> Royal Princess on a Date
>  by JusSonic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1:  Time for a Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1: Time for a Date


"Okay! Ready and go!" Rainbow exclaims as she flew around the top floor of the castle of the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom. The Pegasus and her friends are helping the Sparkle/Mare family in redecorating their new home after their previous one, the Golden Oaks Library, was destroyed by Tirek when he escaped from Tartarus.

"Almost done with the paint, Applejack?" Twilight ask as she and Ben goes into a room to see Applejack and some of the ponies of Ponyville painting up a room.

"Getting closer, sugar cube," Applejack remarked with a grin. She put down the last of the paint. "Aaaaan' it's done!'

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh exclaims with a proud smile on his face.

Twilight and Ben smile in approval. It's great to have friends to help redecorate the castle to help the two, Spike, Nyx, Phobos and their pets settled in; A while later, the whole castle is soon done.

"Okay, it's done, everypony!" Twilight exclaims as various ponies finishes with their jobs came in. "Thanks for the help. This castle looks great."

The ponies cheers on, with Rarity speaking, "Well, you are our princess and friend. We will be able to help you out."

"Got the snacks," Pinkie exclaims, bouncing in with a huge tray on her head. After putting it onto a table, the pink pony calls out, "Dig in, ponies! There's enough for everypony!"

The ponies didn't waste time in helping themselves to a snack or so, as a reward for helping out. Twilight smiles, sighing, "It's great having a new castle and all...but I missed my library one."

"Yeah, I missed my basket." Spike said gloomly.

"And all those books! Oh, the library ones, the ones I kept as memos...they will never be replaced! All of them are gone thanks to Tirek!"

Ben just laughs a bit as he took out a familiar bag, the same one that the stallion brought with him to put his own stuff in the day that the stallion first moved into the library. Nyx and Phobos just grin as if knowing a little secret.

"Twilight, sometimes it amazes me how you often you forget. I knew Tirek will come calling sooner or later...so while you head off sulking in the Everfree Forest and the others are telling ponies to stay indoors, I quickly uses my magic bag to put everything in the library, telescope, all your books, the beds, everything." Ben explains to Twilight with a grin.

"We put in useless papers and a fake telescope so you wouldn't lose focused on the fight with Tirek, mommy." Nyx said with a grin to her mommy. Twilight and Spike are surprised but smiles, relieved that Ben and Nyx have saved everything that was thought to be destroyed in the library when Tirek blew it up.

"And now, as I said before, Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!"

The magic bag opens. Ponies quickly move back as a lot of stuff came out of it like mad. Books, telescopes, letters from Celestia, stuff that were thought to be destroyed by Tirek are going into certain places in the castle, a library to put books in, a lab with Twilight's science stuff, beds in the bedrooms, kitchen stuff, etc. Everything is in there.

Soon a while later, everything is in place, making the ponies gasps in awe and amazement. Rainbow exclaims, "Whoa!"

"Like I said before, daddy, what a way to pack and unpack," Nyx exclaims with a smile. "And I'm so glad we saved everything."

"Yep and like I said before, how else can you fit stuff in one bag, let me ask you that." Ben said with a proud smile as he pushes a portrait right into place.

"It's great and I'm happy you saved everything!" Twilight exclaims, nuzzling Ben a bit. "Now we officially moved in."

"Yeah, and that leaves the biggest task of them all..."

Ben and Twilight nods, knowing what the former is preferring about. It's inevitable. It's time to start ruling.

--------------

The Council of Friendship begins having sessions on figuring out how to spread friendship throughout Equestria, through interesting ways. Some of the ideas of course involve training citizens to fight against the enemies, like the Apocalypse Ponies or the Dark Mystic Ponies or Grimmore's Army whenever they came calling.

"So egghead, how about updating my security system," Rainbow ask Twilight with a smile. "You know, so we can see our enemies coming?"

"No, Rainbow Dash; you will just use your system to spy on ponies." Twilight said with a frown. "In fact, I thought the princess told you to take it down after the business with Lorcan was over especially when Chris McClean used your system for his unofficial season here."

"Aww, come on, Twilight! At least give us an advantage."

"No, Rainbow Dash; And again, I told you no about your amusement park idea! We don't know where to put it or even got the budget to give you to even help build it!"

"Fine, but someday, foals will like my own idea of my theme park." Rainbow remarks, sitting in her chair with a pouty look.

"An idea, Twilight, Darling," Rarity said, holding up a hoof of her own.

"Yes, go ahead, Rarity." Twilight said, giving her friend permission to speak.

"Well, I think we should take turns in being ambassadors to certain kingdoms in case there's any trouble like the Dragons, the Griffins, even the Mystic Realm as well. That way, we will not have to limit the role to just one."

"Hmmm, that's an interesting idea, Rarity." Ben said, putting a hoof to his chin thoughtfully, "All in favor?"

"Aye," Everypony in the group exclaims in the room, approving of the idea.

"All oppose?" No one say or object to anything. "Okay then! Next item on the list..."

Suddenly the sound of rock music is heard in the room, startling the ponies. Twilight sighs a bit as she said, "Excuse me for a moment." The mare got up from the table and heads to an intercom system that was installed, pushing a button. "Nyx, honey? Can you turn down the radio? We're having a session in here."

"Sorry, mommy! The Shadowbolts' music is awesome!" Nyx's voice came through the intercom. After the music became lower, Twilight nods as she goes back to the table.

"Okay, next item: these new responsibilities given to me by the princesses."

Twilight unrolls the list, making the other ponies yelp as it rolls across the table, off it and going right out the door. Their eyes widen in alarm, freaking them out...

That is a LONG list of responsibilities to deal with!

--------------------------------

One of the duties Twilight is doing is sitting on her flank on her new throne while she and Ben waits for petitioners, ponies who want to make requests, etc. to come in.

"Okay, Flash, who do we got?" Twilight ask Flash, wanting to get this started.

"We got Miss Cheerilee of the Ponyville school," Flash said as Cheerilee comes in.

"Yes, I know I am not your usual petitioner or royal guest...but I'm concerned about the broken playground stuff like the slides, swings, etc. that got damaged during Tirek's attack." Cheerilee said in concern. "I was hoping that maybe you could send some ponies to either fix it or repair them because they are too damaged for the children."

"Of course I'll do it, Cheerilee, for the sake of your school and the children." Twilight said with a nod.

"We will send Big Macintosh and some big ponies for repairs right away." Ben said with a chuckle. "I know how much you like to see Big Mac's big bod."

"Oh, please. Don't." Cheerilee said blushing a bit, bowing to the princesses.

"Hey, Miss Cheerilee," Nyx said, giving out a homework file to her teacher. "Sorry for being tardy. I was delayed in making this due to the recent events that occurred."

"It’s okay, Nyx; I understand how much this is important to you." Cheerilee said with a smile, taking the file to check over later before leaving.

"At least I took the tardiness better than you did, Mommy!" Nyx chirps, sitting near her mother.

"Don't remind me." Twilight remarks with a frown. "Okay, what's next?"

"A little dispute that needs to be settled." Flash explains as Lyra and Sweetie Drops came in with frowns, "Miss Heartstrings and Miss Drops."

"You darn right we need to settle this!" Lyra snaps sternly. "We want this little thing to be settled right now."

"Oh, no, you don't, Lyra!" Sweetie Drops scowls at her roommate as everyone watches right back. "You don't deserve him! I deserve him!"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't those two..." Ben begins to say, but Twilight shushes Ben, not wanting him to interrupt.

