilight and Rainbow's armies were left incapacitated, and their game pieces dazed, before each piece disappeared telling them the game was finished. Also, every pony there apparently now had blue cotton candy stuck to either their faces, mane, or both.

"W-what the...? What just happened?!" Rainbow asked in shock.

They then heard a laugh from above them. All five looked up to see a familiar draconequus floating above them.

"Discord!"  Twilight shouted at him

Discord then gave an amused chuckle, "What...? You both played very well. You even followed the rules perfectly: Discord always win." he declared, "By the way, I hope you didn't mind the fact I used blueberry flavor this time. Bubblegum-pink was becoming too overrated in my opinion." and grabbed a piece that was stuck in Luna's mane and ate it.

"Must you always interrupt every game like that when you have something to say?" Celestia asked as he landed to stand on the balcony railing.

"What is that you want Discord?" Twilight asked

"Oh relax, I'm just here on important, but boring, business." he stated, "Tia, one of your advisers wanted me to check that you'll be heading back to Canterlot tomorrow." then snapped his fingers, which resulted in the blue cotton candy disappearing.

"Yes, I will."  Celestia replied, almost sounding a little automatic in her response.

"You're heading back already?" Twilight asked

"I thought I had mentioned it. There's a council meeting in two days, and it's required that either Luna or myself be present for it."

"Last time it was my turn." Luna voiced in.

"Luna and the rest of you will continue your vacation."

"Anyway, your substitute, Shining Armor, also wanted me to tell you that there's been some dispute between the head chef and some of the cooks, and wanted some advice on how to handle it." Discord stated, then looked at Twilight, "By the way, he told me to give this to you, Twilight Sparkle" and snapped his fingers to produce a postcard that had Shining Armor and Princess Cadence on it before proceeding to give it to Twilight.

"If it's about the short supply of cabbage and leeks again, tell the chef that shipment isn't due until tomorrow evening." Celestia replied, "And tell Shining Armor, he's to make sure they don't cause too much of a ruckus at the castle."

"Gotcha. Before I go, Lulu, I have no idea what you did to your financial adviser, but I gotta say, I applaud you on it." Discord stated as he gave a toothy grin, "The way she's pissed off, I couldn't have done it better myself."

"She's still upset?" Celestia replied exasperatedly, "Tell her I'd like to see her as soon as I get back Discord, I have to set this straight before she does something unsightly."

"Will that be all?" Luna asked

"Just tell the others that their friends and family sends their best wishes, especially Applejack. Her grandmother made it a point to seek me out just to say she hopes Applejack is enjoying her time off." he replied, "Aside, from that, I'll see you all later." and in a flash, disappeared.

"Well, with Discord's distraction, I believe your game is now over." Celestia stated, looking back at Twilight and Rainbow

"So..., what? Do we lose?" Rainbow asked

"I'm afraid so."

"That's not even fair?!"

"He did technically win. I mean we agreed the one who defeated whoever's army first wins, and he defeated both our armies." Twilight stated

Rainbow gave a frustrated scoff, "How did he do that anyway? Finish off both our armies in one move."

"The game actually remembers it's players. Even Scootaloo since she accidentally introduced herself to the board." Luna replied, before looking at Scootaloo who seemingly managed to manifest a game piece for herself by accident just at that moment.

Scootaloo gave nervous grin as her attention was taken away from her game piece version and quickly backed away from the board.

"Discord plays once in a while, usually whenever Luna or myself can't play against the other due to our duties. Seems he takes more of an interest in role-playing games rather than strategy games." Celestia added as her horn started to glow, telling the board an order.

Everyone's game piece, Twilight, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Luna, and her's appeared in a line and a number appeared above their heads.

First thing Rainbow noticed was that Twilight's number was higher than her's by two.

"Those are your levels, based on hours played and overall experience from battles." Luna explained

"Hey, why is Twilight's higher than mine?" Rainbow asked as the group started getting ready to leave

"Because you let her beat you three times earlier." Luna stated amusingly

Rainbow could groaned at that, earning a giggle from Twilight.

"Um, Luna...? Something's wrong with your mane." Twilight stated, "It looks like....it looks like there's a bite mark on it."

Luna's eyes quickly went wide as she rushed over to a mirror, and true to what Twilight had said, there was a chunk of her mane missing, and in the shape of a bite mark.

"DISCORD!"
> Day 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sand sculpting contest had gone rather well, the group had managed to win second place, much to Rainbow's dismay, but they at least they managed to work as a team and have fun. The rest of the day until they all went bed for the night was filled with laughter, talking, and a countless number of confetti as Pinkie decided to celebrate their second place victory. When asked about where Pinkie managed to find the supplies needed to throw the party, her only statement was she had managed to find a party store in town, granted though it seemed to be only be sheer luck that she did. The hotel managers didn't even know there was a party store.

The next day, the others bade Princess Celestia a safe trip back to Canterlot as she got onto her chariot. The words of farewell were cut short, though, as the guards seemed adamant about return as soon as possible due to Discord and Shining Armor's orders to. Celestia could only guess what was happening back at the palace that called for her swift return.

The day went relatively uneventful, as the group stayed together to eat breakfast and chat before going their separate ways. Pinkie was slightly irked since she was hoping they'd all hang out together, but accepted it, as the reason was a particular yellow pegasus in their group, Fluttershy.

Fluttershy was feeling a bit tired that day so she timidly requested that she be exempted from any activities that day which the others allowed. She only stayed with them for an extra moment for tea, before retreating to her room for a day of quiet activities and rest.

After Fluttershy's departure, each pony decided to follow suit and pursue their own interests for the day. Twilight, with Rainbow in tow, retreated to a conference room that the hotel usually offered for business purposes to continue her reading, very much to Rainbow's dismay. Spike tagged along and busied himself by helping Twilight out with small but dutiful tasks.

Pinkie decided to hang out with Rarity, promising not to be as energetic as she usually was, as they went off to the spa together. It wasn't Pinkie's usual choice of activity, but Rarity had actually looked forward to a spa visit and having somepony to talk to, namingly Fluttershy, so Pinkie took it upon herself to fulfill that position. That's what friends do, right?

Applejack watched over the crusaders that day, as they attempted baking as a potential for their cutie marks. Applejack honestly didn't mind the idea of doing something a bit like her usual routine back at home, though it took Luna's assuring for the hotel owners for herself and the crusaders to gain access to the kitchen.

Back at the conference room, Twilight sat at the table, her head hanging over her current book of choice. Rainbow was laying on her back on the table, on the opposing side from Twilight.

Twilight looked up from her book as she heard Rainbow loudly sigh. "You know, you really don't have to stay here if you don't want to, Rainbow."

"I know, I know, but YOU know I have make sure I don't lose my bet with Applejack before you do." Rainbow stated.

"Rainbow, I'm not dishonest. If I do break my bet with Applejack, I'm going to tell her, I'm not going to hide it."

"It's not that I don't trust you Twilight. From all the crazy adventures we've gone on, I'd be crazy to not trust you. It's just that...I guess I just want to be absolutely sure, especially since we have a bet going on between us."

"I suppose that does sound somewhat reasonable." Twilight replied as she sighed, "Well, at least try to be somewhat quiet if you're really going to just lay there until I'm done reading."

Rainbow grunted and proceeded to turn her attention back on the ceiling of the room. Not even five minutes passed before Rainbow inadvertently gave Twilight another distraction from her reading, this time from Rainbow's wings.

Rainbow Dash laid on the table, gently flapping her wings as though she was imagining herself airborne. Apparently, the lack of flight for two days was really getting to her.

"Um, Rainbow...if you're really that bored, I can suggest some reading material if you'd like."

"Is it Daring Do?" Rainbow asked with through half-closed eye lids.

"Well...no..."

"Then I don't care. It's probably some boring science-y book anyway."

"It's an adventure book, just like Daring Do." Twilight stated as she closed the book she was reading and pushed it toward Rainbow, who lazily looked at the title, “ 'Adventures in a Frozen Wasteland'. It's a story about three adventurers, who has never met each other, working together to find a treasure so vast that it easily makes the richest pony in world look like a beggar."

Rainbow adjusted herself so she wasn't laying on her back anymore.

"This is the first in the series as far as I know, and a fairly recent release too. It's the only one out so far." Twilight explained.

"Is it as good as Daring Do?"

"I don't know yet, I haven't finished reading it myself so far. I'm on chapter 8 right now. But, from what I've read so far, it show's promise, and will more than likely be something you'd like."

"I dunno Twi..."

"Hm..." Twilight tapped a hoof on her chin before responding, "Well, did you like the last book I recommended to you?"

"Uh, the last book you recommended to me was Daring Do, so I'm pretty sure you know the answer already."

"And you do trust me don't you?"

"I just said I did a moment ago." Rainbow replied, rolling her eyes

"Well, then trust me when I say this book is quite good and I think you'll like it." Twilight stated with a wide smile.

Rainbow remained silent for a moment before finally giving a nod, "Alright Twilight, let's see if this is worth it."

Twilight gave an even wider smile, before saying, "Also, would you mind getting off the table? I don't think hotel management would appreciate the fact you're sitting on it." then went off to find another book to read. Luckily, she had Spike bring down three more books to read earlier.

"Hmph." Rainbow then hopped off the table, then opened the book to the first page to start reading.

Before Rainbow could start reading the first paragraph of the story, she looked up at Twilight, who seemed to be struggling to carry a very heavy looking book over to the table. Twilight had found the book she was looking for, and proceeding to pick-up and carry it over using her mouth. After succeeding to do so, Twilight rubbed her jaw as she panted.

"Wow, that is a big book." Rainbow stated out loud, then looked over at the title. “ 'Astronomical Guide of Luna's Stars and the Stories Behind Each One'. Jeez, Twilight, you really had a book like that? It looks bigger than the book you keep on your center table back at home.”

"Because it is." Twilight remarked, "It's at least 120 more pages than that one. How do you pegasi and earth ponies carry a book like this?"

"Well..., I can't say anything for earth ponies like Applejack, but I'd just pick it up with my hooves. It's a lot easier to do than picking it up with my mouth." she smirked.

"No kidding." she stated as she rubbed her mouth. The book had left some kind of after-taste in her mouth.

As the minutes passed, both quietly read their respective books, though Twilight seemed to jot down a few notes once in a while. True to her words, Twilight turned out to be right about the book she recommended to Rainbow, as the pegasus was just as engrossed in the story as Daring Do. Also, like last time, Rainbow likened herself to one of the characters, a pegasus character in the story, granted the character spent more time on the ground than Rainbow probably did in the last six years.

Eventually, that eagerness was replaced by annoyance, then frustration as she slammed the book shut.

"This is too painful to read." she stated

Twilight gave a sigh, so much for hoping that she had found another book for Rainbow, "I'm sorry Rainbow, I really thought this was something you'd love to read." and reached over to take the book away from her.

Just then, Rainbow grabbed the book and held it close to her chest, "Hey, I'm not done reading it yet."

"What...?! But..., I thought-"

"That I don't like it?" Rainbow interrupted, "No, I like it. This is amazing, especially when they had to fight off an entire tribe of violent tribal ponies. That was so cool!"

"Then why did you..."

"I just said it was painful to read. I didn't say I didn't like it." Rainbow explained as she placed the book back on the table, "The painful parts is whenever the writer describes how the pegasus character, Scarlet I think her name was, is flying around. I mean...seriously! She makes so many mistakes describing it."

