A young stallion and a childhood acquaintance of Twilight Sparkle visits Ponyville.
NOTE : Cover Art was drawn by Rocket from MLPForums.
Meet Sapphire. A bright unicorn from Canterlot who is a math whiz with the Pi symbol as his cutie mark.
Sapphire works as a financial advisor to the Wonderbolts. Sapphire has helped the Wonderbolts grow their wealth but got into some trouble along the way.
Big Boss, a powerful pony, who helped Sapphire by providing money to the Wonderbolts' organization did so with the promise that one day Sapphire would return him a favor.. that day has come and Sapphire needs to go to Ponyville to spy and collect information on Twilight Sparkle, Equestria's newest alicorn princess.
Sapphire makes some unexpected new friends and goes on adventures. In the process, he is conflicted between his new friends in Ponyville and the reason why he was sent to Ponyville in the first place.
Sapphire woke up with a headache. Nothing out of the norm for a Saturday morning, Sapphire always partied hard on Friday nights. He should have drank some water last night or something...ow...he could feel the pain through his horn.
Sapphire slowly opened his eyes and saw that a petite teal pegasus was still sleeping in his bed. She had an empty wine glass cutie mark on her flank. What exactly happened last night? Sapphire must have drank too much, he could barely remember anything. The pegasus mare was cute though, too bad he couldn't remember anything about her. Sapphire could deduce what likely happened. However, he needed a trigger of some sort, something to bring back his memories.
Sapphire got out of bed and could smell something from the bathroom. Sapphire would have assumed it was alcohol-induced vomit but it smelled far too pleasant, kind of like berries. Sapphire walked towards the bathroom and saw a broken perfume bottle on the ground. Sapphire never owned anything like this. He took a whiff and then... ah yes... Perky Wings, that was her name, wasn't it? He scooped up the broken shards of glass and then went to his closet to get a vacuum to ensure that no glass was left behind.
Sapphire heard some rustling. Perky Wings must be waking up.
"Huh..oh...last night wasn't just a dream", said Perky Wings wistfully.
Sapphire walked towards Perky Wings and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"It was better than any dream I ever had", said Sapphire.
"Your magic couldn't do any better, I guess", giggled Perky Wings.
"Magic is so lame", joked Sapphire, "almost as lame as flying."
"Says the pony with the symbol pi as his cutie mark", quipped Perky.
"You just don't like math because you don't understand it."
"Tell me, nerd boy, what is 441 x 144?"
"63504, that's the best you could do.. jeez.. you even gave me two perfect squares. 252 times 252, duh."
"Fuck you, keep that up and you might stop getting laid."
"Does that mean you might want to sleep with me again?"
"Nah, I only sleep with ponies who aren't geniuses these days."
"Starting this morning, huh? Damn was I lucky."
The doorbell rang.
"I will be right back, Perky."
Sapphire groaned, who wanted him at 11 AM on a Saturday morning? Fuck, he hoped it wasn't one of his parents stopping by for a surprise visit.
Sapphire took the trek downstairs to open the door. The downside of buying such a big house for himself? Everything was too damn far away.
Sapphire opened up the door, expecting to see his dad walk in lecturing him on discipline and responsibility and all that other sort of bullshit.. but instead, the sapphire blue unicorn saw three male ponies. The one in the middle was a short and stout gray unicorn. Sapphire knew he was, Big Boss. Sapphire got nervous. Big Boss, stopping by to visit, wasn't good news. Sapphire didn't recognize the two earth ponies by his side but they were likely his bodyguards : tall and muscular with stern expressions. The bodyguards were nowhere near as frightening as Big Boss though.
"Good morning, Sapphire. How are you these days? I like what you did with the mansion."
"I am fine. You always know the right time to visit."
"Oh, yes I do. Is your Wonderbolt groupie friend still here?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"You know. I know. The whole drill. You meet Wonderbolt fan. You tell her that you know them personally. You fuck her. She gets a discounted front-row ticket to a Wonderbolts show and an after-show backstage pass."
"Nah. You must be talking to the wrong pony. I think that pony is up your asshole, you might want to look there."
"You remember how I gave you some money when you were just starting out?"
"Yea, and I am grateful to you for that."
"I hope so. You made a nice living for yourself. You took the scraps I gave you and increased it tenfold. Damn, who would have thought the Wonderbolts would be making most of their money from that hedge fund you created for them? You think any of them Wonderbolts know shit about how money works, it was all you, kid. Soon enough, they will have more money than those damn princesses."
"Yea I know, makes me a bad unicorn, huh? I didn't need to use magic for any of this."
"The thing I am most ashamed in you is that you still sleep with floozies. It's time for your ass to go find himself a wife."
"Alright, so what do you want? Which of your eight ex-wives should I make my own?"
"Look kid, you knew this day was coming", said Big Boss with a grin, "I help you, you help me."
"I will write you a check. One hundred thousand bits, no big deal for me."
"No big deal for me either. You really think after what I did for you that makes a good deal."
"Hold on here.. I was the one who turned your money into an enormous fortune."
"But it was my money. Remember where you were seven years ago... you think anypony except me would have given you a second of his fucking time?"
"I will double my offer."
"I don't want money from you. I already have plenty. I need you in Ponyville."
"Pony-what? Isn't that.. wait.. the newest alicorn princess currently resides there."
"And you know her."
"Yea, I did, I guess.. Twilight Sparkle and I did go to school together."
Sapphire remembered Twilight well but he hadn't seen her in years since magic school, she was also his next-door neighbor as a kid but Big Boss probably knew that. Twilight and Sapphire had very similar upbringings.
"I need you to move to Ponyville, for the purpose of rekindling whatever bond you had with Twilight. I need you to spy on Princess Twilight Sparkle for me. All you need to tell me is everything you know about her. Hopefully, the booze didn't destroy that memory of yours."
Sapphire definitely didn't want to do this.. but saying no to Big Boss wasn't a viable option. It never was. Sapphire had some ideas as to why Big Boss wanted this to happen - none of them were good.
"Uhh.. fine.. I will do it. Life has been getting kind of monotonous around here anyway."
"Good, good. The best part is that I already prepared lodging arrangements for you at Ponyville. How do you like that? Free housing."
"Thanks, you have always been so gracious."
"I will give you 24 hours to pack. You better be ready, I will be back at your mansion. See you tomorrow." Big Boss and his two bodyguards left.
Sapphire didn't like this at all, but he supposed he had to pay the piper. Ponyville? First of all, from what he heard, Ponyville was a pretty boring town with not much to do. Everypony in Canterlot would talk about how it was Princess Celestia who sent Twilight, her most faithful student, to Ponyville regarding her studies. Now Big Boss was sending him to Ponyville to do who knows what to Twilight. Big Boss hated the princesses - so it must have not been too good. With that said, Sapphire wasn't exactly a princess-worshipper himself, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad way to return the favor. Sapphire worked his way back upstairs.
Perky Wings was still there.
"What took you so long downstairs, big boy?"
"My boss told me I have to spend some time in Ponyville."
"I thought you were your own boss."
"Me too, but some bosses just don't go away."
"Oh and there was some glass on the floor. I took care of it."
"Thanks, so hey, would you want to get some lunch or something?"
"Oh..um... would that.. I mean... if I don't..does that mean I don't get to meet the Wonderbolts?"
"Never mind. Do you have 50 bits?"
"Yea", Perky pulled out a 50 bitcoin from her wallet.
"Good. Here you go, front-row Wonderbolt ticket and backstage pass. Have fun."
"Oh, thank you thank you Sapphire, you can't even imagine how happy I am right now!!", Perky gave Sapphire a big hug.
"Yea, I guess I can't."
"Will I see you at the Wonderbolts show?"
"Depends on how long I have to stay in Ponyville."
"Oh, right. Well, yet again, thank you." Perky flew out the window. Fucking pegasi, they never use the front door.
Sapphire sighed. This was one of those moments that he realized how lonely he truly felt. Perky may have just been a Wonderbolt groupie but being with her meant something. Yet at the same time, it really meant nothing.
Sapphire only had twenty four hours to think about how he would be able to keep his fortune intact. He decided to set up a meeting with the two lead Wonderbolts, Soarin and Spitfire, to discuss the matter.
"So, unfortunately, I have to leave Canterlot for some time to take care of a personal matter."
"Don't worry about it. You have already done a lot to help us!" Soarin grinned.
"Without you, our charity wouldn't have been able to create such an impact for ponies in need", added Spitfire.
"What I am worried about is the money, I will be able to access it remotely. However, we have good reason to fear somepony trying to hack into our accounts. All the good we have done and all the hard work we put in to expanding your fortune will end. I want both of you to promise me to keep a very close eye on our assets. As you both know, there is too much at stake to trust everypony."
"You can count on us, Sapphire. As the President of the Wonderbolts Academy, I know what is at stake", said Spitfire.
"So Sapphire, just out of curiosity, where are you headed?", asked Soarin.
"I am headed to Ponyville.. a place which I guess became famous recently."
"Ponyville! That's so cool, Spitfire and I have been there dozens of times. It's a quaint village but a lot of great ponies there!"
"If you happen to run into a mare named Rainbow Dash, tell her that we said Hi by the way", said Spitfire.
"Also, we are hoping to recruit Rainbow Dash to the Wonderbolts, so make sure to put us in a good light", said Soarin with a chuckle.
"Who wouldn't want to join the Wonderbolts? Hell, I would if I had wings."
"Rainbow Dash perhaps has the most talent of any Pegasus I have ever seen when it comes to flying", said Spitfire, "she is probably better than us."
"I doubt it."
"You have always been a good flatterer, Sapphire, but trust me, Rainbow Dash is one of a kind", said Soarin.
"I will keep that in mind. I have faith that both of you will do a good job of holding the reins in regarding our investments. I will be in contact with both of you on a regular basis."
"Not a problem, I think you'll like Ponyville", said Spitfire, "it's a lot more down-to-earth than where you've grown up."
"I hope so, but I will miss you guys and Canterlot."
"If you're at Ponyville long enough, chances are pretty sweet that we will visit. I love Ponyville, I wish we could live there, Spitfire. There is an apple farm there which makes the best apple pies, apple cider, and zap apple jam.. mmmmm.."