"Hey, listen! You don't care for him at all! I do! I always cherish him with all my magic and heart, unlike you who would just sell him any chance you get!" Lyra scowls right back at her roommate. From Twilight's suspicion, the two mares are fighting over a colt!

"Ha! Yeah, right! Buck McWire deserves more than that!" Sweetie Drops snaps right back.

"Wait, hang on. Who's Buck McWire?" Twilight asked a bit confused. She doesn't know any stallion like that in Ponyville.

"Oh, you don't know?" Lyra asked the princess as she took out...a baseball card, "Buck McWire, famous batter for the Los Alicorns Earth Ponies; Number 15, limited edition, very rare!"

"Wait, are you telling me that this dispute...IS OVER A BASEBALL CARD?!" Twilight asked the two mares, a bit in disbelief, one of her eyes twitch at this pointless dispute over a baseball card.

"Well, yeah." Sweetie Drops said with a nod. "I want to sell it for bits, but Lyra wanted to keep it. So who gets it?"

Twilight groans, slapping a hoof to her face. Ben shrugs, asking, "Listen, girls, as a prince of the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom, let me ask you this: you two are good friends, are you going to let something silly like a baseball card ruin your friendship? For all we know, there may be another card like that elsewhere so who knows if that's a limited edition or not?"

Hearing this shocked Lyra and Sweetie Drops a bit before they started feeling guilty. Ben made a good point.

"Yeah, I guess he's right." Lyra said to Sweetie Drops with a sigh. "Perhaps we should decide what to do with Buck."

"Right, hold off on selling him unless we really need the bits." Sweetie Drops said before bowing. "Thanks, your highness."

As the two took their leave, Twilight groans, "Well, that was pointless. Who's next?"

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders," Flash said as the CMC group made up of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Twist, Dinky Doo and Pipsqueak came into the room.

"Well, girls and boy, what brings you in?" Twilight asked the little ones curiously.

"Can Nyx come out and play?" Pipsqueak asks hopefully.

"Right, we have been planning on adventuring today and we got some new ideas for cutie marks." Sweetie Belle said with a cute squeak.

"Well, maybe. Nyx, do you want to go out?" Ben asked his daughter with a smile.

"Yeah, I'd love to!" Nyx replied eagerly with a nod.

The CMC cheer as Nyx joins them before heading out. Twilight smiles a bit, saying, "Well, that wasn't so bad. Okay, who's the next to come in?"

"Discord," Flash Sentry said. He yelps as Discord appears from out of nowhere, "Gah! Don't do that!"

"Oh, now what kind of fun would that be if I don't?" Discord asks Flash with a shrug. Turning to Ben and Twilight, the chimera then ask, "So, you summoned me?"

"Hey, there he is, Discord, our main Dragon like man!" Ben exclaims with a smile. "Actually, Twilight and I are glad to see ya. You're just the guy we wanted to talk to."

"And what, pray tell, do you want to talk with me about?" Discord asked in wonder.

"Well, we will be short and peaceful as possible. As you know, you have been an important part of Equestria since your reformation." Twilight said to Discord with a grin. "And despite some troubles you gave us, especially the previous betrayal which we forgive due to Tirek's manipulation, you are what we considered an important member of the family."

"So Twilight and I did some talking and we wish to make you an honorary member of our family." Ben said with a chuckle, much to Discord's surprise.

"Ben, Twilight, you really want me to be a part of your family?" Discord asks, feeling touched.

"Sure. Things are now water under the bridge and Fluttershy would appreciate it if we do." Twilight said with a chuckle, "Probably great uncle."

"Or godfather!" Discord exclaims, transforming into a pony version of Marlon Brando, speaking like him, too. "Make you an offer that you can't refuse."

Twilight laughs a bit, shaking her head while saying, "Let's just stick to great-uncle. The godfather thing sounds like something out of a gangster film. BUT...we will think on that one, okay?"

"No problem." Discord said. Then a thought struck him as he spoke, "In fact, perhaps I could make up something special for you as my way of thanking you for having me in your family."

"If we think of something, we will let you know." Ben said with a smile.

"Oh, thank you, thank you so much!" Discord exclaims after changing back to normal, shaking the parents by the hoof each. "You won't regret it, I promise; and to show my appreciation, frosting for everyone!"

Discord explodes...causing everyone else to yelp as the whole room is covered in frosting. Ben wipes the frosting off his face as the spirit of Chaos and Disharmony appears, licking some of the frosting.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." Discord said with a sheepish smile.

"It’s okay, Discord; At least this is something Pinkie would do." Twilight remarks with a slight chuckle, trying to keep her cool.

"Well, I must go. Fluttershy needs some help with her falcons or whatever you called them." Discord said, disappearing from sight, leaving the room a mess.

The prince and princess shrug as they use their magic to clean up the mess made by Discord. Ben calls in, "Bring in the next pony."

A dirty farmer came in, holding out a hoof with brown stuff on it, saying in a Southern accent, "Howdy; Dirty McDirt fro' 'de Ponyville Manure Factory! Hoo doggy, have Ah got a problem fer yew!"

Twilight and Ben cringe a bit at the hoof covered in manure. Even Applejack wouldn't be this dirty.

---------------------

Twilight, a while later, is cutting a ribbon in front of a building as a bunch of ponies watch on, announcing, "I now announce this building...uh, what do you call this, Mayor?"

"Oh, it's our Everfree Alarm System, in case any monsters or creatures from the Everfree Forest attack," The Mayor explains nicely to Twilight. Suddenly, an alarm went off. "Oh! There's one now!"

Sure enough, a huge Boar, a giant pig who isn't bad but tends to cause accidents with its stupidity, runs around, smashing into stuff, causing the ponies to gasp and run.

"Oh, I will handle this." Twilight groans a bit as she uses her magic to stop the Boar. "Come on, big guy, back to the Everfree Forest you go."

Twilight trots off, taking the Boar with her. As Ben and Spike watches on, the Dragon said, "Wow. Twilight is sure taking the responsibility since she got her new castle."

"Yeah, and that's what worries me, Spike." Ben said, noting how tense his love is. "Twilight is getting a bit tense."

"Yeah, you're right." Spike said in concern. "We should do something..."

"Or rather, I shall." Ben said thoughtfully, getting an idea. Twilight is heard yelling as the Boar somehow got freed from her, running off with the Alicorn chasing it.

"Get back here!" Twilight exclaims in annoyance.

---------------

Twilight groans in exhaustion as she sat in her throne. The mare has been on her hooves almost all day, chasing that Boar, containing it, then do some more tasks like attending fund drives for her library (which would've sounded great to her except she was basically the ONLY ONE doing all the work), doing demonstrations like showing Ponyville how to use the weapons to defend themselves, doing fake bouts with ponies, all that jazz.

Twilight on the other hoof did do some friendship side on the side, helping ponies not fight, argue and learning lessons...but these are getting a bit tiring for her. The mare knew how much responsibility it is to being a princess but not this much.

As Twilight recovers, she hears the door, making her groan, "Go away. I don't want anything else today."

"Hey, cool down, egghead, it's us." Rainbow said as she, the rest of the Mane Six, Ben, Nyx, Michael Trotter, Spike and Phobos came in.

"Oh hey. Sorry Rainbow, but I can't give you your funding right now."

"It isn't that, it's you."

"Twilight, Ben noticed how you are getting a bit tense and tired lately." Rarity explains to Twilight calmly. "We know you got what it takes to be a princess, especially when it comes to dealing with problems."