Rainbow then turned the page to a specific scene, then pushed the book toward Twilight, "See, at that scene, she's describing how Scarlet is flying around, returning to the others after finding out a group of bandits are headed toward their camp. She says something like, Scarlet is flying as fast as she could back to camp, her wings straight out, as she flapped with all her might."

"Any pegasus that got out of flight camp can tell you that, that's horribly inefficient. First off, when your trying to gain speed, you have to flap, but you have to make sure that your wing is as close to your body as it can be during the up-stroke, otherwise it'll cause drag and it'll all be for naught. Secondly, it'll be WAY easier to just reach a particular speed then keep your wings straight  to start gliding, you don't need to flap so much to keep a sustained speed. It already creates lift as you go through the air." Rainbow explained, though a little bluntly.

Twilight's jaw practically hit the table with that explanation.

"I bet the writer isn't even a pegasus."

"..."

"What...? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"I-I'm sorry...it's just that, I never expected you to explain it like that. It was more detailed than I expected."

"Twilight, I'm always flying. How could I not know that kind of stuff and the mechanics behind it all?" Rainbow stated, "I mean, jeez, I'm a pegasus, I'm pretty much born and raised knowing this."

"Right...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. I should've expected it." Twilight apologized as her ears flattened against her head.

Rainbow smirked, "It's fine Twilight, seriously. I guess it's alright. I mean, I know I'm not exactly that smart."

"Still, I should've given you more credit Rainbow. I'm deeply sorry."

"Don't sweat about it. Anyway, the writer is just really bad at writing how pegasi fly." Rainbow stated, reaffirming her earlier statement, as she took the book back from Twilight, "Otherwise, I guess I kinda like it."

"I'm glad to hear it." Twilight then smiled, at least before her stomach loudly growl.

Rainbow burst out laughing, "You hungry? Wanna go get something to eat?"

"Yeah, it is lunch time already." Twilight nervously replied as she closed her book.

"Wanna just go to the buffet? I heard they're doing an all-Mariditerranean Lunch right now."

"Yeah, that does sound quite good. I'll just carry my books up to my room, and I'll meet you there, Rainbow." Twilight then started seeing if she can stack the books on her back so she could carry them all up in one trip.

"Where's Spike anyway? I haven't seen him since I finished the first chapter of that book."

"You know, I really don't know. Hm...I know I asked him to fetch some water earlier..."

"Maybe he decided to stay in the kitchen." Rainbow suggested, "With Applejack there, there's probably quite a few things for him to eat by now."

Twilight nodded, betting that was more than likely the case.

"Uh, want some help there Twi?" Rainbow asked as she noted that Twilight was having some trouble carrying all her books at once.

"I'd definitely appreciate it." Twilight replied, sounding strained.

Rainbow giggled as she took two books off of her friend's back.

"Thanks Rainbow, guess I underestimated the amount of weight these all have together."

"No biggie."

"I guess I'm still getting use to not having my magic to assist me." she admitted embarrassingly as they started toward the elevator.

"I think I figured that one out when I noticed you still have a bed-mane." she stated with a smirk as Twilight turned red from embarrassment.
> Day 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following day, the group agreed to hang out at the beach. The sun was shining, there was barely a cloud in the sky, and there was a nice breeze rolling in. It was surely a good day to go.

At the moment, they were all together enjoying lunch as they sat, chatted, and enjoyed the food that had been provided. Most of the food was apple-based because it came from the excess the crusaders had left over.

"It's amazin' after all them fancy food we've been eatin', this is still mah favorite." Applejack stated as she took another bite of her apple fritter.

"There's always some charm in the simpler things, really." Twilight stated

"I agree, there's just a different...flair to be had when it comes to a good home-cooked meal." Rarity agreed

"Did you girls have anything in particular we were all doing today? I mean, I know we're on the beach, but was there some activity that you all had it mind?" Twilight asked

"How 'bout me and Applejack play volleyball again. I have a score to settle with her." Rainbow rang out.

"Maybe later Rainbow. Ah ain't in any mood to play after a meal'." she stated

"What's wrong? Are you chicken?" Rainbow asked with a smirk.

"Ah ain't chicken! Ah just prefer havin' a lil' shut eye after eatin' is all." Applejack stated as shifted so she had her back resting against the pole of the beach umbrella they were using.

"Hmph!"

"If ya really wanna play volleyball now Dash, why don't ya play with somepony else fer now. Just don't come cryin' ta me when ya up-chuck half o' what ya ate or when I whup your tired flank later."

"How crude!" Rarity exclaimed in disgust.

"Ah'm just tellin' ya how it is." Applejack stated with a smirk, just before pulling her hat over her eyes.

"Well, I'm just going to stay here and do some reading. Fluttershy was nice enough to find the latest fashion magazine. With a little luck, it should give me the perfect idea for my next fall line." Rarity stated

"What about you Fluttershy?" Twilight asked as she faced the yellow pegasus

"Oh, um...I was thinking of just staying here actually. I thought it might be a good day to just take in the scenery and enjoy the ocean breeze. I mean...if that's okay."

"I think that's actually a very good idea Fluttershy. It's not very often we can just come to the beach and enjoy it." Twilight stated, earning a smile from Fluttershy.

"I like that idea too actually, so I'll join Flutters for a while." Pinkie declared, "Though I might do something else if something else super fun comes up."

"What about yourself darling?" Rarity asked Twilight, "What did you plan on doing today?"

"I think I'll stay here with you girls for a while. It's been a while since we were last able to talk about matters." Twilight replied, "At least, until later. I was thinking of getting some flight training done. I've always wondered how much the wind will affect my flying, and how I can counteract it's affects."

"It's just a breeze Twilight, it's not going to throw you off-balance." Rainbow stated.

"Still, it's good practice. It's not like I'm going to go flying around in a hurricane later."

"You probably wouldn't want to anyway. I think I'll just chill for a while. I need some sun rays on my wings anyway." Rainbow declared, as she produced a pair of sunglasses that she had hidden in their picnic basket earlier.

"What about you girls?" Twilight asked Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.

"We're going to build sand-castles." Scootaloo stated rather proudly.

"All the sculptin' ya did two days ago gave us an idea. Maybe we have our special talents in sand-castle buildin'." Applebloom explained

Applejack lightly sighed hearing that, "Finally, a safe idea fer those three." she muttered to herself.

The next two hours was mostly filled with the six friends chatting the day away, all the while the Cutie Mark Crusaders busied themselves attempting to create the best and the tallest sandcastle possible. The three fillies had actually already built three before, but the castles were incidentally destroyed. One rouge wave washed ashore and tore down the first, the second crumbled when Scootaloo accidentally tripped as she was passed a flag to Sweetie Belle and destroyed one entire side of the structure, and the last one got stomped on from playing a quick game with Spike. Right now, the little drake, as well as Pinkie, was assisting them in constructing a fourth castle, as he was technically the one who destroyed the previous one.

Eventually Twilight got up and opened her wings as she prepared herself to fly around. This caught Rainbow's attention as she insisted to on coaching the alicorn again. After hearing some words of advice from Fluttershy in regards to flying around in the wind, granted it was still only a breeze, Twilight took off from the sand and was quickly airborne.

Once Twilight got her bearings, she was quickly able to start doing her warm-up routine and onto her flight practice. Much of the routine was quite easy, thrust, slowing down, turning, and a few simple tricks like a loop. Once in a while though Twilight did dare herself to do something different and used the surrounding environment as obstacles in place of clouds.
Rainbow watched from the ground, only shouting at Twilight once in a while to remind the alicorn of certain things, as well as give her tips. All the while though the pegasus's wings constantly fidgeted and twitched as she tried to sit there comfortably. The others took notice of this.

"Are you okay Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked.

"What...?" she asked as she faced her.

"Are you okay darling?" Rarity repeated for Fluttershy, "You appear to be quite nervous."

"Nervous?! Why would I be nervous?" Rainbow asked.

"If ya ask me, ah think she's a mite bit jealous." Applejack voiced in.

"Me, jealous?! Ha! Very funny Applejack."

"Ah think ya are there Dash." Applejack stated as she corrected how her hat sat on her head, "This ain't the first time we saw ya bein' a bit twitchy Rainbow. Last time ya were this twitchy, it was when ya were coachin' Twi on how ta land properly."

"I'm not jealous. I'd never be jealous of Twilight." Rainbow stated angrily, "I'm the better flier. There's nothing I would be jealous of Twilight."

"If ya say so Rainbow."

"I do say so."

At that point they heard a yelp as Twilight came back to a landing. Unfortunately, she ended up landing incorrectly and almost fell flat on her face as she came to a stop.

"Careful there Twi, ya don't wanna get yerself hurt now do ya?"

"Don't worry Applejack. I think I'm past my worse when it comes to landings." Twilight replied, "I decided to come back down because you two looked like you were about to start a fight. I can almost hear you completely from up there." she added, her voice clear with concern.

"Applejack was telling us how she believes Rainbow is jealous of you." Rarity stated

"I told you, I'm not jealous!" Rainbow shouted

"Why would you believe that Applejack?" Twilight asked

"Why don'tcha ask Rainbow? She's the one twitchin' more than Pinkie on a sugah rush."

"Twitching...? You mean her wings?" Twilight asked as she looked at Rainbow.

"So ya do know what ah'm sayin'."

"Is that true Rainbow?"

"No. I mean...maybe. I dunno."

"Hm, well, I do have a theory. Rainbow, are you by any chance are you bothered that I'm allowed the fly, and you're not?"

"I'm not jealous! I'm..." she then gave a frustrated groan, "Just leave me alone." and started walking away from them.

Twilight quickly followed behind Rainbow as the pegasus sat herself down a few yards away from the others.

"Rainbow, please, I didn't say anything about you being jealous. I just want to understand why."

"I'm not bothered Twilight. Not in the least."

"Rainbow, please, if something really is bothering you, let me help." Twilight pleaded as she placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.

Rainbow turned to look at Twilight, before turning away and looking at the ocean.

Twilight sighed before turning to leave. "Alright, if you really don't want to tell me."

"It just isn't fair." Rainbow stated, just barely a whisper.

"Hm?" Twilight turned to look at her again.

"I guess it kinda, sorta, bothers me that you're allowed to fly, and I'm not." Rainbow stated, "I know I took the bet, but it just feels so unfair that you're allowed to fly just because your deal with AJ is different."

Twilight took a seat next to Rainbow.

"I guess I really miss being in the air. That's where I belong." Rainbow sighed defeatedly.

"I think I can sympathize with you Rainbow, though not in the same context as you. To be honest, I don't exactly like the idea that I'm rather impaired just because I can't use magic. You have no idea how frustrating it is to learn just how reliant you really were on such a simple, and normal, component in your life."

"... Em, could you phrase that again, Twilight?"

Twilight rolled her eyes, "I can sympathize, because it turns out I'm reliant on magic for my every day activities, and I can't use it anymore."

"Oh."

"Interesting to learn though that you're as troubled as I am. I didn't expect to hear that you were that annoyed being grounded." Twilight stated with a grin.

"Don't rub it in Twilight." she half-heartedly threatened.

"Hm...Listen Rainbow. You helped me a little yesterday, so why don't I return the favor."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Follow me back to the others, and I'll explain. I need to make sure that Applejack is alright with this idea."

Rainbow gave a curious look, but followed what Twilight had told her and followed her back to the others.

Once there, Twilight explained what she was planning to do. She was going to give Rainbow a ride. Twilight explained that she was going to return a favor she owed Rainbow, though the others were still shakey on the idea. Applejack seemed somewhat willing to let Twilight try her idea, as long as the alicorn was positively sure that she could do it without resulting in either herself or Rainbow injured. After another bout of reassurance, the others agreed to the idea, and Applejack confirmed that it wouldn't break the bet, just as long as Twilight does all the flying and Rainbow doesn't open her wings. Any action that questions this breaks the bet.