"I don't love Ponyville that much", said Spitfire, "but yea, it's not a bad place."
"I do love apple pie though, so maybe it will be cool", said Sapphire, "thank you both for taking the time to meet with me."
The 24 hours went by quickly and the clock was ticking.
Big Boss would be here any minute. This shouldn't be too hard for him. All Sapphire had to do was get information on Twilight Sparkle. Even if Twilight refused to communicate with Sapphire, surely he could gather up some info.. given her status in Ponyville, she must be the talk of the town. This wouldn't be hard at all. Sapphire just hoped he never had to see Big Boss again once he helped Big Boss.
The doorbell rang, ugh.
Sapphire rushed to the door, there was Big Boss with his grin and without his bodyguards.
"Hey, Sapphire. You ready for your excursion?"
"I am just disappointed that we didn't start it sooner."
"Good, so you are all packed."
"Yea, I bought a lot of condoms. Just in case..."
"Your priorities are well-set as always, come on, let's go!"
Sapphire and Big Boss got off the train to Ponyville. Sapphire saw a tony train station where a lot of ponies were chatting happily with one another.
"Ah, fresh air. Canterlot simply doesn't compare", said Big Boss.
"Uh yea.. does this place even have a decent nightclub?"
"You think I know? I never been here. Maybe Twilight Sparkle knows."
"She knows everything, right? But if she's the pony I remember, I doubt Twilight is going to any nightclubs. The princess is probably just reading a lot of books."
"Who knows? Maybe someday she will grow up to be as smart as you."
"You're kidding, right?"
"You wouldn't even want to know how many things to which I have access. Twilight Sparkle is obviously a brilliant pony with a talent for magic, while you might as well be an earth pony with a horn but you are much smarter than she is. I have seen the proof. I do have a close friend in Ponyville and he offered to let you stay in his house."
A friend of Big Boss? This can't be good at all.
"Here's a map of Ponyville. My friend is filthy rich. You see that large house over there in the residential area. Yea, that's where he lives. He is a gracious host and a savvy businessman, owns "Barnyard Bargains", the superstore was actually found in Ponyville. Good luck. I have full confidence that you can do what I ask, we both better hope that you will do what I ask."
"You can count on me, Big Boss."
Big Boss went back to the train station.
Sapphire grew tired of carrying his bags on his back and made use of magic to take the walk from the train to his lodging, earth pony with a horn, yea...whatever. Sapphire finally made it to the house.. more like a mansion. This mansion was actually bigger than Sapphire's, but Sapphire thought to himself, "Give me a couple more years and I will be living like that guy".
Sapphire was greeted by an earth pony with slick black hair and with bags of money as a cutie mark.
"Yes, you must be Sapphire. It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Filthy Rich."
"So am I, heh heh, so what's your name?"
"Filthy Rich, but please just call me Rich."
"Rich, I would like to thank you for taking me in. As I am sure you understand, this is a very important business trip."
"Yes, I certainly do. Ponyville must not be quite what you are used to, however, I promise you that there are a few civilized ponies in this town. My family, in particular, is the best of the best", said Filthy Rich with pride.
"I suppose so."
"Unfortunately, my daughter has to deal with some wild riff raff in her school... she tells me of this gang called The Cutie Mark Crusaders which cause a lot of ruckus at school. However, she has managed to make plenty of friends, so I guess she is doing alright. Here she is now."
A purple filly wearing a diamond tiara with a diamond tiara cutie mark approached her father's side.
"Hello there, you must be the guest that my father spoke so highly, my name is Diamond Tiara."
No surprise there with the name.
"Sapphire, pleasure to meet you."
"Feel free to make yourself at home. I know our little town isn't much but there's more to Ponyville than meets the eye", said Diamond Tiara, "I have to meet my friend, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Sapphire." Diamond Tiara left.
"Your daughter is a sweetheart."
"Yes she is, sharp as a whip too, straight A's", boasted Rich.
"So, where will my room be?"
"Where do you want it to be?"
"Hmmm.. I guess since I will probably be in and out a lot, I will take the guest bedroom over there closest to the entryway."
"Certainly. I will have my housekeeper set up the room for you to make it perfectly livable."
"Thank you, Rich."
"Once you get all settled in, you should take a tour of Ponyville. From what I hear, this will be your home for a little bit."
"Yea, I can see that."
Sapphire had a feeling that Filthy Rich knew more about what Big Boss wanted from this than Sapphire did.
"Rich, do you know Twilight Sparkle at all?"
"Ah yes, the newly crowned Princess. I think Celestia is planning to make her the Princess of Ponyville or something like that. I do know she lives in a library. The young mare does love her books."
"Oh yes, I actually knew Twilight when I was a colt. She has always been a total egghead. Has princesshood changed her much at all?"
"From what I have seen, I don't think so. She has taken the change with modesty and grace."
Sapphire thought to himself, if Filthy Rich is right, Twilight probably hasn't changed much at all since her days in magic school. But hopefully Twilight has forgiven him at this point of time, Sapphire still lived with regret for his mistake. It was something he didn't like to think about, now by fulfilling Big Boss' demands, Sapphire could potentially be bringing pain and misery to Twilight beyond a few moments of embarrassment at North Canterlot Elementary.
Once Sapphire got settled into his room, he would have to explore Ponyville. He needed to know exactly what kind of situation he was in due to Big Boss.
Ponyville was beginning to pique Sapphire's curiosity. Was this place really good for anything besides being somewhat near Canterlot? Sapphire would have assumed that it would be convenient for powerful and well-known ponies such as the Wonderbolts and the Princesses to visit due to its proximity to Canterlot.
The only impressive building Sapphire saw so far was Filthy Rich's house. This was going to be lame. If "Barnyard Bargains" wasn't headquartered in Ponyville, no way would Rich have his family live in Ponyville. Rich was rich even by North Canterlot standards, Sapphire felt bad for Diamond Tiara, she must have felt like a fish out of water in sleepy Ponville. However, she seemed polite and cheerful, so maybe Ponyville was treating her well. Sapphire wondered though if these Cutie Mark Crusaders were bullying Diamond Tiara. He would have to inquire about that. If there was one kind of pony Sapphire hated, it was a bully..kind of like Big Boss.
Sapphire needed a plan. How could he get enough information on Twilight Sparkle to keep Big Boss satisfied? Sapphire wanted to do this quickly. He decided it was time to explore Ponyville.
Before Sapphire left, he saw a purple mare with a sunhat, she had a trophy cutie mark on her flank. At first, he assumed she was an earth pony but he could tell that there was a horn under her hat from the way it titled on her head. There was something vaguely unicorn-like about Diamond Tiara, she must get that from her mother.
"Oh, you must be Sapphire. My husband has talked very highly of you, I am Trophy Mare." "Pleasure to meet you. Rich has been a gracious host so far." "Oh, that does not surprise me one bit. He always knows how to make ponies feel special. I swear he spoils our daughter too much, but he does it out of love." "I have met her though, she seems to be a sweet pony." "I agree but I do fear that Rich will make her far too soft in disposition. She has told me about this gang of three at her school who pleasure in terrorizing her because she has a cutie mark." "That's just youthful jealousy. I went through it since I was the first pony in my class to get my cutie mark, Ms. Mare." "Oh, please call me Trophy." "Of course, Trophy." "So, have you gotten the chance to explore Ponyville yet?" "I haven't." "You really should. It is charmingly rustic." "That sounds along the lines of what I've been hearing." "Very well, please make yourself at home here. My family and I are glad that you are staying with us." "It has indeed been a pleasure to meet you, Trophy."
Sapphire went outside. It was a really sunny day. The air did seem fresher here than in Canterlot and definitely fresher than in Manehattan. Sapphire walked across town. He was thinking about where he should start but then he heard... "Hiya! You must be new here!"
Sapphire turned around and saw a pink earth pony with an enormous grin on her face. The grin almost seemed cartoonish but at the same time cute. She was short in stature but had a poofy pink hairdo which added some height. Sapphire noticed her cutie mark - a bunch of balloons - perhaps she is a clown...nah, there was a certain charm to her which seemed very unclown-like. In fact, he could see a sharp intellect from the pony just by looking into her eyes.
"Hello, yes I am new here."
"I knew it because I know every pony in Ponyville and oh my gosh, I need to throw you a party, what's your name?"
"Sapphire."
"Ooh, that's a super duper awesome name, my name is Pinkie Pie! Which is funny because I'm not a pie."
"But you are very pink."
"Just like how you are very sapphire, that name fits you well."
"So, what sort of fun things are there to do in Ponyville? I've been having trouble.."
"Fun!! Oh my gosh! Everything is fun here in Ponyville! Sugarcube Corner has the best sweets, all the ponies here are super nice and oh my.. the Apple farm.. mmmmm... their apple pies are so good, not quite as awesome as pinkie pies, but you should really try their cider, I camp out the night before the Apples start selling cider. And wow.. this place is the best. There are some nice freshwater lakes here and yes!!"
"I see."
"So, where you are from?"
"Canterlot."
"Ooh, like the Princesses."
"Yea..but Canterlot is a big place, a lot of ponies live there - you can easily live in Canterlot and never see the Princesses in pony actually."
"So you never met the Princesses?"
"Afraid not. I don't know if that disappoints you."
Pinkie Pie giggled. "Why would that disappoint me?"
"I figured that you would only want to associate yourself with the finest of stallions."
"Yea, that's true alright!"
Sapphire didn't know whether to laugh or just walk away.
"That's why I want to spend my time with you", said Pinkie Pie as she hugged Sapphire, "ooh, I like your cutie mark, it makes me hungry though."
"Oh yes, pi. I don't know why it makes people think of food. Math never makes me hungry."
"Tee hee, you're silly, I like you. Do you need a place to stay?"
"Nah, I already have housing. Living with a friend of a fr..well, my boss actually."
"Ah, so I guess you are going to have to work super hard while at Ponyville, don't worry though, Pinkie Pie will show you the fun side of Ponyville!"
"I appreciate that. Any nightclubs?"