"I know. The princesses do it almost all the time and I am not an exception." Twilight said, sitting back in her throne. "What I wouldn't give for a day off but..."

"And a day off you shall get, Twilight." Ben interrupted Twilight, much to her surprise and confusion. "I've noticed how tense you are getting so I talked it out with the others."

"We're y'all gonna fit in yer hooves fer a while while yew take some time off." Applejack said to Twilight with a smile. "We are 'de Council o' Friendship after all. Therefore, 'de ruling shouldn't be limited 'ta just ya."

"Right, we will do your duties too. We already know what to do by heart." Fluttershy said with a nod. "We will take certain turns on what to do involving tasks."

"Well...that's great that you all will offer to help me and all...but what will I do in the meantime?" Twilight ask her friends in concern. If the princess is taking a day off, so to speak, what will she do?

"Go on a date with me, Twilight. We can spend the day together, relaxing, enjoying each other's company and all that. And come to think of it, since when the hay had we been on a date?" Ben ask Twilight with a smile. The Alicorn Princess pauses to think about this, then she smiles.

"Well, you're right, Ben. What happened today has been exhausting for me. Perhaps a date with you should help me."

"We will hold the fort while you take the day off, Twilight!" Rainbow exclaims eagerly flying around in the air with a laugh.

"And party while we're at it! Yahoo," Pinkie laughed, bouncing up and down eagerly.

"Did someone say 'party'?" A familiar voice asks as Discord appears in a flash, almost blinding the others. "I can't help but overheard that our favorite new Alicorn Princess is taking a time off. Perhaps, as a token of my further appreciation for becoming a member of the royal family, I will help out in some way."

"Well, we could use all the help we could get." Fluttershy giggles a bit. Twilight looks concerned upon hearing that. Sure, she trusted Discord but can the mare trust him to help ruin the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom?

Michael, sensing Twilight's concern, spoke up, "Don't worry, Princess. Your friends have this."

"General Trotter, we need to talk about the cloaked figure you're with." Twilight said with a frown. She remembers that cloaked figure that Michael was hanging with during the Muppet Show and ponders who that individual is.

"I'm sorry, but that's classified. I promised Princess Celestia that I wouldn't tell anyone."

"...Alright."

"Just enjoy yourself." Michael assures the princess with a chuckle as he pushes Twilight towards Ben. "Besides...Ben really knows how to treat you."

Twilight blushes, smiling as Ben hugs her a bit. Michael's right. Ben does know how to treat her....

---------------

Pinkamena is reading her book as she smiles as the mare senses what's going on.

"Aww, so cute," Pinkamena giggles. "it seems Ben is going to take Twilight on a date while their friends help deal with things like opening bridges and dealing with what a Princess has to do"

The others look a little worried as Golden Heart says, "A date is good but you think the others could use some help?"

Pinkamena thinks and then gets up , speaking, "Well maybe we can help them out. Goldie, Omega and Gold Wing, you come with me. Havis, Sombra, Autumn, you hold down the fort while we are away."

They nod as Pinkamena heads off along with Golden Heart, Omega and Gold Wing as the rest of the group stay and keep the place in check.
> Chapter 2: How to Avoid Trouble for a Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: How to Avoid Trouble for a Date


Ben and Twilight makes final preparations as they head off on their big date. The Alicorn gets a checklist, mumbling, "Okay, make sure council is session...get bits to pay stuff with...come back often to see how things are doing..."

"Twilight," Ben said in disapproval, pushing the checklist. "The idea for this is for you to relax and enjoy my company. You can't do so if you're doing stuff by the checklist. That isn't how a date works."

"Yeah, I know, Ben...but I'm worried that..."

"Stop your worrying, Darling!" Rarity insists with a smile as she pushes Ben and Twilight towards the door. "We will take care of the problems that the kingdom will facing, you two just go ahead, having a romantic wonderful time."

"Fine! Don't be a boring poopie pants!" Pinkie giggles, bouncing around her two friends excitedly. "We will handle things from here like we said."

"Well, I suppose I can trust you girls and everything else." Twilight admits with a small smile. Going out on a date with her love does sound like fun right now. "Okay, Ben and I will trust you girls with the responsibilities of the kingdom, like we told you before."

"Make sure Nyx and Spike are in bed by the time we get back by ten." Ben said to his friends advisedly. He wants to make sure that his daughter is in bed by the time that the parents get back.

"Oh, what; we're foal-sitting now," Rainbow jokes, getting a laugh from her pals, especially an awkward Spike.

"All right; that should be it. We will be going now. Later, girls! I'm counting on you." Twilight said to her friends as she and Ben prepares to head off on their date, "Oh, and no wild parties!"

"Awww! Shoot!" Pinkie groans, wearing a party suit, covered in decorations and getting her party cannon out. The mare shrugs and pushes her party stuff aside. "Oh well, can't win them all."

------------------

"Next session come to order!" Discord booms as he pounds a big gavel onto the table, shaking the room and startling his friends. The new honorary member of the family is starting things off with a bang.

"Gentle, Discord, gentle." Fluttershy said to her friend gently. Discord shrugs, tossing the gavel away.

"Since the princess is away, I get to play. So, what is any new business?"

"Well, the princess and the prince are out on their date." Spike explains to Discord, putting down some papers. "And...right now we got these new ideas for a new and improved Ponyville."

Applejack took a paper, glancing at it carefully. She remarks, "Hoo doggy; Defenses against monsters? What? They done forgot about 'de shield?"

"Ponies are worried since the Mystic Shield wasn't enough to keep Tirek out the last time." Rainbow explains to Applejack with a shrug. "And with our Mystic pals not being in Ponyville all the time, I say we bring in an army!"

"Then the Pinkiestarmy is ready for anything!" Pinkie exclaims, putting on the bowl on her head and carrying a wooden spoon.

"Wonderful! I got some cannons in place!" Discord exclaims eagerly as he magically made cannons appear in an instant. "I think with only me and Pinkie, who needs anypony else?"

"Discord; I think we should let more ponies help us." Rarity said to Discord with a sigh, knowing that a wild Pinkie and Discord could do more harm than good. The white unicorn magically get out another paper, "'Ideas for banners'. Oooh! Sounds like fun. I believe I could make new logos for our new and improved Ponyville. They will be fabulous!'

"I'll say they would." Spike said with a smile, approving his love's suggestion.

"Well, we will check out new ideas fro' our fellow ponies an' then git back 'ta them fer 'de next meeting." Applejack said with a nod, making Rarity grin a bit in satisfaction. "Okay, what's next?"

"Just this." Rainbow said with an eager smile as she put down a map of some unknown place onto the table. "Found this place while I was flying the other day. It has no animals, just some mud, some muck, and some rotten trees. We could tear that place down and put in my theme park!"

"I thought Twilight told us that there is no budget right now." Fluttershy said, pointing out Twilight's refusal from before. "Plus, won't there be any animals there that we didn't notice?"

"Come on, Fluttershy. I checked the whole place. No animal in that area. Plus, it's close by Ponyville so ponies can come by from all over! Imagine the bits that our town would get donated by my theme park."

"Even still, we don't got the budget to give you for a theme park." Rarity said, trying to turn Rainbow down as gently as possibly. "Sorry."

"Who needs bits? You forgot whom you're talking to! I'm Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony!" Discord reminds his friends, bowing to them anxiously. "I can make anything, even a theme park, appear in an instant! Just make me co-owner and it shall be done!"

"Yeah! Awesome," Rainbow exclaims, her eyes widen eagerly, "Who needs a budget when we got a trickster on our side?!"