"Are you sure about this Twilight?" Rainbow asked, still unsure.

"Positive. I've been doing the exercises you suggested, and I'm pretty sure I'll be able to handle both of us in the air."

"O-o-okay, if you say so Twilight."

Twilight sat down so Rainbow could get on her back, and wrap her forehooves around Twilight. As soon as Rainbow felt somewhat secure enough on her back, Twilight pushed herself back to a standing position, granted she was a little shakey at the start.

"Okay, you better not be that shakey once you're up in the air Twilight."

"I just need to get use to your weight. Give me a moment." She replied as she flapped her wings to check that Rainbow won't be an obstruction to them.

"Ya sure about this Twilight? I know you've been practicin' an' all, but ya know it ain't too late ta reconsider." Applejack asked

"I'm sure. Besides, it might make for an interesting way to gauge my endurance."

"'Gauging...?!" Rainbow repeated, "I'm not one of your experimental hamsters, Twi!"

"Do you want get in the air again or not?" Twilight frustratedly asked Rainbow.

It took a moment, but Rainbow nodded, "I do. Let's just... let's just get this over with already."

"Alrighty then." Applejack stated as she backed off from the two.

"By the way Twi, why am I on your back?" Rainbow asked

"I need the running start Rainbow. I haven't taken off from one point with weight on my back before."

"You've done this with weight on your back though, right...?"

"Yeah, some weight." Twilight nervously admitted.

Rainbow took an uneasy breath, and held on tighter.

Once Twilight felt she was comfortable enough with Rainbow's extra weight on her, she started from a trot and progressively went to a gallop, all the while flapping her wings as hard as she could. It took a lot of effort, but Twilight managed to get off a few feet off the ground. They stayed low, before Twilight started to pull up and gain more altitude. The whole time, Rainbow's heart was beating in her throat; and, it didn't help that Twilight did seem to have a little trouble staying upright once they were off the ground.

Once it was done though, both ponies were able to calm down.

"You okay Twilight?" Rainbow asked as she heard Twilight panting hard.

"I-I'm okay Rainbow, just...just not use to taking off like...like that." she replied inbetween pants.

As the minutes passed, both Twilight and Rainbow started to calm down and start to enjoy the flight, which was more true for Rainbow than Twilight for obvious reasons. Twilight made sure make that Rainbow had as much fun as possible, as she pushed herself to go as fast as she could, and flew around obstacles and through what cloud she could find; and, if the laughter from Rainbow was any indication, Twilight was succeeding.

From the ground, the others looked on in amazement. It was quite rare to see Rainbow having to rely on somepony else for once. It was also rare to see Twilight going beyond their expectations as she managed to stay in the air for quite some time.

"Woo hoo! Yeah! This was exactly what I needed!" Rainbow cheered.

"Easy with the moving around Rainbow. I'm certain you don't want to mess up my balance while we're up here." Twilight stated

"Right...sorry." she apologized and tried settling herself into a position to reduce the amount of drag.

As Rainbow brought her head level with Twilight's shoulder, she started to hold on just a little bit tighter around Twilight, before feeling this strange lump in her throat. She tried swallowing, but it just wouldn't go away.

"What's with my throat...? Did I swallow a bug or something?" Rainbow mentally asked herself as she tried swallowing a few more times.

She then looked forward and the lump suddenly felt like it became bigger. Somehow in that one moment all her senses suddenly became enhanced. She noticed, as Twilight's mane was being blown in her face, how Twilight smelled so much like a freshly cut bouquet of roses and lilacs, and how she could practically feel Twilight's heartbeat where she held the alicorn. For the first time in Rainbow's life, she actually ignored the scenic sky.

The moment lasted for several minutes before Rainbow was snapped out of her weird trance as she felt Twilight begin to pitch down toward the ground. They were over the water.

"I'm getting tired Rainbow, I'm gonna go land." she heard Twilight tell her

"Got it." Rainbow replied, "Okay, remember what I told you, slow down nice and slow, don't make it abrupt. And make sure you don't push against the ground too hard, or too gently."

"Understood."

Both Rainbow and Twilight were now flying straight toward the beach, and heavily focused on every little detail that could determine if they land safely and suffer a rough crash landing. Rainbow easily put herself in Twilight's position, and began analyzing every aspect of her flying, and so far Twilight was doing very good. At least until she felt Twilight jolt a bit to her side, and pick up more speed as she pulled up again.

"What the...?! Twilight, what was that about?"

"I'm having some trouble slowing down, I barely slowed down enough to come to a stop over the beach. Our combined weight affected my sense of landing. Hold on, I'm going to try again."

"Twilight, you were doing fine."

"No, I wasn't. I was trying to slow down, and I wasn't, not enough anyway."

"Okay, okay, try again, and this time put a little more 'umph' in it." Rainbow stated, her previous nervousness returning, "Okay, listen to me, when I say so, just slow down as best you can. You got it?"

"Yeah."

"Alright, wait....wait....now!" Rainbow instructed. As instructed, Twilight started flapping her wings to begin slowing down.

As soon as Twilight came to a stop over the beach, Rainbow fell off as Twilight reared back too far, sending Twilight backwards, and right into the sand-castle that the Crusaders, Spike, and Pinkie built.

"Aw, Twilight!" Spike exclaimed, "We worked so hard on it too."

"Well, at least she only broke the ballroom and the front gate, and...the foyer, and one of the towers." Sweetie Belle stated

In truth, the sand-castle itself was considerably huge. With Pinkie helping, they were able to make a sand-castle that easily was fit for royalty, well if said royalty stood at about 3-4 inches tall.

"Are ya okay?" Applejack asked the two as she, Rarity, and Fluttershy rushed over to them

"Yeah, I'm good." Rainbow replied as she got up, rubbing her rear, "Twilight...? You good there Twilight?" she asked as she turned around to look at the purple alicorn, who was partially buried at this point.

After an extra moment, Twilight sat herself up looking dazed, before she shook her head and responded. "Yes, I think I'm alright. Nothing broken as far as I can tell. Sorry, about the landing, Rainbow."

"Eh, no big. That was nothing compared to the time I knocked over that tower of rocks I had Spike build."

The rest of the day went rather uneventful as Twilight took the time take a quick nap on the beach blanket and recover, while Rainbow, like the last couple of days, was sitting by her side enjoying a cold drink. Rainbow was mostly bored again, though her mind occasionally went back to Twilight, and that moment when they were still up in the air.

Rainbow wondered what that one moment was all about, why did it happen, and more importantly why it happened when she was with Twilight. It made her feel so strange, all at once it felt foreign and uncomfortable, but welcoming and pleasant. No matter how much she wanted to just push it out of her mind, it just stuck, it never left her thoughts. Even now, those feelings were still there as Rainbow absent-mindedly took sips of her drink, even when it was clearly all gone.

As the sun was beginning to set, the group prepared to leave and retreat back to the hotel, and started packing away their things, that is until Pinkie stopped them. The hyperactive pony insisted that they stay there a little longer. They really only question Pinkie as to why, but she insisted on keeping it a secret, though she did promise them it would be well worth it. So with a shrug, the stayed put and snacked on whatever bit of food they had left to stave off their hunger.

They waited, and waited, till Celestia's sun was completely gone from the sky, and replaced by Luna's bright moon.

"Pinkie, it's dark. How much longer do we have to wait?" Twilight asked

"Yeah, come on Pinks. Surprise or no surprise, ah gotta make sure Applebloom get's some food." Applejack complained

"Same goes for Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle." Rarity added

"Just wait a few more seconds." she happily declared and sat herself looking out to the sea.

The others could only give a frustrated sigh, before hearing a loud whistling sound followed by a loud explosion in the sky as it lit up in a vibrant red glow.

"Fireworks...?" Twilight asked, then another exploded in the sky.

"Yep! It was suppose to be for the Princesses since the were here. Well, at least only Princess Luna. It's so so sad that Princess Celestia had to miss it."

"She had important business to attend to, though I'll probably send a message to her later tonight to tell her about this."

The others quickly took a seat next to Pinkie Pie as they watched the fireworks show, as well as ensure their spots as several ponies started coming down to the beach to get close to the show. This was definitely well worth the wait.

Once the show had ended, it had lasted about half-an-hour, every pony started to disperse and either head back home or to their hotel room. The group was no exception as the headed back to the hotel, voicing how much they enjoyed the show.
On the way back, Rainbow took a few moments to steal a glance at Twilight. The firework show was really more of a distraction to her from her earlier confusion, now that it was over, she was back to trying to figure it out. It wasn't until they actually reached the hotel that Pinkie asked why Rainbow as blushing that she finally came up with a possible answer, and it was one that actually scared her.

"Listen here Pink, can you tell the others that I'll be right there. I need a moment." Rainbow asked

"Are you sure? Well, okie-doki." and skipped away.

Rainbow brought a hoof up to her face and felt how her cheeks were so warm, and started whispering to herself, "Am I starting to think of Twilight like that...? No...no way, there's no way I am. Its probably the adrenaline talking. Yeah, that's it, adrenaline." Rainbow started laughing to herself as she walked to the hotel. "Me, falling for Twilight? Yeah right."

Just as she neared the buffet area, she spotted Twilight waiting outside for her, and she nearly stopped in her tracks.

"Come on Rainbow, the others don't want to start eating without you." Twilight declared.

Rainbow swallowed hard and nervously grinned. "Okay, so maaaybe I am."
> Day 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now on the last three days of their vacation time, the gang thought now was a good time to go on that picnic idea that Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity suggested. The good weather from the previous day remained true for that day as well, though there seemed to be a few more clouds than last time. Then again though, they were out a bit earlier than last time.

They settled on a place about quarter mile out of the Lunar Bay city limits, where there were a few trees to provide decent shade, and good sized pond that attracted quite a few species of frogs and birds. It was far away from the general hussle and bussle of the town, but close enough that if anything happened, they could quickly find help. Plus, the spot did provide a magnificent view of the town.

"I thank thee again for inviting me to your picnic." Luna stated as they finished setting their blanket on the grass, "Though, I must say I'm not entirely use to being out during the day." She added, adjusting the sunhat that she was wearing.

"Don'tcha worry yerself none Princess, we'll trah ta make this as enjoyable ta ya as possible."

"It's not really the matter whether this will be fun or not, it's the matter of whether the heat will be bearable."

"Oh... well, if ya want, we can move closer ta the shade."

"That will not be necessary, I believe I will manage."

Off to the side, Twilight noticed Rainbow unusually silent while the others prepared the picnic area. "Are you feeling alright Rainbow?" Twilight asked. "You're unusually reserved today."

"Y-yeah..., I'm good." Rainbow replied before nervously grinning.

"Well...okay..., if you say so." Twilight said, sounding unsure but accepting of Rainbow's answer.

Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anypony up fer a quick game o' horseshoes?" Applejack asked outloud.

"Ooo, memememe! I want to play!" Pinkie responded quickly as she hopped in front Applejack.

"Hold up Pinkie, I want to play. I still have a score to settle with Applejack." Rainbow voiced as she walked over.

"Ya both can play, we can play in teams of two." Applejack stated, "Let me find mah sister, ah'm sure she'd like to play."