"Well.. it's not technically a nightclub, but I throw a lot of parties at Sugarcube Corner where a lot of crazy stuff goes on, you will have to see for yourself. Have you seen much of Ponyville yet?"
Pinkie would do just fine at one of his favorite nightclubs at Manehattan.
"No, I..."
"That's great!! I, Pinkie Pie, would like to give you a tour of Ponyville! C'mon let's go!" Pinkie Pie grabbed Sapphire by the arm. "You know that I am friends with everypony but even ponies like me have best friends and there are these five girls.. oh my gosh.. you have to met them! We will do that but first, I want to show you Sugarcube Corner. Did I mention that's also where I live?? It has a nice apartment and the Cakes are super duper nice...."
Sapphire decided to tag along with the eccentric pink pony. She was cute and seemed incredibly friendly, the kind of pony who would likely know a lot about Princess Twilight Sparkle. Would Twilight actually be friends with her though? Probably not, Sapphire couldn't see the reserved and bookish Twilight tolerating a pony like Pinkie Pie for long.
Also, Sapphire thought, if Pinkie's friends were as cute and bubbly as her, this could turn out to be a lot of fun.
Sapphire and Pinkie Pie walked to Sugarcube Corner. Scratch that, Sapphire walked and Pinkie Pie bounced to Sugarcube Corner. She bounced so perfectly and never seemed to grow tired. Any time Pinkie bounced, he could hear a small 'boing', kind of like a spring.
"Hey Pinkie, how can you bounce like that?"
"I have no idea."
"Wow.. no joke here but that is incredible. I have never seen a pony do that before."
"Me neither and I know a lot of ponies."
"Me too. I guess it comes from my line of work."
"Ooh, could you tell what your line of work is? But don't bother, if you are a super secret spy because I wouldn't want you to break a secret."
"Super secret spy, huh? Heh heh. That sounds like fun and not super boring. No my job is more boring than that."
To think of it though, Sapphire was kind of a super secret spy right now. It did make him worry. What if he was found out before he could get any information on Twilight? All Sapphire had to do was prove his loyalty to Big Boss, but anypony who found out who tried to hinder Big Boss' plan would be tortured or murdered. This was something Sapphire knew that Big Boss would have no qualms about doing, especially in a place like Ponyville. Twilight, being an alicorn, would probably be able to hand herself just fine.. but what about a pony like Pinkie Pie, he barely knew Pinkie but he knew she was a pony he wouldn't want to see harmed.
"Tell me your job, I must know!!"
"Well, I am the financial advisor and bookkeeper for the Wonderbolts."
"Ooh, that's not boring at all. You get to work with the Wonderbolts, that is neato!! I wish I could fly like a Wonderbolt sometimes. But I might have to eat less sweets and that wouldn't be fun at all."
"I like sweets too."
"That's great!! I wouldn't have guessed that about you, you're so skinny!"
"I workout a lot", said Sapphire while flexing his arms. Sapphire admittedly didn't have much muscle but it seemed to amuse Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie giggled. "You're too cute! Oh, here we are, Sugarcube Corner!"
Sugarcube Corner was a bakery right on the corner of two major roads, the name sort of fit. The one way to describe the exterior of the bakery was candy. The roof was decorated with artificial chocolate candy and towards the center of the roof, there was a cupcake-shaped structure on top with birthday cake candles lighting the top of the structure. It looked delicious.
"See the very top of the building where the candles are? That's where my room is!"
"Wow.. it's an interesting building to say the least."
"It's the best building ever. I love candy.. mmmmm..."
"So, do you own Sugarcube Corner?"
"No I don't. I help out 24/7 though. The owners are the Cakes, super nice and really talented bakers. They even have two twins. It's funny though. The Cakes are both earth ponies and their twins are a pegasus colt and an unicorn filly. Mr. Cake told me it was because his great-great-great-great grandfather was a unicorn, and Cup Cake's great aunt's second cousin twice removed was a pegasus. Makes total sense to me."
Not to me, thought Sapphire. However, Sapphire opted to be polite.
"Yea, makes sense to me."
"Okie dokie lokie! Mmmm..smells like cake."
Sapphire saw two ponies working busily on a cake. One was a male amber-colored pony with three carrot cakes as a cuite mark and the other was a female cerulean-colored pony with three cup cakes as a cutie mark. Sapphire guessed these were the Cakes. Sapphire chuckled at the idea that their names were likely Carrot Cake and Cup Cake.
"Hello, Pinkie Pie. Who's your new friend?", asked the carrot cake pony.
"Oh, Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake, this is Sapphire and he is new to Ponyville!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake", said Sapphire.
"Oh please, you can just call us Carrot and Cup", said Cup Cake.
"How would you like to be our taste tester for this cake?", asked Carrot Cake.
"Consider it a welcome gift from us", added Cup Cake.
The cake did look good. It was a dark chocolate cake with strawberry frosting.
Carrot Cake cut a piece of the cake and gave it to Sapphire on a plate with a fork.
Sapphire took a bite of the cake and.. wow.. this was delicious. Sapphire finished the rest of his piece quickly.
"Thank you, Carrot and Cup, this cake is delicious!"
"You're very welcome, Sapphire", said Cup Cake.
"I just hope Pinkie hasn't gotten you in much trouble yet", chuckled Carrot Cake, "she's quite a prankster."
"Oh, the fun hasn't even truly begun yet", said Pinkie Pie with a devilish grin.
"If there's cake, I'm game", said Sapphire.
"Ooh ooh, I want you to meet my pet alligator, Gummy!"
"Alligator?"
"Don't worry, he's just a baby and doesn't have any of his teeth yet. So he can't bite."
"Carrot and Cup, it was a pleasure to meet you, Pinkie's going to take me on a tour to Ponyville."
"Likewise", said Cup Cake.
"I think you're going to like Ponyville a lot", added Carrot Cake.
Pinkie Pie bounced up the stairs. Sapphire could barely keep up. Sapphire was incredibly curious as to how Pinkie could bounce like that. Hell, that would be more interesting to him than gathering up whatever information he needed to on Twilight. By the time Sapphire got to Pinkie's room, she was already bouncing on her bed.
"What took you so long, Mr. Slow Pants?"
"Hold on, Pinkie. I'm going to see if I can bounce like how you do."
"Let's see what you can do. Watch out though, you're so tall.. you might bump your head on the ceiling."
"Better than being so short."
"Nah being short is way cooler! Makes it easier to give hugs. Let's see what you can do."
Sapphire tried to concentrate. If he could push enough energy downward. He could release it all to jump high. That's clearly what Pinkie was doing. Pinkie jumped to the floor and began bouncing.
Pinkie Pie's bounces were quick and held a consistent rhythm. Sapphire wouldn't be able to do that, but he needed to try. He focused all of his energy downward and then... jumped up to the ceiling. Sapphire felt his head lightly brush against the ceiling but then an alligator appeared at his line of vision. Sapphire lost focus and fell onto Pinkie's bed.
Pinkie giggled. "I see that you met Gummy."
Sapphire saw that Gummy was walking upside-down on the ceiling. How the hell could he do that? Ponies thought the Wonderbolts were amazing and they were, but he had a feeling that the most bizarre things he would be seeing in Ponyville would be associated with this pink pony.
"Hello Gummy. What are you doing up there?"
"That's how he likes to play. I think it is time for us to go tour Ponyville, huh!"
"Sure thing, Pinkie Pie. I'm game."
Sapphire and Pinkie Pie left Sugarcube Corner. They saw a light blue pegasus flying in the air. From so far above, the pegasus was doing all kinds of tricks in the air: all at very high speed. Most of the pegasi he was acquainted with were Wonderbolt groupies with no real talents of their own, so he practically forgot that pegasi were capable of flying so well. The pegasus flew quickly but with some grace. When the pegasus flew down low enough, he could see a look of confidence and determination on the pegasus' face.
Sapphire had trouble telling whether the pony was a stallion or a mare. He would find out soon enough though.
The pegasus spotted Sapphire and Pinkie Pie and called out, "Hey Pinkie Pie, who's your new friend?" A mare, not a stallion. The voice gave it away.
"Rainbow Dash, come on down and you can meet him!!"
Rainbow Dash? That was the pony Soarin and Spitfire were raving about. Sapphire couldn't screw anything up here. Rainbow Dash indeed seemed as talented as the Wonderbolts suggested.
Rainbow Dash swooped to the ground.
"Hi there. Did you see my awesome moves?"
"Yea, they were one of a kind. Except for the Wonderbolts, I don't think I've ever seen anything close to that."
"It would be my dream come true to become a Wonderbolt, but enough about me, tell me about you. My name is Rainbow Dash."
"Pleasure to meet you. I am Sapphire."
Rainbow Dash laughed, "Isn't that a girl's name?"
"Nah. Among unicorns, in fact, Sapphire is exclusively a guy's name."
"Good thing that was cleared up. I would have trouble telling if you were a stallion or a mare otherwise."
"Very funny. It was kinda hard to tell that about you from up in the air."
"Thanks. Funny enough, I actually kinda take that as a compliment. I'm the farthest thing from a filly you can get!"
"Ooh, you two should have an arm wrestling contest or something! I wonder who would win."
"Heh heh, my bet is on Rainbow Dash", said Sapphire.
"Me too! You are so lanky, I could knock you down easily", said Rainbow Dash with a chuckle.
While Rainbow was cocky, Sapphire definitely knew that he could be good friends with her. Sapphire could be pretty cocky himself.
"Oh, it's on! Rainbow, I will challenge you to an arm wrestling contest right here and now!"
"Yea, bring it on. Where are you from anyway?"
"Canterlot."
"I could tell. You sound like a wimp."
Sapphire and Rainbow sat a table by Sugarcube Corner and began the arm wrestling. Pinkie was watching closely with that grin of hers. She would ensure this was fair. Rainbow was strong. Sapphire was trying his best. He had a size advantage over Rainbow but damn.. she was strong. Sapphire wouldn't give up just yet.
Sapphire heard a flap.
"Hey, no using your wings, Rainbow Dash", shouted Pinkie Pie.
"Wasn't planning on it. I don't like things to be easy", said Rainbow Dash.