"Well..." Fluttershy said in hesitation, pondering what to say. "Well, we will show previews of rides to the ponies, see what they like or don't like. Then we could see what to do from there."

"All right! Delay until further notice!" Discord exclaims, slamming his gavel onto the table hard, causing the room to shake some more, startling the ponies. "Next subject: some petitioners or guests."

"Might if we join the party?" A familiar voice asks as Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Omega and Gold Wing came into the room. The Alicorn nods as he speaks, "We heard that the princess and her love are going out so we offer our services."

"Affirmative; you will need the assistance." Omega said in agreement, beeping as usual. Gold Wing squawks as usual.

"Well, it will be nice to get some extra help." Rarity said with a giggle. "Feel free to stand or sit wherever you like."

"We don't need to sit. We should go into town, see the ponies, asked for their opinions or ideas." Pinkamena exclaims with a creepy smile, making Rainbow yelp a bit. She may've got used to this version of Pinkie...but the pink mare got ways of creeping her out STILL.

"Hey, I was thinking the same thing!" Pinkie giggles a bit. "Big minds think alike!"

"Okay, time to end session and see the ponies. Remember, stay out of Twilight and Ben's date." Discord orders the council, reminding them that Twilight and Ben are still on a date and shouldn't be disturbed. He slams his gavel down loudly. "Session adjourned!"

Of course, Discord hits the table so hard, it fell apart instantly, much to everyone's surprise. The spirit looks at everyone, chuckling awkwardly.

----------

Ben and Twilight trotted into the market place as they heard a familiar voice. Due to them arriving on time, it's Flare Tiger who holler with pride.

Flare Tiger yelled, "Get ya' special pie! Get ya' special pie! They're made from rare berries!"

Ben and Twilight trotted toward Flare Tiger and are shocked to see different kinds of pies. Flare Tiger noticed them with overjoy.

Flare Tiger smiled as she exclaims, "Good day Twilight, Ben! What bring ya here?"

Ben smiled as he explains, "We're out on a date for while... Could you tell me what's these pies are?"

Flare Tiger gasped, "Oh, mah gosh! These rare berries came from mah homeland! Mah herd were very pride to care fer any kinds of berries! Why not have one, free as charge! This one is mah most favorite, the Oran Pie!"

Flare Tiger held out two pieces of the pie that was made from the Oran berry. The two took the food and taste the pieces. They're shocked at the pie to find how very sweet and healthy the pieces are.

Twilight hummed, "I didn't knew it, what berry did you called it?"

Flare Tiger nodded as she explains, "It's Oran Berry, it’s give others healing very well!"

Not until Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked into them as they heard about the pie that are made out of berries did the bullies snort with anger.

Diamond Tiara snorted, "I don't care about these so-called pies! I will take this one without pay!"

As the bully prepares to do so, Flare Tiger looked at her with horror, "Wait! That's...."

Diamond Tiara took a piece of the pie, which is Spelon Pie nds bit it and time is ticking by. She then realized that's something burning inside her mouth, causing Diamond Tiara to scream.

Diamond Tiara yelled, "HOT! HOT! HOT!"

Diamond Tiara ran off as Silver Spoon follows her; the adults watched them go until Twilight break the ice.

Twilight asked, "What's that in this pie?"

Flare Tiger explained, "That's Spelon Berry, it's gift that could burn like spicy, trust me, ya don't want to tried that since it's mah favorite too."

Twilight nodded as she remarks in amusement, "I could see that..."

Ben realized as he ask, "Speaking of which, are you're ambassador of the Digitrisland?"

Flare Tiger looked at him and answers, "Eeyup, mah business is very huge and Ah'm able to keep track of them! Ah'm pretty darn proud of it."

Twilight awed as she ask Flare Tiger, "So, you can held different type of jobs that you got?"

Ben wondered while asking, "What kind of jobs you had?"

Flare Tiger hummed, "Ah working as Farmer and sell those rare fruits or berries, also, business on the trade by dealing with other. Ah'm also held very skill with being an Ambassador."

Twilight gasped, "What!?! That's a huge work for you!"

Flare Tiger smiled as she said, "It may be huge for ya, but for me, it's good business which kept bits running!"

Twilight wondered then ask, "That's mean, you're a rich family?"

Flare Tiger looked at her and answer, "Eeyup, but it's doesn't do us good, Tis' prefer to share each other and always being there for each other."

Ben gasped with an idea, "Speaking of Rich type, could you come over to the Council of Friendship for a meeting? Please?"

Flare Tiger wondered then respond, "Well, since ya asked nicely, so Ah agreed to come over, so tomorrow?"

Ben nodded as he answers, "Tomorrow it's is."

They waved farewell to Flare Tiger as they're trotted by side to side as Twilight sighed with wonder.

Twilight asked, "Ben, why you want Flare Tiger to come over?"

Ben answers, "Remember what Flare Tiger said about their bits, I know it's very rude but I thought why not to try to trade with them? I need to asked something that Flare Tiger would like happily to help out."

Twilight thought then realized what Ben meant.

Twilight smiled as he said, "Well, it's worth to try to make trade with her and her family!"

------------------------

At this moment, something of an interview was going on. As Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash & Pinkie Pie were interviewing two ponies that had arrived at the castle. Their names were Fred Flintstoneward and Barney Rubblestone, two Pegasus ponies that once had experience as acting guards in Grimdark in keeping prisoners seal up. And their resume seem pretty good when they were in charge of guarding the Brotherhood before the mysterious Alicorn called Trix Lulamoon helped in their escape, and the two got blame for it by their boss; Mr. Slate. But apparently, when Flash heard about the Rainbow Kingdom needing guards, he thought of giving the two the chance to help out.

"Well, boys, I've looked at your paper, gotta say, look pretty unique among the others we've seen." Rainbow Dash spoke off to say this to the two gents.

"Wait. I thought they were the only ponies that we could get that had any guard rank careers?" Pinkie Pie asked off this question in recalling what they were doing.

"Oh, really; and here we thought we end up dead last." Barney spoke off to say this with a puzzled face.

"Zip it, Barn! I told you, let me handle the talking." Fred hushes his pal's mouth so that they don't look stupid or incapable of being Royal Guards for the Kingdom of Friendship.

"Oh, um, right-o, Fred," Barney spoke off in hearing this warning from his pal.

"Now, we heard of this by lieutenant Flash Sentry and he saw us as capable new guards for your kingdom." Fred spoke off in being very high and mighty of their skills from their superior from Canterlot.

"Right, even if we did bungled our last case back in Grimdark." Barney stated this off cluelessly which annoyed Fred that they are trying to not LOSE this job career.

"According to this, you are two married stallions. You seem to have lovely children. Anything about them," Rarity spoke in seeing pictures of the two stallions and know they are married to be family men of their homes.

"Sure, my Wilma is a great cook, a real beauty, the best I could ever ask for. And my little Pebbles, cute as a button. So cute, she's as innocence and pure as a maiden." Fred smiled off to speak very highly of his family, the Mane Five liked the guy being so honest and proud of his family, shows much of caring, compassion, loving, great works for a guard.

"And my Betty, wow, she's a mare that stole my heart. Heheh, and my boy Bam Bam, he maybe young, but he could be the strongest in Equestria, even at his age." Barney replied off to speak of being a romantic type of his own wife and his proudness of his boy, is he lucky or what.

"Hold up, strongest? Are ye pullin' our hooves?" AJ asked off in hearing something that sounded off.