Over the next hour, the two teams faced each other in horseshoes. They improvised mid-game as their teams of two became teams of three, with Sweetie Belle on the Apple siblings' side, and Scootaloo on Rainbow and Pinkie's side.
The others watched as they ate some of the food that had been brought along, though it could be well argued that Luna was the one most interested in watching. Having never heard of horseshoes before, outside of a fashion statement, it easily grabbed her interest.

"Been working on your throw Rainbow? First time yer second throw didn't go a few yards over the stake." Applejack remarked with a chuckle.

"Ha ha, very funny Applejack. I've only played this game twice before."

"Anyway, it's yer throw Pinkie."

Pinkie nodded jubilantly before picking up the horseshoe, taking a second to aim, then throwing it. The horseshoe came up short of a ringer, but it was frighteningly close to one.

"Ah, yeah! Nice throw Pinkie!" Rainbow cheered and hoof-bumped with the party-pony.

"Wow... good throw Pinkie. Don't mean ya won just yet, right sis?" Applejack then looked at Applebloom, who gave a determined smile and picked up a horseshoe.

Applebloom took a little more time as she aimed her throw. Once she was ready, she gave the horseshoe as best a throw as possible to make sure it landed close to the stake. It landed just about, if not closer than, Pinkie's throw.

"Good throw there lil' sis! That's how ya do it." Applejack cheered as she gave Applebloom a strong and hearty pat on the back, earning a wide grin from the little filly.

The six continued their game for another two rounds, before ending with Rainbow, Pinkie, and Scootaloo taking the victory. As expected, Rainbow particularly boasted about her victory, much to Applejack's annoyance, though Twilight became relieved that Rainbow was back to her usual self. While Scootaloo was just as annoying about the victory to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, it only lasted moments before the three fillies found themselves asking how they achieved their best throws, and why they think their worst was so bad.

As soon as the game between the six was over, Twilight called them over to eat as Rarity and Luna finished setting out all the food they had brought along with them for the day. Most of the food they had brought along with them were bought from the various shops in town, but there were a couple of items that were brought along with them from Ponyville, including a box of chocolate muffins from Sugarcube Corner, and few bottles of cider from the Apple Family. Applejack had hidden away the bottles in one of her bags, she had been saving it up for the right moment during their vacation, and the picnic seemed to be just right. As they ate, Luna shared a few stories she had heard.

Rainbow though didn't pay much attention as she sat herself next to Twilight. The pegasus was still uncertain, but she seemed a bit more comfortable with the idea than she was the previous night. She still stole a few occasional glances, which seemed to go unnoticed as Luna's stories seemed to keep most of their friends' attentions.

"I remain somewhat uncertain on the matter in the story, but I believe there are some legitimate points that do prove to be real." Luna stated.

"Ah dunno if ah can believe somethin' like that. Ah just don't think any pony would be lucky enough ta be that good at avoidin' trouble." Applejack remarked.

"Perhaps it has nothing to do with luck. I'm rather skeptical myself, but I've been surprised before with the abilities certain ponies can possess." Rarity stated, "Afterall, Fluttershy's talent with animals is extraordinary, and Dr. Colgate back home can do the most complex of dental procedures in a matter of minutes."

"What d'ya think Twi? Ya think it's possible?"

"Hm...well there's a chance. I think it'd be more possible if said individual was also clever, or had somepony around who could try predict the movements of those they want to avoid." Twilight explained.

"I did say I remain uncertain on the matter." Luna voiced in.

"Do we still have more chocolate muffins?" Pinkie rang in.

"Another one?! But didn't you already eat three?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie could only offer a nervous grin and a shrug.

"Don't worry, ah think we still have plenty." Applejack stated, "What in the...? How did this git in 'ere?" She asked as she pulled out a head of cabbage from the basket.

"Where did that come from?" Rainbow asked.

"Yer guess is good as mine. Sure smells though."

"Well, you try not taking a bath for three days." the cabbage suddenly said as it grew a face.

"Ahhhh!!!" and Applejack threw the cabbage away from herself.

It groaned. "That wasn't nice, my dear Applejack." it complained face flat as Discord's body appeared out of nowhere and picked it up, before placing it on where his head was suppose to be and the leaves started falling off.

"Discord! How dare you show your face to me again!" Luna shouted angrily.

"You're still mad at me, Lulu?" He asked with a smirk before taunting, "Personally, I thought the small mane-cut was an improvement."

Luna shot a large bolt of energy at him.

"Whoa! Hey!" Discord just dodged it in time, "Jeez..., can't you ponies ever take a joke?"

"What are you doing here?" Twilight asked him, while Luna decided to recompose herself and take her seat again.

"As much as it pains me to do this, um...I came by to ask Fluttershy what I should do since her pet, Angel, refuses to eat his food."

"Oh my, is he sick? Is he okay?!" Fluttershy asked, beginning to get very worried for Angel

"He's fine." Discord replied as he waved his clawed hand as if to dismiss the concern, "He just refuses to eat his food."

"Oh...um...did you make it exactly as I instructed?"

"What about Tank? You're suppose to be feeding him too." Rainbow rang in.

"Yes, I did make it exactly as you instructed. And, yes, I made sure your precious pet turtle is fed."

"Tortoise." Rainbow corrected.

"Whatever..."

"Hm, well...was he asking for something else to eat?" Fluttershy asked, to which Discord gave a nod, "Why don't you just give him what he wants for now. I mean...if that's okay..."

Discord groaned. "So I'm a pet bunny's butler now. Fantastic...Alright, I'll give him what he wants."

"Um, do you want to have a bite to eat before you go back?"

"Fluttershy, I understand that you do mean well, but I refuse to share my time with him." Luna stated.

"I assume you two don't really like each other?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, I like Lulu enough. It's her that doesn't like me." Discord replied as he snapped his fingers making his tall throne chair thing appear, before taking a seat.

"I have my own reasons as to why I do not trust this draconequs. More than enough reasons." Luna replied, as she recalled the number of pranks he's pulled her that month alone.

"Anyway, to answer you Fluttershy, I guess I could use a little moment to just kick back. But are you sure you don't mind? I'm not exactly on vacation, you know."

"Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't at least offer you something quick to eat before you go." Fluttershy said before she offered him one of the muffins.

Discord looked at the muffin then looked back at the others before accepting the muffin. "I guess I can stay for a few moments. Thank you Fluttershy." 

"Just...I mean if it's okay with you...can you restrain yourself from doing anything that will annoy the others?"

He scoffed and before smiling. "You really know how to take the fun away from things." he joked before taking a bite.

As they finished up their food, they slowly started to disperse to do their own activity of choice.  Pinkie brought a frisbee, and was currently throwing it back and forth between herself and Applejack. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were currently in some game where Sweetie Belle played damsel in distress, and the other two had to save her from the terrifying dragon Spike. Spike was a little hesitant to play at first, but eventually warmed up to the idea and was practically roleplaying with the three fillies.

Twilight chose a much quieter activity to do as she wondered off to sit at the nearby pond to think. Rainbow and Fluttershy weren't too far from the alicorn as Rainbow followed her over there, which Twilight was rather use to by now, and Fluttershy was on the other side of the pond making new friends with some of the resident frogs that came close to her.

Rainbow looked at Twilight, who had her eyes closed, before deciding not to bother her and looked around for something, anything, to do. Rainbow's gaze eventually fell upon a flat rock, where she regarded it for the briefest of moments. She then wrapped her tail around it before taking aim at the water's surface and gave a strong throw which resulted in a loud 'plop' that quickly got Twilight and Fluttershy's attention.

Twilight remained silent as she watched Rainbow do the same thing with another stone she found, which ended in the same result.

Rainbow gave a loud snort in frustration.

"If you're trying to skip stones Rainbow, you're doing it wrong." Twilight stated

"What?"

"If you're skipping stones, you're suppose to hold them at an angle so it actually skips rather than just sink."

"And you know how to skip stones?" Rainbow asked as she rolled her eyes.

“Shining Armor taught me once when I was filly."

"Okay..., if you know so much, then here." and kicked a stone towards her, "Show me how you do it."

Twilight hesitated for the briefest of moments, but eventually picked the stone up with her tail, and started making careful adjustments to ensure it was at the optimal angle. She was shown and taught how to skip stones by her brother, but it was while using magic.

"Any time today would be nice, Twi."

"Give me a moment, I need to make sure I get this right, otherwise it'll just end up sinking like yours."

Once Twilight felt she had the angle as close to perfect as she could, she gave the stone a throw, where in bounced off the surface twice before sinking under the surface.

Rainbow's jaw dropped in response, and looked at Twilight, who just gave a grin, "How...? I mean..."

"Like I said, Shining Armor taught when we were younger. He use to come up with a multitude of ways to get me out of the house and away from my studies."

"Can you teach me?" Rainbow asked.

"Of course I can, all you have to do is ask. First, pick a relatively flat stone to use."

Rainbow didn't hesitate and quickly found another flat stone to use.

"Now make sure you're holding it at an angle. Preferably, it would be somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees, this will allow it 'hop' off of the water's surface."

Rainbow tried following the instructions, and adjusted the stone in her tail, but was off.

"No, that's closer to 40. Here let me help." and went over to Rainbow's tail and made the adjustments herself.

"Hey...! What...?!" Rainbow asked as she blushed.

"Don't worry, this shouldn't take too long."

Rainbow watched as Twilight adjusted the stone she was holding in her tail. A small smile grew on the pegasus's face as she quickly noted how cute Twilight looked when she was focused, even if it was as simple as adjusting the angle a stone, and how the alicorn's mane almost seemed to shine. Did her mane really look like that all the time? She snapped out of it when Twilight looked back at her, and looked the other way, blushing.

"There, that should do it. Whenever you're ready, go ahead and throw it."

Rainbow took a quick moment to aim before throwing it, where it bounced off the surface once.

"Did you see that?! I did it! I knew I could do it." Rainbow boasted

Twilight giggled before saying, "Yes, I'm glad you were able to do it."

"Oh, and...thanks for helping me out Twilight." Rainbow stated as she scratched the back of her head

"Glad to help."

Rainbow readied herself to throw another stone, making sure how she was holding it looked like when Twilight adjusted it. Just as she was about to throw it, Pinkie popped out behind the two, surprising both of them.

"Are you two playing a game?" she asked loudly,

"Waah!" Twilight exclaimed as Rainbow jumped and threw the stone in the air.

They watched as it went up, before coming back down and landing somewhere in Pinkie's mane.

"Pinkie! What the hay did you do that for?" Rainbow shouted

"I saw you two skipping stones, and it looked so so fun, so I wanted to ask if I can join." Pinkie replied as she reached into her mane and pulled out the stone that landed in her mane.

"I thought you were playing with Applejack." Twilight stated

"She was." they heard Applejack state as the farmer pony walked up to them, "But then she ran off in this direction."

"They're playing Skip Stone, wanna play?" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"Skip Stone?" Applejack repeated before having a look at the others, "Oh, yer skippin' stones on the water."

"Well we weren't exactly playing, I was just showing Rainbow how to do it properly." Twilight stated

"Yep, and I'm gonna make sure I get better at it than Twilight." Rainbow added

"Ooo, how many skips did she get?" Pinkie asked

"Twilight got two hops."

"Pfft, that's practically foal's play." Pinkie stated as she waved her hoof in the air.

"Think you can do better?" she asked as she wrapped her tail around another flat stone

Pinkie just gave a wide smile in response.

"Okay Pinkie, you're on. Let me beat Twilight's record, and we'll play." and gave the stone a throw, which hopped once.

"Maybe you should just let Pinkie play Rainbow. It'll take you a while to beat my record from the pace of things."

"It can't be that hard to beat two hops."