Sapphire's arm felt tired. He looked at Rainbow. She showed no sign of exhaustion. She could probably go on with this all day.
"I think I'm ready to give up, Rainbow."
"Hmm, I knew you were a quitter", teased Rainbow.
"No way."
Another ten minutes, Sapphire's arm grew more tired. Rainbow began to show a little exhaustion but probably no where near the level of Sapphire.
Sapphire was losing strength... oh no... Rainbow slammed Sapphire's arm down on the table.
"I win! But you know, you put up a good fight. I like that in a pony."
"Thanks, Rainbow. Congratulations on your win."
Rainbow chuckled.
"That should be enough to get you with the Wonderbolts, right Sapphire", added Pinkie Pie.
A devilish look in Pinkie's eye, Sapphire got the hint.
"Hmmmm... I don't know. As a pony who works very closely with the Wonderbolts.."
"Hold on! You actually work with the Wonderbolts? But you're not a pegasus."
"I don't fly with them but I do manage their investments, I keep the Wonderbolts wealthy and happy."
"Oh my gosh! That is so cool! It must be the best thing to work with the Wonderbolts.. you know that I've met them before and they are just the best ponies and.."
Wow, Rainbow was beginning to sound like how Pinkie.
"But", said Sapphire.
"But what?", asked Rainbow Dash.
"I don't know if I can write a favorable opinion of you seeing that you beat me in that arm wrestling contest. What do you think, Pinkie Pie?"
"I have no idea!"
"Wait.. what? That isn't fair...", stammered Rainbow Dash.
Sapphire and Pinkie Pie began to laugh hysterically.
Rainbow Dash saw this and then chuckled lightly, "I knew it all along that you were joshing me, Sapphire. But do you really know the Wonderbolts?"
"I do and the Wonderbolts seem to know you."
"So, they have talked about me to you!"
"Yea. They are impressed. That's for sure, Spitfire talked highly of you after you went through the Wonderbolts Academy."
"Omigosh, omigosh!! Hey, you seem like the kind of pony that is up for a good prank."
"You a prankster pony?"
"The best prankster in all of Ponyville!"
"Oh, Rainbow Dash, that's a fantastic idea", said Pinkie Pie while clapping her hands, "Sapphire, what do you think?"
"Sure, I'm game. I am not a bad prankster myself."
"Pranking is super duper fun, whee!", cheered Pinkie.
"Also, not a bad way to see the rest of Ponyville, I guess", said Sapphire.
The three ponies got together to discuss what sort of pranks they wanted to do.
Sapphire was excited about the brainstorming session.
"So who is overdo for a prank?", asked Rainbow Dash.
"Too many ponies. I don't think we pranked Twilight yet as an alicorn", commented Pinkie Pie.
"Are you sure it's the best idea to prank a pony almost as power as Princess Celestia?", asked Sapphire.
"Twilight knows it is all in good fun, right, Rainbow Dash!", cheered Pinkie.
"Yea, she's cool", added Rainbow Dash.
"Tee hee. I don't think today is a "prank Twilight" day though", commented Pinkie.
Pranking Twilight Sparkle would have been a peculiar way of reuniting with her.
"Nah, despite what I said about Twilight being cool, she gets real cranky if you prank her when she's studying really hard", said Rainbow Dash.
"Should it matter", inquired Sapphire.
"In theory, it shouldn't matter, but I made a Pinkie Promise", said Rainbow.
"Pinkie Promise?"
"Ooh, it is the best thing ever. When a pony makes a Pinkie Promise, that means that pony can never ever break the promise." Pinkie grinned.
"Well, if the great Rainbow Dash can make a Pinkie Promise, I guess I can afford to do so too."
"Hmmm.. first, we need to think of something good for you to make a Pinkie Promise."
"What about the same promise Rainbow made?"
"Nah, I don't think that is good enough for you, a Pinkie promise is extra-special and a Pinkie promise for you is different than one for Rainbow Dash."
"Lucky you. So, what about Rarity?", asked Rainbow Dash.
"Hmmm.. I think it's okay to prank Rarity today", said Pinkie.
Rarity, why does that name sound so familiar, thought Sapphire. It was a common name among unicorns though.
"So, how are we going to prank this Rarity?", asked Sapphire.
"I heard that Rarity is going to be meeting Fancy Pants at the Classy Cafe for lunch today, probably to talk about something boring like Rarity's designs", said Rainbow Dash.
"Not boring at all!", shouted Pinkie Pie.
"Yea, whatever."
Fancy Pants though, Sapphire did know him. He was at all of the high-class events Sapphire got dragged along to due to his social status. Fancy Pants was cool and the opposite of stuck-up. He would be the kind of pony who would take a prank quite well.. but Rarity and designs? It clicked.
"While I have never met Rarity, I have heard of her before."
"Like how you have heard of me", said Rainbow Dash.
"Not quite in the same context. My older sister, Gold Coast, is a real fashion aficionado. Last time I saw her, she was raving about some dresses from an elite designer named Rarity who wasn't from Canterlot. I don't think I ever heard my sister go on and on about a specific designer."
"Wow, that's super duper cool. We'll have to let Rarity know after we prank her!", said Pinkie Pie.
"So, what are we going to do?"
"Hmmmm.... ooh ooh, I got it!! Let's go to the Classy Cafe, whee!!"
Pinkie Pie began to run. Rainbow Dash and Sapphire followed.
"Rainbow, any idea what Pinkie is talking about?"
"Nah, but when she gets an idea for a prank like this, it's best to just let her run with it. She's really creative but super nice about her pranks at the same time.. almost too nice."
"Honestly, I wouldn't expect any less from Pinkie Pie."
"Me neither. When I first met Pinkie, I used to think she was just lame and loud, but I got to know her really well, especially through our love of pranks."
"Neato."
The Classy Cafe was a well-designed coffeeshop. It reminded him of a coffeeshop in Manehattan. It wasn't super fancy but probably incredibly fancy by Ponyville standards. It seemed like a Manehattan rip-off, kind of like how Canterlot has all of these "New York Pizza" restaurants like Canterlot could tell the difference between a New York style pizza and its asshole.
Rainbow Dash and Sapphire saw Pinkie Pie devilishly rubbing her front hooves together as she was thinking of what she could do. The three ponies walked into Classy Cafe.
They were greeted by a waiter.
"Table for three", cheered Pinkie Pie.
"There is an open table, follow me."
"What is Pinkie thinking", whispered Sapphire to Rainbow Dash.
"I don't know, but the food here is way overpriced relative to its quality."
Pinkie Pie bounced her way to the table which didn't seem to bother the ponies surrounding her. Despite being a relatively high-end coffeeshop, none of the ponies looked like they were part of the upper class, except for one white unicorn who was impatiently looking at the clock on the wall. Sapphire couldn't see the unicorn's cutie mark since she was wearing a purple dress.
Sapphire and his two new friends sat at a table somewhat far away from the white unicorn.
"Hey, who's Rarity?", asked Sapphire.
"That fancy looking unicorn at the other side", said Rainbow.
"I know, isn't she gorgeous, as always", squealed Pinkie.
"Yea, nice thing to say before you prank the shit out of her", chuckled Rainbow.
Sapphire saw Pinkie Pie holding a cushion, hugging it.
"These cushions they put on the chairs are so fluffy and soft", said Pinkie.
"Need any help, Pinkie Pie?"
"Oh, do I! Hey Sapphire, how about you put this "cushion" I made onto Rarity's seat whenever she leaves the table."
"Ah, I gotcha there."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were both giggling like schoolgirls. Seemed like Sapphire was going to be part of the joke too.
"How do you know Rarity is going to leave her seat", asked Sapphire.
"Oh, I felt my left arm twitch, that means all unicorn mares are going to need the restroom."
"Huh.. what now, Pinkie Pie?"
"Yea, that's total bullshit, Pinkie Pie", added Rainbow.
"It is my Pinkie Sense. For example, if my tail twitches, something falls from the sky, usually onto Twilight's head for some reason and if my left arm twitches, all unicorn mares are going to need to use the restroom at the Classy Cafe when we happen to be there."
"Okay, now that makes no sense at all."
"Of course it makes sense, it's Pinkie Sense!"
Sapphire watched as the one unicorn mare in the restaurant, Rarity, got up from her seat and headed to the restroom.
"Pure coincidence", said Sapphire.
"Yea, I don't buy it", added Rainbow.
"Jeez, can't you two just believe in Pinkie Sense?"
"Does Pinkie Sense say that Rainbow Dash is the fastest flier in Equestria?"
"Hmmmm.. no... for some reason, it seems to think that I, Pinkie Pie, am the fastest flier in Equestria."
"Pinkie Sense making sense or not making sense, shouldn't I go put the cushion on Rarity's seat now?", asked Sapphire.
"Okie dokie lokie!"
Sapphire took the cushion from Pinkie Pie. It felt like there was air inside. The whoopee cushion? What a low-class trick to play against a probably high-class pony? Sapphire had to act quickly though. He would have used his magic but a levitating whoopee cushion would have probably aroused more suspicion than him just walking to the table and trading the cushions.
Sapphire turned around and saw Pinkie and Rainbow staring at him with poker faces. Sapphire approached Rarity's chair and traded the cushions.
Sapphire began to walk back but he heard a distinctly upper-class voice.
"Why, isn't it Sapphire, the financial wizard of the Wonderbolts?"
Sapphire turned around and saw Fancy Pants. He had to get back to Pinkie and Rainbow before Rarity returned.
"Hello, Fancy Pants. It is a pleasure to see you. I am at the Classy Cafe for a dignified and totally serious business meeting."
"So am I, what brings you to Ponyville?"
Good thing ladies all take forever in the bathroom...
"Entertaining a proposition from Filthy Rich to enter a partnership, he wants to market the Wonderbolts like crazy in his department stores."
"Hmmm, I see. That is a nice cushion you have there by the way, I see what you're doing. Don't worry I won't tell Rarity", said Fancy Pants with a chuckle, "go back to that pink pony and rainbow pegasus over there and I will take care of the rest."
Wow, Fancy Pants was cool.
Sapphire walked briskly to the table.
