Part 1

My Little Twiny April Foals Day

Written by Rated Ponystar

Edited by Unnamed Pawn

This story was made for the “Tiny Student Series” by CommanderX5 and is in canon with his story.

***

Miss. Bookmarker never knew a more serious library lover then the little protege of the princess herself, Twilight Sparkle. The tiny student was not only a gifted magic user, but also a gifted and dedicated reader as well. It had been such a long time since anypony had been interested in the library, most of the time she had to just deal with the occasional guard who came in during their usual patrol. The princess rarely ever visited, having surely read every book in here at least a hundred times over, and at times she would get one of the scribes or other servants who came in for some light reading.

But Twilight Sparkle? If she could live in a library, she would. It took awhile to get used to the tiny unicorn, but her polite manners and willingness to learn quickly won Miss. Bookmarker over. Twilight had come in many times, asking for books on magic, history, science, literature, and more. But today, the librarian had been asked to help her with a different request. One that she hadn't ever expected to hear.

Retreating back to her desk, she set the books down on the floor, right next to the tiny unicorn who looked at the book tower as if she was ready to challenge them. “These are all the books I could find on pranking,” said Miss. Bookmarker as she wrote down each title and return date. While doing so, she looked at Twilight out of the corner of her eye and raised an eyebrow. “I never knew you were a prankster, Miss. Sparkle.”

Twilight blushed and rubbed the back of her head. “Oh, I-I’m not really. I only just learned what’s coming up in a few days.”

“Oh?”

“Yup! April Foals Day is coming soon!” announced Twilight with a beaming smile.

Ah, April Foals Day, thought the librarian as she turned her head toward the calendar. I almost forgot. The holiday for pranks and jokes. Miss. Bookmarker paused in her thoughts before looking at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “I’ve never seen you interested in the holiday before, Miss. Sparkle. Why the sudden change?”

“Well...” Twilight nervously tapped her forehooves together. “It’s a bit of a long story...”

***

“Spike! I’m out of ink! Can you get me some more?!” asked Twilight from her seat on the desk. She was sure her voice, despite her size, was loud enough to echo across the entire room, but there was no answer. “Ugh, Spike?! Never mind, I’ll get it myself.”

Galloping down the desk, she reached the end and jumped off, landing on her mentor's giant bed where she bounced around on it for a bit before heading to the edge of the sheets. Sliding down, she reached the floor and galloped toward the store closet where she and Spike kept all her supplies. Not bothering to make the challenge too easy with help of her telekinesis, she jumped upon the handle, and, with a quick reattachment of her hooves, she pressed against it, before pushing the door open with quick swing of her hind-legs.

With the door half open, she grabbed the edge of the door and pushed herself in, landing on the second hoof shelf where the ink bottles were stored. With the bottle on her back and a quick spell, she tightened ropes of magic around her belly and her valuable cargo before jumping onto the floor. After effortlessly closing the door with her magic, with great skill she galloped and jumped over the bed, landing on the table with a weak thump, hardly affected by the extra weight. Once again sitting on her work desk, she dispelled the ropes and opened the fresh bottle.

What she didn’t expect was a giant snake to come out of it, causing her to scream and blast it with a powerful magical bolt, splitting it in half. Her scream quickly caused her royal bodyguards, Steel Blade and Overwatch to rush in, ready for action.

“Twilight! What’s wrong?!” demanded Overwatch, scanning the room for danger.

Twilight, holding her hoof to her heart, was about to answer when Spike came in, holding a bag of what had to be gems for a late night snack. “What’s going on?! I heard a scream!”

“S-snake in the ink bottle!” pointed Twilight, but her eyes widened when she saw that it wasn’t even a real snake. It was a stuffed dummy, one with a weird smiley face, it’s stuffing all over the place as a result of being blasted.

Spike groaned as he walked over to the desk and took the ink bottle. “I knew I left one of those somewhere. Great, now I’ll have to get a new one.”

“Why would you even put a fake snake in an inkbottle in the first place?” asked Twilight, shaking her head as she began to calm down.

The baby dragon covered his mouth and did his best to hold back a giggle. “S-sorry, Twilight. It’s for April Foals Day.”

“Oh, yeah! That day is coming up soon! Oh, I have got to get loaded up for my own pranks,” said Steel Blade, his wings flapping with anticipation.

Overwatch snorted. “Please, your pranks always fail. Remember back in the academy when you put whipped cream in the drill sergeant’s hoof and tried to tickle his nose? He woke up and knocked you out with one blow from his hoof before falling asleep.”

“Don’t remind me, I still can feel that hit,” muttered Steel Blade, wincing as he catered to his jaw.

“Um, I don’t mean to interrupt, but what is April Foals Day?” asked Twilight, tilting her head. This resulted in everypony looking at her like she had grown from the little unicorn that she was to the size of a fully grown dragon. “What?”

“Y-you don’t know what April Foals Day is?” asked Steel Blade in disbelief.

Twilight started to fret around in panic, wondering if this day was really that important. “Oh no, is this some kind of historically important holiday? Cultural? Do I have to do a ritual or perform some type of gift exchange?”

The three chuckled and shook their heads before Overwatch answered, “Twilight, relax. April Foals Day is a day where ponies prank each other. You know? Like mice in the corridor, itching powder on clothes, buckets of water above a door, and stuff like that.”

“Why would anybody want to do that stuff? Seems... pointless,” said Twilight, trying to wrap her head around how a day such as this even got invented in the first place.

“It’s supposed to be pointless. Just random fun.”

“Well, why haven’t I heard about this until today? Why hasn’t anypony ever told me about it?” asked Twilight, crossing her forehooves.

“I just assumed you knew and never took part in it.” Steel Blade started as Twilight gave him a confused glare. “You’re always in here studying or hanging around Princess Celestia, which is probably the biggest shield you can have on that day,” the guard paused as he put his hoof under his neck in contemplation. “Now that I think about it, nopony ever pranked Princess Celestia. I don’t think even a hard boiled griffin war veteran would take such a task.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. Princess Celestia was above such pranking and she deserved to go about her day without any interruption or needless jokes interfering with her busy life. Still, the more she thought of the idea of pranking, the more interesting it seemed to be. She had never really pranked anypony before and it would be a test for her skills to try and get away with such jokes and not get caught in the process. Making up her mind, Twilight nodded to herself. “It sounds really interesting, maybe I should take part as well?”

“Uh, no offense, Twilight? But you're not exactly the pranking expert. I doubt you’ll be able to prank even me and Overwatch here,” pointed out Steel Blade, this turned out to be the wrong thing to say as Twilight teleported herself onto his muzzle and looked straight into his eye.

“What do you mean? I can be just as good at pranking as anypony else. And I will prove it! I bet I can prank more ponies than you and not get caught at the same time,” challenged Twilight with a smirk.

“Umm, well.”

Overwatch chuckled at her partner’s expense before saying, “Looks like you have to put your money where your mouth is now, Steely. You’re not gonna back down now like a wimp, are you?”

Steel Blade’s response was a glare that could kill. On one hoof, he didn’t really want to challenge Twilight to such a bet as the unicorn had more skills and determination than a seasoned elite royal guard. She’d certainly find some way to win. On the other hoof, he didn’t want to look like he was afraid to lose by cowing down to Twilight, bodyguard or not. Gathering his courage, he nodded. “Okay, you're on. We both have until sunset to prank as many ponies as possible without getting caught. Deal?”

"No!" said Twilight before, with one swing of her hind-legs, she jumped from Steel Blade's nose onto Overwatch's head. Poking her tiny hoof into cold metal of her guard's helmet, she added, “To make it more challenging, I will prank more ponies than you, Overwatch and Spike all together. Any objections to add a three members each team rule?” Not hearing any objections, she jumped on the floor while saying a loud, “Deal!”

“Where are you going?” asked Spike as she ran towards the exit.

“To the library of course! I need to find as many books about pranking as I can!” shouted Twilight, leaving her friends behind with a gallop.

***

“... And that leads us to now,” said Twilight.

Miss. Bookmarker shook her head and smiled. “Miss. Sparkle, even if you read all these books, you're still going to have to plan and prepare for the day. And even then you’ll need to do even more work. I suggest going to someone who knows pranking inside and out if you want to beat both of your guards and your dragon friend."

“Then who should I ask?” asked Twilight, leaning forward. “Who can me help learn the art of pranking?”

Miss. Bookmarker bit her tongue as she thought about the consequences of the action she was about to take. There was only one prankster in the entire castle who was known as the “undefeated master of pranking”. The one that every staff member feared when it came to this day since she was both relentless and brutal. Still, the puppy-dog eyes on Twilight's face quickly made her give in as she said her suggestion's name.

“Philomena.”

***

Philomena raised an eyebrow at the little unicorn, unsure if she was even hearing what she said right. Ever since their first meeting, the phoenix had taken a bit of an interest in the tiny unicorn that her master had taken on as her apprentice. While she still found the little mare a bit annoying, Philomena had to respect her for her courage and guts. It wasn't every day that somepony that small managed to endure her blasts of fire, more or less damage her fire/magic resistant cage.

“So what do you think? Think you can help me pull off some pranks for tomorrow?” asked Twilight at the entrance of the newly repaired bird cage.

Rubbing her neck with a wing, Philomena tried to think of her options. She was not just a prankster, but the best prankster in the castle and everypony knew it. Some of her most famous pranks were still talked about to this day, passed on generation after generation. Unfortunately, some ponies didn’t know when to take a joke and Celestia had forbidden her to play pranks on April Foals Day ever since she poured that tonic into a soup for the nobles that caused all their fur to fall out. She chuckled at the memory; good times.

Still, this was a chance she could have some fun on this day. She wouldn't be doing the pranking, it would be Twilight Sparkle who would gladly take the blame should anything go wrong. If there was one thing she had come to learn about the unicorn during her examination of her, it was that she was too trusting for her own good.

Seeing no reason to deny the request, Philomena nodded her head in agreement. Twilight smiled with joy. “Oh, thank you so much! This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Neither could Philomena as she began to plan for tomorrow’s pranks in her head.

***

The big day had finally come. Twilight had awoken early, like she always did, and already felt excited for her first day of pranking. Although she wished she could wake her mentor up like usual, she had to get up and meet Philomena for their first prank. They had spent all night planning and Philomena assured her she would take care of most of the supplies. Where the phoenix was gonna get even half of what they needed was beyond Twilight, but she wasn’t going to question it.

Teleporting into the opened cage where Philomena slept from time to time, Twilight waited for a few minutes until a twister of fire appeared in front of her, revealing Philomena in all her glory. Twilight nodded in greeting. “Good morning. Happy April Foals Day! You ready?!”

Philomena nodded and pointed to Twilight. She smiled and nodded back. “I’m ready too.”

Twilight jumped down from the cage and made her way towards the door. She was about to open it when Philomena suddenly grabbed her and teleported both of them into the hall, just atop the frame of one of the large windows on the wall. “What was that for?” asked Twilight as she looked around, noticing that they were now outside of Princess Celestia's room.

Below them were two royal guards, a pegasus named Sharp Spear and a unicorn named Vanilla Crest. Both guards yawned as their night shift was coming to an end. Philomena broke Twilight’s concentration by poking her on the head and handing her what looked to be a ping pong paddle from the games and recreation center for the guards who were off duty.

Twilight grabbed it with her forehooves and raised an eyebrow. “What am I suppose to do with this?”

Philomena grinned as she pointed at the paddle, then the guards, and then lightly tapped Twilight on her flank, making her blush. “Y-y-you want me to... spank them with this? This wasn’t part of the plan.”

The phoenix just shrugged and pointed again at the guards. Twilight shook her head. “No, I don’t want to hurt anypony. And wouldn’t this be labeled as sexual harassment?”

Philomena covered her head with a wing and shook her head. Once more, she pointed at the guards and Twilight sighed, giving in. With great reluctance, she lit her horn, the paddle levitated from her tiny hooves in a lavender aura as carefully as possible, quietly advancing towards the patrolling guards. Soon enough, she had it right next to Sharp Spear’s rump. She bit her lip and smacked the ping pong paddle lightly against his flank.

Sharp Spear reared back slightly while the paddle levitated behind a pillar. The pegasus looked around with red cheeks before he noticed Vanilla Crest staring at him with a confused expression. Glaring at his partner, Sharp Spear said, “Hey! What’s the big idea?! Why did you smack me in the flank?”

“W-what? Why would I do that?” asked Vanilla Crest, leaning back.

“Don’t lie to me! I know it was you! Don’t do it again,” huffed Sharp Spear before looking away. Crest stared at him for a bit longer before shaking his head and going back to standing still with his eyes straight ahead.

Little did they know that the paddle had advanced again, smacking across Sharp Spear’s rump, this time with greater force. “Dude!” shouted Sharp Spear, jumping up. “What the hay?!”

“I’m not touching you, you moron! It’s all in your head!” cried out Vanilla Crest, only to yipe when Sharp Spear suddenly smacked him in the flank. “The hay?!”

“How do you like it?” said a smug Sharp Spear, who stuck out his tongue. The two grumbled and went back to their posts, but kept their eyes on each other.

A few minutes passed without another smack, and it seemed it was finally over... until...

SMACK!

“That’s it!” cried out Vanilla Crest, who tackled Sharp Spear. The two of them began to tussle around on the ground, smacking eachother’s rumps while Twilight looked at the scene in shame and Philomena looked on with laughter.

“Ahem!”

Both guards stopped roughhousing the moment they heard this and slowly looked up to find a stern yet amused expression from Princess Celestia. The guards quickly got back up on all fours, wincing as they felt their now red bottoms itch with pain. Celestia sighed. “Now, I know that this job is very boring at times, my little ponies. But if you wish to entertain each other then I highly suggest saving such actions for a bed room.”

“Wait, we’re not... I mean...” said Sharp Spear.

“W-we were just... um...” stuttered Vanilla Crest.

Celestia raised her hoof. “It’s alright. I understand if you two wish to keep your relationship a secret. I am not one to judge. Just please, off duty hours, that’s all I ask.”

The two guards were left with their mouths open as Celestia walked past them, whistling a tune. The two looked at each other, then away while blushing more red than a tomato.

“Wait!”

Both guards stepped back as Twilight teleported onto the floor, looking up at them with pleading eyes. “I’m sorry! That was me! I was the one slapping you!”

“Miss. Sparkle? But why?” asked Vanilla Crest.

“I... I was trying to do a prank. It’s April Foals Day...” muttered Twilight, barely loud enough for the two to hear. This caused the two to suddenly laugh much to her surprise.

“Oh is that all?! I see, you really got us there,

“Yeah, not a bad one there,” admitted Sharp Spear.

“You’re not mad?” asked Twilight, her ears still flat against her head. Both guards shook their heads, much to her relief. A relaxing smile spread across her face. “Thank Celestia.” She then looked up and saw a nearby clock. “Oh no! I have to get ready for the next one. Farewell!”

The two guards watched with smiles as the tiny unicorn galloped away. Sighing, Sharp Spear turned to his partner and sheepishly said, “Sorry, about accusing you.”

“It’s cool, we both got slapped by Twilight so we’re even,” said Vanilla Crest with a blush.

Both guards started at one another in silence for several seconds, until Sharp Spear broke it, "So yea... Miss Sparkle really did slap us... does that mean she likes us?" he muttered, turning his head away.

Vanilla Crest eyes widen. “O-oh....” He turned his head away as well, but a small smile was on his lips. "W-when a mare slaps stallion in his flank... it is usually not that far off from dating."

There was a long silence between the two until Sharp Spear said, “Um, would you ever date her?”

"I... I would love to, she is so hot..." Vanilla Crest blush strengthened, "And she is so cute and adorable, especially her tiny eyes."

“Yeah, I hear ya. Not to mention how strong, brave and hug-abble s... see ya,” said Sharp Spear, walking down the hall as Vanilla Crest rubbed his sleepy eyes. “Well, I’ve had enough excitement. Let’s head to bed.”

Vanilla Crest sighed as he followed his partner, Wish I got a chance to slap her.

***

If there was one big benefit of having a room all to your own, it was that you could sleep whenever you wanted. Despite having a curfew placed by Twilight, Spike always found ways to stay up late and read his favorite comic books; provided he was quiet even when exciting parts happened that made him want to gasp in shock.

Last night was no different, despite having a big day tomorrow with April Foals Day, he was determined to see how the Power Ponies were gonna stop the invasion of Darkreign and his army of demons. The result was a tired Spike who was struggling to get up and shut off his darn alarm clock. It took a few throws of the toys and junk he had around his basket, but he managed to finally knock it down and smash it into pieces with a book. Stretching his arms, Spike yawned and smacked his lips, reaching out for a smaller basket that held his morning gems inside.

The dragon opened his mouth and—

TINK!

“Ow! What?!” asked Spike, looking at the gem. He rubbed his tongue over his tooth to see if there was any damage but the small brief pain he felt was gone. Spike looked at the gem in his claw and tried to bite it again. Once more, his teeth couldn’t get through it’s surface; not even a scratch. Frustrated, he bit down even harder and continued to hold his grip on the jewel, moving his jaw back and forth in an attempt to at least tear a piece off.

Fumbling around his bed, Spike spent at least a good minute trying to get even a speck of the tasty jewel in his mouth, but, no matter how hard he clenched his teeth, nothing happened. Unable to take it anymore, Spike threw the gem across the room, only to notice his gem basket had been knocked over, most likely by accident when he was asleep.

Grumbling to himself, he got up and started picking up the jewels one by one, taking a bite out of each one. Sure enough, they also refused to let his teeth tear them up and each attempt only served to increase the hunger growing inside his belly. Just as he was about to pick up the last gem, he then suddenly felt it stick to his claw like molasses. Waving his claw back and forth, he grunted, “Get off... you stupid... ugh...”

Just as he was about to smash it against the ground, it glowed and suddenly began dragging him down the hall. “What?! Woaaahhh!”

Despite his legs resistance as they slid on the floor, the kidnapping jewel continued to drag him until it steered for an open doorway and stopped, making him land on his rear. Rubbing his backside, Spike looked around and wondered why he was in one of the janitor closets before a noise from above captured his attention. He looked up and...

SPLAT!

Spike quickly shook his head and licked his now creamy face, eyes lighting up as he recognized the taste. “Banana cream pie?”

“Pphht... Bwahahahahaha!”