"Probably not, but just so you know my personal record was five back at Canterlot."

Rainbow's eyes widened at the information..

Eventually the simple game became another mini-contest as Spike, Luna, and the Crusaders joined in on the fun, leaving a eight-way competition between Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, and the five aforementioned individuals. Rarity and Fluttershy sat off on the sidelines, watching and cheering for each of their friends.

As it reached the late afternoon, they finished their competition with Applejack and Rainbow tieing for third place with four hops each, Twilight and Luna tieing for second with five, and Pinkie taking first place with twelve. Somehow, Pinkie managed to throw one stone at just the right angle toward a rock sticking out of the water, where it bounced off at a 90-degree angle from it's original direction and continued without losing a moment of momentum, earning Twilight a new headache on how she managed to do that.

After wrapping up their game, they quickly ate what was left of the food they had brought as a quick snack, before packing up everything to conclude their picnic.

"This was such great day." Fluttershy stated as Rarity and her were walking back toward the hotel

"Oh, I quite agree. It was quite refreshing." Rarity agreed

"Hey, ya two mind takin' the fillies with you?" they heard Applejack shout out to them as the Crusaders ran over to catch up with them.

"No problem at all Applejack." Rarity responded, as Fluttershy and herself stopped to wait for the Crusaders before pressing on, "We'll see you back at the hotel."

"We won't be long. Jus' gonna finish packin' up everythin'." Applejack stated before turning to look at Pinkie and Luna, who were packing away things, and Rainbow, who was laying back at the moment against a tree, "Everyin' almost packed up?"

"Yep!" Pinkie cheerfully announced, "Not a single crumb left."

"We just need to finish folding the picnic blanket, and we will be ready to make the return trip." Luna added

Applejack then gave a nod, before she started looking around, "Has anypony seen Twilight?"

"She's over by the pond." Rainbow replied, "I think she's just looking at the town or something like that."

"I will go tell Twilight we are almost ready to go. Would you mind if...?" Luna began asking as she indicated the blanket.

"No problem at all Princess. Pinkie and ah will finish up packin', jus' get Twi and we'll be ready ta go."

"Rainbow, you say you know where Twilight is exactly is that correct?" Luna asked the pegasus.

"Uh, yeah."

"Will you lead me to her?"

"Sure..., no problem." and got up and started leading Luna to where she saw Twilight.

They didn't have to look very far, Twilight was exactly where Rainbow had seen her.

"Exactly where I thought she was." Rainbow declared, earning Twilight's attention, as Luna and her approached.

"We are almost ready to leave Twilight." Luna announced

"Oh, okay, I'll be right there."

"I take you are enjoying the view?"

Twilight gave a nod, "The view here is very beautiful. I'd only seen a view like this back at Canterlot."

"Indeed." Luna agreed as she looked forward as well, "Though I do believe that if it's the sunset you are talking about, I strongly suggest you try from that hill over there." and pointed toward a hill that was very close to the town.

Rainbow and Twilight looked where Luna was pointing before Twilight asked, "That one...? That's Lover's Echo, right?"

"Lover's Echo...?" Rainbow repeated

"Yes, that it is." Luna replied

"It's a hilltop in Lunar Bay that is known as the hill where ponies, along with their special somepony, to shout each other's names. According to what I've heard, Princess Luna or Princess Celestia then acknowledge the two, and would provide some luck to the two ponies'  relationship." Twilight explained to Rainbow.

"A ridiculous notion really." Luna stated, "My sister and myself see nothing wrong if ponies wish to do so, but whether Celestia or myself know of it or not, we do not do anything that improves anypony's 'luck'."

"I really haven't heard any pony shouting another's name as of late. It must be rather seclusive."

"Not as much as you'd think. It's easily accessible. It just takes, as I believe Rainbow Dash puts it...guts, to do something like that."

"It really must make for a good place to think."

"Perhaps."

They then heard Applejack call out to them.

"Sounds like we better get going." Rainbow stated

"Agreed." Luna said as she started going back

"Come on Twilight." Rainbow then waited for her.

"Thanks for waiting for me Rainbow."

"Don't mention it." she replied with a wide smile and walked side-by-side with Twilight, a little closer than usual.
> Day 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on Rainbow, it shouldn't be long now." Twilight stated to her friend as the two of them walked down a paved walkway in the park.

"You said that when we left the hotel almost 20 minutes ago." Rainbow complained.

"We really are close now, Rainbow."

Rainbow groaned as they pressed onwards.

At the moment, it's late afternoon. Their morning and early afternoon had gone rather uneventful for the most part. Outside of eating breakfast, Rainbow had spent the morning helping Twilight out and helped sort through and organize the piles of paper that Twilight had used to write various notes and the books she had brought along. At this point, Rainbow was prepared to admit it that she was starting to admire Twilight as more than her friend, so as boring as helping the alicorn sort through her things, she found it more than rewarding to just hang out with Twilight.

"We're here." Twilight finally announced

Rainbow looked up to see a hot-air balloon, "A hot-air balloon?"

"Mm-hm, I reserved it for the day. I thought you'd like the idea of another chance to get up in the air after how well you liked the last time." Twilight replied, "I'd offer to give you another ride myself, but I'm still a little worn out from the last time. Plus, I'm sure it'll be more relaxing if we didn't have to worry about the take-off or the landing."

"Yeah, I understand. It's cool, but...you didn't have to reserve a balloon. Honestly...I would've been fine just going back to that boring conference room and finishing that Frozen Wasteland story." Rainbow nervously admitted.

Twilight shot the pegasus a surprised look, "Really...?"

Rainbow nervously grinned before nodding, "Like I said last time, it was a really good book."

"Well, um...we could spend only a few moments on the hot-air balloon, then we can come back, and I'll give you the book to read."

"Heh, I'm cool with that." Rainbow replied as she followed Twilight

Twilight paid the  agreed fee to rent the balloon before getting into the balloon with Rainbow as the balloon's owner helped untie the balloon. After explaining to both of them the rules, he let them go.

Having used a hot-air balloon on several occasions, Twilight already understood several, if not all, the aspects associated with piloting and safe control of a hot-air balloon, and was quick to get them up to a proper altitude.

"First time I've ever ridden in a hot-air balloon." Rainbow stated outloud, really saying it more for herself than anything, as she looked down at the ground.

"You're not uncomfortable with the idea are you?" Twilight asked as she took a spot next to Rainbow and looked at the pegasus.

"Nah. It just feels funny...you know. Being up in the air and actually flying without having to use my wings. It's kind of relaxing actually."

Twilight giggled, "I could've guessed that. So, is there anywhere you want me to direct the balloon, or just floating around fine with you?"

"How about we go over the beach? I heard that Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie are gonna be there today."

"Again?"

"I think they're watching Scootaloo and Applebloom. Those two wanted to go splashing around in the water."

"Sweetie Belle isn't with them today?" she then got started on steering the balloon toward the beach.

"She's hangin' with her sister today. I'm not sure where though."

The two ponies remained silent as they gently floated over the beach. The view itself was more than enough to take up their attention. Sure it wasn't as fast as Rainbow would've liked, but having the breeze in her face was refreshing enough. To her, there was just nothing like it, the breeze had always felt far more comforting, more welcoming, and more calming compared to a breeze felt from the ground.

Twilight couldn't argue really, the breeze was rather refreshing, but unfortunately, she couldn't enjoy it as much as Rainbow. Twilight had to make sure that they stayed within the area, and in complete control of the balloon. Still though, she found some small moments to enjoy the breeze.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait till this vacation is over, then I  can finally fly again." Rainbow remarked.

Twilight took a spot next to Rainbow as they both held on to a side of the basket, and looked at the pegasus next to her.

"Still though, it kinda sucks that our vacation is almost over." Rainbow added.

"Agreed...but you know it had to eventually, we still have our duties in Ponyville."

"I know...."

"Still though, it is a shame that we didn't really spend much time just to hang out." Twilight stated, "We spent several days stuck together, mostly by your insisting, and we barely talked as friends."

Rainbow turned to look at the alicorn next to her.

"I was thinking, since we didn't really just hang out as friends, would you be interested in accompanying me to lunch tomorrow?" Twilight said with a wide smile on her face.

"U-um..." Rainbow responded as she started to blush heavily. "Did she just-? No, she didn't." Rainbow thought to herself, "But it sounded-. Augh! What's wrong with me?! I only figure out that I like her two days ago, and now I'm hoping for a date!?"

"I mean, I do understand if you're busy Rainbow. So if you don't want to-"

"No, wait!" Rainbow shouted, almost making the alicorn jump, "I mean..., sure Twilight. I might be interested to just hang out tomorrow. Not like I got anything else to better to do."

"Great!" Twilight cheered. "I'll meet you in front of the hotel tomorrow at noon, and we'll go find a nice cafe to eat lunch. Though knowing you, you'll probably still be following me around, considering you're probably more interested in make sure I don't cheat."

Rainbow nervously laughed in response.

After quickly checking that they were still where they should be, Twilight then turned her attention to the land below them.

"Hey Twilight, do you know if the others...you know, might wanna come along too? Cause, I'm cool with just hanging out with you, but you know how Pinkie is, and Applejack might want it to be all of us."

"It's probable, but I do have my doubts though. I know Pinkie mentioned something about bringing home a present of some sort for the Cakes, and I heard the same thing from Fluttershy, so there's also a probability that they might look for souvenirs tomorrow, seeing it is the last day."

"Oh, right."

"Try not to worry about it Rainbow, I'll check with the others first to make sure. If they do want to come along, we can still hang out."

"I'd prefer if we went alone though." Rainbow muttered

"Huh?"

"Nothing! Nothing." she quickly replied.

"If you say so." Twilight then looked out towards the horizon, the sun was still in the sky, but otherwise the view was still amazing, and looked on in amazement

Rainbow shot Twilight a curious look before saying, "Why do you look so amazed?"

"The view Rainbow, it looks amazing."

Rainbow looked at the horizon Twilight was facing before looking around the entire landscape, "Eh, I guess."

"How can you not?"

"I mean, I guess it's cool that I get to see over the ocean; but, I'm usually up here anyway, so I guess the view isn't as interesting as it use to." Rainbow replied with a shrug, "What about you? Canterlot is pretty high in the sky, why are you so amazed by the view?"

"Oh,um...well, I guess it's because I never really looked." Twilight admitted.

Rainbow gave Twilight a curious look.

"Back at Canterlot I mostly just studied, so any 'view' I could get were mostly from descriptions and pictures in books."

"You, Twilight, are such an egghead." Rainbow stated as she chuckled and poked Twilight on her head, just before a quick gust blew by, "Whoa! What the?" the gust itself wasn't too strong, but it did rock the basket.

"That was a gust. I don't think it had anything to do with the natural air cycle for this area. Do you think it has something to do with something from weather factory?”

"Just because I'm a weather pony Twilight doesn't mean I know every little thing the factory does. Some of the stuff they do is strictly for senior officers only." Rainbow explained, "Either way though, if something did happen at the factory, I think we better get back down."

"Agreed." Twilight then started maneuvering the balloon to a lower air-current to bring them back toward Luna Bay.

As they started descending, Rainbow opened her wings to 'read' the air-currents and figure out exactly where the right current was, even if it was the most gentlest of breezes, she would be able to detect it. Just under half-a-minute, Rainbow suddenly perked up and shouted, "Incoming!" just before a gust stronger than the last  hit them. It blew them closer toward Lunar bay, which is what they wanted, but unfortunately while Rainbow's wings had helped them give them a heads-up, the appendages also acted like a mast in a way and actually shoved Rainbow backwards into Twilight.