"Nice job, Sapphire", cheered Pinkie Pie.
"You know Fancy Pants", asked Rainbow Dash.
"Yea, despite temporarily stooping to your level, I am still a multi-millionaire unicorn who lives the fine life over at Canterlot", Sapphire said with a upper-crust accent.
"Tee hee, that was a terrible impression", giggled Pinkie.
Sapphire shrugged. He may be rich now but he was certainly not born rich.
Sapphire watched as Rarity returned from the restroom. She and Fancy Pants shook front hooves. This was going to be exciting.
Rarity pulled her chair out and sat down. Sapphire heard something that sounded like flatulence.
Sapphire had trouble holding back his laughter and saw that his two prankster friends were having equal trouble. They saw Rarity gasp. It looked like she was apologizing to Fancy Pants for her poor manners but he simply was holding his nose with a disgusted look on his face.
"We unicorns learn all sorts of tricks", whispered Sapphire to Pinkie and Rainbow. Sapphire had his ears focus selectively on the conversation between Rarity and Fancy Pants.
"Oh no, I am terribly sorry, Fancy Pants. I don't know how that happened. I know it is most unladylike."
"Heavens. It is indeed most unladylike. It is most crass and uncouth. You had tricked me into thinking that you were unable to pass gas."
"Oh.. I don't know how to make it up to you, Fancy Pants."
"It is something I am going to have to take some time to think about for sure.. yes, indeed."
It sounded and looked like that Rarity was doing her best to keep her cool, even though Fancy Pants acted like he was angry with her. She didn't look happy though.
Sapphire kept his hearing on Rarity and Fancy Pants but it became silent. Sapphire decided to turn the selective hearing off and then he heard loud banging... cymbals?
Indeed, it was Pinkie Pie banging cymbals next to his left ear.
"I am so glad that you can hear us again", said Pinkie Pie, "how's Rarity doing?"
"She doesn't sound happy, we should make her smile", said Sapphire.
"I like the way you think! Come on!"
The three of them went over to Rarity and Fancy Pants.
"Hi Rarity, I am so happy to run into here." Pinkie grinned.
Fancy Pants was still holding his nose at the non-existent smell. Rainbow Dash followed suit.
"Oh, good to see you, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. It has been an unfortunate day for me."
"It certainly has, I didn't think my little lady friend here could let out such air", said Fancy Pants.
"I can smell it", said Rainbow Dash, "ugh."
Rarity looked down at the table, clearly embarrassed.
"Ooh, I like that new cushion you have, Rarity. It's really nice", said Pinkie Pie.
"New cushion", asked Rarity.
Rarity got up and saw that it wasn't a real cushion at all but a deflated whoopee cushion. Fancy Pants was the first of the four to laugh out loud.
"That is a nice cushion indeed", said Fancy Pants with a smile.
Rarity began to laugh herself. "Ah..I should have known, just to let you know, even though I am a lady, I can be a prankster too. All of you need to be careful. Speaking of all of you.. I don't think I met the sapphire gentleman before."
"Ms. Rarity, it is a honor to meet you, I am Sapphire", Sapphire kissed Rarity's front hoof.
"Sapphire, it is a pleasure to meet you. I see you met two of my closest friends before."
"Yes he has, did you know Sapphire works for the Wonderbolts and I am just kinda showing him my style", boasted Rainbow Dash.
"The Wonderbolts? But you're a unicorn?"
"It is true", said Fancy Pants, "Rarity, I know Sapphire personally from Canterlot. This funny little prankster here is one of the richest ponies in all of Equestria."
"All of Equestria? Oh my goodness. You can't be much older than me."
"I am not old. I have just been helping the Wonderbolts with their money and am the fastest money maker in all of Equestria", Sapphire said turning to Rainbow Dash.
"Very funny, Sapphire. If you had wings, I bet I would kick your ass in a flying competition."
"I got a better idea! Let's get some cake. The Classy Cafe must have fantastic deserts."
"It does", said Fancy Pants, "but I must admit not as good as the bakery you work at, Ms. Pinkie Pie."
"Oh, Fancy Pants, you're such a flatterer", giggled Pinkie.
"I think cake would be a splendid idea", said Rarity.
"Waiter! Please get us your largest strawberry cake. You have five ponies who desire your finest dessert", said Fancy Pants.
Sapphire really liked the ponies he met so far in Ponyville. In particular, he could see Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash becoming long-time friends of his. Pinkie was zany and adorable. Rainbow was a tomboy and a bit of a braggart but she had a good heart and was lot of fun. Rainbow was also pretty much speaking the truth when it came to her talents, the Wonderbolts knew what they were talking about. Rarity also seemed like a classy pony who actually had a personality, something which was admittedly rare in Canterlot.
Filthy Rich seemed like a cool pony too but Sapphire wondered exactly what Filthy Rich knew about whatever Big Boss was plotting. Rich definitely seemed savvy enough to put on a front which wouldn't arouse any suspicion.
Sapphire would have to decide later whether he wanted to investigate Big Boss' plan more or if he should just do what Big Boss says. The latter definitely seemed like the safer route for him. Sapphire didn't want to come face to face with one of the Knives - essentially Big Boss' group of hired assassins. Sapphire knew one thing for sure, he didn't want to get any of the ponies he met involved.
Rarity had much to discuss with Fancy Pants and Rainbow Dash had to check up on the weather - it was due to rain tonight. Sapphire would have never guessed that Rainbow Dash would have been involved with managing the weather, but every adult pony needed a job.
So, it was now just Sapphire and Pinkie.
"Sapphire, how are you liking Ponyville so far?"
"You were right, Pinkie Pie, it definitely seems like a fun place."
"How long are you staying for?"
"I'm not sure. It really depends on how long this business trip takes."
"I see. Trying to cash in on the Wonderbolts' successes?"
"I am probably one of the reasons why the Wonderbolts have become especially big in recent history."
"Hmmm... I believe you. You don't seem like a McMeany liar."
"Thanks, Pinkie, I appreciate that."
"Oh my gosh, I have the best idea ever, I am going to throw you the most super duper awesome party ever", said Pinkie Pie while bouncing.
"A party?", asked Sapphire.
"Yes yes yes!! But a lot of it is going to be a surprise! Meet met at Sugarcube Corner at 6:30 PM. Oh wait, have you made any plans then?"
"Nope."
"Great, I have so much awesome party planning to do, see you at 6:30, wheee!!!"
Pinkie rushed off.
Sapphire went back to Flilthy Rich's mansion. It was 3:00 and he really was curious about what Pinkie had planned. Sapphire loved everything about Pinkie Pie so far, however, he knew that ponies had their secrets and aren't always what they seem. Pinkie Pie seemed so authentic and good to the core. However, there was something else about her which made her extra special. Sapphire wondered to himself, was he interested in Pinkie in that way? Sapphire barely knew Pinkie but he couldn't help it. He couldn't wait to see her again. It also seemed like she was going to put in a lot of work to this party she was holding.
Sapphire saw that Diamond Tiara was busily working on her homework in the kitchen. Diamond Tiara noticed Sapphire.
"Hello, Mr. Sapphire, I hope you are enjoying Ponyville so far", said Diamond Tiara sweetly.
"I am, thank you, Diamond Tiara. Also, you can just call me Sapphire."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. How has your day been?"
"It was a near perfect day. However, I got a bruise on my front leg which hurts a little bit."
"Oh no. Rough-housing with the other girls or even boys?"
"Not the fun kind of rough-housing. My friend Silver Spoon and I don't go to school with all nice ponies."
"Kids can be tough."
"I try to be nice and kind to every pony - always polite and courteous but there are these three wild fillies in my school. They hate me and Silver Spoon for no good reason. I will admit that I tease them once in a while, but one of them kicked me so hard in the leg today that it bruised", said Diamond Tiara with sorrow.
"That's cruel. I was bullied somewhat as a colt myself."
"You were? But you seem so strong and not someone that other ponies would push around."
"When I was around your age, actually probably a year or two younger than you, I was the first pony in my class at my school to get his cutie mark. See this?"
"Ooh, the Pi symbol, maybe you could help me with my homework, tee hee."
"I guess it meant that I was supposed to do something math-related. Three-quarters of the ponies in my class didn't even know what it meant but they would tease me for my cutie mark. I knew they were jealous that they didn't have cutie marks themselves but they would torment me to no end."
Except for Twilight Sparkle, Sapphire thought, he felt extra bad for what he did so many years ago.
"That makes so much sense, Sapphire. I was actually the first in my class to get a cutie mark too. How did you deal with the bullying?"
"I did something interesting. I decided to use my special talent for good and help other ponies, especially when they struggled with school. I gained friends by showing that even though other ponies pushed me around that I would still offer a helping hand and be a good pony." Sapphire thought to himself, that seemed like something Pinkie Pie would do too.
"But... I don't know if it would work in this case, these three ponies are extra nasty. I can think of a lot of things where I can offer my assistance but the lead pony would refuse their help", said Diamond Tiara nervously.
"The lead pony?"
"Yea. She's the nastiest of the three. The other two have been bullies too but I am pretty sure they follow her lead."
"Do you mind telling me their names?"
"Not a problem. I just didn't want to bore you with my lame life. Canterlot must be a lot more exciting. They are Apple Bloom, an earth pony, Scootaloo, a pegasus, and Sweetie Belle, a unicorn. None of them have their cutie marks yet so they take their frustrations out on me and Silver Spoon. Some other ponies too. Another friend of mine, Twist, was crying when Apple Bloom basically stopped talking to her when Twist got her cutie mark. Twist was really heartbroken but I helped her out. Apple Bloom is the leader and the worst of the three."
"I know this will be tough, Diamond Tiara, but maybe you could try talking to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. They might want to help you but are too scared of Apple Bloom. There are some real intimidating characters out there but nopony should let them run their lives." Sapphire wished he could follow his own advice regarding Big Boss.
"That would make sense, I think. Sweetie Belle and I would use to sing together sometimes but then Apple Bloom entered her life and it was all over. It seems worth a try."