Upon hearing a familiar laugh, he turned around and saw, sitting on the nearby shelves, Twilight rolling around while holding her sides. Next to her was that annoying phoenix, Philomena, who was also laughing. Spike looked at them with disbelief until he too started laughing alongside the two.

After their cheerful moment, the three of them finally stopped and took few short breaths. “Okay, Twilight,” chuckled Spike. “You got me. You got me good.”

“Thanks, Spike. You’re not hurt, are you? I tried to be gentle, but...,” said Twilight, jumping off the shelf and onto Spike’s awaiting palm. She examined him for any sign of injuries while Spike shook his head.

“Nah, maybe my pride was a little, but nothing that I can’t fix with some payback later,” hinted Spike, grinning at the smiling little unicorn. “Although, I have to ask, how did you do all that?”

Twilight puffed out her chest and smiled proudly. “To be honest, It was not easy. I put a small, but powerful, shield spell on all of your morning gems since I know you have one or two every morning when you wake up. I was able to hide them thanks to an advanced illusion spell Cadence taught me a while ago and it seemed like the best chance to try it out.” She then pointed at the rock in his claw. “I knew you would stubbornly try to eat all the gems in hopes of finding an editable one, but on this one I put a retrieval spell so it would come back to me once you touched it. As for the pie? I baked it and placed it there myself, using just my hooves.”

Using his tongue, Spike licked the rest of the pie off his face and rubbed his tummy in satisfaction. Dessert for breakfast was always a rare treat. “Well, I’d say you’ve gotten into the spirit quite early. Steel Blade’s gonna have to watch his back.” He nodded to Philomena, but with a scowl. “Especially since you got this rat with wings helping you out.”

Philomena responded by sticking out her tongue.

Rolling her eyes, Twilight jumped off his palm and landed on the floor before looking up at her charge. “Sorry, Spike, but I have to go. There are still a lot of pranks I gotta pull if I’m going to beat you guys. See ya!”

“Bye!” shouted Spike, waving Twilight goodbye as Philomena flew after her. He then paused and looked at the jewel still stick in his hand before rushing outside. “Wait! Uh, Twilight, do you think you could...”

The gem glowed a bit before Spike felt it moving in his hand, no longer sticking to it. “Thanks!” shouted Spike as he tossed it into the air, caught it in his mouth, and sighed in relief as he tasted it’s crunchy goodness.

***

After his encounter with Twilight and Philomena, Spike decided to quickly find Overwatch and Steel Blade so that they could catch up with the competition. Although he had some doubts that Twilight was going to be any trouble at first, this morning had proved otherwise. Walking down the hallway, greeting the occasional guard or servant along the way, Spike spotted Overwatch and Steel Blade, who looked ready to collapse from their laughter.

“Hey, guys? What’s so funny?” asked Spike, stopping in front of them.

“Hey, Spike,” greeted Steel Blade, grinning like a mad pony. “Oh, nothing much, just the first prank of the day belonging to yours truly.”

Overwatch lightly hit him in the shoulder. “Don’t let it go to your head. Although, I will admit I wasn’t expecting that big of a urine stain when you put Victory Cry’s hoof in that jar of water last night.”

Spike giggled at the thought but quickly remembered why he was looking for them. “While that’s great and all guys, there is something you need to know.” He quickly told them what happened with him and Twilight that morning. Needless to say, the guards were shocked to see Twilight plan such a complex prank so fast, but were more troubled by the fact that Philomena was helping her.

“Well, this raises the stakes,” muttered Steel Blade, ears flattening. “Philomena’s an expert when it comes to pranks I hear. Some of the rumors I heard about her in the past are the stuff of nightmares.”

“Twilight won’t let Philomena take things too far,” reassured Overwatch. “She’s too nice.”

“True, but even with Philomena against us we’re gonna win this contest,” declared Steel Blade, nostrils flaring. Suddenly his eyes widened, and he nervously blushed while retracting his tail underneath. “After I use the bathroom first, excuse me.”

Steel Blade quickly made his way to the nearby stallion’s room while Overwatch rolled her eyes. Turning to Spike, she asked, “So, wanna make a bet of our own?”

Spike raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “What kind of a bet?”

“Simple, we both know that, by skill or luck, Twilight’s gonna win this one,” said Overwatch with a smile. She knew Steel Blade was good, but for some reason her gut was telling her to go with the underdog on this one. “I say it’s gonna be by five pranks, you?”

Spike rubbed his chin with his claw for a bit before his cheeks turned red and smoke emerged from his nose. He grabbed Overwatch's neck and pulled it, pressing her head against his nose, staring into Overwatch's eyes with a piercing glare as if he was looking into her very soul. "I would rather dress as a ballerina and sing disco in front of a crowd than let that stupid bird win this bet. You hear!?"

Overwatch blinked for a moment before smirking. Anger, determination, vengeance, she didn't expected to encounter such trials in the innocent young drake. "If you will, you get to eat donuts at Donut Joe's for a whole day." Overwatch said as she knelt, poking her hoof against Spike's chin, "But if you lose. You will get your five minutes of spotlight inside a throne room, and for your own good, take some dancing lessons."

"Deal!" yelled Spike, reaching his claw out and shaking it with Overwatch's, sealing the deal. "Any embarrassment is worth it for those tasty jelly filled donuts. Just do not try to cheat by letting Twilight win."

"I am more of a chocolate glazed myself," said Overwatch before patting Spike on his head. "And do not worry your pretty little head over the bet. I do rather enjoy Philomena's reaction after she lose against us rather than your dancing and singing performance."

Suddenly, both of them jumped when they heard a loud scream coming from bathroom nearby. Steel Blade, from inside, then cried out, “Help! Emergency!”

Overwatch and Spike both looked at each other before rushing towards the door, only for the former to stop in her tracks. “Wait! I can’t go in there! I’m a mare!”

“Ugh, fine,” grumbled Spike before pushing the door open, leaving Overwatch to grumble.

I wanted to see Steely embarrassed...

***

Spike ran into the bathroom, keeping his guard up as he searched for Steel Blade. “Yo, Steely! You in here?!”

“In the stall! Fifth one!” cried out Steel Blade. “D-don’t come in!”

Walking towards the correct stall, Spike knocked on the door and huffed. “Dude, if this is only because you ran out of toilet paper...”

Steel Blade sighed. “I wish... you see... I’m stuck...”

Snorting, Spike asked, “Your... butt’s too big?”

“No!” shouted Steel Blade. “I mean there is some kind of sticking charm on the seat! I can’t get up!”

“Well, what should I do?” asked Spike, shrugging.

“Get some rope and... wait...” Steel’s voice stopped as the sound of magic activating ringed in Spike’s ears. “Something’s happening with the toilet paper. It’s levitating and MPHH!”

Spike jumped back as the muffled moans started to get louder, the sound of struggling, magic, and splashing following it. The door opened and Overwatch finally came in, unable to wait any longer and curious of the noises she was hearing. She walked over to Spike and watched with wide eyes, and a hint of disgust, as the noises continued from Steel Blade’s stall.

“Please tell me this isn’t a bad reaction to his breakfast,” whispered Overwatch.

“I hope so too,” muttered Spike.

Finally, the moaning stopped and there was a long period of silence. The stall slowly opened as both watchers waited with held breaths. They soon released them in a roaring fit of laughter as Steel Blade hopped his way out of the bathroom’s stall. He had been wrapped in toilet paper like a mummy and the bathroom seat was still sticking to his rump. Both Spike and Overwatch quickly fell onto their backs, laughing and kicking their feet in the air

Steel Blade tried to say something, but his voice was completely muffled. It didn’t help either that he lost his balance and fell face first onto the floor. Overwatch, holding her sides, looked at her partner and shouted, “Oh Celestia, I wish I had a camera! Ahahahahaha!”

Steel Blade struggled to get out of his bonds when he noticed a bottle levitating nearby and moaned loudly while nodding to it. Spike, able to calm himself, got up and grabbed the levitating bottle. “Anti-Sticking Charm Spay,” he read before noticing a note on it. This made him laugh again as he read it out loud.

“Twiny: three, Steely: one, PS: Sorry! Please don’t hate me!”

Part 2

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My Little Twiny April Foals Day

Written by Rated Ponystar

Edited by Unnamed Pawn

This story was made for the “Tiny Student Series” by CommanderX5 and is in canon with his story.

***

Despite being pranked and far behind his opposition, Steel Blade was not ready to give up just yet. He quickly recovered from his mummy imprisonment and dragged his partners in crime to their next target, specifically the showers for the male guards. The three of them waited just outside, lips curved with anticipating smiles as they waited for their prank to go into effect.

“AUGH!” cried out a voice.

“What the?! Blah!”

“Ewww!”

The three leaned on the wall and laughed hysterically as words of confusion and disgust echoed from the room. They heard the sound of hoofsteps coming from the entrance and quickly rushed around the corner to keep themselves from being spotted. Soon, a few of the guards came out, wearing towels over their lower parts, but instead of water they were covered in mud. One of the guards of higher rank ordered, “You! Go get the plumber and have his flank here now! And you two! Go to the pipes underground and see who sabotaged the water tanks! Let’s be glad it’s just mud and not something from the septic tanks...”

The three tiptoed out of the hall, making sure they weren’t seen, while keeping their lips shut. When they finally made it another hall, only then did they fall on their rears and laugh in hysteria. “Oh man! Did you see their faces?! They looked like they just got caught in a mudslide!” cried out Overwatch.

“That was awesome! How did you gather so much mud in the first pace, Steel?” asked Spike, wiping a tear from his eye.

“Greenhooves owed me a favor from a poker game last week so I called it in,” replied Steel Blade who got up looking ready for more action. “Anyway, let’s get going. We need to get the next prank ready.”

“Slow down there, cowpony,” urged Overwatch, chuckling. “It’s three to two now, I’m sure you’ll catch up to Twilight. It is not like she’s gone on a pranking spree or something," she said with a smirk.

***

Philomena had to admit, the unicorn picked a good spot for their next prank fest. She watched from her branch on the tree Twilight had teleported them too. From here they could see the market place for all the high class and snippy nobles who went around walking with their eyes closed and their chins faced up. Seriously, how did they managed to walk like that without bumping into each other?

The phoenix’s thoughts were interrupted by the sight of the tiny unicorn climbing up onto the tree with bag of prank supplies levitating over her head, only for the shrunken mare to jump onto the branch as if she was a squirrel. “Okay, this is the busiest time of the market today. That gives us plenty of snobbish nobles for targets. Any suggestions on who should be our first victim?" Twilight asked eagerly with a wide smirk on her face.

Philomena blinked a few times as if she didn't recognize the tiny mare; for the first time seeing the mean side of kind and diligent student. Then again, it was kind of hard not to hate the nobility. With shake of her head Philomena focused, her predatory eyes looking around carefully for a good first target. There was a really good number to choose from, such as a stallion with a monocle so big it covered half his face and a mare whose mane was towering above her head in ridiculous curls. And these were the fashion statements these rich ponies adored so much?

Finally, she spotted the perfect target. A mare with wavy blond mane-style who wore a sparkling ruby covered gown made of a fabric that seemed to shine in the light, making her look like a Hearths Warming tree. The gown was so big it made her rump area look huge. Philomena pointed to the target and nodded to Twilight.

Twilight snorted at the sight of the noble, but nevertheless got her cool together and surrounded herself with a small shield before grabbing the itching powder from the bag. She doused herself with it, but the barrier prevented any of it from getting on her. With a quick farewell salute, Twilight jumped from branch to branch on the tree they were on until she landed on the pavement and made her way towards her victim.

***

Twilight was really grateful that noble ponies didn’t look down below their hooves or else they would have been curious as to why a tiny unicorn was running around near them. She evaded every hoof that threatened to crush her with quick thinking and reflexes, enjoying the workout she was getting from all of this. Not only was she pranking nobles, a group of ponies she had learned to really dislike over the years, but she was able to hone her physical and magical skills with all this effort.

I really should get involved in April Foals Day more often! thought Twilight as she dashed between all four hooves of a trotting unicorn mare. Finally, she reached her target. She stealthily jumped onto the dress from underneath and started to climb on the inside of the hemline. It was a bit difficult to climb up the fabric and avoid touching the flank nearby, but Twilight was careful in her approach and made sure to stay silent. When she reached as high as she could go, she held her breath and jumped towards the tail of the noblemare, grabbing on to it and climbing up. Already the itching powder was leaving her shield and falling onto the tail.

The mare shook her rear in response, but Twilight held on. It wasn’t long until the mare started to squirm a bit as the itching powder was bothering her to the point where she was shaking her tail around, swishing it against her dress and flanks. This only proved to be a worse decision as she felt the itching spread to her rump.

Without any warning, the mare started to scratch her rear in public, attracting the attention of all those nearby. The gathered nobles made no effort to hide their disgust at such a display. Twilight wished she was watching the whole thing outside, but she was stuck hanging on to the mare’s tail. At least that was until the mare slammed her rump on the floor and started scratching it on the pavement, pressing Twilight in an uncomfortable position, squished between a stone walkway and a mare’s butt.

***

Philomena was laughing the moment she saw the noblemare scratching her rear like she was possessed, but that laughter stopped abruptly the moment she saw the lady slamming her flank against the ground. Her eyes widened as she realized that Twilight was now being crushed, and she began to panic, her wings flapping against the leaves. She wasn’t a ‘friend’ of the little unicorn and she may have tried to burn and or eat her in the past, but if any harm came to her now, she was going to get it from Celestia.

Philomena was turning her head around in circles in search of a way to rescue the trapped unicorn, small flames ready to strike, but it wasn’t until the pranked noble began scooting on her own behind to get rid of the itch did she spot Twilight. She was laying on the ground, unmoving. Panicking, Philomena flew down as fast as she could, grateful that all the nobles in the area were focusing on the crazy mare and not her or the tiny flattened unicorn on the ground. She swooped up Twilight with her talons and flew back to the tree.

She gently placed the tiny unicorn on the branch, Her eyes were still closed and she showed no sign of breathing. Fearing the worst, Philomena gently lifted one of the unicorn’s legs only for it to flop down with no resistance. With her eyes closed and head lowered in solemn silence, Philomena focused on her magic, her wings flaming lightly, but instead of being hot, those flames were filled with phoenix’s famous healing magic. Ready to-

“Boo!” shouted Twilight, making Philomena jump up in fright. Twilight giggled before getting up herself. “Sorry about scaring you, but after I got crushed and then you picked me up, I thought another bird thought I was road kill and my training with Princess Celestia kicked in.”

Philomena, now calming down, tilted her head as if to ask what was Celestia teaching her. Twilight smiled and went into lecture mode as she said, “Well, it was a few days after my mentor went on an adventure with me when we were small..." she paused upon a weak squawk from the Phoenix who looked at her with confusion." Oh, right, you didn't have the opportunity to see us, but Princess Celestia and I have been adventuring a lot lately." Noticing phoenix's neck to tilt a bit, she added, "It started after I asked her to let me stay shrunken. The princess started to shrink herself almost everyday to play or train with me, something about seeing the world through my eyes..." Suddenly Philomena laughed, holding her one wing close to her mouth with another on her belly as if trying to restrain herself. Twilight had to grab her wing and pull her back before she could fall of the branch. After moment of waiting for her partner to calm down, Twilight continued, "As I was saying... ponies often underestimate me because of my size, so Celestia teaches me a few survival skills, for example: how to play dead if I'm ever in trouble and my magic can't help me."

Philomena nodded, though still resisting urge to laugh at the mental image of her owner at such miniature size. Philomena turned her head and pointed her wing towards another target, or rather, a target and his friends. They were all sitting around a table and talking to one another with their usual snooty accents while a waiter made his way towards them, a cake on elegant tray levitating in front of his head. Like everything with nobles, it was overly decorated with multiple layers of frosting in various designs. The dessert even had jewels on it. Twilight’s eyes lit up and she quickly smirked. “I got just an idea.”

In a flash, the tiny unicorn had teleported herself over the cake and landed on it with a weak thump. Philomena watched with interest as Twilight dug deep into it. The waiter didn’t notice this and continued making his way to the seat where he greeted the party and presented them the dessert. The group of nobles was ready to feast when, in a flash of purple light, the cake suddenly burst. Everypony around the table, including the waiter, screamed as chunks of the cake splattered all over their clothes,. Even their faces were not spared from wearing the creamy make up. The nobles screamed either in anger or horror at the fact that their get ups were completely ruined; some of them had even fainted. Funnily enough most of them were stallions.

Philomena was cackling like a hyena, ignoring Twilight who blinked back to the tree, covered in cake herself but in much more joyful spirits then the nobles were. Twilight even took a chunk of the cake off her mane and put it in her mouth before licking her lips with pleasure. “Mmmm, I taste good.”

The two of them sat down on the branch and enjoyed the show as the cream and cake covered nobles argued with one another, at least until owner of the restaurant interfered. Yelled upon, the nobles left in a huff with their noses held high. Twilight chuckled, taking pleasure at the sight of those snooty jerks being talked to for a change. Raising her head she looked at the sun in the sky, only for her eyes to widen. "Oh shoot, we need to hurry before Fancy Pants leaves his residence!"

Twilight was about to jump to the next branch below them, but stopped herself as an evil grin stretched across her face. “But before I go. A little illusion spell for some lasting effect.”

Twilight’s horn glowed a large aura and immediately a bunch of horrific cries rang out in the streets. Philomena was really starting to like this side of the tiny unicorn. With a few illusion spells she had made everypony in the area believe that the entire wardrobe and mane style of at least a dozen nobles had changed into embarrassing clothes. Those whose outfits had been changed were running around like headless chickens, trying to cover themselves up from embarrassment. There was a lady dressed like a clown, a stallion who suddenly was bald, and one mare who was running around in a bikini.

Philomena turned to a grinning Twilight, who was covered in sweat and leftovers of the cream. “It will only last for a few minutes. But I imagine the papers printing this story will be out sooner. Now let’s go!”

Twilight flexed her legs and waited until Philomena spread her wings and launched into air. With one solid jump she landed on the Phoenix’s back who dashed towards their next destination.

***

“So let me make sure I understand you two, officers...,” asked a noblestallion by the name of ‘Top Hat’, who was a brown earth pony that was well known for carrying such a signature item. However, if any of his colleagues were to look at him now, they would be stunned and confused as to why he was dressed up like a mime. “You say I have an assassin after me and the only way I can stay safe is by playing as a mime in the open?”