"Oh, um, no sir, uh, ma'am; Trust me, if Fred and me did such things, we face the consequences of our wives." Barney spoke off in trying to be honest to never deceive the mares here.

"Why? What would happen?" Fluttershy asked off a bit puzzled of not knowing the life of being married.

"Believe me, its best you don't know." Fred stated in knowing that the facts are too painful to go into detail. "But we really would like to be guards for the new Rainbow Kingdom, right Barn?" He pleaded that the gents wanna get this job very much.

"Right, and not just the special free meals from the Apple Farm along with free desserts from Sugarcube Corner, free uniforms for ever season from Miss Rarity's fine work, but to help out if we can." Barney was stating they like to have the job, and not because of all the free stuff that comes with it, though he may have said too much.

"Hold on, wha's 'dis A'm hearin'?" AJ stop the discussion to find it suspicious now.

"Rainbow; did you make such offers in the banner fliers for our requirement of Royal Guards?" Rarity raised an eyebrow in hearing what these two stallions spoke; did their friend give some 'offering' in the wanted aid of Royal Guards needed for their kingdom's army?

"Hey, have you seen this town, we'll be lucky if we even get more guards if we don't give them offers!" Rainbow Dash stated that she had to do something, after many attacks, they gotta give ponies something to get themselves into things.

"Well, many of the other Royal Guards are working under Princess Celestia, Luna, even Cadance, so they already have their own lives to live by." Fluttershy spoke in knowing that other Royal Guards of more experience are with the other princesses.

"Okay, huddle up!" Pinkie Pie spoke to want to discuss things in private.

Soon the mares huddle up while the two stallions watch without hearing what they are saying.

"Wha ye girls think? They don't seem like much threats or enemy spies, they don't got 'de brains. They're like Tough Apple." AJ issued off her own thoughts in hiring these guys.

"Well, they seem a bit...slow, I'm amazed they were given Class 9 of watching the Brotherhood." Rarity stated her thoughts that Fred & Barney were even lucky to have handle a big responsibility, only for their old foes to escape.

"But they seem so nice, and it wasn't their fault. Plus, they have families to feed." Fluttershy spoke in feeling they shouldn't be mean, these guys are wanting to do what's best to support their families.

"Right, plus they seem like funny guys. I like them." Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this in what she thinks of them.

"And can you imagine it, we can use this as a way to earn more bits. Their foals are one so cute and the other so strong, it's a perfect shot to earn so much!" Rainbow Dash spoke in thinking they can have an event where there's Fred's baby filly Pebbles who they saw was really cute and adorable, and Barney's kid Bam Bam who is so strong, it really attract a crowd.

"Ah don't know about dat, but if one of their youngster is dat strong, our enemies could try 'ta go after them fellas." AJ spoke in concern about their enemies going after a small target to turn them evil.

"Oh no, that would be terrible! We have to make sure that they stay here and their children aren't endangered." Fluttershy spoke in caution and worry if such a thing were to happen.

"Alright, it's in agreement. But we'll make them work hard to help Twilight and her family. After all, we won't know how many more guards we'll get, so, best to cut them a break." Rarity humbly spoke her own two cents over the manner of thinking they give the two gents a shot.

"Agreed," The others responded in silence while breaking off their huddle while the two stallions sitting down were whispering their own thoughts and worries here.

"Hey Fred, you think by the way they're whispering, it's good or bad news?" Barney asked in feeling nervous, it sounds like they might not be qualified after all.

"If not Barn, then we may have to break the news to the girls." Fred stated in having a feeling they'll need luck to get this job or break the news to their wives.

"Okay, we've come to an agreement, you both must do hard work in being Royal Guards of the Rainbow Kingdom, to your new princess and our council members. You'll have to do some daily cleaning, helping the Sparkle Family and though you get some nice stuff, your pay feed will be small, so you'll have to work it up!" Rainbow Dash was stating all these things in how Fred and Barney will have to work hard, (and be paid cheaply to save up more bits on money) and to help out in any station.

"In short, congrats, ye got de job!" Applejack smiled off to say this to the gents.

"We did?" Fred and Barney spoke in union in hearing this from out of nowhere.

"Yes, and to start, you can have your family move to Ponyville, where we'll have Mayor Mare get you homes near the castle." Fluttershy smiled off to say this in what the two are gonna do, move to their village and be close by.

"Huhuh, ya hear that, Fred? We're hired!" Barney laughed off in joy in hearing this news.

"Yabba dabba doo; I heard it, Barney!" Fred shouted out loud to cheer in loving this news.

"Wow, what a neat-o cheer!" Pinkie Pie smiled off in liking what Fred shouted there, it sounded so full of spirit.

"All right, gents, hurry now, time for you to get packing and help the kingdom progress." Rarity instructed to the two to get going and get ready to start their jobs.

"Oh, you won't regret this, Miss Rarity!" Barney spoke to stand up to salute, same with Fred to.

"He-heh, we gladly even do anything at this point." Fred chucked off to say this in being so happy, the two don't care what boring or chore work, so long as they got the Royal Guard job here.

Soon, Fred and Barney left making more cheer noises in being so happy; they are gonna be Royal Guards to the Kingdom of Friendship.

"Wow, now we'll have a Flintstone OC Pony cast here, boy, what fun we'll have in our adventures when they appear." Pinkie Pie broke the fourth wall to say this while earning some stares.

"And again, Pinkie, you are so random." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in seeing her friend being random again.

With that, the scene goes dark with but the first step to helping Twilight as princess, get some guards.

---------------

Out on the streets, Discord is holding a mic speaking to a camera held by Michael Trotter. He speaks up, "Greetings from Ponyville. I am out on the streets trying to get new ideas to improve our kingdom."

"Ugh, is this even necessary, Discord?" Michael asks Discord bitterly.

"Oh, come on. It's fun! Besides, I did this once to advertise for Total Drama Equestria!" Discord exclaims to Michael with a chuckle.

"Ugh." Michael groans.

"Ah, here's one now." Discord said, giving the microphone to Derpy. "So Miss Hooves, what suggestions would you give to the princess Twilight to make your town better?"

"Uh, muffins," Derpy exclaims happily, making Discord roll his eyes. "Oh! And maybe some healthy stuff for us disabled ponies!"

"I see." Discord said. He then spots Big Macintosh and floats over, "And Big Mac? What is your suggestion for Princess Twilight Sparkle?"

"Shucks, I done need some more rain for the fields." Big Macintosh explains to Discord with a shrug.

"Chocolate rain," Discord asks with a wide grin. Big Macintosh just stares at him, making him groan, "Never mind."

"Are we done?" Michael Trotter asked with a groan.

"Just one more," Discord said, turning without bothering to look. "And how about you, sir or madam? What would you suggest to help Princess Twilight improve her kingdom?"

"Why ask me?" The familiar voice of...Twilight ask as she and Ben looks at Discord oddly. "We're out on a date, remember?"

"AWKWARD! Sorry, pretend you didn't see us! Bye!" Discord yelps as he grabs Michael and running off, leaving the couple bewildered.

"Well, that was weird." Ben said to Twilight who shrugs as the two heads off to resume their date.

-----------------------

"So, what do you think of my fabulous designs?" Rarity ask her friends as she shows some papers showing the designs for the banners that she got planned: the banners has the five of the Cutie Marks of the Mane Five circling around the sixth one, Twilight's. "Do these fit as our royal banner?"

"Rarity, those are doggone perfect!" Applejack exclaimed with a wink.

"Right; Very awesome," Rainbow exclaims with a smile of approval, "Awesome with a capital 'A'."