"Be brave, Diamond Tiara, be brave. You got a lot of potential and can do great things. When I was your age nopony, incluidng myself, would have imagined that I would someday become the lead financial advisor of the Wonderbolts and triple their wealth."
"That is so neat, I love the Wonderbolts! Hey, maybe that's how I can help Scootaloo. She struggles with flying but maybe I can encourage her that she can become as good as a Wonderbolt. I'm pretty sure Apple Bloom doesn't do that, all that pony does is care about herself."
"Heh heh. She should probably meet a pegasus I met today, Rainbow Dash, she is one of the coolest fliers I know in Equestria."
"She knows RD, Scootaloo idolizes her actually but Scootaloo has given up on flying, especially since she really started hanging out with Apple Bloom. They now call themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. I just want the bullying to stop. Thank you so much Sapphire for your advice", Diamond Tiara gave Sapphire a big hug.
"Do you need any help with your math homework?"
"I'm doing alright, I'm actually not so bad at math myself."
"Of course not, you seem like a smart filly."
"Oh Sapphire, you are just too kind."
"Hey, I am going to get ready for this party I was invited but keep me posted. I don't want to see any ponies be nasty to you."
"Sure thing, ooh, what party?"
"It's at Sugarcube Corner."
"Must be a Pinkie Pie party, I would love to go but I have too much homework. Have you met Pinkie Pie yet?"
"Yep, she's one-of-a-kind."
"She sure is. She knows how to throw a fun party. I wish I could go but too much homework."
"That's a shame, I hope your night isn't too boring."
"Nah, don't worry about me, Sapphire. You just go have fun!"
"You're such a sweetheart. Not many ponies like you so young."
"You're too kind. My daddy tells me the same thing and that is what will make me super successful someday."
"You could take over your dad's business."
"Yea, I could, but would I want to? I want to live in Canterlot, you must have a blast there."
"Canterlot has its ups and downs, kind of like Ponyville."
"Makes sense, I am just dreading go to school tomorrow. I feel like Apple Bloom is planning to beat me up real bad at recess tomorrow. I will just warn my teacher first thing in the morning but even if the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't beat me up, they are still going to be super nasty and unpleasant. Oh my, I should get back to my homework and you should get ready for your Pinkie Pie party."
"Indeed, Diamond Tiara, remember if you need any help with anything, I will be there for I don't know how long..."
"Thank you, Sapphire. My daddy said he thinks you will be here at least three months. He has said a lot of great things about you. I think you can be like the big brother I never had."
"That's really sweet. You certainly have come from a nice family."
Sapphire got himself ready for this big party. He wished there was something more he could do to help Diamond Tiara out besides giving her advice. She seemed very intelligent and self-reliant but didn't seem to be a fighter. Sapphire worried about her. Sapphire couldn't wait to see what Pinkie Pie had planned for him. Whatever it was, Pinkie was probably hoping it would make Sapphire smile.
Sapphire could not have been more excited for this party. Sapphire had a feeling it would be different from many of the parties he has attended in recent years. He took one last look at the mirror before leaving his temporary lodgings, Sapphire wanted to look as good as possible - perhaps, he would impress Pinkie Pie or some other mare.
Sapphire went off to Sugarcube Corner. On his way there, Sapphire saw two earth ponies slowly walking carrying jars of cider on their backs. One was an orange-colored pony who wore a cowmare hat, she had a muscular physique. The other was a buff red-colored stallion, he looked quite strong himself. The mare had three jars and the stallion had four jars. They were carrying a ton of cider. Perhaps, Sapphire could assist them. He walked towards them.
"Hello there, do you ponies need help carrying that cider?"
"A mighty kind offer", said the mare, "but I am doing just fine."
"That's great, sis", said the stallion, "maybe you can take a jar from me, heh heh."
"Very funny, smartass."
"Eeyup."
Sapphire noted that they both spoke with rural accents - nothing like that in Canterlot. On the other hand, the only kinds of ponies in Canterlot were rich, unicorn, or both. If you were neither, you would certainly not want to live in Canterlot.
"Looks like at least one of you might need a helping hand", chuckled Sapphire.
"What do you think, Mac", said the mare, "should we give him one or two?"
"Eeyup."
"But on one condition."
"Yea?"
"You can't use your magic, I see that you're a unicorn."
"Very perceptive. I wasn't planning on it."
"Thank you, good sir. We're just taking these jars down to Sugarcube Corner. We're going to a big party tonight, meaning we need a lot of cider."
"It's the season for apple cider around these parts, huh?"
"Sure is! Hey, are you new here?"
"Just got here today, m'aam."
"Oh, please. No need for that kind of formality, the name is Applejack." Applejack and Sapphire shook front hooves. She had a very firm hoofshake for a mare, Sapphire could tell that she kept in shape.
"Pleasure to meet you, I am Sapphire."
"Sapphire? Isn't that a girl's name?"
"C'mon sis. Even I know that among unicorns, Sapphire is a male name", Mac chuckled, "I am Big Macintosh by the way. You can call me Mac or Big Mac, whatever floats your boat."
"It's great to meet you, Mac."
"Now let's get some of these jars on your back", said Applejack.
"Eeyup", said Big Mac.
Sapphire could feel the weight of the two jars on his back... no magic.. he would keep his word. Heavy! At least Sugarcube Corner wasn't too far. The two jars were strapped onto him.
"So, where are you from and what brings you to Ponyville", asked Applejack.
"I am from Canterlot and am at Ponyville on a business trip. Nothing too exciting."
"Canterlot? Fancy shmancy place, from what I hear. Whooeee!!"
"Yea, it's alright, I guess. I am not really into the fancy stuff but whatever I am doing helps pay the bills."
"What do you do for a living?"
"I work for the Wonderbolts - as a financial advisor."
"You work with the Wonderbolts? Heh heh, my friend Rainbow Dash would love you."
"I already met her actually. She's not a bad flier. The Wonderbolts told me I could recommend good fliers to them while I as here. However, I penalized her for beating me in an arm wrestling contest."
Applejack laughed heartily.
"Yea, Rainbow's pretty good but she's not as good as me."
"I would like to see that. So, what do you do for a living?"
"I'm an apple farmer. I live on Sweet Apple Acres. Me, my big brother her, my granny, and my little sis keep the farm going and Ponyville happy with apple cider, zap apple jam, and fresh apples all around!"
Little sister? Hmmm.. Apple? Was Applejack's sister Apple Bloom? Sapphire feared for Diamond Tiara if that was the case and Apple Bloom had half the physical strength her older sister possessed. Applejack didn't seem like a bully herself but siblings could be mighty different from one another. Otherwise, he would never shut the hell up about fashion like Gold Coast, his older sister. If Diamond Tiara wasn't careful, she could be scarred for life.
"You must keep Ponyville happy for sure. The Wonderbolts, Soarin in particular, loves anything from your farm."
"That was mighty sweet of him to say that. How are you holding up?"
Not too well, thought Sapphire, but he just said, "A-OK."
"Where are you staying at Ponyville? Hopefully, the Wonderbolts got you somewhere nicer than the sleazy motel near my farm."
"Nah. A business colleague of mine actually offered me a place to stay. He owns Barnyard Bargains, you might know him."
"Oh, you must be living with Filthy Rich. He is one of our best customers!"
"Yes, I am. Rich has been a gracious host so far."
"You're so polite, I like that trait in a stallion but more than that, I like honesty."
"I'm being honest. Rich has been good so far. As long as I'm staying, I will definitely say only good things about your apples and I promise you, Applejack, that I am being honest."
"That's tootin' fantastic! Looks like we're here. Thank you so much, Sapphire."
"Eeyup."
"No problem." Sapphire eagerly unlatched the two jars from his back.
"I am guessing you're the Guest of Honor at tonight's party", said Applejack.
"How did you know", asked Sapphire.
"Pinkie Pie mentioned something about wanting to have a party for some new pony she met today. Unless there is some other new pony I haven't met yet, I deduce that you're the one."
"I see. Well yea."
"Pinkie Pie.. that pony has so much energy. I consider myself to be mighty friendly but I would never be able to keep up with Pinkie. I swear.. she has a party for any new pony she meets in Ponyville. She even once wanted to throw a party for some old donkey who arrived in town but he opted out of it for some peace and quiet with his "special friend", if you catch my drift."
Any new pony? Sapphire might have not been so special after all. Was he no higher on Pinkie's list than some old donkey? Regardless, this party should promise to be fun.
"Are you two going to stay at the party or are you just bringing the cider?"
"I wouldn't miss a Pinkie Pie party for the world", cheered Applejack.
"Eeyup."
"Great, seems like this party wouldn't be fun without you two."
"You're too kind", said Applejack.
"I can't stay too late though", said Big Mac, "need to make sure our little sis doesn't stay out too late."
"Good luck trying to get Apple Bloom to go home - it will take more than your stallion brawn to get her to go back home."
"Eeyup."
Apple Bloom.. so, that was Applejack's sister. Perhaps, he would be able to figure out how to protect Diamond Tiara tonight. He pictured Apple Bloom as a younger Applejack.. yea.. Diamond Tiara had no shot of winning any sort of physical conflict against Apple Bloom.
Applejack knocked on the door, "Pinkie Pie, we brought cider!!"
He heard a "Ooh cider wheeeeeee!!!!"
The door opened quickly.
He noticed that Pinkie Pie had put on make-up and looked very pretty. Sapphire was glad he took the time to look nice too.
"Hiya Sapphire!!" Pinkie gave Sapphire a big hug, "helping out Applejack with the cider, I see?"
"Eeyup, you look beautiful", said Sapphire.
"Aww, thank you, you look handsome yourself. Now that you're here, let's get this party started!, yippee!!! DJ, turn on the music!"
"Wow, thanks Pinkie, this is already looking good."
"No need to thank me yet, Sapphire. We are only have experienced approximately 0.2083% of the party so far, assuming you're a Mr. Cranky Pants and can't stay up all night. Can't make an initial assessment until we even hit 1% of the party! In fact, if you stay up till the sun rises tomorrow, we have only experienced 0.1389% of the party, but to be fair, I've probably been yakking so long that it's now .2778% of the party!"