To say Twilight wasn't ready for Rainbow to bump into her would've been understatement. The increased rocking of the basket plus Rainbow inadvertently knocking into her sent Twilight over the basket's edge.

"TWILIGHT!" Rainbow panicked and instinctively jumped out to catch her.

Dazed, Twilight wasn't able to catch herself right away and help herself. Just as she was finally able to find her bearings, she felt a pair forehooves wrap around, so rather than open her own wings and start flying, she let instinct decide for her and wrapped her own hooves around Rainbow.

As soon as they both had gotten a good hold on each other, Rainbow extend her wings and started trying to pull both of them out of the sharp nose-dive. At the speed they were going, there wasn't enough space to properly pull out of the nose-dive, which Rainbow fortunately quickly realized as she attempted to slow both of them. Rainbow did manage to slow them down, but only as far as making their landing less unpleasant as they both hit the ocean's surface below them hard.
Twilight was the first to recover, as she bobbed her head back up to the surface. After coughing up some water her attention quickly fell to Rainbow Dash, who wasn't too far from her. The sight made her blood run cold. Rainbow had taken the brunt of the impact and had gotten the wind knocked out of her and was falling in-and-out of conscious.

"Rainbow!" Twilight called out as she doggy-paddled over to her friend, before grabbing onto the pegasus's mane to keep her head above the water. Twilight didn't hesitate, and quickly teleported both of them onto the beach, and back onto dry land.

At this point Rainbow had completely passed out, and laying flat on her side on the beach sand.

Twilight was quickly by her side, and proceeded to try waking up the pegasus, "Rainbow, wake up! Come on Rainbow." Sheshook the pegasus's head in her hooves, "Come on I know you're stonger than this. Wake up." She tried roughly patting Rainbow's cheek.

"Wake up! Please...wake up." she begged as a tear rolled down her face, before coming up with an idea and rolled Rainbow so the unconscious pegasus was now on her back. Twilight pointed her horn toward Rainbow's chest and started casting a spell that she usually used to dry herself when she gets caught in the rain. To Twilight, it didn't matter anymore if she used magic or not, she lost the moment she teleported.

Not long after Twilight casted her spell, Rainbow started coughing and spat out the water that had gotten in her lungs.
"Rainbow!" Twilight exclaimed in relief and hugged the pegasus, earning a blush from her. "I'm so glad to see you're okay."

"Heh, I could say the same thing Twi." Rainbow said before she looked in the other direction as the others, who had witnessed the incident from the beach, rushed over to them.

After a quick moment to dry themselves off, and Fluttershy giving both a quick check-up to see if there was anything broken on either one of them, they took a seat on the beach blanket the others brought and rested. Fluttershy may have more experience as a veterinarian, but she pretty well experienced enough to check Twilight and Rainbow for any injuries.

While Fluttershy and Pinkie went off to retrieve the hot-air balloon, because apparently Pinkie had a pretty good idea where it had gone, and they had to return it eventually, Twilight and Rainbow were talking to Applejack in regards to their loss.

"Ya sure about that Twi? Ah mean, it was an emergency." Applejack stated.

"I'm positive Applejack. We agreed that I wouldn't use magic for the duration of our vacation, and I failed to do so." Twilight then looked at Rainbow before clearing her throat and elbowing her.

"Huh?! Oh...um, yeah, we...we did." Rainbow stated, though it much to her displeasure

"Well, if ya both are sure...alright. Mah hat off ta ya both, ya rather well holdin' yer end fer the time. Also, fer bein' honest about it." Applejack stated and, just as she said, did tip her hat off to them.

Rainbow gave a frustrated sigh as she shifted herself on the blanket so she was sitting flat on her stomach, before feeling Twilight do the same and slightly lean up against her. She said nothing about it and leaned back against Twilight.

Twilight shot an uneasy glance at Rainbow, but then looked away.

The rest of the day remained somewhat uneventful, as Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy, telling the others what had happened during dinner. They were, of course, surprised to hear what had happened, but were glad that both Twilight and Rainbow were safe and sound. Rainbow mostly added whatever she saw fit to add, as well as fill in holes with particular details.

Twilight remained silent through the whole matter, and quickly ate her meal before retreating to her room, telling the others that she had some research she wanted to do before the day was through.

Rainbow did stop by the door to Twilight's room on her way to hers, and was tempted to knock and check on Twilight, but she resisted. Rainbow gave a silent snort before pressing on to her room. She'll have plenty of time to talk to Twilight tomorrow.
> Day 8 (Yes, I know I goofed)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following day, Rainbow was the first out of everyone to awaken. Well, second only to Luna probably, but she was awake bright and early nonetheless. Rainbow headed out of the hotel to stretch her wings. Similar to Twilight, now that she had technically admitted that she had lost her bet with Applejack, she was no longer bound by it and was free to fly around as she pleased. Rainbow practiced a few of her tricks to make sure she hadn't gotten soft during the six days she wasn't practicing, and smiled as she let the feeling of the wind in her mane and feathers relax her. The whole time though, she kept in mind that she had to be attentive of what the time was, she remembered that she was going to hang out with Twilight during lunch.

Just a few minutes before noon, Rainbow flew back down to the front of the hotel to meet up with Twilight. While she waited for the alicorn, she came across Applejack as she was leading the Cutie Mark Crusaders back to the hotel. Apparently the Crusaders had snuck out earlier to explore on their own. When asked by the farmer pony who she was waiting for, she explained to Applejack what Twilight and her were planning to do that day. Applejack nodded before telling Rainbow she hoped they had a good lunch, then went back to leading the three young fillies back into the hotel.

Despite the fact she was growing hungrier with each passing minute, Rainbow stayed true and waited for Twilight to show up. Eventually though, Rainbow fell asleep on the grass in front of the hotel. By the time she woke up, she saw five pairs of eyes looking down at her, each belonging to Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.

"Hey girls." Rainbow greeted as she gave a yawn, "What's up? Why are you all looking at me like that?"

"We were all jus' wonderin' why ya were still 'ere." Applejack replied.

"We were about to go find something to give Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as a gift of thanks for paying for most of our vacation expenses." Rarity added

"Did ya an' Twi already finish up yer lunch?"

"What...? No, I'm still waiting for her. She's probably gonna be here soon."

"Dear, do you know what time it is right now?" Rarity asked

"Um...I dunno...12:30?"

"It's 2:45 in the afternoon sugercube." Applejack stated.

"What?!" Rainbow asked as she shot up into a sitting position.

"Have ya been out 'ere the entire time?"

"But, I- Where's Twilight?"

"We haven't seen her all day." Scootaloo replied

"I take it you haven't either." Rarity guessed

"No, why do you think I was still out here for?" Rainbow asked. At that moment they heard Rainbow's stomach growl. "All the while, hungry?!" she shouted.

"Relax Rainbow, we didn't say nothin' ta upset ya. We're jus' as curious ta find out where Twi is as ya are." Applejack stated

"Hm, perhaps Twilight went out for a moment. You know how she can be at times." Rarity suggested.

"Yeah, but she was suppose ta have lunch with Rainbow, and it ain't much like 'er ta be late." Applejack stated, "She'd probably chew her own hooves off before bein' late like this."

"True." Rarity nodded in agreement

"Why don't we check with Spike? Maybe he knows where Twilight went." Pinkie suggested as she hopped up and down.

"Yeah, if anyone knows where she went, it's gotta be Spike." Rainbow agreed.

"Well, what are we waitin' fer then? Spike at the buffet with Fluttershy an' mah sister." Applejack stated before all six of them started toward the buffet.

At the buffet, Spike and Applebloom were talking to one another while Fluttershy was coming back with some ice cream for the three of them. The others arrived just as Fluttershy was returning with three big bowls of ice cream on a tray in her hooves.

"You're back early." Fluttershy timidly stated, "Did you find a gift for the Princesses already? Oh, and hello Rainbow."

Rainbow just gave a nod in response to show she acknowledged the greeting.

"Not exactly." Applejack replied as she shook her head, "We're jus' comin' back ta ask Spike somethin'."

"Well, uh...What did you want to ask me?"

"Is somethin' the matter Applejack?" Applebloom asked.

"We're looking for Twilight." Rainbow replied, "We want to know if you've seen her."

"Looking for her? I thought she was suppose to be with Rainbow." Spike stated.

"She was suppose to."

"It seems Twilight arranged with Rainbow to have lunch with her, but it appears she never showed up." Rarity explained

"We thought that maybe you knew." Rainbow added.

"Um...I-I don't think Twilight said anything to me." Spike stated

"You gotta know something."

"No..., she just went to bed last night. She didn't say a word to me, and she woke up before me, so I didn't see her at all today."

"Maybe she's with Princess Luna." Fluttershy suggested

"No, I doubt it. I was with Princess Luna all morning after breakfast helping organize her things to leave tomorrow. I didn't Twilight once come up to the suite."

"Well, she's gotta be somewhere." Applejack stated

"Maybe she went off somewhere to...I dunno....think." Spike suggested

"To think?" Rainbow asked

"Yeah. Back at Canterlot, before she met all of you, Twilight use to disappear for hours without telling anypony. She use to do that when she wanted to think and didn't want any kind of distraction."

"How's that differ from just coopin' 'erself up in 'er room?" Applejack asked, genuinely curious.

"When I said 'any distraction', I did mean any distractions. That includes, unfortunately, anypony talking to her."

"Ah do hope she's fine, wherever she decided ta hid 'erself."

Rainbow gave a groan, this wasn't giving her any answers to finding Twilight. Just as she was about to complain and try asking another question, her eyes went wide as she realized that Spike had given her the answer she wanted.

"Hey, I think I know where to look for Twilight." Rainbow announced.

"You do?" Spike asked

"Yeah, thanks for the help Spike." and before anyone could say another word the pegasus was flying over to the hotel doors and out.

"You're welcome...?"

The others could only look on in confusion, wondering what did Spike say that helped.

Twilight wasn't too far, she was currently seated at the top of Lover's Echo. True to Luna's statement two days ago, it had been rarely visited, leaving Twilight a place to silently think. Twilight was going over the events of the past week, particularly though what had happened yesterday. The ending results after all that happened the previous day had left the alicorn considerably upset, confusing her greatly. Her attempt to treat the whole matter as an experiment to experience life as a non-unicorn did yield some very valuable results, she's forged unique and special memories that easily ensured her bond with her friends are as strong as ever, and she's managed to learn more about her friend Rainbow Dash, who until this point she hadn't really spent any personal time with. So much good use of her time, yet it troubled her.

It had all been going so well up until the incident yesterday. During the whole incident, especially when Rainbow had lost consciousness, she was extremely panicked. Of course she would be panicked, why wouldn't she be? But panicked enough to make her blood run cold? Panicked enough for it to feel like her heart had dropped into the pit of her stomach at the sight of her friend's unconscious form? Panicked enough to beg the pegasus to come to like as if her own life was precariously hanging in the balance? It just felt distinguishably different from what she thought would've been normal.

At that moment Twilight heard someone land behind her, tearing her away from her thoughts. Twilight's eyes went wide as she noticed it was Rainbow who had landed behind her.

"Hey Twilight." she greeted.

"Uh...hey there Rainbow. What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for you." Rainbow replied as she sat down next to her, "I didn't see you where we were suppose to meet for lunch."

"Oh, right. I-I'm sorry Rainbow, I guess I forgot."

"Yeah, I thought that might've been the case."

"Listen, Rainbow...I want to apologize."

"Apologize? Apologize for what?"

"It's my fault you lost your bet with Applejack."