“Yes, sir,” said Steel Blade in the most serious tone he could manage. Both he and Overwatch were dressed in their uniforms, and Spike was right behind them with a scroll in his hands. Overwatch quickly summoned it while showing it to the noble quickly before he could get a good chance to read it. “Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor himself recommends this strategy while our forces try to route out the assassin. For now, we’re spreading rumors that you’ve gone to see a sick relative out in the country. We suggest you to keep up the mime act and use the money you earn to stay at a cheap hotel. Going to your mansion could be dangerous unless you want to end up sleeping six feet under.”

“And I suggest staying silent like you’re suppose to be, Mr. Mime,” hinted Overwatch.

The noble grumbled to himself before turning back to the growing crowd as he did his best to fool the tourist that he was, indeed, a mime. Steel Blade, Overwatch, and Spike all continued wearing their serious expressions until they were out of sight of the noble. Once they were safe, they felt free to let out a few laughs “How long do you think he’ll keep doing that before he realizes there is no assassin?” asked Spike, claw covering his smirking mouth.

“I give him a few hours,” commented Overwatch who high hoofed her partner. “I can’t think of anything better than pranking nobles. Can you?”

“The circus maybe. I just love the taste of candy-floss. Plus clowns and acrobats are so entertaining,” answered Steel Blade as the three of them wandered into the market district. “That makes nine targets for yours truly. I think it’s safe to say that we’ve caught up to Twilight and jumped right into the lead.”

Spike’s eyes widened as he pulled both tails of his pony friends and pointed to the commotion in the center. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

Both guards looked towards the where the dragon was pointing, and their jaws dropped at the chaos they saw. Nobles were running around in fright, wearing outlandish dresses from chicken outfits to more provoking ones. Another group was covered in cake and was protesting outside of a restaurant. And there was this one mare who was scratching her rump against a tree over and over again.

“Twilight?” asked Steel Blade with a whimper.

“Twilight,” answered Spike and Overwatch at the same time.

***

Inside a spacious and well decorated mansion, two sets of parents were enjoying their time together, talking about their experiences raising children that had both been blessings and curses at the same time. Of course, if there was one thing all parents liked to do when their children weren’t present, it was talking about them. Specifically, the embarrassing moments, scrap books in their hooves.

“Really, Shining Armor didn’t stop wearing those knight PJ’s until he was fourteen?” laughed Fancy Pants as he struggled to keep his tea cup still.

Twilight Velvet grinned, remembering all the times she had watched her son roleplay as a knight trying to save his younger sister. “Oh yes, I spent a fortune on laundry detergent to get rid of the ketchup from his monster slaying.”

“That’s nothing. It took us ages to finally teach White Path to eat with his mouth closed,” moaned Fleur, rolling her eyes. “Of course he still does it from time to time, but he’s improving.”

After accepting a custard pastry from Fancy, Night Light leaned back on the comfy couch next to his wife as they looked around the living room of the most noble of all unicorns. He had to admit, he never thought he would see himself hanging out at one of these mansions. His poker buddies were always impressed by how he had such good fortune ever since Twilight became Celestia’s student. Still, none of these connections compared to how happy his tiny filly was despite the risks she always faced.

“Thanks again for inviting us. It’s nice to catch up with friends every so often,” said Night Light, taking a bite out of his pastry. He stopped eating the moment he saw the confused look on his hosts faces.

“Invite you? My dear fellow, you said you were coming over for a visit. We never sent any invitation,” commented Fancy Pants.

Both Sparkles looked at each other before Velvet pointed out, “But.. we just got a letter this morning...”

“Actually, that was from me.”

Everypony turned around and saw White Path stroll in, but it wasn’t him who said anything. It was the tiny unicorn perched on his head. Above their heads, Twilight was levitating a scroll. White Path soon sat down across from the adults while Twilight jumped down and landed on the table in front of him. In an unexpected move, the colt lowered his nose and, quite affectionately, nuzzled Twilight who cooed upon feeling his touch. The grown-ups blinked in surprise.

Twilight’s father raised an eyebrow while asking, “Um, Twilight? Not that we are not glad to see you, but why did you call all four of us here?”

Twilight bit her lip and looked down with a blush on her cheeks before White Path carefully patted her on the back and looked at her with caring eyes. She smiled at him and nodded before clearing her throat. “Mom and Dad? Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis? As you know, ever since that encounter years ago when Fleur helped me back when I was scared and lost somewhere in Canterlot, our two families have grown very close. We’ve had a lot of good memories and our friendship is strong and firm,” Twilight said as her smile widened. “Princess Celestia thinks that it’s in both our and Equestria’s best interests to strengthen the bonds between our families and so she’s decided to enact an old law.”

Avoiding looking at her parents’ faces, Twilight unrolled the scroll and read it out loud. “I, Princess Celestia, Sovereign of Equestria, have decided to enact an old marriage law between the two heirs of House Sparkle and House Fancy. From this day forward their friendship shall now turn into family and be one house by blood. On the day of his eighteenth birthday, White Path, son of Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis, shall marry Twilight Sparkle, daughter of Night Light and Twilight Velvet, and together their union shall be stronger than ever.”

Sillence penetrated the room. Only the ticking of the clock was heard in the background. At least until tea cups crashed onto the floor as four voices shouted out at once.

“WWWWHHHHHAAAATTTT?!”

"Ow!" Twilight scowled as the strength of combined shout pushed her off the table, slamming against the belly of the colt who caught her just in time between his hooves. With shake of her head and buzzing sound in her ears, she shouted, "Careful on the ears!" while quickly holding them down.

“Twilight! Tell me you're joking!” shouted Velvet as she snatched up the decree with her own magic and read it, her mouth dropping lower with each sentence. Once she’d finished she looked at the other adults in the room. “But she... she can’t do this! Can she?!”

“Actually, in the old days, Princess Celestia would often join houses that she felt would benefit with one another. I mean, she hasn’t done it in two hundred years but still...”

“Not helping, Twilight!” growled her mother.

Fancy Pants raised an eyebrow and looked at both his son and so called “daughter-in-law” before looking at a calendar nearby. His monocle almost popped out of his eye before he gave a sly grin to the two, winked at them and turned to Night Light who was holding his hoof against his chest as if he was about to have a heart attack. “Well, Night Light, looks like you and me are going to become brothers. I must say, it will be nice to know that my son is going to be well in your daughter’s hooves.” After a closer look, he chunkled and added, "Or should I say, she would be in our son's hooves."

All the other adults stared at him as if he had lost his mind. Fleur was ready to slap him as she screamed, “Are you mad, Fancy?! My little boy is only fifteen years old! He can’t marry at that age!”

“Now, now, dear,” answered Fancy, stroking her mane. “Remember? It said when our son reaches at the proper age of eighteen. And doesn’t it look like our White Path is smitten already?”

Fleur looked at her young colt who was blushing and showing Twilight a certain warmth in his eyes while pressing her lightly against his soft embrace, which made her wonder if the crush her son had on the older mare was indeed a honest one. “Mom, Dad. I know this is rushed, but Twilight and I have always felt there was something special between the two of us. I don’t know if this is love or not, but I want to take care of her and I’ll do my best to make her happy on our big day.”

“Oh, White Path,” cooed Twilight as she hugged his hoof and nuzzled it.

“Besides,” said Fancy Pants, whispering into his wife’s ears. “Think of the wedding dress you can put on Twilight when she becomes your daughter-in-law. Imagine how cute she would look.”

Fleur's eyes lit up like flashlights as dozens of designs, each cuter than the last, began popping up in her head. From warm and soft winter shoes and scarf to a thin and elegant ballet costume, maybe a hat with cat, no, bunny ears which would look wonderful alongside a little work on that tiny mane and tail of hers. “W-well, if the princess demands it...”

“You can’t be serious! Twilight’s too young or old or whatever to be marrying your son! Do they even understand what they are getting themselves into!?” cried out Velvet who growled as her eye twitched, and her tail and mane turned into a frizzled mess. She approached the pair and lowered herself slightly, looking first at Twilight and next towards White Path, "How do you both even imagine to dating one another? With the size difference and all?"

Night Light nodded his head and added, "Yeah, eating in a restaurant will be very awkward." His eyes focused on White Path, "And what if you take our daughter to a cinema or theatre and sit on her in the darkened room by accident."

White Path blushed and covered his face with a hoof, "Awww... but I already apologized for that, it won't happen again. I promise."

Night Light and Velvet blinked as their daughter, still held between a hoof and colt's belly said, "And I’ve forgiven him." Twilight looked at Fleur and scratched her neck nervously, "And to be honest, your son wasn't that hard to levitate off me."

Twilight Velvet stomped her hoof against the floor and frowned, "That's it, I'm going to find Princess Celestia and give her a piece of my mind! Control my daughter's love life? Dating at such young age! I am going to... what's so funny? I'm being serious!"

She stopped the moment she noticed both Twilight and White Path snorting before they let out a bellow of laughter. The colt fell on his back and slammed his hooves against the floor while Twilight was pounding his belly and laughing. Fancy Pants joined in as well, though without breaking his regal composure. The remaining clueless ponies were confused about what was going on until they saw Fancy point to the calendar. They turned around and noticed what day it was. The realization of what had happened kicked in quickly.

Fleur started giggling alongside her husband while Twilight Velvet sighed in relief, looking a few years older than she already was. Twilight teleported to the nearby coffee table and lowered her head in front of her mother. “I’m sorry I pranked you, Mom. But it’s a long story and... well... I hope you’re not mad.”

Velvet sighed and took her daughter in her hooves before nuzzling her. “No, Twilight, I’m not mad. More like relieved. I don’t want you to think of stallions until you're a bit older.”

Twilight smiled before turning to her father. “And you, Dad? Did I get you good?”

He didn’t answer as he was lying on the couch, unconscious with his tongue hanging out.

Part 3

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Inside the halls of Canterlot General Hospital, nurses and patients were forced to jump out of the way as a team of midwives and a unicorn doctor were rushing a new patient into one of the maternity wards. Overwatch screamed and held on to her stomach like it was ready to burst. Steel Blade, trying to sooth his partner, wrapped a wing around her only for her to crush with her hooves as she screamed again.

The doctor, Scalpel, looked at the two of them and sighed in annoyance. “When you told me that this was an emergency, this isn’t what I was expecting. I’m Twilight’s personal doctor, not a midwife!”

“Less talking and more delivering please!” cried out Steel Blade, wincing as he pulled back his crushing wing.

The doctor and his staff managed to finally guide the patient into one of the free rooms and got to work. The nurses quickly sterilized the room while encouraging Overwatch to breath in an out. She did as she was told while glaring at Steel Blade and growled, “Steely, if you ever get me pregnant again, I will rip your little sword out from between your legs and shove it straight up your flank hole!”

Steel Blade paled, but Dr. Scalpel put his hoof on his shoulder. “Relax, Steel. This sort of thing is normal for a mare when she is in labor. In a few moments, she’ll be cooing over her newborn foal.”

The doctor got to work setting up the stirrups to hoist her rear legs. Steel quickly got to his partner’s side as she looked at him, teary eyed and asked, “Is this really happening? Are we... are we gonna be parents?”

Steel smiled back at her and wiped the tears from her eyes. “It is, we’re gonna be good parents. I know we’re not married or anything like that, but I promise you I’ll get a ring and do this right.”

“Oh, Steely...” whispered Overwatch as she nuzzled her beloved.

The nurses looked at each other and smiled. This was the part of their jobs they loved so much. Helping ponies in love bring a miracle into the world. Each of them swore to make sure that everything went right with this pregnancy and that they had a beautiful filly or colt. Their thoughts of happiness were soon put aside when the mother started screaming like a banshee all over again. Dr. Scalpel said it was time and got between Overwatch’s legs, his head covered by the blanket placed between them.

“I can see the head! Everypony get ready!” he looked up at Overwatch and said, “Overwatch! Push now!”

“Unnnnggghhh!” Overwatch’s face turned red as every muscle in her body pushed down, forcing the foal inside of her to come out. The nurses all stood ready with their tools in case things, Celestia forbid, went wrong while they had a blanket and small tub of water ready to clean the foal.

Minutes passed with Overwatch pushing as everypony encouraged her to hold on and do her best. Dr. Scalpel occasionally asked for a tool to help with the pregnancy, but made sure to keep his work secret from his staff; many of whom were wondering why he was being so secretive and refusing to ask for any help.

Finally, Dr. Scalpel joyfully shouted, “It’s almost out! One more push!”

“Gaaaaaahhh!” cried out Overwatch before she fell back on her pillow, relief on her face as her tears mixed with the sweat upon her face.

A wailing cry was heard as the nurses smiled and nodded to each other for another job well done; one of them was even sniffling as a tear dropped from her cheek. Dr. Scalpel came out and smiled, looking at the little creature in his hooves. “Congratulations. He’s a healthy drake!”

Each of the nurse’s eyes lit up as they slowly turned to the doctor. What did he just say?

Their mouths dropped as Dr. Scalpel turned around and revealed to them that their patient had just given birth to an actual baby dragon, and quite a big one too. The purple and green young one cried and squirmed in the arms of his deliver, covered in red juice. Dr. Scalpel turned to the nurse holding the blanket and snapped her back into reality. She nervously gave the blanket to the doctor who wrapped the sleeping baby dragon and cradled him. None of the nurses took their disbelieving eyes of the drake even after he was given to his ‘parents’; neither of whom was stunned by this revelation.

“He’s so beautiful... what will we call him?” asked Steel Blade, looking at his son.

“Spike. After his grandfather,” answered Overwatch which only raised more questions for the nurses who felt that everything they learned in school had suddenly been thrown out the door with a kick to the rear.

Dr. Scalpel turned to his assistants and said, “I’ll handle things from here. You five go and take a breather. I’m sure this sort of thing is something that you don’t see often.”

That was a statement the nurses had to nod their heads at. One by one they all left, glancing at the baby dragon one last time before the door closed. The three remaining ponies along with the one dragon in the room waited a few minutes until the four of them unleashed their laughter all at once. Spike got out of the ‘loving hooves’ of his ‘mother’ until he landed on the bed and banged his claw on the sheets before using them to wipe the tomato juice off. “That was awesome! Did you see the looks on their faces?! I thought they were gonna smack themselves silly when they saw me!”

“And you were quite the little ‘baby’ I might add,” commented Steel Blade, earning a glare from Spike but it was quickly replaced with a smirk.

“Well, when are you gonna give your little ‘marefriend’ a ring? Should I tell Twilight the good news?”

Overwatch snorted. “This guy and me? Yeah right, that’s like seeing Blueblood and Shining Armor getting hitched in Las Pegasus. Impossible.”

“Not if we get them drunk enough,” pointed out Steel Blade, before turning to Dr. Scalpel. “I’m surprised you were willing to go through with this prank, Doc. Don’t tell me it was getting a chance to see Overwatch’s backside without a real foal popping out.”

Dr. Scalpel chuckled. “First off, your partner covered herself with her tail. Second, I work in a hospital taking care of the sick and dying. A little humor is much appreciated for me. Although, I do wonder how long it will take my nurses to realize that it was all a prank.”

“Give them a day or two,” said Overwatch, getting of the bed, wincing as she put use to her rear legs once more. “Ugh, how do mothers get used to those stirrups? My legs feel like they’re on fire.”

“Well, put some energy into them. We need to get to park for our next prank,” said Steel Blade, grinning.

“Who's next?” asked Spike.

“Why, our favorite loving couple of course.”

***

Said loving couple was currently enjoying their day off from their duties with each other in North Canterlot Park. They were having a great time walking in the bright sunny weather, watching little ponies play, sneaking a nuzzle or kiss here or there. And of course doing a little bit of pranking.

It was the holiday after all.

Shining Armor and Cadence, disguised as a normal unicorn yet looking like her usual self, giggled as they levitated some bird seed near a stallion sleeping on a bench with a newspaper on his face. Soon enough, pigeons flocked to the bird seed in rapid numbers. The poor stallion was soon running away with the hungry birds pecking at him in all directions.

“You know, I feel kind of bad for him,” said Cadence as they continued their walk.

“Oh, relax Cadence. It’s all in the spirit of fun,” reassured Shining Armor, nuzzling his marefriend before noticing a flower stand nearby. An idea to cheer up the disguised alicorn quickly came to him as he walked over to the stand and began looking for the perfect flower.

“Can I help you with something, sir?” asked the earth pony behind the counter.

“Got anything I could give to my special somepony over there?” asked Shining, nodding over to Cadence who was looking up at a butterfly sitting on her nose.

The flower vendor smiled and picked out a violet from a patch he had, letting Shining take it with his telekinesis. “Here you go. Free of charge.”

“Wow, thanks!” said Shining as he galloped back where Cadence was sitting on her haunches, her foreleg straightened as few bird eating seeds she fed them with help of her telekinesis. Her attention switched to flower Shining levitated, and a deep red blush spreading across her face.

With the flower presented to her, Cadence took it with her own magic and sniffed it, sighing in comfort over the smell. “Oh, Shining. You didn’t need... to... to...” her nose started to twitch as she felt a sneeze coming on. “Ah... ah... ahchoo!”

Upon sneezing, white powder shot out from the flower and landed on Shining’s face, and soon he started sneezing as well. However, Cadence, thanks to her magic, resisted the effect of the itching powder, though the same could not be said for Shining Armor who continued to sneeze and turn red like he had caught a bad cold.

Glancing over at the vendor, Cadence could see him laughing at their misfortune, she took a step back as realization struck her. Glaring at the earth pony, Cadence soon sported a devilish smirk as a plan to get vengence appeared in her mind. She told Shining to head to a nearby fountain and drink some water while she went back towards the vender who was looking at her, nervously.

Faking a cheerful smile, she said, “Oh that was hilarious. You really got us good, mister.”

“O-oh?” said the vendor, who started to relax a bit more. “Y-you liked the prank?”

“Oh course. It’s April Foals Day after all, we should all get pranked once in awhile,” assured Cadence, as she leaned against the counter and relaxed her eyes into a very sultry look. She slowly took her left hoof and slid it down his neck, making his face turn very red. “So tell me... how did a smart, handsome earth pony such as yourself make these?”