"I'm glad you like it." Rarity said, batting her eyelashes proudly.

"So far this job appears to be doing fine." Pinkie said with a giggle as she hops in with a plate of cupcakes. "I'm glad we're helping Twilight with this."

"Same here," Fluttershy giggles a bit. "I am glad not bad will happen for a while."

----------

Now then, right now our royal couple is at the top...on a top of a spire in a rotating restaurant called 'Top of Ponyville' which can be accessed via elevator. Twilight and Ben are in a booth right now, laughing a bit.

"And so, after hitting the metal thing in mom's room, Aunt Luna woke up and is grumpy?" Ben ask his love curiously.

"Yeah; I was freaked out...but after a few days, it was funny!" Twilight laughs a bit. "You could've seen Luna's face. She looks like Applejack after the cowpony didn't work for a few times."

"Ha ha ha. I'm so glad we're here, relaxing a bit."

"Yeah, I know, and not going out on a crazy adventure or doing royal stuff for once. Say, you remember when we thought Chris McClean was a murderer and end up trapping his players in Ponyville?"

Ben scoffs a bit as he remarks, "Don't remind me, Twiley. I'm glad that problem was straighten out; But to get into our dreams for a challenge? Wow!"

"Also, I didn't even know that Celestia and Luna have an Uncle Tuerto." Twilight said, recalling the main pony villain in that whole ordeal. "I almost forgot what happened to him."

"Let's not talk about that. I'm sure we will remember it in due time."

"Right; Also, do you remember how some ponies rooted for Boris to kill you back when you were a Demon Pony?"

"Ugh. Don't remind me, Twilight. It's like being in a fic where some folks dislike it enough to root for the bad guy." Ben remarks with a groan, not liking that incident a bit. "At least Boris made a few mistakes of being a Earth Pony hating jerk as well as confessing to his crimes. Bad guys should keep their mouth shut."

"Right, 'Boris the Animal' doesn't know when to!" Twilight jokes, making herself and Ben laughs a bit. After calming down, the Alicorn sighs. "I'm so glad we're on this date together. It's good to get away from the responsibilities of being a ruler."

"Here's your meal your majesties." A waiter said as he brought in the two's meal. "Also, I will put it on the Royal Tab."

"Thanks, and compliments to the chef, even though we didn't start eating yet." Ben said as he begins eating into his meal.

"And since you two are here, I am hoping you would..."

"Please, please. I got the day off from my royal duties today." Twilight said gently to the waiter, not wanting to get into royal stuff like now. "Anything you like to say, give it to my friends."

"Actually, this isn't a royal suggestion, I was hoping you would come back in the future, that way, our restaurant would get more customers." The waiter explains to Twilight with a hopeful look. "You know: so ponies would know that a princess has ate here!"

Twilight and Ben roll their eyes a bit. Typical!

-------------

While Twilight's friends are busy, Pinkamena, Omega, Golden Heart and Gold Wing stays at the edge of the Everfree Forest. If anything were to come out, they will be ready for them.

"Booooooring," Pinkamena exclaims as the Pinkie Pie lookalike sat on the ground, bored. "I thought some animals would come out, looking for a fight or something."

"Well, we can't just leave and let the inevitable happen, sis." Golden Heart explains calmly to Pinkamena. "We will stay here, make sure no Dragons, Ursa Minors or whatever come out and do something funny. It's a way to keep Ponyville safe and to keep Twilight and Ben happy on their date."

"I know, but on border patrol duty; BOOOOOORING!"

Gold Wing screeches a bit, flying around as Omega made more scans. He booms out, "So far, nothing is happening. Perhaps the animals aren't coming out today."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Golden Heart said with a nod. If nothing is coming out of the Everfree Forest, perhaps it's best to just leave for now. After all, the sirens will let any pony know if there's an attack, "At least we got the sir..."

Suddenly a roar is heard, startling the trio. Pinkamena pauses, then ask Goldie, "Uh, Goldie? Quick question; is today the day that they're changing batteries for the siren?" 

Sure enough, out from the Everfree Forest comes a ferocious monster with a body of a bear and a head of a tiger, roaring like mad.

"Apparently yes," Golden Heart said dryly, "Omega?"

"Scanning," Omega said, scanning the new creature. "That is a Kalidah, a monster with a head of a tiger and a body of a bear."

"And there's more like it!" Pinkamena exclaims as she saw four more Kalidahs coming in, roaring and growling like mad.

"Omega, get our pals on the phone." Golden Heart said seriously as Omega quickly got the phone function of himself out. "We may need some help in dealing with these guys."

> Chapter 3: Exploding Problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: An Exploding Problem


The Mane Six at this time was finishing the last of the petitioners. The visitors were expecting to talk to the princess and her colt-friend but got the council instead. Not too much of a disappointment though, at least some of their requests are reasonable and are either considered or promised to think about at a later time.

"Well, that's the last one." Fluttershy said with a sigh, sitting down a bit. "I'm glad that's over."

"I am. It's just 'food that' and 'taxes that." Rainbow remarks with a scoff, sitting in a chair while crossing her upper forelegs. "Can't they take that stuff to the Mayor?"

"Yes, but not everything can be handled by her, Rainbow."

"And it's only 8:30!" Rarity exclaims in amazement as she looks at the clock nearby. "My! How time flies when one pony is having fun!"

"If yew says so," Applejack remarks with a shrug. "Well, Ah done think we got everything our princess wants us 'ta do; So how about we hang back an' wait a while until Twilight an' Ben comes back fro' their date?"

Her friends considered that idea; Nothing else to do for the day, right? Suddenly the phone rang, making Pinkie's eyes widen as she calls out, "The Princess Phone!" The pink pony rushes over and answers a phone nearby. "Hello! Sorry, the princess's out right now! Wanna leave a message?" The mare listens in, nodding, "Uh huh. Uh huh! Yeah? Really! Cool! Take a party, we'll be right there!"

As Pinkie hangs up, Rainbow asks, "So who is it? Another confused census taker?"

"Nope! Just Omega telling us that he, my other self and Goldie are fighting a bunch of Kalidahs near the Everfree Forest and may need our help."

"Uh oh," Applejack yelps a bit in worry. "We better take care o' those an' quick! We don't want them fellers ruining Twilight an' Ben's date."

"Yes, yes, they are doing so peacefully so far. Who are we to ruin it for them?" Rarity asks in agreement as she and her friends prepare to head out to assist Golden Heart's group and fast.

-----------------------------------

Twilight and Ben smiles, sitting on a bench in the park; so far, no problems, no royal decrees and all that, just the two lovers on a date; Being comfortable and loving every moment of it.

"I gotta admit, Ben. I had a great time." Twilight said, nuzzling her love a bit while looking out at the water. "You and the others were right about this."

"Ain't we always?" Ben teases while kissing Twilight a bit. "I almost wish mom had this better luck when dating, especially when it comes to Azure Phoenix, the good version of Sombra, and..."

"Your father?"

"...yeah, dad if I only knew who he was. But still, it's a great time spending here with you, Twiley."

As the two lovers kept on glancing at the water happily, they fail to see their old pals rushing by behind them. Pinkie saw them and was going to call out but Rainbow covers her mouth, shaking her head 'no' silently before the gang runs off to avoid being seen or interrupting Twilight and Ben's date. Luckily for them, the gang rush by without the two noticing especially when Nyx, Phobos and Spike was following the others in secret.

"I almost wish that this would continue on forever." Twilight giggles, kissing Ben on the cheek.