Yes, one minute has passed and assuming eight hours or twelve hours - Pinkie was correct. She was also wicked smart. Pinkie wasn't bad at what Sapphire considered to be his special talent.
Pinkie grabbed Sapphire by the arm. This party was going to be fun.
"I hope it's okay that there won't be that many ponies attending.. busy time of the year apparently but I can tell you the guest list. Obviously, Applejack and Big Macintosh are already here. Rainbow Dash will definitely be there too. She's definitely excited for this party but punctuality isn't her strong suit. Rarity will be here too along with her little sister Sweetie Belle.. Sweetie Belle is as sweet as her name. Oh my gosh, and the other ponies are probably new ones you haven't met yet. So many great ones: Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Lyra, Bon-Bon, and can't forget Applejack's little sister, Apple Bloom, another sweetie and her friend Scootaloo... I think that's about it. But Spike isn't actually a pony, he's a dragon, but he's a baby dragon, so you shouldn't be afraid of him. Actually, to think of it, Spike is the least scary one I mentioned on that guest list actually - tee hee...you're going to love them all. Especially Twilight, she's a super crazy smart unicorn like you...blah blah blah blah"
Twilight Sparkle? She was going to be here too? Twilight actually attended parties? However, to be fair, this wasn't some nightclub where stallions were going to be grabbing at her flank all night - she probably felt comfortable enough at a Pinkie Pie party. He would have to catch up with Twilight. Sapphire wanted to give Big Boss the finger and not bother gathering information tonight but.. Sapphire was too smart to do that. Any of these ponies at the party tonight could have been spies as well, simply waiting to report to Big Boss whether Sapphire was doing his job. If Sapphire worked hard enough, maybe he could catch the mole at the party.
However, what Sapphire needed to do was begin his quest on learning the secrets of the alicorn tonight. Some cider would help with that.
"Wait until the other ponies arrive, this is going to be so much fun", cheered Pinkie, "ooh, cake!" Indeed, there was a chocolate cake. Pinkie examined the cake with deep contemplation.
Sapphire heard from behind, "Pinkie Pie, you shouldn't spoil your appetite. The party has just started." Sounded like Rarity.
Pinkie Pie still looked longingly at the cake, seemingly in her own world. For a pony who was always so bouncy and energetic, it was hard to imagine Pinkie Pie being lost in thought. However, there she was.
Sapphire turned around to greet Rarity. "Don't worry Rarity, I will keep an eye on Pinkie Pie for you."
"Not that it matters much for me regarding that cake, I will not be eating much of it. A lady needs to stay slim."
"You are doing quite a good job", said Sapphire with sincerity.
"I should hope so. A lady always needs to keep up with appearances. Since you are from Canterlot, I imagine you must understand what I am talking about, dear."
"Indeed. However, most Canterlot ladies are not quite as gracious as you."
"That is so sweet of you, Sapphire. I have heard you are quite the flatterer. That must be how you have become so successful on your own."
"I am guessing Fancy Pants must have mentioned me to you."
"Yes, he has. Fancy Pants has called you the most clever pony in Equestria."
"Now I know he is lying."
"Don't be so modest."
"There is no pony more clever than Fancy Pants in my opinion."
Rarity chuckled.
Big Boss might have given Sapphire the money to start his business. However, Sapphire had more gratitude towards Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants used his influence to even get the Wonderbolts to speak with Sapphire in the first place.
"Rarity, you want to know who has told me so many great things about you?"
"Who?"
"My sister, Gold Coast. She loves your designs. It was actually our mutual friend, Fancy Pants, who showed my sister them. I don't know if you pay attention to models in Canterlot but.."
'Oh my. You are related to Gold Coast! I keep up to date regarding all of Canterlot's finest models. Your sister.. she is so tall and elegant. She holds herself so well. So many of those models seem like spoiled rich fillies who want a modeling gig but can't quite hack it.. but Gold Coast, she's a model I would want to work with if I ever work in Canterlot."
Sapphire chuckled.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing. You actually remind me a lot of my sister. I think you two would get along well. I do think that she would be interested in working with you. I hope you two can meet."
"Really? Oh my.. but dear, I doubt I would be able to compensate her to the level that the Canterlot designers do."
"Don't worry, my dear. In fact, I think you and Gold Coast would be able to help each other out greatly. She doesn't have much modeling experience actually but she is a natural."
Sapphire then heard somepony say, "PINKIE PIE, SNAP OUT OF IT!!"
Rainbow Dash.
"Must have cake", muttered Pinkie Pie.
"Take a piece of it, just stop staring at it like that, creeps me out", said Rainbow Dash.
"I will take a piece for you, Dashie. Hey, anyone else want cake?" A few seconds later. "No, oh okay. Don't mind if I do though, tee hee!" Pinkie Pie took a slice of cake, and then another slice. considering how much she could eat, it was amazing that she wasn't obese. All of Pinkie's friends Sapphire met so far were more slim than Pinkie but she wasn't heavy either.
Sapphire noticed that there was another pegasus by Rainbow's side : a cream-colored pegasus with long pink hair. He knew nothing about the cream-colored pegasus but he could tell that she was very different from Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was a pony who wanted to be seen and to be admired. The other pegasus hid behind her hair and seemed very careful to not make a ruckus. Sapphire noticed that there was a little white rabbit by her side. He seemed to be laughing at Pinkie Pie eating the cake.
"Dashie, heh heh", teased Sapphire.
"Only Pinkie can call me Dashie", said Rainbow, "she will get some pet name for you too likely."
"Good. You don't look like a Dashie to me."
"Of course not. Dashie is not quite as awesome as Rainbow Dash, I think!"
"Also, isn't Dashie a girl's name?"
Rainbow Dash scowled, "I walked right into that one, didn't I?"
"Eeyup", said Big Mac. He had impeccable timing.
Sapphire noticed that the cream-colored pegasus was looking at the ground and didn't say a word. She must have been shy.
"Hello there. I don't think we met before, what's your name", asked Sapphire.
"Fluttershy", the pegasus said softly.
"Fluttershy, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Sapphire."
"Yes, it is", she still spoke softly but gave Sapphire a warm smile.
"Fluttershy, Sapphire here is a total prankster pony ", said Rainbow Dash, "he is from Canterlot."
"Oh, Canterlot. I have been there before. Pretty place."
"Who's your bunny friend over there?"
"Oh him. He is Angel Bunny. I take care of him. He's the cutest little thing, isn't he?."
Sapphire saw Angel hop towards the stereo. Angel was playing around with the dials. Suddenly, the Top 40 pop hit turned into a Flank Sinatra song.
"Angel, this song is boring. Change it back", whined Rainbow Dash.
Angel stuck his tongue out.
"Ooh, I grant Angel Bunny the title of Disk Jockey for my party", said Pinkie Pie.
"But Pinkie Pie, Angel's bedtime is 10 PM", said Fluttershy far too softly.
"Not when there's a Pinkie Pie Party", shouted Pinkie Pie.
Angel nodded his head but then snuggled over by Fluttershy.
"It's okay, I guess. I think Angel might fall asleep before then anyway. He's just a little guy", said Fluttershy
The two had a very loving mother-childesque relationship. Sapphire noted that quite oddly it reminded him of his own relationship with his mother when he was little. Sapphire was a smart-ass troublemaker and arguably still was to a sense today. His dad was as tough as nails with him and had zero-tolerance for any sort of bullshit but his mother was always kind and patient. She wanted to teach Sapphire good manners and kindness but she always did so in a good-mannered and kind way. She was also shy and introverted but more personable and approachable than Sapphire's gruff and take-charge father. Sapphire figured it was also likely that the soft-spoken Fluttershy would probably end up marrying a pony much more aggressive and demanding than she. Sapphire was getting lost in thought again though...
"Oh, in Canterlot, do ponies play "Spin the Bottle"", asked Pinkie Pie.
Spin the Bottle, chuckled Sapphire to himself, not since he was thirteen.
"Spin the Bottle, not since I was thirteen, we need some cider first!"
"Cider! What a great idea", said Rainbow Dash enthusiastically.
"Did somepony say cider", added Applejack.
"Oh, yes, the cider. However, we should wait for the other guests to arrive. We're only waiting on two this point.. I think", said Pinkie Pie.
Sapphire scanned the room and saw some new guests. There were three fillies bobbing for apples. They must have been Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom didn't look particularly tough but that could have just been the bow on her head. It looked like she was the one telling the other two fillies how to proceed. She was the leader of the group. Sweetie Belle looked like a younger version of Rarity but seemed a little more unkempt - in a way that Sapphire doubted Rarity was like at Sweetie Belle's age. Sccotaloo actually looked like the toughest of the three but one who was eager to defer to Apple Bloom - not out of fear but by choice. Sapphire also noticed that Scootaloo's wings were rather short. Unfortunately, it would take more than the pep talk Diamond Tiara was planning to encourage Scootaloo to fly, thought Sapphire sadly.
Sapphire also noticed the beige-colored earth pony and mint-colored unicorn sitting at a table and chatting happily while sipping tea. Sapphire went through the names Pinkie Pie said were on the list. These two must have been Bon-Bon and Lyra or Lyra and Bon-Bon. Sapphire noticed the lyre cutie mark on the unicorn. He would bet a thousand bits that the unicorn was Lyra.
Sapphire knew who was missing: The baby dragon named Spike and Twilight Sparkle.
There was a knock on the door. Sapphire saw Pinkie rush to open it. The ponies Sapphire saw were the biggest surprise of all: Rocky Boulder and Meteor Maverick. Rocky Boulder was a dark-brown earth pony with a hoofball cutie mark and Meteor Maverick was a grey pegasus with a comet cutie mark. Both came from much more influential and affluent families than Sapphire did, however, that didn't matter so much anymore - Sapphire now made more money than either of their parents.
"Hello there. I don't think I have seen either of you in Ponyville before. My name is Pinkie Pie!"
"Rocky Boulder. We have heard that there is a party of the ages at Ponyville. We had to stop by."
"Yes, indeed. I am Meteor Maverick."
"Are you friends of Sapphire?"
Meteor Maverick nodded.
"SAPPHIRE, I SEE YOU", bellowed Rocky Boulder.