Her charm worked as the vendor babbled on about his prank, completely missing Cadence igniting her horn and lifting out a special potion she had been working on with Twilight out of her saddlebags. With the earth pony’s eye closed while he continued bragging, the disguised alicorn opened the bottle and poured the liquid onto the flowers with gusto. When it was empty, Cadence faked a cough and said, “Oh forgive me. I seem to be still feeling it’s effects. I need to go powder up now, but thank you for the conversation.”

“Y-you’re welcome!”

Cadence gave him a wink before she walked back towards her previous spot where Shining Armor was arriving himself. Noticing his marefriend coming back from the vendor, he quickly asked, “Did you get back at him?”

Cadence only smiled. “Just wait and see.”

Shining Armor looked back, noticing a new couple come towards the flower stand to see it’s wares. Suddenly, the couple and the owner flinched when one of the flowers started coughing and changing color. Soon another joined in, then another, and another, only for an entire array of flowers to turn into one big coughing mess.

The couple looked at the vendor in disgust before walking away, others nearby covering their mouths while fleeing the scene. Cadence and Shining Armor were the only ones laughing as the vendor was panicking over the apparent curse of his plants. Kissing Cadence on the cheek, Shining asked, “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

“Not enough,” said Cadence, grinning as a small bag of bits levitated towards the ventor. Prank or not, she didn't want to hurt any pony's business just for a laugh. "But it's always nice to hear.”

With their little revenge prank taken care off, Cadence was guided by Shining Armor towards a small clearing in the park where, lo and behold, there was a picnic basket and blanket all set up for them. Cadence rewarded her special somepony with a kiss while Shining Armor made sure to reward the guard who he asked to do this with free drinks at the bar next time. The two sat down and were prepared to open the basket when a familiar voice reached their ears. “Hey, you two!”

They turned toward the end of their blanket where they saw a familiar unicorn smiling at them. “Surprised?”

“Twiny? What are you doing here?” asked Shining Armor, raising his eyebrow.

“Well, it was such a great day outside that I decided I wanted to get out a bit,” explained Twilight, sniffing the fresh air. Unbeknownst to the two taller ponies, Philomena was already stealthily landing behind them and entering their picnic basket with a purple potion vial in her talons. With a small pop of the cork, she started pouring the potion into the grape juice inside. Remembering her role, Twilight continued, “And before you ask, no, I’m not alone. Steely, Overwatch, and Spike are playing hide and seek with me. I’m currently looking for that young dragon of mine, have you seen him?”

“Nope, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye out,” said Cadence, smiling as a cookie levitated towards the little unicorn, shrouded in a blue aura. Twilight grabbed the cookie eagerly between her hooves. “Now if you don’t mind, Twilight, your brother and I would like a bit of privacy.”

After the last of the potion had been dumped, Philomena nodded and flew away as swift as she could. The two lovers looked up, ears searching for the strange sound they heard, but shrugged, assuming it was some bird or another. With the prank all set, Twilight quickly said, “Well, I must be going. I’m sure you have a lot to do. Just don’t do anything that would make Mom and Dad disapprove, bye!”

A quick teleport later and the tiny unicorn was gone. Cadence stared at the spot where Twilight was previously in hesitation before turning to her special somepony. “Did Twilight... seem a bit odd?”

Shining shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t think it’s a big deal. Come on, let’s eat.”

***

Twilight blinked onto the branch where Philomena was waiting for her. The two of them smirked and sat down to observe the fruits of their labor. It started slow at first, the two were just eating a bit, feeding each other and doing the occasional kiss in the neck. Then Cadence poured the grape juice and the two were quickly gulping it down.

“Now we watch the fun,” said Twilight.

***

“Cadence... do you feel... funny?” asked Shining Armor, holding his growling stomach.

“What do you.... mean... ugh,” groaned Cadence before her hoof rushed to her stomach as well.

The two of them winced and closed their eyes as an odd unpleasant sensation overtook them, their bodies glowing. Slowly, their features began to change shape as Cadence’s mane shortened, and complexion changed. Shining Armor also began to feel the same effects but in reverse as he began to feel thinner. His muzzle grew shorter and rounder while he felt his mane growing longer. Finally, the change stopped and the two of them groaned.

“Ugh, what happened?” asked Shining Armor, who sounded more high pitched. “And why does my voice sound... sound...”

He looked up and his eyes widened in shock, jaw dropping to the ground as his mind went completely blank by what he was seeing. He had seen so many weird things in his life, such as his sister being the size of a mouse. But this... took the cake.

“Honey? What’s wrong, why are you... you...” Cadence blinked a few times before pointing at Shining Armor and shrieked, “Why are you a mare?!”

“I’m a what?!” shouted Shining Armor as he grabbed a glass plate and looked at himself, or rather, herself. She gasped upon seeing her new feminine features and turned even whiter than normal. “I’m a mare... and you’re... you’re a....”

Now it was Cadence’s turn to slowly become pale. Gulping, she reached down between her rear legs and her eyes widened at the feeling of what she... he had felt. A thousand thoughts went through their minds as they realized that this was a prank, a very good and embarrassing prank. The now male alicorn sighed while her illusion kept her wings hidden despite the transformation, only to move a hoof towards her lips and chuckle. Shining looked at her, blinking in confusion as Cadence looked back at him with an amused smile. She had temporarily disguised herself under illusion of a stallion once or twice at some point, but it was first time her physical features changed like that, an interesting prank indeed. “Guess who had pranked us, dear, you have three chances.”

Shining Armor blinked few times, thinking deeply, only for his face to turn red as Cadence just giggled, he sure looked cute when angry in a female body.

“TWILIGHT!”

***

“I am going to kill her,” announced Shining Armor as he, now she, stomped through the park, horn glowing and ready to catch anything that moved, already capturing three lavender birds by accident.

“Oh… then I will need to resurrect her, luckily I’ve worked on my healing magic ever since I became your sister’s foalsitter,” Cadence replied while trailing behind his marefriend.

“Then I will just kill her again for this, or at least ground her, I am her older bro… sister, and changing the gender of a family member deserves a solid spanking.”

The two had spend nearly half an hour searching for the tiny unicorn, but with the park so big and Twilight being a master at hide and seek, it was going to take a long time before they found their prankster.

“I can’t believe she even pranked us! I didn’t even know she celebrated April Foals Day!” shouted Shining Armor. If any of the guards saw her now, her reputation was all but gone. Her stallionhood would be questioned. She’d be a laughing stock for the rest of her career.

“She doesn’t, which is why this is a surprise for me as well,” commented Cadence, quite impressed by her little progress in potion making. “But don’t worry, we’re going to prank her back. Just keep following the tracks filled by pranked ponies and we will find her.”

Shining Armor look back at his...her coltfriend with a sharp face expression, “And why are you so relaxed about this? She changed our genders for crying out loud, is this even legal?”

Cadence giggled, “Well, it is not the weirdest thing that happened to me in past millennium, and besides, the effect of the potion is just tempor–” he stopped, his fore-legs crossed.

“Is… something the matter?” Shining Armor asked, clearly worried as she turned and approached Cadence, watching him cross his rear legs, “Are you not feeling well?”

Cadence blushed and smiled awkwardly, “Well… I was so caught up in this intense searching that I was holding.” Cadence bit his lips, “I… have to go.”

Shining Armor raised her eyebrow, “Let me quess, that grape juice we drank during the picnic…” she suddenly felt that her body also was telling her to release. Realizing there was no way out of this, she grabbed her coltfriend and dragged him to a nearby public restroom. “Look, let’s just do our business and get back to finding my sister as long as trail is fresh. Okay?”

Cadence nodded as he separated and approached a female’s section while Shining went into the stallion's one. Her eyes focusing on several doors leading to a blissful location where kings fulfilled their most important needs.

***

Shining’s hoof lifted towards the handle and pressed, but it didn’t budge. With a deep sigh, she walked to the left and pressed another handle, the same result as before. Sweat covered her face as her rear legs pressed harder, she jumped to the last door, her hoof trembling as it touched the metal’s surface. Carefully pressing against it, she pulled, only for the door to not budge. She pulled harder, only for a terrifying word reach his ear, “Busy.”

Shining Armor started to jump in place on tip of her hooves, her thinner body much easier to balance as her rear legs were still awkwardly crossed. It was not bad enough that she was stuck in a female’s body, not bad enough that she held for half an hour during search for Twiny, but now this.

Can this get any worse, thought Shining as she kept dancing around, “Oh Celestia! I cannot hold it.” Her hoof slammed against the door as she added, “Let me in, it is an emergency!”

The door ticked and opened slowly as a familiar face of a guard meet Shining’s, one of the guard’s that helped him...her set up the picnic. He spoke, “Fine, fine, shhh, no need to scream like a mare…” his eyes widened, just as Shining’s as they looked into one another’s eyes. Shining’s face turned red like a potato, still standing on tips of her hooves while stuck in a female’s body while guard smirked. “Hey there lady, have you lost your way? Not that I mind if it mean meeting such a well-made wonderful mare,” he said while winking.

***

Cadence quickly realized he was in the wrong bathroom or rather in a right bathroom but with a wrong gender. Blush decorated his cheeks upon also realizing that he was, for all intents and purposes, a guy in a ladies room and it would be a nightmare if he was spotted.

The disguised alicorn turned around to leave when he suddenly froze at the sight of three mares entering who likewise froze upon seeing him. Nopony said a word as Cadence tried to clear his throat. “Um... this is a misunderstanding...”

“Pervert! Get him!” screamed one of the mares.

“No! Wait! I’m a gggaaaahhh!” cried Cadence as the mares came down upon him like a pack of furies. He tried to speak, but whatever word left his mouth was met by a hoof or mare’s weight striking against his face. With diplomacy out of question there was just one last option. If those mares wanted a cat fight, they were getting one.

***

Shining Armor walked out of the bathroom, wiping the small drops of blood off her hooves while looking back at the damage she had done to her fellow guard. She would make it up to him later. The guard’s captain turned towards the ladies room, only for Cadence coming through the door to catch his attention: his body covered with brushes and face decorated with hoof prints. The two looked at each other and stared in awkward silence while their brains searched for words to say.

“I saw nothing, you saw nothing, agreed?” asked Shining Armor.

“Agreed,” replied Cadence as the two switched rooms.

***

With their rather memorable business done, the gender changed couple was once again on the hunt for their shrunken prankster. High and low they searched from one end of the park to the next. The little distraction in the bathroom caused them to lose the track of the tiny mare. The two decided that it was probably best to split up and at the moment. Shining Armor was looking through the bushes for her sister.

I still can’t believe Twiny managed to pull one over me. Prank or not, she’s so going to get one coming to her when I find her... IF I find her... thought Shining Armor. She really hoped that Cadence was right and that whatever potion or spell Twilight put on them would wear off sooner or later, or else it was going to be her in the dress, should she and Cadence ever get married

It didn’t help the fact that everywhere she went, stallions were giving her leery looks or whistled at her when they thought she wasn’t looking. It took all her willpower not to kick their flanks like she did to her own guard, who hopefully wouldn’t make any connections the next time they saw each other.

Her thoughts were interrupted the moment she saw three stallions, all unicorns, walk up to her with big smiles on their faces. Shining Armor groaned. Here we go again. I don’t know if I should be annoyed or flattered at this point that I look good as a mare.

“Hey there missy,” said one in the middle, looking at Shining Armor and winking. “What’s a cute mare like you doing around here? Lost? Or looking for some excitement?”

“If you're lonely, we could accompany you,” suggested the stallion on the right.

Shining Armor released a deep sigh before answering, “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not interested and I happen to be doing something important so if you don’t mind, I’d like to be on my way.”

She tried to leave, but the stallion in the center stopped her with his hoof, earning another glare. Despite this, the stallion didn’t seem to worried. “Come on, don’t you want to hang out with a bunch of handsome guys like us? We’re not gonna hurt you or anything, we just want to get to know you more.”

Shining, tired of all these games, pushed the foreleg out of the way and said, “Listen! I am not interested and I am not some naive mare you can bend over and buck. I’m busy and I want to be left alone. Besides, I have a marefriend!”

The three stallion's eyes widened at the last word and all three rubbed their necks in embarrassment. The one on the left sighed and shook his head. “Why is it always the pretty ones? Seriously?”

“I know right?” said the one in the middle who sighed as well, looking at the mare with disappointment. “Look, we’re sorry if we bothered you. We’ll just be leaving now.”

Shining Armor smiled in triumph as she watched the three walk way... it was only when they were out of sight did she realized what she just said and implied. “Wait! I-I didn’t mean... I’m not a... and she’s a he or really he’s a she and... I’m not I’m... well... ah buck it.”

Kicking the dirt, she lowered her head in defeat and made her way back to where she and Cadence were suppose to met.

***

Once refreshed and finished with cleaning his bruises, Cadence continued the search for his little charge, thinking how just a few years ago she treated Twilight like the most vulnerable, harmless and innocent filly ever. Now? She was a tiny unicorn who could match any magic user and had managed to create a powerful potion to bypass his resistance to change Cadence’s gender. Oh yeah, ‘harmless’.

Cadence’s attention quickly focused on three familiar mares whose fur was a mess while the marks from their fight hidden under some solid makeup and few bandages. Despite letting himself get hit a few times, he’d made sure to get a few strikes of his own. The mares quickly stepped out of the way, observing his every move. Cadence chuckled, his rather relaxing and peaceful date in the park turned into quite exciting one. He could hardly remembered how many centuries had passed since his last struggle against other mares. Upon hearing them sneaking up on him, he thought, Maybe I shouldn’t be so harsh on them, it was a misunderstanding after all… on the other hoof, those three sure needed a lesson not to jump to conclusions… and onto stallions.

Cadence’s ear perked upwards upon hearing a noise in the bush. Wasting no time, he galloped as his horn lit, only for a blue barrier to form around it, himself and an anti-teleportation rune under his hooves. Not even a talented mare like Twilight would be able to get out of here. With firm move of his hoof, he rubbed the leaves, “You can come out, Twilight, I found you.” Noticing the bush to tremble again, he added, “I am not mad, so please do not be afraid.”

The alicorn knelt, focusing upon… a pigeon. Cadence rolled his eyes as the bird walked onto her hoof, and moment later both of his shoulders and the head served as a seat for several birds, the barrier no longer in place.

“Impressive spellcasting,” a voice called from distance. Cadence turned his head to the source, only to meet a female earth pony with two leafs and a branch as cutie mark. “Not many unicorns are capable to cast such an advanced spell. Are you working as a royal guard under Captain Shining Armor?”

Cadence blinked, searching for a correct words to answer. He rubbed his foreleg and answered, “You could say that…”

“Oh, and a nature lover as well,” the mare spoke again, her hoof pointing at the birds sitting on him. A few mice and a bunny also now stood next to his hoof, attracted by his gentle nature. “And you are very handsome nevertheless.”

“T-thanks…” Cadence scratched his back. “May I ask who I am talking with, more or less why you want to ask about my… Captain.”

The mare jumped forward, looking up at him, her eyes filled with expectation like that of a young school-filly learning she scored top on her finals. “The name is Garden Leaf, and I am not here to ask about your captain, I am here to learn more about,” her hoof straightened and touched Cadence’s chest lightly, “You.”

Cadence stepped back before a relaxed smile appeared on his face, “Really. And what’s so special about me. Just an ordinary unicorn stallion playing with some animals in the park.”

“And a modest one,” the mare added before moving uncomfortably close to Cadence, her elbow poking the disguised alicorn while a duck faced expression appeared on her features. “I was searching for a lonely stallion to hit on, and you are the hottest one around, not to mention quite talented with magic. It’s such a crime for you to be without a partner, and I am the cop who is going to arrest and interrogate you. First question, what’s your favorite flower?”

Cadence giggled. He was always a magnet for stallions for over a millennium as a mare as his special talent was love itself, and now he found out that he could be attractive for mares as well. If he was stuck in stallion’s body, he may as well have some fun with it.

***

Shining Armor walked towards the picnic, her hooves firmly stepping against the ground until a familiar shape… surrounded by many unfamiliar shapes to capture her attention. She galloped in an instant, only to hide and peek out from behind a tree, her eyes open wide, her mouth agape. Cadence was sitting on a picnic carpet, eating a hay sandwich, surrounded by at least five mares. Should she be angry or jealous? They were mares after all, but a part of her felt betrayed. Suddenly she noticed a hoof gesture towards her, only for the loud voice of Cadence to call for her.

Ears flat against her lowered head, Shining came out from her hiding spot and approached her special somepony. The moment her hoof made contact with the carpet, she lifted her head, giving Cadence a betrayed glare, only to blink rapidly at the sight of female related magazines lying between the food while her special somepony was giving the other mare a makeup.

“You’re one lucky mare,” one of the other mares spoke, and before Shining could see which one, another one poked her in the foreleg.

“Scoring the most attractive stallion in Canterlot, I envy you so much.”

The mare whose face was covered in makeup as Cadence’s hooves did their work added, “Not to mention that he is as wonderful inside as outside.”

Cadence blushed, waving his hoof dismissively, “Stop it, you're embarrassing me, I really do not deserve all those compliments.”

“Nonsense,” an elegantly clothed mare stated. “You are a true gentle-stallion. Being polite, listening to mare’s problems, and trust me, it is rare to find a stallion who prefers to listen rather than speak.”

The mare with the stick and leaves as a cutie mark walked closer to Shining, examining her features. Shining just smiled awkwardly in return, “Hmn, not bad. Not the most attractive one, but way above average… hmn… you kind of look like the captain of the royal guards,” she took a closer look at Shining’s flank who quickly covered it with a hoof. “The same special talent, heh, are you at least half as good at magic as your special somepony though?” She poked Shining’s horn with a hoof, causing her to step back.

“H-hey...! Can someone explain to me what in the name of Celestia is going on in here?” Shining shouted, her hoof slamming against the dirt.

“Oh my, such temper,” the elegantly clothed one stated, her eyes half closed as she gave Shining a sly smile, her hoof pointing at the others. “It seems somepony is jealous, but worry not, we just had a casual talk about mare’s stuff. Your special somepony is still very loyal to you.”

The mare in front of Shining turned around, her tail touching her nose causing a sneeze. “Mr. Cadenzar just invited us for a small talk about the new fashion trends and shared some advice about how to keep your mane and fur in top shape. We didn’t do anything nasty.” With one gesture of her hoof, the group of mares stood, the magazines levitating or grabbed by their tails. “It was fun but time to leave. I am sure Mrs. Armorina would love to have her fine specimen of a stallion all to herself. Ciao.”