"Yeah, me too, honey, me too." Ben said with a happy sigh.

-------------------

Pinkamena keeps fighting as she is riding one as she rams it into another one and grabs them and then then sends both of them flying. 

"Come on you creatures, bring it on!" Pinkamena demands, being so darn fighting bad.

Omega fires missile at some of the Kalidahs, making them growl and rush back into the forest. The robot said, "Looks like we are making some of them retreat."

"Right, but it won't be long before..." Golden Heart said as he blasts one Kalidah, sending it flying back into the forest.

From within the forest, there was a large size beast that was growling from it's thunder stomping noises. It was an orange beast that really did have the body of a bear with black spots and the normal orange tiger head with black stripes with a with mouth and yellow eyes. In short, this was how a Kalidah was seen, and it was nearly 4 times bigger than the others.

"Before the big brothers show up," Golden Heart said with a deep frown as Kalidah hits Omega, sending it right into the ground. "This is why we need enforcements."

"Yew needs 'em? Yew got 'em, partner!" Applejack laughs as she and her group shows up with their weapons in hoof or claw. "Enforcements are here!"

"Looks like these guys are gotta get busted!" Rainbow laughs as she fires shots at the big guy but it swipes at her in the air. "Hey!"

Rarity kicks at one Kalidah, knocking it back. She say, "Best to keep things quiet, Darling. We don't want our friends' date to be ruined."

"No problem!" Nyx exclaims as she transforms into her Battle Mode form. "Mother and father are away from the battle area."

"And luckily it's not ten yet, so we can do this!" Spike exclaims, shooting out a fire blast at a big Kalidah, causing it to roar.

"BANZAI," Phobos exclaims, jumping at a Kalidah and hitting it a few times.

The ponies quickly work on blasting the Kalidahs, chasing them into the Everfree.

"Yeah; So far we are so doing this!" Rainbow exclaims with a pleased look on her face.

"Make sure yew keep them fro' getting into town, ponies!" Applejack exclaims, using hejr lasso to toss one Kalidah back into the forest. "We ain't letting our pals' date git interrupted!"

"Get away from them!" Pinkie shouted while hitting another Kalidah with her Party Cannon, sending it flying into the forest. "Nopony's allowed to ruin Twilight's date!"

One Kalidah growls, looking annoyed before quickly doing something unexpected...he fuses with another become a huge Kalidah like the other ones.

"These guys can fuse?!" Spike asks with shock and alarmed.

"Well, the Everfree Forest is a mystery even to us ponies." Nyx explains to Spike. "Who knows what these guys can do?"

"Great! And here, I thought I would enjoy my day off." Phobos remarks with a groan of annoyance.

"What do we do now?" Fluttershy asked in worry.

"Keep fighting and sending them back to the forest, that's what!" Rainbow shouted while she kicked another Kalidah in midair.

"Yes! We must keep Ponyville safe at all cost!" Golden Heart exclaims, fighting off another Kalidah.

"Hey, Nyx; this reminds you of when you were saving Ponyville one time, correct?" Rarity asks Nyx with a smile as the two fight alongside each other.

"Yeah, it was thanks to that that I got my cutie mark!" Nyx replied with a smile. She remembered that day very well.

The ponies kept on fighting but more of these Kalidahs kept on coming. It may not be easier than expected.

"You know this might be harder than we thought." Rainbow groans, punching a Kalidah and chasing it off.

Pinkie Pie happily firing off her party cannon, exclaims, "Cheer up, Dashie! This is going to be fun and look! Pinkamena is having fun!"

She points and Rainbow Dash sees Pinkamena wrestling with a Kalidah as she slams it to the ground and gives it a toss far away in the forest. Pinkamena says loudly, "Next time I will not go easy on you or the rest of you creatures!" 

Another eats Pinkamena who prys the mouth open and then grabs the creature by the nose. Then she spins around and then tosses the creature far away as she shouts, "BRING IT OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!"

Pinkamena tackles another one and flings it as the others stare. Golden Heart says, "You know I think she may be enjoying it too well but a least it helps her improve her strength and skills."

The others nod as they get back to their task as another one is sent flying by Pinkamena.

One Kalidah prepares to slash Fluttershy but she Stare at it, snapping, "Back off!"

The Kalidah yelped in fear before backing away from Fluttershy, recoiling from the Stare.

Omega fires a lot of rockets, sending the remaining Kalidahs packing without their luggage. It looks like the threat is over.

"Look, one is making a break into town!" Spike exclaims, pointing a claw in worry as the others saw a Kalidah rushing to Ponyville.

"Not good! We gotta stop it!" Applejack exclaims in worry.

But before the last Kalidah could end up rushing into town fully, a huge baseball glove came from out of nowhere and caught it; Discord, the one owning the glove, smiles as he appears, holding the creature as he came over.

"No worries! He's out." Discord remarks with a delighted chuckle.

"Good catch, Discord!" Rainbow complimented the draconequus with a grin.

"Okay, and the pitch and the toss!" Discord exclaims, tossing the remaining Kalidah right back into the Everfree Forest. "Going...going...HE'S OUTTA HERE!"

"HOME RUN," Pinkie cheers, holding up a hoof glove labeled 'Go Team'. "Oh yeah, we ruled!"

"Check this out. All the Kalidahs are back in the forest!" Nyx squeals a bit as she turns back to her filly self. "And right out of Ponyville."

"Without alerting Ben and Twilight," Rairty said with a happy sigh. "I think that ended well."

"Yep! No problems at all." Applejack said proudly.

"Now we need to get back to the castle and everything will be fine for the night." Fluttershy said with a squeal. "We need to put these two to bed by 10:00."

"Awww," Nyx and Spike whine a bit in disappointment.

"Come, come, we will have nothing to hear of it." Rarity insists as she pushes Nyx and Spike forward, "Time to get to bed, darlings."

"Geez, one of those Kalidahs helped a big hole in here." Phobos remarked, frowning as he saw a hole that was dug. "And there's some device in here."

"Device," The ponies ask in alarm as they look in the hole. Sure enough, there's a device inside which has a couple of wires, chemical packs...and a timer.

"Holy horse feathers; It's a chemical bomb!" Applejack exclaims frantically.

"What is it doing buried here?" Fluttershy ask Applejack scared.

"One o' our enemies must've planted it...luckily it didn't go off during 'de battle." Applejack said in relief, seeing that the bomb didn't go off during the madness.

"Well, lucky us!" Pinkie giggles as she pats the bomb thing...but to her shock, the timer suddenly is activated, starting off from '5:00' and counting down, "Oopsie."

"PINKIE," Most of her friends yell out in horror.

"Discord, quick! Shut it off!" Pinkamena exclaims to Discord in worry.

"I'm trying! But it won't go off!" Discord exclaims, trying to use his magic to shut the bomb off but it won't do so. "It must be immune to magic!"

"Not good, this whole area is going to go up." Golden Heart said in worry. "Chemical bombs got enough power to blow up various counties!"

"Nice going, Pinkie!" Rainbow said sarcastically and angrily.

"Don't blame Auntie Pinkie. She didn't mean to." Nyx said to Rainbow in a whimper.

"Sorry, sorry. My bad, I guess the stress got to me." Rainbow said with a sigh.

"Wait! Twilight got a 'How to Disable Bombs' book back at the castle, along with some wire cutters and stuff!" Spike exclaims in realization.

"Right; we better get this bomb over there pronto." Golden Heart said as the bomb is carefully put onto his back. "We must be careful. Any violent reaction could cause this thing to go off instantly."