"Yea, we decided to surprise you with a visit", added Meteor Maverick.
"Hey guys", said Sapphire nervously.
They were two of his best friends from Canterlot. However, Sapphire didn't even tell them that he was going to Ponyville. Big Boss must have sent them as spies to check up on Sapphire. No more messing around. Sapphire needed to start whatever it was his "boss" wanted him to do. He just had to wait for Twilight to actually arrive at the party.
Sapphire also wondered, how did Big Boss get them to spy for him? Sapphire couldn't think of that now. If Twilight didn't even show up, there was nothing he could do anyway tonight, right? right?...
Sapphire groaned. He couldn't believe that these two followed him into Ponyville.
"Friends of Sapphire are friends of ours", bellowed Rocky Boulder.
"So, Sapphire. What brings you to Ponyville", asked Meteor Maverick.
Sapphire had a feeling that Maverick already knew the answer to that question but he had to give the same spiel he gave everypony.
"I am here on a business trip."
"Oh, the Wonderbolts are still treating you well?"
"Not that it matters to you anyway."
Meteor Maverick may have been a pegasus but he couldn't fly for shit.
"C'mon, old pal. We are here to partay", said Meteor Maverick.
"That's what I like to hear", cheered Pinkie Pie.
"I am most interested in trying this cider", said Meteor Maverick.
"Oh yes, this is the super duper best cider ever", added Pinkie Pie.
"Does it got alcohol in it?"
"We have alcoholic and nonalcoholic."
"Watch out for my friend Sapphire though, he's a total lightweight."
"I think you're talking about yourself, buddy."
"Heh heh, tonight is going to be fun."
"I hope you have lots of fun", said Pinkie.
Why did Big Boss send them in? All these douchebag friends of his were going to do was cause trouble. Poor Pinkie Pie. Sapphire could already see trouble. From a distance, Sapphire could see Rocky Boulder talking up a storm with Lyra and Bon-Bon, however, the two mares looked like they wanted to get away. Sapphire wanted to help them. Rocky was the kind of pony who thought every mare was in love with him.
"Hey Rocky Boulder, there's something I want to show you", shouted Sapphire.
"What is it?" Rocky turned around.
"There's some really sweet cider which we're gonna have at the party!"
Sapphire saw Lyra give him a smile as she and Bon Bon left Rocky Boulder. Rocky turned back and saw that Lyra and Bon Bon escaped.
"Hey, Sapphire. These chicks play hard to get!!"
This was going to be a long night.
"Maverick and Rocky, why don't we chat for a bit? It's been a long time since I've seen either of you." Maverick and Rocky went over to Sapphire.
"Wow, who would have thought Ponyville had some babes", cheered Rocky.
"I must agree", added Maverick.
"Look guys. This is my first day in Ponyville and I don't want either of you to fuck things up for me. Understood? Please try to restrain yourselves. These ponies are not bimbos", said Sapphire.
"Ugh, fine", moaned Rocky.
Somepony from behind said, "Yea, if I were you, I would listen to Sapphire."
Rainbow Dash.
"If you punks lay a hoof on any mare in this party, I will personally beat the living shit out of you", said Rainbow Dash.
Maverick quietly nodded.
"Oh no. I am so scared", said Rocky mockingly.
"Big shot, there is something I want to show you. Let's go outside."
Rocky snickered and followed Dash outside.
"Oh shit", said Maverick, "my bet is on the mare with the rainbow-colored mane."
"Yea, me too", added Sapphire.
Whatever, Rocky was a big boy and he could use some sense knocked into him.
"So Maverick, how did you and Rocky know I was here?"
"Dude. When the Great and Powerful Sapphire is gone, everypony starts asking questions and the answers to those questions lead us to Ponyville."
"Okay but it isn't like I have heard from you or Rocky in at least a year, why now?"
"Your disappearance from Canterlot had me and Rocky thinking - hey, we want to see our good friend, Sapphire. Let's make it happen!"
Damn it. Sapphire should have asked a tougher question - one that would have left Maverick tongue-tied. Could that have been the only reason why Maverick and Rocky were here? To visit him? Perhaps, they weren't spies after all.
Sapphire heard a whoosh outside and a loud "CELESTIA DAMN IT"!
This caused all the ponies to turn their heads.
"Does that lunk ever shut up", asked Rarity.
"I hope Rocky Boulder is okay", said Pinkie.
"Whoooeeee. I saw Rocky Boulder go outside with Rainbow. Even though he's a big strong stallion, Rainbow could put up a good fight against him. Right, brother?", said Applejack.
"Eeyup."
Rainbow and Rocky went back inside.
"Damn, you sure could fly. I don't think you could beat me in a fight or anything but you could cause me some unwanted discomfort."
"If I were you, I wouldn't take the chance, big guy."
Rocky wouldn't admit it but he wasn't such a tough guy next to Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow Dash, that's now how you treat a super awesome guest", scolded Pinkie playfully.
"C'mon, Pinks. I was just showing him what I can do."
There was another knock on the door. "Hey, Pinkie. Sorry for being late, got caught up in my studies."
Sounded like Twilight Sparkle, Sapphire hadn't seen her in years. He could only hope that Twilight didn't hate his guts. Having Rocky and Maverick at the party certainly wouldn't help, those two would tease her endlessly - mostly because they both had crushes on her, however, that didn't stop their teasing from being cruel and mean-spirited.
Pinkie rushed to the door and there was Twilight Sparkle, except she looked different. Twilight now had wings. She did become an alicorn alright. Next to Twilight was a small purple-colored dragon, this must have been Spike.
Sapphire had to silently remind himself of what he needed to do. Rocky and Maverick, despite being themselves, were likely going to give a full report to Big Boss or some minion of his tonight regarding Sapphire's progress. At least, Sapphire had to make it seem like he was putting in some effort.
Sapphire's eyes met Twilight's. Twilight winked at him.
"Twily, long time, no see."
"Sapphire, I missed you so much", Twilight ran over to Sapphire and gave him a big hug.
"I missed you too. How are the wings treating you?"
"Just great. I have a fantastic teacher."
"Who? Meteor Maverick, over here", joked Sapphire.
"He would have been my second choice, but I had my friend, Rainbow Dash, teach me ", responded Twilight with a hearty laugh.
"I have met Rainbow Dash already, cool pony."
"So, do you think she has a shot at the Wonderbolts? I know you've done a lot of great things for them already but - "
"Perhaps. First, I need to see if our budget will even let us introduce a new member anytime soon and then Rainbow Dash needs to take a bunch of standardized flying exams and then... well.. Rainbow Dash did beat me in arm wrestling, so I had to deduct points for that."
"I did see on my way here that Dash had scared poor Rocky Boulder. A really sweet guy once you get to know him though."
"I thought Rainbow Dash was a gal."
"You've always been a riot, Sapphire."
"Oh wow, so you two know each other? That's super awesome", said Pinkie Pie.
"Yea, we do. Back in Canterlot, we were next-door neighbors actually", said Twilight.
"That is adorable. I guess it makes sense two super-smart ponies live in the same neighborhood!"
"We had some good times. Right, Sapphire?"
"Yea we did. Remember our magic duels?"
"You mean the ones I would always win."
"Not always. I won like maybe 5% of the time."
"You were the best math and science student in elementary school though, even better than me."
"Oh, I was too. All through school, I would always be super good at everything with numbers, but I never understood why other ponies couldn't be as good - math's easy", chimed Pinkie Pie.
"I wasn't bad of course. It was just that Sapphire has a real talent for it. Look at his cutie mark. He got his cutie mark ridiculously young too."
"I was nine, not too young", said Sapphire.
"I was a lot older than you, little guy, when I got my cutie mark."
"Little guy? Haven't you seen how tall I got? Remember how the other ponies used to make fun of my cutie mark. Most of them didn't even know what it meant but they would pick on me nevertheless."
"I do remember. I used to hate seeing that."
"Speaking of cutie marks, I am staying over with a business colleague of mine. He has a daughter who is apparently going through the same situation I went through. Ponies pick on her without mercy because she has a cutie mark. It seems so silly but I guess other ponies get jealous."
"Oh, who is this business colleague of yours?"
"Filthy Rich."
"Oh, I see. I have heard of him. Very powerful pony around Ponyville."
"Since you left Canterlot, Filthy Rich has been making strides in Canterlot too and actually generates more revenue from Manehattan than Ponyville. His daughter, Diamond Tiara, is a sweetheart. He has brought her up well even though he has the financial resources to provide her with anything she wants. I would be glad to have a child as poised, polite, and professional as Diamond Tiara is at such a young age."
Twilight laughed out loud.
"I would also wish for the same thing in a child of mine", Twilight then batted an eyelash and giggled. Was she flirting with him?
"Some ponies are better at it than others, but something tells me you would be good at it."
"You would be the best. I just know it. I am definitely glad that we got to see each other again. You have gotten really handsome."
"And you look like a princess."
Twilight giggled again and blushed.
Sapphire was amazed that Twilight didn't bring up any instance of that day - he brought Twilight to the stage so the other ponies would laugh. It seemed she had either forgotten about it or forgiven him. Sapphire felt that forgiving the past was more likely in Twilight's case.
Sapphire could also see the look of determination in Twilight's eyes. She was up to something. Twilight seemed to be interested in him. This would be a dream come true for any of the young guys who fawned over the princesses - however, Sapphire wasn't that kind of pony. He would become so wealthy someday that he could probably buy Canterlot Castle - if Celestia or Luna were ever interested in selling it. There was only one pony which came to Sapphire's mind - Pinkie Pie. Additionally, at this point of time, Pinkie was the pony he needed to be grateful for regarding anything in Ponyville - not Princess Twilight Sparkle.
However, given the circumstances, pursuing a more intimate relationship with Twilight would be the perfect way to obtain more knowledge about alicorn magic. Sapphire just couldn't do anything to reveal that all the knowledge would be going to Big Boss. Twilight seemed to like him, so maybe the pony he should ask on a date is Twilight instead of Pinkie. Sapphire felt sad at the thought. No time for that though. The party was just getting started.
"I think it's about time we drink some cider, yeehaw", said Applejack.