Shining Armor sat and stared stunned, speechless, and unblinking until the mares disappeared behind a line of trees, only for a burst of loud laughter to catch her attention. She looked at Cadence who pointed his hoof at her, “You should have seen the look on your face.”

Shining shook her head before chuckling, though the mere look at her facial expression would make one wonder if it was not a laugh of insanity. With hoof on her mouth, silencing her laughter, she spoke, “Cadenzar… Armorina, heh, I must say, from between us, you take your change of gender quite well.”

Cadence strutted in response, “Experience, my dear Armorina, experience.” With his nose touching Shining’s muzzle, he gave her a weak kiss on the cheek, “If there is one thing I learned over the centuries, it is that if somepony throws a lemon at you–” Cadence crossed her neck around Shining’s, “–make lemonade.”

Shining pressed her neck against the alicorn’s, “You sure are full of surprises.” She chuckled, “And it is not easy to impress you.”

Cadence pulled his marefriend to the picnic carpet, her foreleg’s against her neck. “Maybe… but the past few years have surprised me more than the centuries before it.” They kissed.

“Ahem!”

The couple quickly broke their kiss and turned around. Sitting there was the little unicorn they had spent nearly an hour and half looking for while next to her was none other than, to their surprise, Philomena who was waving at them.

The two looked at each other and nodded. They would do this politely, payback would come later.

Twilight giggled at the sight of her ‘big sister’ and foalsitter looking at her while she was perched on top of the closed food basket. “So guys, how was it walking in each other’s horseshoes?”

“Twiny, I will admit, this was a good prank,” said Shining Armor, rubbing her temple. “But please, for the love of Celestia! Tell me there is an antidote. I don’t want to explain to my guards why I suddenly can’t attend the showers with most of them anymore.”

“I must agree with Armorina," Cadence suppressed his grin while Shining just frowned at that nickname, "I do not want to wait hours or even days for the spell to wear off."

Twilight nodded and jumped of the basket as it opened, two green potion bottles levitating out of it. Before she could say a word, the pair grabbed them and drank quickly. The familiar awkward rumbles in their stomach started up again as the two closed their eyes while the glow returned and covered their forms. When it was over, the two looked at each other and gasped in relief upon seeing their genders returned back to normal. Shining Armor rubbed his muscular physique and sighed in relief. “Oh, am I glad to be male again.”

Cadence, wanting answers, turned to her charge and asked, “How did you make that potion anyway? I never taught you it, and I doubt auntie would.”

“Philomena remembered seeing it one time and directed me to it in a book,” proclaimed Twilight, proudly as Cadence raised an eyebrow. She, her auntie, and the mischievous bird were going to have a private talk about the existence of such potion, a potion that the sneaky phoenix just happened to see. The princess sure would be interested in her innocent student's side education as well as have some explaining to do. Although the image of a male alicorn with a sun cutie mark quickly haunted her mind and made her chuckle.

Both Shining Armor and Cadence looked at each other and grinned which made Twilight gulp. “You do realize, Twilight,” said Cadence, charging her horn, “That since you played a prank on us, we’re free to do the same to you.”

“Yup, and I have a few good ones in mind,” said Shining Armor.

Twilight lowered her head and submitted to her fate as she wondered what kind of prank her brother and foal-sitter would do: would she be put inside a hay-sandwich as jokes how tasty she looks follow, would she be forced to take a bath in itching powder, maybe a gravity spell or glue and a rock on her back would weigh on her for next few hours... not that she would mind that last one. Much to her surprise, she noticed the shadow of Phoenix got between the two of them, a sinister smile on her face. The two older ponies looked at her with raised eyebrows until she pulled out a photo that made them gasp.

Twilight walked over to take a look, only for Philomena to drop the pictures onto the blanket: pictures of Cadence and Shining Armor during their picnic before and after their transformation as well as pictures showing their most embarrassing moments. Twilight rubbed her eyes as if not believing what she saw. Shining Armor covered his face with a hoof at the scene when his hoof meet guard’s face. Cadence rolled her eyes at the scene of her fight against three mares inside public bathroom, only to giggle at the idea if it took place in a swamp as mud cover their bodies. She glanced at the Phoenix with a raised eyebrow, surely such a smart bird would have made at least two of each and keep the copies somewhere safe. Shining Armor bit his lips as his revenge was not worth the embarrassment that would follow.

The two backed away and bit their lips before Cadence nodded. “Fine, you win this round. But next year we’re getting you.”

“I’m really sorry about this! I didn’t know!” begged Twilight, earning a smile from her brother.

“Yeah, we know, Twiny,” said Shining Armor, leaning down and nuzzled her. “Why don’t you head off now while Cadence and I finish our date.”

Twilight pushed her brother’s nose away before scratching her back, “Okay, but be careful. Steely, Overwatch, and Spike are also pranking out there. We are in sort of competition and they may target you two as well.”

“We will, Twilight, and Happy April Foals Day,” said Cadence as the tiny unicorn nodded. She and Philomena walked away, leaving the two to sit down and start from where they left off before.

However the moment they were behind a tree, Twilight lit her horn as lavender aura of her magic surrounded Philomena, capturing her off guard as it slammed the phoenix against the wooden surface of the tree, almost making a dent in it as Twilight glared at her with anger. For the first time since she met the tiny unicorn, Philomena was actually nervous upon seeing the rage and power in Twilight’s eyes. She may have been a phoenix, but that didn’t mean rebirthing was pleasant.

“What were you thinking? Blackmailing my brother and foalsitter? We are here to have fun, not hurt ponies, and your ideas are starting to scare me.” She stomp her tiny hoof against a leaf before continuing, “If you will do something like that again, I will call this prank spree over, understand?” The moment the levitation field pressing Philomena’s head weakened, she nodded, only to be put back onto the ground with a weak thump, the little unicorn massaging her wing moment later as pout was visible on her face, ears lowered in regret, “I am really sorry, I do not know what got into me…”

Philomena rolled her eyes. Even in rage after blackmailing ponies she love so dearly, she was still too innocent to let her rage lose.

Taking few deep breaths and wiping dust from Philomena’s wing, she asked, “Though I need to ask, you didn’t give any photos to anypony, right?”

Philomena raised her eyebrows...

***

Meanwhile, four adults and one colt were laughing on the couch while pointing at a series of photos that showed the couple genderbent. A certain mother and father were already making plans to put this on their Hearths Warming Eve cards this year while planning to show them to their other relatives.

***

... And the phoenix shook her head. Twilight nodded. “Good, now let’s get going.”

Philomena lowered herself, allowing Twilight to jump onto her back and grab her neck before she flew towards their next target.

***

Cadence and Shining Armor had finally managed to finish their lunch and were now content to just lay on their backs in each other’s embrace while watching the clouds move. Despite the little excitement they had not to long ago with Twilight, the two were glad to finally have a moments peace with one another.

That was until somepony else interrupted them.

“Hey guys!” shouted Spike, walking over towards them carrying a jar in his claws. The couple got up and looked at the young dragon, but kept their guards up just in case. If Twilight’s words were true, he was taking part in a pranking spree with Twilight’s guards and the two had no intention of ending up as victims again. “Twilight learned you guys were having a picnic so she asked me to give you both this jar of honey.

Cadence turned her eye towards Shining Armor who winked at her and took the jar from Spike. “Thanks, Spike. We were just about to eat dessert and this will go great with it. Want to join us?”

“Uh, n-no thanks! I’m needed back at the castle. See you later!” said Spike hurriedly as he took off.

Cadence took the jar from her coltfriend and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll be right back love. I’m going to give our three friends a little surprise.”

“Don’t be too harsh on them,” warned Shining Armor, but the glint in her eyes was all he need to know that she really meant to hold nothing back.

Turning herself invisible, Cadence quickly followed Spike, keeping enough distance to not be noticed. They didn't go on for long as the trio were hidden behind a line of trees as Cadence look at them from behind a large bush, her ear straightened upward and listening closely.

“You sure you gave them the jar?” asked what appeared to be Steel Blade’s voice.

“Positive. They didn’t suspect a thing.”

“All that’s left is to hear their screams of surprise... makes me wonder did we overdo this one though, it is our captain we are pranking right now," said Overwatch, her facial expression didn't shared the enthusiasm of her partner’s.

Steel Blade responded with a hoof on his partner shoulder, "Relax. Spike volunteered to take the blame for this prank, no court martial for us."

Spike nodded, shrugging, "Yea, no punishment for me as I’m not a guard. And I learned a puppy glare from Twilight, one look and Cadence will forgive me in an instant." Spike said while giving the guards the most adorable eyes he could muster, which was meet with a deep laughter.

Overwatch shook her head, "You sure have a long way to go if you want to reach Twilight's level of cuteness."

Cadence scoffed and decided to use the very prank that the trio had been hoping to use against them. With a simple toss, the jar went sailing into the bush and the sound of glass breaking was heard seconds later. Cadence began to walk away, figuring it was nothing more than rotten eggs or fake snakes that popped out.

BZZZZZZZ!

“AHHH! BEES!” the three shouted.

Cadence’s eyes widened.

“Whoops.”

Part 4

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“I didn’t mean for you guys to get harmed. I’m really sorry! I didn’t know there were bees in the jar! I’m so so sorry!” Cadence apologized over and over as she applied healing spells nonstop to the two guards, her fore-hooves held together in a pleading gesture. Red welts could be seen all over their bodies from their necks to their flanks. Spike chuckled at the sight of his fellow prankster companions, grateful for his scales.

“I’m starting to think maybe we should have gone with the rotten eggs instead,” muttered Steel Blade, wincing as the welts disappeared. “At least the only thing we would need to worry about then would be getting a bath.”

“Well, if you had arrived earlier, before Twilight got us, you would have gotten me and Shining easily,” assured Cadence while her coltfriend glared at the two guards, which made them nervous. Despite their closeness, Shining Armor was still their boss and he could make their lives a living nightmare if he chose too.

“Yeah, can’t believe Twilight managed to get ahead of us. Again!” grumbled Spike with a hint of admiration in his annoyed tone. “For a pony who's never done any pranking before today, she sure is getting around fast.”

“It’s gotta be Philomena,” said Overwatch, shaking her head. “We've been outmatched from the get go because of that bird.”

Shining Armor growled and stepped forward with all eyes on him. “Oh, that’s the least of your worries! You two are in big trouble for what you were going to do.” Cadence saw the terrified look on their faces and was about to stop Shining, but stopped at the wink of his eye. Turning his gaze on the squirming pair, the captain continued, “I have half a mind to court martial you two for what you just did! Do you have any idea what could have happened if Cadence, my marefriend and a princess’s niece, or me, your superior officer, had been been stung by those bees?! For all you know either of us could have been allergic?!”

The three pranksters gulped and looked at each other with pale faces. They hadn’t considered that.

“Attention!” shouted Shining. All three of the pranksters stood up straight, trying to their best to not pee themselves as he marched in front of them. “Pranking is fine and all, but you are all still servants of the crown and as such you must face punishment for actions that threatened not only my well being, but Lady Cadence’s as well.”

“But Twilight also—” started Spike, but quickly shut up when Shining’s death glare was upon him.

“Twilight isn’t here. It’s just us!”

Shining turned to his marefriend and bowed politely, “My lady, since you are the victim of all this. What punishment must they face?”

Cadence, rubbing her chin, pretended to ponder on what ‘punishment’ to give the three who were looking at her with pleading eyes, begging for mercy, even Spike who seemed to forget that he was not a guard.

After waiting few more seconds until she noticed first drop of sweat on Steel's forehead, she smirked and motioned for Shining to come over as she whispered into his ear.

Meanwhile, Spike leaned over and whispered, “What are we gonna do? What are they gonna do to us?”

“No idea, but I feel that maybe I got in a tiny little bit over my head with this idea,” muttered Overwatch before glaring at Steel.

“This is all your fault. We just had to go and prank the captain during his date, we might as well have gone after Princess Celestia at the same time,” Steel Blade replied, his hoof pointing at his partner accusingly. “You’re the one who said: ‘go with the bees!’ If anyone, you should get the hangman’s noose!”

“Quiet!” shouted Shining Armor, turning back to them. “Your punishment has been decided. Now turn around!” The others didn’t argue and quickly turned away, the back of their heads facing away from the princess and captain of the guard. “Now... lower your heads and raise your hindquarters!”

They blinked and slowly turned their heads around in confusion. “Wait, what?” asked Steel, finding the courage to speak for the group, only for the swift movement of Shining's hoof to make him flinch.

“Did I say you could speak? No? Then lift those rears!”

Slowly, the two ponies and one dragon did so, feeling awkward as their behinds were exposed for all to see. They lingered there for a while until...

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!

“Yeow!” all three shouted as their poor behinds were suddenly smacked by three planks formed by Shining Armor’s magic. The captain then proceeded to spank the pranksters like they were naughty children.

“Don’t worry, only a few more to go before your punishment is over,” laughed Shining Armor, his animosity gone and replaced with mirth. Cadence was wincing and giggling at the same time while the three did there best to hold through it until it was finally over.

When the spanking had stopped, all three bruised individuals rubbed their sore behinds, glaring at the laughing couple. “Oh, real mature, you guys. I’m gonna have problems sitting for the rest of the day...” muttered Spike, wincing at his red backside. It turned out that the rectum area was the weakest part of dragon’s body, much to his embarrassment.

“S-sorry,” giggled Cadence. She cleared her throat and smiled. “But you asked for it.”

“Fine,” grumbled Steel who was only glad nopony else was there to see this. “Can you at least tell us what direction Twilight and Philomena were going?”

“It looked like they were heading back towards the castle,” answered Shining Armor, who gave them a smirk. "If you are going to prank her, make sure it is very humiliating. She and that Phoenix pet deserve it..." his glare hardened, "Just don’t hurt her or I will start spanking you with chains next if you three go too far. Got it!?"

The three quickly nodded and retreated. Once away from the loving couple, Steel Blade spread his wings while Overwatch and Spike jumped onto his back before he flew towards the castle. The moment they disappeared from sight, Cadence nuzzled her coltfriend and said, “You know....” as she seductively whispered in his ear, “Tonight... do you think you can punish me a bit? Chains sounds quite an exciting idea actually.”

The captain turned red in an instant as Cadence giggled, satisfied from getting reaction she had hoped for. If anything, she really enjoyed teasing her knight in shining armor, and he looked so cute when he was embarrassed. “I will gladly demonstrate how much punishment an alicorn can endure.” She lightly bit ear of her now motionless special somepony who shivered at the touch. “Please, go all out on me.” Upon not receiving any reply, she poked Shining lightly with a hoof, only for him to fall to the side like a statue. With a growing smile, she added, “You still got it Cadence, you still got it.”

***

Having suffered a painful defeat, the trio swore their next targets were going to be Philomena and Twilight, because they had been counter-pranked thanks to the latter’s blabber mouth. Thanks to Shining’s info, the three wasted no time and hurried past the opening gates, searching the gardens for any sign of the now infamous prankster duo.

“Shouldn’t we be trying to catch up on the number of pranks we pull instead of pranking Twilight and Philomena,” suggested Overwatch, pulling her head out of a bush.

Steel, checking under a rock, shook his head and growled. “Let’s face it. Twiny’s too far ahead for us to catch up and the sun’s almost set. Even if we don’t win, I still want to pull a good prank on her so I have some satisfaction.” He rubbed his rear and moaned. “Besides, my butt’s been sore all day thanks to her. First stuck on a toilet and then spanked by a plank. I’ll need to pay her back times ten before this day is done.” He bit his lips, the image of terrified tiny unicorn being spanked flashed in his mind. "On a second though, a small prank will do."

“I don’t care about Twilight, but pranking Philomena is something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time now. I will prank her no matter the cost before the day is over, mark my words,” commented Spike, clenching his claw.

The group continued their search until they heard a caw from overhead. Looking up, they gasped upon seeing a familiar bird of flames soar above them. Quickly hiding behind a tree, the three of them watched as the mythical bird above flew towards the high tower and into the chambers of Princess Celestia herself.

“Come on!” urged Steel. Spike hopped onto his back while the pegasus grabbed Overwatch by the foreleg and took off towards the tower.

Despite the extra weight, Steel managed to make it to the balcony of the tower and the three of them slipped against the wall. Overwatch slowly poked her head out for a peak and spotted Twilight and Philomena talking to each other, but couldn’t hear much thanks to the low volume the little unicorn spoke in. The two then walked out the door while the others crept behind them, doing their best to stay out of sight.

“Why aren’t we pranking them now?” asked Spike.

“Because it looks like they got something planned, and I want to know what it is so we can turn it against them,” answered Overwatch.

The three of them ducked behind walls, doors, and columns as Twilight and Philomena continued walking without any sign that they knew they were being watched. Suddenly, the two nodded to each other, and Twilight sped down hallway to the left while Philomena flew off towards the right.

The trio looked at both directions, unsure which way to go, at least until Overwatch called out, “You two try to catch Philomena. I’ll handle Twilight!”

The two guards nodded as Steel took Spike with him to the right. Overwatch licked her lips and ran down the same hallway as Twilight. She had a suspicion that both of them knew that they were being followed, hence why they split up in the first place. Turning down the hallway, Overwatch expected to see Twilight nearby, but to her surprise, she was standing right outside the barricaded door of Prince Blueblood’s room with some sort of potion by her side. It was steel reinforced with barbwire, warning signs and shield barriers.

It wasn’t a surprise considering how Prince Blueblood had been the biggest victim of pranking in previous April Foals and he seemed pretty determined to keep himself prank free this year. Overwatch had to wonder if he was one of Twilight’s targets and, if so, how was she going to get inside. Though she quickly had her answer when Twilight blinked out of existence. “Ah, of course.”

***

While the barrier was an unexpected obstacle, Twilight wasn’t fazed as she grabbed a potion between her hooves and disappeared in a flash, easily bypassing such basic defenses with a simple teleportation. Slowly opening her eyes, she looked around, but failed to see anything because of complete darkness. Twilight put the potion on the floor and lit her horn, only now noticing that Blueblood’s entire room was sealed with the lights off and curtains shut, blocking the rays of the sun coming from windows. Slightly confused, she stepped forward, trying to make sense of what was going on while searching for her friend.

“Hello? Blueblood? It’s me, Twilight!”