"Oh yeah...that. Listen, It's alright, it's cool."

"But, I thought you'd be mad at me." Twilight stated as her ears flattened against her head.

"I'm mad, but I'm not mad at you. It was an accident, and...I'm cool with that." she explained as she out-stretched a wing and wrapped it behind Twilight, earning a very cute smile from her.

"Thanks Rainbow." then gave a sigh, "Now, if you will Rainbow, I'd like to have a moment to be alone."

"But I just got here." she complained.

"Please Rainbow, I really need the time to think things over. I been having some trouble since yesterday."

"Oh, well, can I help? I'm sure somepony as awesome as me can help."

Twilight smirked in response, "Rainbow, we both know thinking isn't really one of your strongest skills."

"Oh come on, just humor me Twi."

Twilight raised a brow then sighed. "Alright. Yesterday, after we both hit the water, you passed out. When you did, and after I had already teleported us to the beach, I...I panicked. Which I suppose is completely normal for any pony who watched their friend almost drown; but...when I saw you...I not only panicked, I became extremely scared."

Rainbow shot a curious look at Twilight.

"I became frightened that I was about to lose a friend; but, somehow it felt more so. My chest hurt, my stomach felt like it just did a flip, and I felt like I was willing to trade away almost everything if it meant helping you." she sighed, "It felt like I was about to lose-"

"-something precious?" Rainbow interrupted, as she looked Twilight in the eye.

Twilight looked at the pony next to her in utter shock, "H-how did you-?"

"-know? Because, that's actually how I felt when I saw you fall out of the balloon."

"..."

"Twilight..., I think I have something to tell you, and I think it might help, but you have to promise me that you won't let this hurt our friendship."

"Um, okay..."

Rainbow sighed before swallowing, "Twilight...I think I'm starting to...kinda like you." and looked away.

Twilight gave a curious and concerned look at Rainbow, "I'm your friend Rainbow...I thought liking me was required for us be consider ourselves friends."

"No, I-I mean, I like you more than just a friend."

Twilight's eyes widened as she picked up exactly what Rainbow was getting at, and pulled away from the pegasus's wing that was still on her.

"Listen Twilight, I know it's kind of a lot take in, but I do think I'm starting to like you that way. If you don't...I can understand."

"No..., it's alright Rainbow; and, yes, all this is a lot to take in for me." Twilight stated, almost too quietly, "But, why...? Why me?"

"I'm not really sure actually, I kinda found out myself two or three days ago; but, I know you're a cool mare, you're smart, you're talented, and I guess I kinda think you're...kinda...you know...pretty." she paused to take a deep breath, she hated having to be this emotional, to be this soft, but it had to be said, "When you took me flying, it just felt...it felt right. It felt so good to be able to be there with you, and I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to be close to you."

Twilight smiled, "Rainbow..."

"Look, I'm not good with words. So if you think I sound stupid, fine, I'm stupid. Just know, that you matter to me now, and that I'd really love to have a chance to see if we can be together."

"Rainbow." Twilight said as she wrapped her wings around the pegasus, "I don't think you're stupid, and...I think I feel the same, because I do want to try us."

Rainbow gave a caring smile before attempting to wrap her own wings around Twilight.

"We both have a lot to think about it, we need to learn more. I'd rather be sure than have to go blindly into something like this."

"So what do you suggest?"

"Well...I was thinking, we both feel like being more than friends, right?"

"Yeah..."

"And, you kinda lost our bet..."

"Don't rub it in."

"Well, I was thinking, maybe for the favor...we could go to...to dinner?"

"Twi... did you just ask me out on a date?" Rainbow asked with an amused smirk.

Twilight's face turned a ruby-red color as she tilted her head down, so she looked like she was giving Rainbow a puppy-dog eyes.

"Okay, I can roll with that. Besides, I made a bet, I lost, and I owe you."

The two stayed where they were until the late late afternoon, and after berating Rainbow a bit about not eating a single thing that day, the two headed back to Lunar Bay to find dinner and go on their date. Their date was a fairly simple affair, just two of them talking and enjoying each other's company as they ate. During their dinner, Rainbow stole a few glances at Twilight, the alicorn just looked so much more cuter when she was trying to discretely hide her occasional blushes. Afterwards, the two went out for a quickly nightly stroll, at least until Rainbow decided she had an interesting idea for the both of them, and started leading Twilight back up to Lover's Echo.

"Come on Twilight, hurry up." Rainbow shouted out to her

"Rainbow, this is a ridiculous idea."

"Oh, come on Twilight, just trust me. You trust me don't you?"

Twilight looked at Rainbow as she joined the pegasus at the top of hill, then smiled, "Of course I do. Are you sure about this?"

Rainbow nodded eagerly before going over to the edge, and talking a big breathe as she flared her wings and shouted out, "TWILIGHT SPARKLE!". She looked back at Twilight.

"I dunno Rainbow, I mean we've only had one date together, isn't this a bit too..." she was saying before started to trail off as she looked at Rainbow's expression.

Rainbow had flattened her ears against her head, and had a very hurt look on her face. Even her wings went limp as they fell toward the ground in an opened state. She wasn't actually sad, or at least too much, she was actually trying to convince Twilight without really saying anything, which was working.

"Fine." Twilight stepped up to the edge next to Rainbow, and taking a deep breathe herself and shouted, "RAINBOW DASH!"

They looked at each other again, smiling, before turning to look at the horizon in front of them again and shouted each other's names once more. The two then backed away from the edge and sat next to each, draping a wing on each other's back.

"I know it was kinda silly for us to do that, but like I said, I'm not good with words, but I'm good at being loud. So..., thanks."

"You're quite welcome Rainbow." Twilight said before she gave Rainbow a quick peck on the side of the pegasus's lips.

"Did you...Did you just kiss me?"

Twilight just gave a smile.

"I didn't think you wanted to go that fast Twi."

"Says the pony that decided to, and convinced me to do as well, let all of Lunar Bay know we're dating now, by shouting our names out on the top of Lover's Echo." Twilight remarked

Rainbow  snorted quietly. "Touché." She said as she brought the two of them closer to each other.

They then sat quietly in each other's wings as they looked up at the night sky. As they sat there though, they remained oblivious as a blue alicorn quietly appeared behind a tree behind them.

Princess Luna curiously looked at the two, before smiling and shaking her head. Her horn gave a quiet hum as it started to glow and a comet streaked through the sky in front of Twilight and Rainbow, who looked on in amazement. Princess Luna gave another gentle smile before vanishing into the night.

Twilight and Rainbow would remain there for another hour, enjoying the view of the night sky together, and as the rumors go, the view of the sky really was beyond spectacular.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been three days since their return from Lunar Bay, and life had pretty much gone back to how it usually is, minus one detail anyway. Over the course of the trip back and in the proceeding time after that, Twilight and Rainbow had continued to stay near one another whenever they could afford the time. Despite the Rainbow and herself shouting their names off the top of Lover's Echo, Twilight insisted in both of them waiting and observing to see how their newly formed relationship progresses, lest it be only an after-effect of them pretty much hanging out for hours at a time over their vacation. So far, the after-effect hypothesis seemed to be crumbling to dust as their interactions with one another seemed to only deepen their mutual attraction.

It's very close to sundown now, and Twilight and Rainbow were finishing up their duties for the day at Sweet Apple Acres.

"Just a few more baskets Rainbow." Twilight announced out-loud just before using her magic to pick all the apples from a tree

"Great! I really need a good nap right about now." then proceeded to shake the branches of another tree, which unfortunately didn't have any baskets underneath it, so all the apples fell straight to the grassy ground below

Twilight looked at all the fallen apples before looking back up at the pegasus. "You know, this would be easier if you put a few baskets under the trees first, Rainbow." she remarked with a smirk, before using her levitation magic to pick up every last one and place them into an empty basket.

Rainbow gave a nervous grin as she looked back down at Twilight, "W-well, that's what you're there for right...? I knock the apples off, and you pick 'em up."

Twilight shot the pegasus an amused look. "I'm not here to clean up after you Rainbow. You know as well as I do that we're simply paying the price for losing our bet with Applejack."

"Don't remind me."

Twilight smiled before lifting herself up into the air to see if Rainbow had actually shaken all the apples that were in the tree. Afterall, it never hurt to be thorough. As soon as Twilight was comfortable that Rainbow, who was looking at her, had effectively shaken all the apples out the tree, she regarded the pegasus from the corner of her eye and smiled as she quickly took the chance to nuzzle the side of Rainbow's face.

Rainbow only responded with a smile of her own, just before the two of them heard Applejack's voice.

"Rainbow? Twilight? It's almost sundown. Have ya finished harvestin' this area of the field?" the farmer pony asked as she came into view of them.

"We're almost done here Applejack. Just a few more trees and we should be done." Twilight replied as she landed back on the ground.

"Good ta hear. Pinkie finished up a while ago, so she's jus' checkin' the apples now." she stated before picking up a basket of apples and placing it on her back, "Jus' finish up here, and ya two will be free ta go fer the day."

As Applejack turned to leave, Rainbow landed next to Twilight as they started going toward the next tree.

Back at the barn, Pinkie was checking the apples for quality. It was really between ripe and rotten though. Pinkie didn't really need to help, having taken no part in the vacation-long bet outside of an observer, she had no obligations to be there; but, she wanted to, she wanted to help.

"Ripe...ripe...ripe...bad...bad...ripe." Pinkie stated outloud to herself as she checked each one, before tossing them in either one of two baskets based on their condition. "Ripe...bad...ripe...ba-" she paused as she pulled out one that seemed much darker than it should be. Pinkie then brought it to her nose to sniff it before reeling back and pinching her nose, "Ew, yucky! How did this get in there?" then looked over at the 'rotten' basket and tossed it in, "Smelly."

"Almost done here Pink?" she heard Applejack ask as she entered the barn.

"Hmm....nope. I haven't even finished checking the third basket yet."

"Well, yer only 'ere as a volunteer, so ah suppose it ain't too bad." she stated as she placed the basket on her back down, "Thank ya kindly fer helpin' out today."

Pinkie gave a wide smile in response.

"If ya want, ya can stick around fer dinner. It's the least ah could do consider ta repay ya fer the help."

"Actually...I already have something to do." Pinkie replied with a nervous look

"Oh?"

"I'm foalsitting Pound and Pumpkin tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Cake are having a lovey-dovey dinner tonight together, and asked me to watch the twins while they're out."

Applejack chuckled, "Well, hope ya have a fun night then. Best of luck with Pound though. Last time ya were watchin' them, Pound found his way ta the roof."

"Yeah..." Pinkie scratched the back of her head nervously, "I'm just glad I was able to get him down before he got himself hurt."

"I'd hate ta keep ya, but before ya go, mind helpin' me take these ta the apple cellar?"

"Okie-dokie!"

They both then picked up a basket of apples that had passed and headed toward the Apple Family cellar.

"Speaking of, where's Rainbow and Twilight?" Pinkie asked, "I haven't seen them all day."

"That's 'cause ah asked 'em ta help me in a part of the western field today. Ya were helpin' me in the southern field, ya wouldn't have seen 'em at all."

Pinkie merely nodded in understanding.

After the two earth ponies dropped off the apples, Pinkie merrily went on her way, while Applejack went to get Twilight and Rainbow. The sun was now setting, and it'll be dark soon, it was time to gather up everything and call it a day.

Upon reaching her destination though, she couldn't find them. Looking around, it did appear they finished with their work. All the trees that she had specified for them to work on were bare, and all the baskets underneath them were full. They couldn't have passed her since there was only one path to this area, so Applejack assumed they went in deeper into the orchard.