Twilight stopped at the sound coming from the bed; She quickly turned to lighten the area, only to tilt her head at the sight of a trembling bed. Suspicious, she rushed over and climbed under to find herself staring into the surprised and startled face of Prince Blueblood who was wearing very thick armor.

The noble gasped and yelped “Rat!” with terrified voice before shooting up, only to bonk his head as the sound of crashing metal followed. Twilight winced at the sight while Blueblood shook his head and tried to crawl out from under his bed, how he managed to fit under it in the first place was a mystery, as he soon got stuck.

Twilight ran out of the way and hopped onto the bed, looking at him with worry as he struggled to get out. With push from her telekinesis, she helped the prince out from under his massive bed before levitating her potion onto nearby table so it won't be stomped upon and asked, “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah, just need to give it a moment,” grumbled Blueblood as he turned on the lights. Twilight noticed something unique about what he was wearing. It looked a lot like the royal guard’s armor, but it seemed double padded, black colored, and had spikes on the spaulders. Blueblood noticed her staring and reared back, poking his hoof against the armor as if proudly displaying it. “Like it? Had it custom made just last week. Worth every bit.”

“It looks like you're getting ready for war,” commented Twilight.

Blueblood snorted. “Might as well be. It’s April Foals Day and every year I get pranked mercilessly by the guards, maids, even my own friends prank me. I’m everypony’s biggest target because of how I act in public and some of them still give me nightmares.” He then eyed Twilight and nervously gulped, pointing his armored hoof at the tiny mare. “You’re not here to prank me, are you?”

“I’ve never even done a prank before,” Twilight lied, although a part of her felt a pang in her heart for doing so. She could only hope Blueblood would forgive her later as she had a bet to win and Philomena counting on her and it was too late to turn back now. She made a mental note to make it up for Blueblood once it was all over. “I just came to check up on you since everypony else is busy pranking one another.”

“Oh, thank you for being so considerate,” said Blueblood before pointing a prepared tea set at a nearby table. “Let’s help ourselves to some refreshments while everypony else out there gets covered in sap, sits on whoopee-cushions, and shakes hoof buzzers.”

“Sounds nice!” said Twilight while clapping her hooves, quickly jumping from the bed to the table.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Blueblood rolled his eyes. Twilight could easily tell he was tense by one look at his face and at his trembling armed legs. It was making her second guess the prank she had planned for both Blueblood and Overwatch, but since she had come this far already she might as well go all out.

Walking towards the door, Blueblood asked, “Who is it?”

“Um... house cleaning. I’m here to serve you, Prince Blueblood,” said a voice that sounded nothing like Overwatch. Despite change of her guard's voice, Twilight knew that it was one of her stalkers as she made a mental note to ask Overwatch how she learned to do this.

Blueblood opened a small peephole and growled. “Nice try, Overwatch, but I’m not falling for it.”

He turned around, huffing, and noticed the look of distress on the tiny mare. “Twilight? What’s wrong?”

The little unicorn sat on her hind-legs while her forelegs were curled against her belly and her eyes widened at Blueblood as if she was a pleading puppy. “Can Overwatch join us at the tea?”

The prince blinked, stunned by such a display as his heart started to beat fast. Overwatch was going to prank him for sure, but how could he say no to Twiny’s puppy-dog stare?

“Pretty please,” Twilight added with a sad tone, pout on her face.

Blueblood was unsure whether he was sweating because of his massive armor or Twilight’s stare as he replied, “I would rather not…”

“Awww,” Twilight grabbed her potion between her tiny forelegs, displaying in front of Blueblood as she spoke. “But I worked so hard to make this. It is a special potion full of healthy vitamins and it makes the tea taste much better. I wanted to share it with all of my friends. Please!”

“B-but…” Blueblood wanted to refuse, but could not get himself to do so.

“I will make sure that Overwatch won’t prank you, I promise!” The little unicorn leaned towards the edge of the table as her eyes sparkled.

With a deep sigh, Blueblood nodded and turned towards the door, “Ugh… fine.”

Twilight beamed as her horn glowed brightly. Blueblood could only stare in astonishment as his barricade formed of futurine levitated to the side piece by piece. With shake of his head he opened the door as his small barrier disappeared. Overwatch stood at the entrance in a maid’s uniform and stared back at him in confusion.

Blueblood stared at Overwatch with suspicion. The guard in maid’s uniform responded with a mocking smirk. Both unicorns sat at the table with full cups of tea as Twilight opened the potion lifted with her forelegs. The little unicorn walked on her rear hooves towards each tea, dropping few drops into it.

Overwatch’s attention glanced towards her tea before looking back at Blueblood, who levitated his own tea to his mouth. It was more than obvious that it was some sort of prank; luckily the clueless prince was about to test it for her. Curious, she stared at Blueblood who puffed stream of his tea before tilting it towards his mouth, taking few small sips with regal posture.

“Mmm… that tonic of yours is quite delightful, Lady Sparkle. May I ask what you made it from?” Blueblood looked at the table, only to raise his eyebrow as Twilight was gone. His attention focused on Overwatch who stared back at him expectantly, her tea not even touched. “Did you see where Twi–” his mouth opened wide in an instant while his ears and tail shot upward.

“What’s the matter, Your Highness? Something wrong with the tea?” Overwatch’s large smile vanished in an instant as she felt something strange in her gut. Something felt wrong, and her intuition had never failed her before. “Is… something on my face?”

Blueblood’s passive facial expression turned into a cheerful one, large smile forming, “Has anypony told you,” his foreleg straightened and wrapped around the back of Overwatch’s neck, pulling her head towards his armored chest, “That you are like the cutest, most irresistible, and wonderful cutie pie?”

Overwatch felt the urge to vomit as she slid her head out of his grasp, walking backward step by step away from the advancing prince with hearts in his eyes. She was so going to be sick after this is all over.

***

“You think she went in here?” asked Spike as he followed Steel through the the halls of ancient farming tools earth ponies used Pre-Equestria. Since many ponies wanted to see the royal palace, Princess Celestia allowed tours to come in and explore the place while also including a small museum that the she’d had made in order to display the history of Equestria and her allies.

“Positive, and she couldn’t have picked a worse place,” said a smug Steel. “After all the times Twilight dragged us here? I know this place like the back of my own hoof.”

Turning left, Spike and Steel’s eyes bugged out at what they saw. Every painting in the corridor had been ruined. A simple twirly mustache now decorated all the faces on each painting like some cliche cartoon villains, each in different colors. In addition, the few sculptures that were on display now had funny faces painted on them instead of their usual stoic expressions. If Celestia, or even Twilight, had been here to see this they would have blown their tops like an erupting volcano. They might have even tried to kill the phoenix who was currently getting ready to paint a toothy smile on the Pony Lisa.

“Get her!” shouted Steel, once the shock wore off. He and Spike charged forward as Philomena quickly turned around and saw that she had been caught. Taking a red paint tube from her small box of artistic tools, she aimed it at the duo and squeezed, hitting them square in the face and chest.

With her pursuers blinded, Philomena flew off, cawing in an almost mocking way. Spike wiped the paint off his face before growling. “I’m going to kill that bird!”

“Get in line,” grumbled Steel before giving chase again.

The two dashed forward as fast as they could, Philomena weaving left and right to avoid pillars. Steel grinned before shouting, “I know this area. There’s a cutoff point nearby. Keep on her tail!” He then spread his wings and flew left past another corner as Spike continued to follow the phoenix.

Philomena looked behind her and saw that she had given one of them the slip. Smiling in satisfaction, she looked ahead as she headed into the ancient gunpowder weapons room, filled with ancient muskets and cannons made by the griffins, some of their unique war weapons from ages past. Philomena thought she was in the clear as the corner was approaching her but suddenly, somepony flew out from behind the corner and headed straight for her.

“Gotcha!” shouted Steel, charging forward.

At the last second, Philomena teleported herself. Steel gasped as he covered his face to avoid getting burned by the flames. Spike, realizing that his friend was heading straight towards him, tried to jump out of the way, but it was too late and the two of them crashed right into each other. They rolled on the floor until they slammed into a set of ancient armor, which fell apart on top of them.

The flames from Philomena’s teleportation spread out and managed to light some of the leftover gunpowder on display, causing devastation through the entire display. Ancient muskets and cannons fired loudly enough to alert everypony in the castle and a few streets beyond it. Musket balls shot out, hitting the walls and breaking glass cases. Spike and Steel, kept their heads down despite being protected by their scales and armor.

When the final blast had finished, the entire room was covered in thick smoke. Steel looked at Spike and asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah, none of them got me. Even if they did, scales would have endured them. What about you? Are you bleeding?” asked Spike worriedly as he saw red on Steel’s chest.

Steel wiped some of it off as he shook his head. “Naw, it’s that paint we got hit with earlier. Kind of looks like....” Steel’s eyes lit up before he gave a sinister grin. “Hey I got an idea.”

***

The exploding sounds from the gunpowder room had startled Philomena as she waited outside of it, but she soon regained her focus and waited for the two who were chasing her to resume their game. Much to her surprise, there was no sign of them. She began to grow curious. After flying towards the entrance of the smoking room, she looked around, spreading the smoke away with her wings, only for a weak noise to reach her ear. Hiding behind a pillar, she watched as Steel Blade stumbled out, moaning and clutching his stomach as red liquid spilled from the top of his chestplate. “Ugh I think I'm hit."

He stumbled to a stand before falling sideways into a nearby wall. "Oh sweet Celestia, I can see the light!" He shouted and raised his other hoof, his back legs gave up the fight soon after and he collapsed onto his stomach.

After pausing a moment he rolled over and stared at the ceiling, "Grandpa...is that...you?" His eyes fluttered a moment then closed, his tongue fell out, and he became still.

All Philomena could do was roll her eyes before rushing over and pecking Steel in the head, who yipped and shook Philomena off. “Alright! Alright! So I can’t act, can’t blame a guy for trying.”

Philomena scoffed.

“Well, I’m not done yet! Spike, let’s get her!” shouted Steel. The only reply was silence. “Spike?”

A worried expression overcame Steel as he rushed back into the gunpowder room much to Philomena’s confusion. A second later he heard him scream, “Spike!”

serious wounds. Then again, he was a baby dragon, the scales might not have been fully developed; a thought that made Philomena’s heart stop.

“... ugh... mmm...S-Steel?” asked Spike, weakly, as he opened his eyes.

“Spike?!” shouted Steel. Then, after a moment’s pause, he forced on a smile. “It’s me little guy... don’t worry... I... I’ll get somepony to help and...”

“... it... it hurts...” muttered Spike, closing his eyes in pain. “I don’t... I don’t think... I’m gonna make it... I just want it to stop hurting...”

“Spike, look at me! Look at me with those green slitted eyes of yours!” shouted Steel. Spike did so, although Philomena could tell he was in much pain. “You have to stay strong, Spike. Think about all of us who would miss you if... if... think of Twilight, Spike!”

“Twilight...” whispered Spike, smiling. “Tell her... tell her thanks for everything... and that I... always saw her as a mother...” His smile faded as he winced in pain. “It hurts... so much.”

“Shhh,” said Blade as he caressed Spike’s cheek. “It will all be over soon... just rest Spike... rest...”

Spike nodded and closed his eyes, seemingly relaxing. “Do... do they have gems in the afterlife, Steel?”

“Yes, Spike... they do.”

“... cool...” muttered Spike before his chest stopped rising and was silent. Steel lowered his head in mourning and folded Spike’s limp arms over his chest before kissing him on the forehead.

“Be at peace, Spike. Be at peace.” Steel the glared at Philomena. “Well?! Aren’t you going to say your respects? It’s the least you can do since this is all your fault!”

Philomena nodded and walked towards Spike’s body. Suddenly, one of her sharp talons, strong enough to slice steel itself, clutched the tail of Spike which caused him to scream in pain. He jumped up and down holding it much to Philomena’s disbelief.

Her eyes soon formed a glare as she slowly turned to a sweating Steel who was rubbing the back of his head. “Um... it’s a miracle?”

Philomena’s response was to shine brightly until both of the fakers were covering their eyes.

***

Since it was April Foals Day, many ponies were used to seeing strange things due to pranks and jokes set up by members of the staff, and it certainly wasn’t a surprise to see Blueblood get pranked since every year there was a betting pool to see how many pranks the poor prince would be a victim of. But seeing a love struck Blueblood chase after a guard who was steadily turning green with sickness took the cake.

Everypony stepped out of the way or were pushed aside by both ponies as Blueblood continued to profess his love, sweat all over his face as his heavy armor made a lot of noise with every step. “My love! Stop this running! Games are all well and good, but we must stop this and find my aunt so she may wed us! We’ll be prince and princess of Equestria! All the riches in the world will be yours!”

“I’d rather be tossed into tartarus you freak! Ugh!” cried out Overwatch, fighting the urge to throw up. She didn’t know if it was because Blueblood was proclaiming his love or the words he chose that were making her own body sick. If I don’t find some way to get out of this problem, I’m gonna lose my lunch!

She cursed Twilight Sparkle for her unpredictability and wished she had the little unicorn in her sights right now so she could prank her back. Using her magic to push away a few maids, Overwatch spotted the barracks and dived in, catching the attention of some of her fellow guards. One of them, a unicorn by the name of Lightedge, walked over to her and asked, “You okay, Overwatch? You look like you just ate something made by Steel.”

Overwatch would have laughed if she wasn’t too weak to even moan. She leaned forward, nearly losing her balance, but Lightedge was there to save her. Blueblood soon stormed into the barracks and gasped at the sight. “You there! Let go of my mare!”

“Y-your mare?” asked Lighhoof in hesitation. Overwatch shook her head and muttered ’love potion’ which made him nod. “Prince Blueblood, you’re under a powerful potion. You need to relax so we can get you cured.”

“Cured?! The only thing I need to be cured of is you! Taking my little cherry pie while you pretend nothing is going on! I should have your quartered for this!” Blueblood walked up to the guard and slapped him. “I challenge you to a duel! Hoof to hoof! Stallion to stallion!” He raised his forehooves out and jabbed the air a few times. “Come on then!”

Lightedge raised an eyebrow and turned to his fellow guards, including Overwatch. “Um, should I?”

“Yes!” They all shouted.

Lightedge shrugged and in one split second made his right hoof connect with Prince Blueblood’s unprotected jaw, resulting in the armored unicorn getting knocked out instantly. Lightedge sighed in relief. “That felt so good. Are we sure it’s not Hearths Warming Day? ‘Cause I’m feeling like it is.”

The guards all laughed except for Overwatch who groaned and held her stomach. “S-sorry,” she said as the guard focused on her. “I... I think I’ll need a bathroom for a bit... he made me sick in more ways than one,” grumbled the female specialist as she limped towards the ladies room. Wishing that Steel managed to punish the bird for giving Twilight such a sick idea for a prank.

Part 5

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“Okay, now how many fingers am I showing you?” asked Spike, showing his claw.

“Um, three?” asked Steel Blade.

“Yup!” said Spike, sighing in relief. “Okay, I think it’s safe to say that our sight has returned with no lasting damage.”

Steel Blade sighed in relief while Spike retreated from his head onto his back with his claws and legs hanging motionlessly on the guard's sides. With their vision slowly sharpening, Steel searched the remaining area for any sign of Philomena, but she was long gone. With their pride wounded, the two had no choice but retreat while making sure there was no permanent damage with their eyes.

“You know, despite the entire plan failing. That was a nice performance,” commented Steely.

“Thanks. I knew going to all those Shakespony plays with Twilight and Celestia was good for something,” said Spike.

The two of them were about to enter when they stopped and saw an unexpected sight. Prince Blueblood, covered in battle armor was being dragged away from the barracks by two unicorn guards. The two looked at each other with raised eyebrows before entering the room as a few of the guards were cheering and yelling Lightedge's name while cups of cider were being emptied at an alarming speed.

"What's going on?" Steel asked to a nearby guard.

“Prince Blueblood went crazy and tried to hit on Overwatch. So Lightedge just hit him with one blow and knocked his royal butt out. Guy’s my hero for that!” replied the guard.

Steel Blade stood in stunned silence as he tried to comprehend the idea of Blueblood and his partner making out. He quickly took a nearby mug and drank it all in one go.

Spike meanwhile was gagging when he came up with the same conclusion. Then again, he thought all romance was gross. I’ll never get a crush! Not as long as I live!

A noise from door of guard's shower captured their attention as Overwatch emerged from behind it, wearing a towel, who shivered and greeted them with an awkward smile. “Hey...”

“Hey yourself, you sound sick,” mentioned Steel Blade. “And what’s this about Blueblood falling hooves over heels for you?”

Overwatch groaned at the mention of the prince’s name. “Let’s just say Twilight slipped something into his tea and made him act like a fool just as much as it made me sick.”

It took the two only a few seconds to get it, and soon they snickered. Spike could barely keep his laughter in as well as his balance on Steel’s back. “Twilight managed to slip a refined love potion into Blueblood’s mouth and made him your one true love’?”

“When’s the wedding? Are we gonna be uncles anytime soon?” teased Steel, only for their heads to be pushed against one another with a thump.

“Well, what about you guys? Did you catch Philomena or not?” asked Overwatch, raising an eyebrow. Both Steel and Spike rubbed the back of their necks, nervously. “Uh, huh. That’s what I thought.”

The three sighed, knowing that they had been taken for fools once again by the invincible pranking duo. It was clear by now that the three were outmatched and victory was too far away. At the same time a small part of them weren’t surprised. Twilight was very talented and had a huge stubborn streak with her when it came to trying out new things. And with Philomena, as a mentor who filled Twilight's knowledge hungry head with her centuries of experience in field of pranking, this battle was over before it even started.

“I give up, it’s clear Twilight is the better prankster. We should tell her that,” said Overwatch.

Steel bit his lip. It was him who originally set the bet and now he was going to lose. Still, he might as well go out with some dignity and let this match finally end. “Yeah, let’s see if we can find her and convince her we mean business.”

“No need! I’m right here!” said Twilight, turning off her invisibility spell as she appeared on a table next to Steel Blade before teleporting onto Spike's shoulder. The little dragon yipped in surprise before falling off Steel’s back, only to be quickly caught by Twilight’s magic and set down gently. “Are you okay, Spike?”

“Except for the minor heart attack, yeah,” muttered the dragon, holding his claw against his heart.

Twilight nodded before jumping onto a nearby table and lowering her head nervously. “Um, hey guys. I’m glad I won and all, but I really hope you aren’t mad at me for pulling those pranks on you. You are okay, right?”

The three looked at each other before smiling at their tiny friend. Overwatch stepped forward with a chuckle. “Honestly, Twilight? Despite the embarrassment, it was a load of fun. Besides, April Foals Day is all about pranks and having a good time. If anything, we underestimated you and paid for it. But overall I’d say, good job.”

“Yeah, I just wish you did it without Philomena,” muttered Steel as he winced upon looking at his dented armor. “I just wish we went through it without getting shot at.”

“Wait, what?!” shouted Twilight in shock. She teleported to her friend’s side and checked his armor, noticing the small musket balls still stuck inside. “How did this happen?! Wait, both you and Spike were shot! Are you okay?! Should we get medical attention?!”

“Calm down, Twilight. We’re fine,” answered Spike, but Twilight wasn’t having any of it. She picked him up with her magic and inspected every inch of his body to make sure nothing was wrong. When she saw no serious wounds, she sighed in relief and demanded to be told everything.

Upon hearing their story, Twilight’s expression soon changed to a rage while her mane and tail started to smoke, litting like a candle, “Philomena get out here now!”

Sure enough, in a flash of flames, the phoenix had arrived to four glares that made her start to sweat a bit. She was about to teleport away when Twilight grabbed her by the talons with her magic and brought her back down to her eye level while hanging her upside down. “Did you almost get my friends hurt by setting off the ancient firearms in the museum?! While also vandalizing them?! The plan was to have them lured into the gardens where they would travel through the flowers covered with sneezing powder!”

Philomena gave a fake smile and shrugged her shoulders. Twilight released her hold as the large bird fell and hit the floor with a weak thump. With one solid jump, she landed in front of her now ex-partner in crime and growled. “I told you that I wouldn’t work with you anymore if you did something that would hurt my friends, Philomena. As of now, I’m ending our partnership.”

The phoenix looked ready to argue, but with the other three giving her a look that said “try something, we dare you” she decided to just stick her tongue out and teleport away. Twilight sighed and turned back to her friends. “I’m really sorry about Philomena, everypony. She isn’t all that bad just... kind of a mischievous bird.”

“More like a living annoyance,” grumbled Spike, crossing his arms.

Twilight sadly had to nod her head in agreement. Sighing, she then said, “Well, I think the next thing I should do is apologize to Prince Blueblood. I feel guilty for using him, even after I lied saying I wasn’t trying to prank him.”

“We’ll go with you, explain it’s our fault for getting you to agree to the contest anyway,” said Steely as he let Twilight hop on his back and they made their way out to the infirmary.

***

Blueblood moaned as she slowly brought a hoof towards his head and slowly got up from his pillow. He looked around, wincing as the bright lights of the infirmary did little to help with his headache. He felt like he got in a fight with a griffin and got beaten up... twice.

“Are you alright, Blueblood?” asked a concerned voice. He looked to his right and noticed Spike, Twilight’s guards, and the little mare herself seated on the right side of his bed, looking at him with guilt.

“I’ve felt better... ugh, what happened? I don’t really remember...” muttered the prince as he scratched his head.

Twilight lowered her head and bit her lip as she whispered. “It’s all my fault I... I gave you a weakened version of a love potion and you chased after Overwatch who you saw as your first love. You got hurt when you tried to take on another guard and well...”

Blueblood’s eyes widen in shock before turning a bit green and focusing on Overwatch. “Oh, good grief, we didn’t do anything... adult like, did we?”

Overwatch quickly shook her head. “No, thank Celestia. If that happened, I’d think I’d throw myself off a cliff while wearing weights!”

After sighing in relief, Prince Blueblood then looked at Twilight with a sad glimpse of his eyes as he looked away, hurt. Twilight knew why of course, she had outright lied to him that she wasn’t going to prank him on the day he hated the most. He trusted her and she betrayed him. Twilight was starting to wish she never heard of April Foals Day. “Blueblood, I’m sorry. Really I am. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I just got... to held up in the spirit of the holiday. Not to mention Philomena really wanted—”

“Wait,” said Blueblood, turning back towards Twilight. “Philomena was behind this?”

Twilight and the others explained the bet and how Philomena was involved. The little unicorn further explained that while both of them made the potion while she was the one to gave it to Blueblood, it was ultimately the phoenix's plan who kept insisting that it wouldn’t be so strong. Turns out it was much stronger than Twilight expected. By the end of the tale, Blueblood had his hoof to his head and shaking it.

“Twilight, you never get Philomena involved in pranks. There is a reason why everypony, including Aunty Celestia, made it forbidden for her to play pranks on April Foals Day.”

“Yeah, I’m learning that now...” muttered Twilight, narrowing her eyes. “Again, I didn’t mean to hurt you. Really.”

Blueblood stared at his tiny friend for a bit, who just looked back with her forelegs curled under her neck and ears dropped, before smiling and shaking his head. “Okay, I can’t stay mad at you forever. I forgive you Twilight.” A thought then came to him as he slowly grinned like he just won a prize at a contest. “That is if you don’t mind doing one last prank on a few associates of mine.”

The others raised their eyebrows in surprise as Blueblood cleared his voice. “Hear me out. Aunty Celestia is planning to have some delegates of the nobility come over for dinner. A simple gathering between politicians and nothing more. However, some of these nobles are, quite frankly, disgusting.” He growled and pounded against the bed. “These annoyances are of the same mind that think we should be kicking certain farmers out of their homes and lands so we can build condos and resorts for the rich. Their excuse is to have it for tourism, but they just want to use it for their own entertainment.”

He turned to the others and asked, “So I ask you, don’t these ponies deserve not to be pranked?”

***

Head Chef Iron Pan always took pride that out of all the chefs in the world, he had become the head chef of Canterlot’s Palace. While quite an honor and an income for his family, there were times when he wished he didn’t have this job. Even with tens of assistants, expecters in their culinary fields, Iron Pan was forced to deal with dozens of high importance dinners and parties almost every month.

Tonight was no better as the ambassadors from the other equine kingdoms such as Saddle Arabia and the cities of Equestria itself would be here along with a few high nobles, lords and ladies. Because of the huge turn out, he had to plan dishes that were each a special delight from each delegates home and they were only half way done with little time to spare.

Which was why he was baffled when two of Celestia’s guards came in saying there was a surprise inspection to be done. “Doesn’t the princess know that I have to finish in less than an hour for her guest?! I don’t have time for this.”

“Sorry, Iron Pan, but there were reports of mice being used in a prank earlier today since it’s April Foals,” said Overwatch along side Steel. “Princess Celestia just wants us to make sure none of them came into the kitchen.”

Upon hearing that such disgusting creatures had been in the palace, the chefs quickly changed their tune and welcomed the guards.

***

“Are you sure you want to go with this?” asked Spike as he quietly sneaked into the kitchen, passing various metallic tables filled with all sorts of food and dedicates. He lick his lips at the sight of strawberry cakes covered by cream, only to shake his head, his attention once again focused on the tiny unicorn on his shoulder. “You know Celestia will figure out that it was your prank the moment ambassadors and delegates start begging for gallons of water while spitting the soup all over the eating table. Aren’t you afraid she will scold you?" he asked. As fearless as his tiny mommy was, ready to jump into the fire or endure a bone-crushing hug, there was nothing more she was afraid off than to see her mentor’s disappointed face.

Twilight sighed and grabbed Spike’s shoulder as the dragon now crawled between tables, passing by two chefs, both distracted by Steel Blade and Overwatch’s fake inspection. “I know Spike, and to be honest, I expect to be punished.” Her resolve quickly returned in form of a confident smile, eyes half closed, beaming with determination, “But I have too! After what I did to Blueblood, I am going to fulfill his wish and accept the consequences.”

Spike rolled his eyes. Twilight was going to prank to apologize for pranking. His attention quickly focused on an empty room, or rather two pots inside it, hot stream emerging from both of them. With all the crew busy with the inspection, he approached unnoticed, climbing onto the table as Twilight right away jumped off towards the mountain of spices right next to the pot.

Twilight’s ears shot upward at the sight of at least hundred of different spices imported from all of Equestria, all on standby and ready to turn a simple soup into a delicious art. Ignoring most of them, she focused on the most spicy ones, noticing several bottles of mustard, ketchup and hot sauce, a hill of hot pepper where each was at least half the size of her tiny stomach. With curiosity winning over the common sense, she grab the pepper between her hooves as she took a bit from the top, chewing it in her teeth. With a swift gulp as she waited for the effect.

Spike sealed his mouth with a hand as he tried to suppress a chuckle. Twilight’s face as red as at that one time when she entered an rage mode. All that was missing were flames in place of her mane.

Suppressing the urge to drink something cold, the little unicorn marched towards the huge pot, various spicy ingredients captured in her magic levitating above her head. “According to my calculations and base on the size of this pod and number of ponies…”

Spike faked his attention to Twilight’s lecture as a calculated number of hot pepper and other ingredients levitate into the soup, all cut into pieces or teared apart by her magic. Noticing a tiny checklist in front of the tiny mare, he scratched his chin and spoke, “So… are you sure this will work? What if the cook taste it, only to notice that the soup was spiced? Would not it ruin the prank?”

Twilight shook her head as a tiny pen made another mark on the levitating paper, “Nah. I know the schedule upside down ever since I tried to make a cake as a gift for my mentor. There is only one tasting stage that already passed.” Wasting no time, she jumped onto the edge of the huge bowl, sniffing the stream with a quiet ‘mmmmm’ as she balanced on the tip of her hooves.

Spike smirked as the golden opportunity for a prank presented itself on top of a huge bowl. All it would take was a weak push. Straightening his finger, he touched Twilight’s flank, her head turning as she look back at him in confusion, her eyes widening. “Spike… what are you d—” she failed to finish her sentence as the young drake snap his fingers, pushing her into the bowl.

Hearing a plump, the dragon smiled in satisfaction. He finally did it, he pranked Twilight after all day of failures and embarrassment. “And today in the menu we have a Twiny-le-soup, it is hundred percent more Twilicious.” Suddenly his smile vanished, his attention focused on the hot stream. “Ups…” Spike said, his eyes wide and ears dropping down. Wasting no time, he looked into the bowl, “Twilight… I am sorry, are you alright? Where are you?” To his relief, a tiny head emerged from the soup, the liquid sliding down her ears and nose. “I am really sorry. I wanted to prank you so much and I forgot that the soup is hot,” Spike said as his hand straightened down the bowl, Twilight quickly climbing onto it.

With a quick shake and her hooves pressing her tail and mane, getting rid of the hot soup, she shrugged. “Nah, I am f-fine. Compared to a fire s-spell during the combat training, this soup is not a big deal.” She licked her lips to take a small taste of the soup, only for her eyes to water, the urge to drink a cold water stronger than ever as only protection spell prevented her from levitating over a giant bottle of water to her rescue.

“L...lets go, Spike. T-this soup will s-surely spicy the d-dinner,” Twilight said with her tongue between her lips.

With their job done and prank set while the inspection was almost over, Spike took his tiny mother out of the room, unaware of a small red figure that emerged from behind a furnace.

With a quick flap of her wings, Philomena flew onto the table, her attention switching from between a huge bowl and a small one. While the huge one was meant to be for at least thirty guests, the small high quality pot was destined for her owner. With a large smirk, she spread her wing, only to grab every spicy item she could find.

In mere seconds, her claws teared hot pepper apart, dropping into the small bowl without restriction. Hot sauce quickly streamed into the soup as well, only for ketchup and liquid rainbow to follow. Every spicy item in the room was now part of Celestia’s soup as the princess deserved a special treatment. Surely her royal stomach would appreciate twice of what Twilight prepared for all of the princess’s quests with additional rainbow, and the best part was that her tiny partner would willingly take all the blame.

With a quick retreat from the kitchen, she hide behind a pillar, watching as the servants arrived to deliver the soup. If anything, Philomena had to admit that she really liked her little friend, and hanging up with her was so much fun.

And the best part was about to come.

***

With the prank set up, Twilight volunteered to be the one to make sure everything went according to plan due to her size. She quickly entered the dining room, thankful that most of the representatives were too busy either walking around with their heads held high and eyes closed or talking to each other. She easily made it under the table and waited for the dinner to start. The door soon opened and the guards in the area announced the arrival of Princess Celestia.

Almost immediately did the nobles and delegates rush over and start their usual brown nosing. Twilight rolled her eyes as they went on about how regal, wise, and powerful her teacher was. If it wasn’t for the fact that Twilight knew her mentor so well, she’d be fooled by the smiling mask Celestia had on her face. Twilight had always wondered what would it take for Princess Celestia to finally put the nobles in their place and make them realize that the world didn’t revolve around them. Not to mention how she was able to deal with such horrible ponies on a daily basis.

Well, that’s not always true. Fancy and his family are nice and I’m sure there are others who aren’t as bad as well, thought Twilight, smirking. Still, it’s going to be pretty amusing when they’re all start running around breathing fire out of their mouths like dragons.

With the “praising” out of the way, the nobles started to work on their usual second act: getting the princess to agree in their favor. One of them went on and said, “Now, Princess Celestia. I was wondering if you had considered the suggestion that I had given you yesterday at court?”

Faking a smile, Celestia turned to him and said, “Forgive me, but I’ve had so many suggestions that I can’t always remember them at the top of my head. Which one was it?”

“The one where we would remove certain farms from their lands for our ideal resorts for both visitors to Equestria and any neighboring ponies who wish to enjoy a good vacation,” answered the noble with a slimy smile.

“That seems sort of harsh doesn’t it? Removing such hard working ponies from their homes and livelihood?” pondered the princess.

The noble gave a laugh. “Oh, my apologies for making it sound so harsh. Of course they will be rewarded with proper price and a small place to leave elsewhere, or we can provide them with jobs on newly created resorts. But let’s face it, modern technology and magic discoveries will make production of food much easier. I even know a pair of inventors that are working on a machine that can mass produce apple cider, and this is just the beginning. Not to mention we have such a fancy country side with lush green fields and blue lakes that our fellow allies of both the Griffin and Minotaur kingdoms are jealous of. A resort there for them to see such natural beauty would not only show off our beautiful land, but bring in money as well for those who can afford the expenses.”

Meaning you and anybody who lives in a fancy mansion, jerk, thought Twilight.

“I see...” muttered Celestia with a fading smile. “Any particular farms you were thinking off?”

“Well there is the Cherry Hill Ranch in Dodge Junction, the Green Patches Farm in Vanhoover, Strawberry Fields located just outside Manehatten, Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville, and—”

“Excuse me, did you say Sweet Apple Acres?” interrupted Celestia.

“Um, yes?”

Celestia gave a small smirk. “Oh you must be mistaken, good sir. Surely you would have known that Sweet Apple Acres was a gift I gave to the Apples a long time ago. Treasured friends of mine?”

The nobles suddenly froze up and started to sweat as Celestia continued, “You must not be suggesting that I take away a treasured gift I gave for such loyal subjects? Surely such an idea would make me look unfavorable in the eyes of Equestria? If I don’t keep my word, then what good is it for? And if I even skip this one farm out of so many, won’t it look like I’m playing favorites?”

“Well... I can understand such a fear but... well...” the noble was finding it harder to speak. While it may seem like nothing, one of the worst political moves you could make was suggest or demand something that made Celestia seem dishonest.

“Perhaps you should rethink your idea again and come to me should you find a better solution,” suggested Celestia as she made her way towards her big golden colored seat.

“Yes... Your Majesty,” answered the noble in bitter defeat.

Twilight couldn’t help but let out a small “yes” for her mentor’s victory and watched as each noble walked down to their respective seats as the waiters came in carrying the soup. None of them sat yet until Celestia was at her own seat. Twilight was ready to teleport herself out of the room, sure that everything would work fine, until she saw something that made her eyes widen.

Planted on the cushion, unbeknownst to Celestia, was a whoopie cushion while under the table Twilight could see a red feather that she easily recognized. Her panicking mind went into overdrive. She could already see the embarrassment and political disaster that would come upon her mentor should it even be suspected that she farted in public, or was pranked to even look like it.

Driven by fear and desperation, Twilight teleported closer to Celestia’s seat, only to gallop the moment she was but a mere meter away from her goal. With one solid jump, she dived towards the whoopie cushion, body slamming it from the side as the device of her mentor’s humiliation fell to the floor, pushing it out of the way in the nick of time… only for Twilight’s eyes to widen, her ears to drop, and her mouth open agape as the giant flank of her mighty mentor descended towards her. Unable to escape or use her magic in time, Twilight scolded herself for not levitating whoopie cushion out of the way in the first place. For next seconds that seemed like minutes, Twilight found herself crushed between her mentor’s rump and the cushion itself, feeling a huge increase of temperature and pressure as she started to sweat, pressed deep into the cushion while feeling soft material under her back and neck, while soft fur on her head and belly. Despite being trapped between two soft surfaces while hardly feeling any weight, she found herself unable to move while she held her breath.

***

Celestia’s eyes widen as she heard a loud yelp underneath her backside and lifted it up, turning towards her cushion while not finding anything.

“Um, princess,” said a delegate. “I... I don’t mean to be rude, but there is a purple blotch on your... um... flank.”

Celestia gasped as she looked behind her and saw Twilight, on her rump, weakly waving. “Um... hi...”

With careful levitation, Celestia gently placed Twilight onto the dining table while a weak blush was apparent on the princess’s face. The little unicorn blushed as well, surely being sat upon by the princess’s flank was quite an unique experience. “I am truly sorry, Twilight. I should have paid more attention to my surroundings,” Celestia said as she look at her with concern. “You are not hurt, are you?”

Twilight rubbed her back with an awkward smile,” I am alright princess, and the cushion was rather comfortable. Besides, you have nothing to apologize for. It was my fault for getting trapped under you.” The little unicorn straightened her softened legs as a few knock in her bones followed. While relaxing her tensed body, she looked to the side, only to flinch at the glares of awe and disbelief directed at her from ambassadors and vips, only years of etiquette training preventing their jaw to drop wide open as they pointed to something. Twilight gulped and saw they were pointing at the whoopie cushion that was nearby on the floor. Feeling smaller than she already was, Twilight curled, hiding her blushing face behind her tail. Oh no, they’re gonna think I was trying to prank, Celestia! I’m gonna be banished! Or thrown into jail! Or thrown into a jail while being banished! Maybe I can plead mental insanity or...”