After trotting on about an extra 50 yards, she finally started to hear voices and quietly approached the location. Once she saw Twilight and Rainbow, she blinked a few times in mild disbelief, as she saw the alicorn and pegasus sitting side-by-side with each others' wing draped over the other's back. Both were chatting as they watched the sunset together.

"I'm just saying Rainbow, it's a little thought provoking don't you think?" Twilight asked, "Nopony seems to be the wiser about us being together."

"I thought that's what you wanted. That we don't tell the others till you're sure it's not just an after-effect."

"Well, yes, I did say that. I'm just saying since we haven't exactly been subtle, it's a little confusing no one has noticed yet." Twilight explained, "On the trip back, we were practically glued together because we never left each others sight, and you were giving me a quick peck on my cheek so frequently."

"I didn't hear you complaining." she rebutted with a smirk, and as if to add some expression to her statement, she gave Twilight a peck on the cheek.

Twilight lightly scoffed before continuing, "And you know these last couple of days, you've been spending a lot of time at the library, more so than when the newest Daring Do book comes in."

Rainbow looked off to the side then looked back at Twilight, "Yeah, I guess you have a point there. Especially since Pinkie hasn't said a thing either."

Twilight nodded, "Yeah, Pinkie, who seemingly has this ability to find things out to a frightening degree, hasn't done anything to indicate she knows."

"She probably will though. Pinkie always does." Rainbow stated as Twilight leaned up against her, "Betcha she'll figure it out the second we decide to tell the others."

"Another bet?"

"Why not...? I got Equestria's coolest former-unicorn as my reward last time I took a bet."

Twilight scoffed in response but didn't mind the compliment and tightened her wing against Rainbow.

Just as they were about to settle down and enjoy the view in front of them, Applejack decided that it was best if she left the two of them alone and started backing up. Unfortunately, that proved to only be wishful thinking as she stepped onto a twig with her hind limb, causing it to snap loudly.

The snap caused both Twilight and Rainbow to be alarmed, as Rainbow jumped up onto her hooves and flared her wings out in a defensive posture.

"Hey, who's there?" Rainbow shouted out, "Come out and show yourself!"

"Simmer yourself down Rainbow, it's...it's just me." Applejack replied as she came into view.

"Applejack!" Twilight exclaimed as she got up as well and faced the earth pony, all the while Rainbow brought her wings back down to her sides.

"Hehe..." Applejack forced a nervous chuckle.

"Were you spying on us?!" Rainbow asked

"N-no, no, ah wasn't. Ah just found ya a few moments ago." Applejack explained, "Ah was lookin' fer the two of ya."

Twilight remained silent for a moment as her ears flattened up against her head, "How much did you hear?"

"Enough ta know what's goin' on between ya two."

"..."

"Listen, a-ah apologize if ah ruined any secrets. Ah really didn't mean ta."

"It's okay Applejack. In retrospect, Rainbow and I probably should've expected you to come check up on us."

"So, um...how long have ya...?" Applejack muttered before trailing off.

"About three days at the longest." Twilight replied, as Rainbow nodded in agreement.

"Three days, huh...? Well, ah suppose that's why ah-" she then paused, "Wait, three days? That means ya'll start-"

"Yeah, we pretty much started just as our vacation was ending." Rainbow interrupted

"Boy-o'-howdy..., how did that happen?" she asked with a smile toward the two, genuinely wondering how a week-long vacation could've ever led to her two friends deciding to go beyond 'just friends'.

"Believe it or not, but...thinking over all that had happened, I'd say we have you to thank for that." Twilight replied with a embarrassed smile

"Wait?! Me...? How did ah help?" Applejack asked, the amount of surprise in her voice was very obvious.

"It was actually a result of Rainbow and myself hanging out more than usual, as a direct result of our agreement that I wouldn't study or use magic and Rainbow wouldn't fly during our vacation." Twilight explained, "The extra time allowed us a chance to learn about each other."

"Yeah, I mean, I kind of found out that some of Twilight's eggheady-ness isn't that bad. Some stuff she knows are actually...you know, pretty cool." Rainbow remarked.

"Like I'm sure you heard though, we're still trying out the water so to speak. We're just going on a gut feeling right now." Twilight added as she positioned her head underneath Rainbow's chin and rubbed her cheek against Rainbow's coat, being ever so careful that she doesn't accidentally stab Rainbow with her horn.

Rainbow gave a gentle smile as she nuzzled the alicorn's head.

"Looks like ya'll are already pretty sure." Applejack remarked as she smirked at the couple, "Well..., yer welcome, ah guess. Ah didn't think ah'd accidentally pair ya both up, that wasn't what ah had in mind when ah betted agains' ya."

"We know Applejack, but we still have you to thank for it." Twilight stated

Applejack chuckled, "Well, again, mah apologies fer easedroppin' on ya'll; but, ya do know yer still on the clock."

"Oh come on Applejack! Can't we take a break? We've been working our tails off since we got here this morning." Rainbow stated in a slightly pissed-off tone.

"Relax Rainbow." Twilight simply said to her, then turned to look at Applejack, "We wanted a quick break is all."

Applejack regarded the two with a raised brow before sighing and let a smirk on her face again, "Well..., alright ah suppose ya'll have earned it. Ah'm givin' ya till Luna's moon comes out though. No later than that, ya hear?"

"Of course, thank you Applejack." Twilight smiled, "Also, if you may. Um, could you not mention about me and Rainbow to the others?"

"Mah lips are sealed."

"Again, thank you." Twilight then turned back around to regard the setting sun

"Yeah, thanks." Rainbow repeated then turned around as well

Applejack turned to leave as well, then stopped and looked back at them, "Oh right, ah almost forgot ta ask, when ya two decide on how ya'll feel 'bout each, fancy tellin' me? It'd be nice ta know."

"We'll try, I might forget though." Rainbow replied

Twilight lightly elbowed Rainbow's side, earning a grin from the pegasus, then looked at Applejack, "I'll let you know. I promise to let you be the first to know...Well, unless Pinkie finds out and she decides to throw a party about it."

Applejack chuckled in response, and nodded to say thanks, "Ah am serious about ya two returnin' ta the barn by Luna's moon. Once it get's that dark, ah can't make any promises that Applebloom or Big Mac won't come out lookin' fer ya."

The two nodded in understanding, as Applejack tipped her hat before taking her leave.

Applejack trotted along the path, and arrived at where Twilight and Rainbow were working at and picked up a basket to bring back to the barn.

"Me a matchmaker, huh?" Applejack mused to herself, and chuckled at the thought, "An' here ah thought only Rare would be the one ta do somethin' like that."

----------------------------

Meanwhile, back at Canterlot:

Luna was returning from the kitchen, having swiped a generous slice of chocolate cake for herself, and was on her way to the throne room. From there, she would raise the moon into the sky, then begin meditating to begin her nightly rounds to ensuring any pony sleeping right now was safe from potentially threatening nightmares. The throne room was typically a lonesome and quiet place during the night, save for two of her personal guard being there to protect her and awaken her from meditation if somepony did come in to talk to her, but it was a rather fitting place for her to meditate.

Princess Luna had actually just returned several hours ago, the last three days she was out on business at Manehatten in regards to dispute about a shipment of fruit from the Griffon Empire and how it correlates to the current import laws.

As she was about to round the corner that lead into the throne room, she bumped into her sister, Princess Celestia, who was returning from the study and heading for her private quarters.

"Evening sister." Luna greeted her

"Princess Luna, remind me that tomorrow night, I'm banishing you to the moon for three days." Princess Celestia stated as she glared at her sister.

"What?! I have done nothing wrong." to say Luna was shocked would've been an understatement, "What have I done to warrent another banishment?"

Princess Celestia gave a sigh, "Nothing very severe, but only you can tell me that. I've been very overworked since I returned. I don't know what you did, and at this point I'm uncertain that I care, but I couldn't convince our financial adviser to drop her grudge against you."

Luna groaned at the news.

"I'm close to considering just firing her, since I'm sure she's about ready to chew MY ear off with whatever problem you two have; but, that probably wouldn't be fair to her considering this a quarrel between the two of you." Celestia added, "And to top it all off, I have to deal with Discord now since apparently he tried help in the matter as well, only for him to get into a bad mood about it and now he's taking it out on the garden and the gardeners."

"This is quite bothersome..." Luna complained, then gave a loud sigh, "I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow when she comes in for work."

"Good. Do so, and I'll lessen your banishment to 12 hours."

"And what exactly am I to do for 12 hours on the moon?"

"That is for you to decide. Sleep if you must, it makes no difference to me."

"Understood." she replied with a nod and tried continuing toward the throne room.

"One more thing dear sister."

Luna stopped in her tracks and looked back at her.

"Several nights ago, several ponies and myself witnessed a comet in the sky."

"Is this not within my jurisdiction as the Princess of the Night?"

"Well...no, it's very much within your jurisdiction to make a comet appear at your own discretion."

"So, what is the problem?"

"Right around the same time, I started receiving rather...interesting letters from Twilight."

Luna could only smirk, but tried to hide it as she did her best poker face.

"Most of which mentions Rainbow Dash in very high regards. So high in fact, I'm starting to suspect that she's decided to pursue a more romantic relationship with aforementioned pegasus."

Luna's eyes darted away from Celestia, finding time to admire her night sky through a window.

"This wouldn't happen to have anything to do with a certain landmark at Lunar Bay, would it?" Celestia asked as she gave a knowing smirk at her sister.

"Well..., um...that-" Luna started, before stopping to clear her throat, "How I choose to decorate the night sky is nothing you should be concerned about dear sister. You know how I can be at times when I'm feeling more artistic about my work."

"You're avoiding the question." Celestia remarked.

"I am...?" Luna asked outloud, before giving a loud yawn, "Hm, it appears I'm still ill adjusted to sleeping during the day after adapting a pattern of sleep at night for our vacation. I'm going to head to bed for a short nap." she announced and forcefully gave Celestia the slice of cake, who caught it in her magic.

"Luna."

"I'll raise the moon from quarters before I do. Tell a guard to awaken me in an hour" she replied as she quickly made her way toward her room

"You have yet to answer my question." Celestia stated as she began following

"As I've said, it's nothing of your concern Tia." Luna repeated, a wide smile now on her face, no longer able to keep her poker face.

"It is when it involves my own hoof-picked protege."

"I'm sure it's nothing that can't wait till breakfast, around when you awaken, and I'm about to go to sleep."

"You better be there Princess Luna. I'm planning to hold you to that." she stated loudly, convinced there was no way she was going to get Luna to talk before breakfast.

Luna simply nodded in acknowledgement as she started climbing up the stairs that will take her to her private quarters. The alicorn only stopped when she noted a guard standing at the top, who was missing his helmet.

"Speaking of, I wish to talk to you about your little 'incident' that occurred a little over a week ago."

The guard gave a nervous look

"Nothing of great concern, but I'd like to advise you about your level discretion for future reference." she added before pressing on toward her room.

"Y-yes, your highness." then gave a sigh.

Princess Celestia watched as her sister disappeared from view before giving a sigh and shaking her head. She then looked at the slice of cake she was still carrying in her magic before lifting up the fork and tentatively poking it.

"I really shouldn't eat this, but it would be too much of a waste to throw it away." she mentally stated to herself, "Hm, perhaps Discord would like this." then started for the garden outside. It's possible that Discord wouldn't even touch it, but for now it'd make a good peace offering to at least make sure she could convince him to stop annoying the gardeners.