“I didn’t knew you had a pranking side, my faithful student,” Celestia said, her voice calm and firm despite the circumstances. Turning back, Twilight looked up into her mentor’s passive eyes as the princess bit another portion of salad. The princess gulped before smirking, “I never thought you would be interested in participating in today’s event, more or less prank me of all ponies.” Celestia giggled while a big spoon levitated towards the soup in golden aura, loading the spicy liquid as the cargo approached Celestia’s mouth. “To be honest, I always wanted to be pranked but no pony had the courage to do so for hundred of years, not even Philomena. I must congratulate you for your courage. A huge and pleasant surprise indeed.”

Twilight shook her head, “But I didn’t… It was Philomena–”

“Idea?” Celestia cut her off. “You are far too modest my faithful student. I hear rumors that Philomena was tutoring you, and I was glad that both of you found the common interests, but in the end you are the one who executed her ideas.” Celestia took a deep sip of the soup before taking another and another, gulping it as the liquid passed by her throat.

Twilight felt relief that the princess was not angry while searching for correct words to explain that Philomena set up the prank, not her. Suddenly she noticed her mentor’s head turn red while smoke and stream emerged from her nose and mouth and even ears. Twilight’s eyes opened widely at the realization while her heart started to beat rapidly. Did she put the spicy ingredients into wrong pots?

***

Celestia took another gulp of the soup, unable to feel any taste at all. How was it possible? The soup always tasted well, and if ruined, it would taste badly, like to salty or too spicy, but how she could describe the taste that wasn’t there? Suddenly her eyes watered as her face turned red, as if the soup turn off her taste buds that were meant to warn her?

It was too late now as she just gulped the fourth portion of the soup, only now feeling an extreme taste. It felt as if a melted iron made contact with her insides, her tongue and throat burning. Celestia gulped before opening her mouth, taking deep breaths of fresh air as flames and smoke emerged from her mouth, big enough to put a teenage dragon to shame. Despite the burning sensation, she kept unfazed composure as a glass of water levitated towards her, enduring spicy ingredients that would make at least hundred of ponies running towards the closest water source.

“I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry…” her little student repeated herself, immediately kneeling to her face right next to the deadly soup, once again in full panic mode. Celestia ignored the apologies and pleads to be punished or thrown into dungeon as she drink cup of water, though it failed to extinguish the flames.

The princess could see sweat falling from ponies in the room, many even pushing their soup away as several glass of water levitated towards her burning throat. With the flames finally shut down after tenth glass of water, Celestia wiped her lips with a serviette and burp the last amount of smoke, her blush impossible to see on her face, though the red color was slowly vanishing.

Celestia looked down at her student, or rather at the ball of mess she was now. Most words of apology one could find in dictionary already spoken alongside with at least several suggestions of punishment. Gently lifting her student from her kneeling position with weak levitation, the princess gave her the most motherly smile she could muster and spoke, “I see you also tried your luck at cooking, my dear student, surely an improvement over the cake you once made.” Celestia giggled before raising her nose snobbishly, her hoof rubbing her neck, “It tasted as a mix of flesh melting lava and melted iron. Surely to high amount of pepper and liquid rainbow compared to the amount of vegetable soup, making it slightly too spicy.” The princess smirked, “What are you apologizing for if I may ask?”

Twilight took her tail between her hooves and pet it nervously, her shivering body slowly relaxing, “S-slightly s-spicy? You are not angry?”

“Whatever for?” Celestia answered with a chuckle. “And I must add that I am quite proud of you. Pranking me twice in a low, quite impressive feat.”

Twilight slowly turn her head towards the soup. Was it really the soup she spiced? She carefully calculated the ingredients and it didn’t involved anypony to spit fire after drinking it. Curious, she levitated a tiny bubble of the soup in front of her face.

Celestia’s eyes opened widely, her cheerful mood darkening in an instant. Being an alicorn let her shrug off the soup as a mere annoyance, but for any other pony it is literally lethal. “Twilight, no!” She yelled, but was too late as Twilight licked the bubble, gulping a tiny drop. In an instant a fire streamed from the unicorn's mouth, ears and nose before she fainted, now lying on her back with legs curled as if playing dead. Switching from her student to the motionless and silent crowd, Celestia stand and excused herself while levitating her student to the prepared spot in the medical wing, unaware to a Phoenix peeking in from behind the window, laughing hysterically at the turn of events, her biggest pranking spree ending with a spectacular finale.

Part 6

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Twilight nearly finished one third of the glass of water, drinking restlessly before sighing in relief as her fur and mane was wet, and so was the giant pillow she was now laying on. Celestia levitated the cup away before gently petting her apprentice who whimpered, coughing a bit. One weak heat spell later, she looked away from her now dry student and turned her attention to the others in the room while Steel Blade, Overwatch, Spike and Blueblood stared back silently with worry and pity. After releasing her breath, Celestia asked with curios tone, “Would somepony please explain to me what kind of events lead to…” she pointed at her coughing student, “this.”

The others explained everything. How they started a prank war, and how Philomena and Twilight split up after it had gone to far. Blueblood admitted, while blushing, that the whole hot soup prank was his idea on the nobles; Philomena apparently had wanted to do one final prank but this time on Celestia.

The princess rubbed her forehead. She was going to have a serious conversation with Philomena the moment the guards found her pet. “Don’t worry, I don’t blame you for Twilight’s condition,” said Celestia as she looked upon her little student. If it wasn’t for the protection spell, the damage the liquid rainbow could have done would have been far worse. Thankfully, all that came from this was a very badly burned tongue that would prevent her student from speaking for another hour or so, and a small... gas problem that had passed quickly, thankfully.

“Your Highness,” asked Steel Blade, stepping forward. “Permission to kill your pet over and over again until she gets the message?”

“Second,” added Spike, raising his claw.

Celestia sighed. “No, we’re not going to kill her. I’ll punish her for what she did, trust me, but I’m more concerned about Twilight.”

“Mphhh!” Twilight cried out with her tongue out. The others turned to her as she waved her hoof and then pointed to a nearby piece of paper. Getting the idea, Overwatch lit up her horn and levitated both it and a quill which Twilight took with her own magic.

She began to write, with everypony waiting patiently before she showed them what she wrote:

We’re not gonna hurt Philomena. We’re gonna get even.

“Even?” asked Spike, scratching his head. “Uh, Twilight? I don’t think a bird whose element is fire is gonna be affected by a super hot soup.”

Twilight rolled her eyes before writing something else:

I meant, we’re gonna prank her.

“You want to prank her? Twilight, hasn’t there been enough? Besides, this bird hurt you! Celestia can just deal with her!” pointed out Steel Blade.

Twilight shook her head and wrote something else:

Philomena was trying to aim for Princess Celestia, who, apparently, could have dealt with that hot soup easily. I only drank it out of curiosity so it’s my fault. However, I do want to end this day with a prank on her for all the trouble she’s caused. But I can’t do it alone. I need all of you to help me out!

The others looked at each other before nodding. Twilight smiled.

Okay, does anypony outside of this room know of my condition?

“Only that it’s serious,” answered Celestia.

Good, here is what we’re gonna do...

***

Philomena had done many pranks over the years. She had targeted guards, nobles, business-ponies, even the occasional maid or two. And yes, her pranks had sometimes given into physical harm, but nothing serious or anything that would draw blood. Now she had, inadvertently, caused serious internal harm towards a little pony who happened to be her owner’s personal student.

She was beyond screwed.

Philomena had been avoiding the guards, knowing they were obviously looking for her, as well as the hospital wing. From what the rumors were going around about Twilight's condition, it was serious to the point where some feared she wouldn’t survive the night. Philomena didn’t know what to do. She may not have been on best terms with Twilight, at least until today, but she never wanted something seriously bad to happen to her.

Flying towards the highest tower in the castle, Philomena sat down on the top and let out a depressing “coo”. She knew she couldn’t avoid this forever. Celestia would never forgive her for what she had done if the worst comes to her student, and if she ran away, she would be hunted down to the ends of the world. Philomena cursed with a screech, she never wanted this to happen. It was suppose to be a prank on her owner, nothing more.

Philomena never understood why so many ponies complained about her pranking, but now she could see it. She was dangerous and had no self control. Now it was clear to her why not many ponies liked her. Philomena wiped away an uncontrollable tear from her face and nodded her head firmly, the decision to turn herself in forming in her mind when suddenly she heard something from behind her.

“Don’t move!”

The phoenix sighed and turned around, noticing pegasus guards glaring at her, one holding her fireproof cage. She didn’t even resist when they put her in.

***

Philomena hated two things in life. The first was kiwifruit, she never liked the taste of it. The second was waiting. She wasn’t a patient bird, by any means, and she was used to having things go her way. Just because she was ageless, didn’t mean she could wait forever. What she was waiting for was her own owner, Princess Celestia, to storm into the room and give the scolding of a life time. Or worse, announce that their relationship as master and pet was over.

Just the thought of it made Philomena’s heart nearly break. Celestia had raised her since she was born, and the alicorn was the one true friend she ever really had. Yet she couldn’t blame Celestia if she never forgave her for seriously injuring her student. She knew that the bond between her owner and Twilight was strong, almost like a mother and daughter, to the point where she was a bit jealous of the tiny mare.

She had to admit, the unicorn had her charms.

The door finally opened and Philomena gulped as she saw the cold, unforgiving eyes of her owner. The intensity behind them was so great that Philomena felt herself sweating, a near impossible feat for a phoenix. Celestia stopped before Philomena’s cage and was silent for a bit before speaking.

“Do you have any idea what you have done?” demanded Celestia.

Philomena slowly nodded.

“Let me inform you anyway. Your little ‘prank’ has put Twilight in critical condition. Her organs were nearly put on fire thanks to the intensity of that soup you prepared and she has an intense fever. We’re doing all we can but...” Celestia lowered her head. “... she might not survive the night.”

Philomena lowered her head in shame and gave out a few cries and coos. Celestia looked up, her eyes a little less glaring. “I know you didn’t mean it, but how could you have been so thoughtless. What if anypony else had drinking that soup? Let alone somepony as small as Twilight.”

Philomena lowered head in dead silence as Celestia sighed. “If you really are sorry... the least you can do is apologize to her... it might be the last time you get a chance to do so...”

Celestia picked up the cage with her magic as Philomena sat down patiently, nervously thinking of what she was gonna do when she met Twilight Sparkle. She traveled down the halls, her mentor not saying anything. Deciding to show how sorry she was, Philomena began a song, a song of mourning and sorrow. Celestia only stared at her for a bit, but some of that previous anger began to wane.

It wasn’t long before the two of them made it into the hospital wing. There were four other ponies besides the doctor looking over a medical scan: both of Twilight’s guards, Spike, and Prince Blueblood. They were all looking at the pillow on the bed, but their height blocked her view. The moment they turned around, Spike growled, “What is she doing here?!”

Philomena winced at the tone as Celestia replied, “She’s here to speak with Twilight. She wants to apologize.”

“Apologize?! I’ll give her something to apologize! She’s gonna—” Spike looked ready to charge until Overwatch stopped him with her magic. Despite having a neutral expression on her face, Philomena could still feel Overwatch’s eyes gazing over her like a hawk.

“Princess, with all due respect, we’ll be leaving. None of us can guarantee we won’t do something we may or may not regret if we stay here with your pet,” muttered Overwatch as she walked towards the door, the others following her. Each of them muttered something under their mouths when they passed Philomena who didn’t respond to any of it.

When they were gone, Celestia opened the cage and nodded towards Philomena. The phoenix flapped her wings and headed towards the pillow where a sweating Twilight was resting on, a tissue used as a blanket for her. The regret and guilt that she had been eating inside her came back full force as Twilight weakly opened her eyes and smiled. “Hello... Philomena... I must say...” She coughed a bit. “You... you got us real good...”

Philomena cooed and gently nuzzled Twilight’s cheek as she sighed. “I know... you didn’t mean it... I accept your apology...”

Twilight then turned to her mentor. “Princess? Could you leave me and Philomena alone.. for a few minutes?”

Celestia looked hesitant, but nodded and soon left.

Twilight sighed and raised her hoof as Philomena gently held it with one of her wings. Twilight coughed a bit more, gasped, and laid her head down gently. Philomena cooed and started to sing, but Twilight cut her off by squeezing her wing. “Philomena... come closer...”

The phoenix leaned in closer as Twilight struggled to speak. “There... there is a good chance I might not survive this night. The doctors say it’s all up to fate... but I’m not afraid. I’ve had a good life and... today was kind of fun...”

Tears began to mist Philomena’s eyes as Twilight gave her a small, but sweet smile. “I know you didn’t mean for this to happen, right?” Philomena nodded. “I know... and I forgive you.” She pointed her other hoof to a nearby present laying on the bed. “I have something for you... I’ve already given my last request to the others... inside is mine to you... just in case...”

Biting her lips she added, “Please open it? For me?”

Philomena nodded before opening the present the innocent little unicorn had given her. She didn’t know why, but slowly unwrapping it was the hardest thing ever to did. Philomena glanced over at Twilight who gave her a weakly smile. With guilt weighing on her heart, Philomena swore to herself that if her little friend would not make it, she would never prank again, nor forgive herself. Her crime would last the rest of her long life. And if Twilight did survive, she would do everything in her power to repent her actions.

Turning back to the present, she finished opening it and lifted the box...

SPLAT!

... and felt the taste of lemon pie in her mouth. She wiped the whipped cream and cherries from her face before eying the spring that had erupted from the present. Philomena’s mind tired to prosper what had happened before she heard a small giggle. Suddenly, laughter filled the room as Philomena turned around to see Twilight moving as if nothing was wrong, banging her hooves against the pillow while tears of joy dripped down her cheeks. A small smile graced her lips. “Sorry, but I gotcha ya!”

Soon, the door opened and flashes of light nearly blinded Philomena as she looked at Spike, Overwatch, Steel Blade, and even Celestia laughing their tails off. Spike pointed at the phoenix and shouted, “You should see your face! You actually fell for it!” He fell back as his legs began kicking the air while laughing. Even Celestia could not help herself while both guards and Blueblood had to hold each other for support.

The wide-eyed phoenix just stared in surprise as they continued to laugh and take pictures. It finally dawned on Philomena that she had fallen for their act and fell to one of the oldest tricks in the book: the pie in the present prank.

It was so simple. So stupid. And yet so genius. A chuckle erupted from Philomena’s lips. Then following it more and more chuckles until she too was joining in the full merriment. Everypony kept laughing and laughing, even when the phoenix took some of her pie off her and threw it at the others in a playful mood.

After everybody had calmed down and cleaned themselves, Celestia sat down and asked Twilight if she was feeling better. The little unicorn massaged her throat and responded, “Yup, my throat is a bit itchy, but I no longer feel any pain. I guess what they say is true. Laughter is the best medicine.”

“Yeah, this whole bad day just got a lot better after that performance,” said Spike with a smirk towards the blushing phoenix.

Lowering her head, she cooed what sounded like an apology as Celestia nodded in approval. “I hope this was a good lesson for you all.” They all looked at her. “Playing pranks on ponies is fun, and I know some of us got a good laugh. However, there are times when pranks go too far or hurt others either emotionally or physically. We have to know our limits and when going to far is too far.”

She then turned to her pet. “Philomena, I know you are sorry for what you’ve done and that Twilight has forgiven you. However, you still will be punished. For one whole year, you are not allowed to prank anypony and you will be regularly watched for a few months to make sure you behave.”

Philomena nodded and held a wing to her heart, signifying a promise. She was determined to control herself next time before she crossed the line again. Celestia continued, “It’s been a long day and I’m sure all of us want to get some sleep.”

Everypony agreed as Twilight teleported herself up onto Celestia’s shoulders and whispered with a smile. “Princess? Would you like to hear more about my April Foals Day experience? It would make a good report on the aspects of pranking and humor! Not to mention all the magic and skills I used to pull them off!”

Celestia smiled and shook her head. Leave it to her student to make turn even a day of fun into an education and learning experience. She made her way out of the hospital wing, bidding the rest goodbye before saying, “Of course, Twilight, I would love to.”

“Okay! So the first thing Philomena and I did was...”

***

“... and that’s when Spike decided to push me in. I’m just glad the soup wasn’t too hot or else my fur would have turned red,” finished Twilight as she watched Princess Celestia put off her regalia.

“It sounds like your first April Foals Day was quite an adventure, huh?” asked Celestia, slowly getting up for her cushion by her mirror. “And do you intend to prank again come next year?”

“Yup, and I intend to prank again next year. But maybe I’ll just prank one or two of my friends instead of so many.”

Celestia smiled, she was happy that Twilight managed to have so much fun, but she paused upon thinking about “next year.” There was only one year left before Nightmare Moon's return from her banishment, one year before Twilight will have to befriend other element bearers in order to unlock the Elements of Harmony and save her sister. The princess hoped that the next April Foals would not be just for both of them, but also for her sister as well. Luna wasn’t once the bearer of element of laughter for nothing after all.

“Princess?”

Twilight’s voice made her shake her head, coming out of her stupor. “Sorry, Twilight. I must be more tired than I thought. I’m going to brush my teeth before heading to bed. Why don’t you go on ahead?”

Twilight nodded before jumping of her mentor’s shoulder right onto the bed while the princess left the room and went towards the bathroom. With another jump, the little unicorn quickly landed on her trusted pillow, quickly sinking in it, only for a foul sounding noise echoed across the room as Twilight quickly blushed and gasped. Did I... did I just fart on my mentor’s pillow?!

The door quickly opened as Princess Celestia came in with a raised eyebrow. “Oh my... Twilight, are you sure you wouldn’t like to the bathroom before me?”

“I... I...” Twilight hyperventilated and started to breathe in and out. Her mentor was sure to punish for this. Maybe I can still teleport and flee the scene, changing my name before she punishes me... or... or... wait....

With a quick scanning spell, Twilight sensed a magical field around the pillow and recognized it as an illusion charm. She quickly and easily removed it and her eyes widen by what it was she jumped on. Several tiny versions of woopie cushion gathered together into a shape of a pillow..

A small chuckle captured Twilight's attention as she turned around, quickly noticing a smirk on her mentor's giant face.

Celestia winked and said quickly, “Gotcha.”

The End