Rarity didn't waste time as she put a cloth over the bomb to hide it from view. The mare said, "Okay, just move gently through town."

"An' no shenanigans," Applejack exclaims in concern. "We ain't gotta cause a panic or ruin Ben an' Twilight's date."

The group nods in agreement. They quickly head through Ponyville, preparing on a trek to disable the bomb or else.

--------------------------------------------------- 

The Mane Six, Nyx, Discord, the Dragons, Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Omega and Gold Wing move through town quietly, dodging ponies. If they can make it to the castle without running into anyone and before the bomb goes off, they can get what they themselves need to deactivate the bomb.

"So far, so good," Golden Heart mumbles a bit as he trots carefully.

"Why couldn't we teleport?" Phobos asks quietly. "I mean Golden Heart or Discord could do so!"

"Because even teleportation could be violent enough to set that chemical bomb off. We can't do anything that..."

"Yikes!" Pinkie yelps, bouncing up and startling the gang. Applejack quickly holds the hidden bomb to keep it from falling off.

"Great horny toads, Pinkie; Careful," Applejack exclaims to Pinkie in concern. "Yew wanna blow us up 'ta smithereens?!"

"Look up ahead!"

The group looks up to see a dancing festival happening right now in front of them. They groan a bit, some of them even face-hoof. The group has forgotten that the Mayor has ordered a dancing party to celebrate the new princess of Ponyville! Not good. How will the gang get around this problem? There doesn't appear to be any other way around and it will take too long to go back and find a way.

"Great, why must this happen?" Rainbow asks in annoyance, crossing her upper forearms, "Now what?"

"We just gotta go through." Spike suggests in concern. The gang just gotta go around without causing any violent reactions that could set the bomb off.

"Follow my lead." Golden Heart whispers. The others nod then heads through the party in hopes to get to the other side without bumping into any ponies, "Hey there, hello!"

"Hey there! Cute pony! Got a cute pony here," Pinkamena giggles as she holds up Nyx who gave a squeaky grin while the gang passes through the crowd carefully.

"Yes, hi; There; Council members, business," Rarity calling out with a giggle.

"Yes, yes! Howdy! Any request, just meet us in 'de castle tomorrow!" Applejack exclaims awkwardly, giving out a smile.

For a moment, it looks like the gang will make it through...that is until a familiar Alicorn appears with her love. Twilight calls out, "Hey, everypony!'

"Oh horse feathers!"

"Hey, are you all coming to the party too?" Ben ask his friends who gave awkward smiles to him. "What's with the awkward smiles?"

Applejack gulps, trying not to lie since it got her in trouble the last time. Fluttershy said meekly, "Oh, we got...our business done...and decide to see this party out; oh yes, looks good, yes!"

"Right, right, and we brought Nyx and Spike along to watch." Omega said quickly, playing along. "But I confirmed that we're done so we should head back to the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom."

"Yes, yes, gotta go! Gotta party elsewhere," Pinkie exclaims quickly as the group, minus the couple, is heading to the other side. Once they leave, the gang will get back to the castle and deactivate the bomb. "No bomb here!"

"Bomb," The couple ask confused.

"I mean party cannon! Yes, yes! Didn't bring my party cannon; can't explode stuff without it!"

"Can't you just bring it up instantly?" Ben asks Pinkie puzzled. "I mean, since when are you ever without your party cannon?"

"Oh well, we got soooooo busy, that Pinkie made a boo-boo." Rarity said awkwardly while chuckling uneasily, "So we must go, Rarity and her friends must leave!"

"Wait, why are you so eager to leave?" Twilight ask, arching a curious eyebrow at her nervous friends. "You all just got here."

"You said Nyx and Spike need to be home by bed, right?" Rainbow asks quickly as he motions to Nyx and Spike who quickly pretend to be tired, "Awww, look. They are soooooo tired."

"Well, I can always let the ten Curfew pass. No need for them to miss out on the party."

Pinkamena peeks under the sheet, yelping a bit, "Gah! 3 and 45 minutes left!"

"For what," Ben ask confused, making Pinkamena yelps as she put the sheet down. "And what's under the sheet on Golden Heart's back?"

"Just some private equipment," Golden Heart exclaims nervously, backing up. "No need to look. No one but me must ever look under there; nope; nope!"

"What are you all so nervous?" Twilight ask suspiciously, making her friends worried. They got to leave now but their Alicorn friend and her colt-friend are getting more suspicious.

Discord was quiet during the whole thing...and he knew that he must do something. That chemical bomb could go off at any given moment! The Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony think of something...and fast!

Discord quickly teleports onto the stage and grabs a mic, speaking into it, "Hey everypony! This is me, Discord! In honor of the new dancing party...I thought we shall give a special couple the chance to dance...THE TWILIGHT SPARKLE!"

A spotlight came onto Twilight and Ben who looks surprised. The crowd cheered on, "Dance; Dance; Dance; Dance!"

The Mane Six and the remaining others, getting the idea, calls out as well, "Dance; Dance; Dance; Dance!"

"Well, who are we to deny these ponies?" Ben ask, taking Twilight by the hoof, "Dance?"

"You betcha," Twilight giggles a bit as she and Ben heads to the center of the dance floor.

Discord snaps his finger as a rock band (made up of rocks with instruments) appears, performing. Twilight and Ben laughs as they dance...kinda like how the mare normally dance...with the ponies cheering them on. This is a fun dance! Discord sure knows how to help!

Discord, unknown to the lovers, was waving a paw to his group motioning them to get going. The Mane Six's group didn't waste time in leaving without no one noticing.

-----------

The group didn't have any more trouble in getting into the castle. Quickly, they enter the lab as Phobos quickly closes the door. He ask frantically, "How much time do we got left?!"

"1 hour and 15 minutes!" Pinkamena yelps as she removes the sheet before the mare and her brother gently put the chemical bomb onto the table.

"Quick, quick; get the stuff!" Pinkie calls out frantically. Nyx quickly grabs the equipment with the wire cutters while Spike grabs the book to disable bombs.

"Hurry; 55 minutes," Fluttershy yelped, seeing the time going down faster, "Oh dear!"

"Spike, hurry, hurry," Nyx exclaims to Spike who flips through the pages like mad.

"Here it is!" Spike exclaims, finding the page that was needed. "Now listen carefully because one false trigger could set it off!"

"Allow me." Golden Heart said as he uses his magic to take the equipment from Nyx, setting it near him. The Alicorn, getting the wire cutters out, then ask, "Help me through this, Spike!"

Spike quickly instructs Golden Heart who works on disabling the chemical bomb as best as he could. So far, the Alicorn was able to cut some wires or disable some parts without fail. Soon it came down to one part, but there appears to be a problem.

"Okay, I got a red wire and a blue wire." Golden Heart said to Spike in concern, seeing two wires left on the bomb. "Only 1 wire is needed to disable the chemical bomb fully; which one?"

"I don't know! That part of the page has been burnt!" Spike complains, seeing a burnt page on the last part needed to deactivate this bomb. "Okay! Who has been eating S'mores on this?!"

The others glance at Phobos who blinks innocently as he ask, "What? So I like S'mores and been using the book as a coaster!"

"Allow me." Pinkamena said as she took the wire cutters from Golden Heart. "Pinkie Sense...help me."

The others back away, preparing for the worst should this fail. Pinkamena hold her breath and closes her eyes. Her Pinkie Senses guide her as she moves the wire cutters to a specific wire. The Pinkie Pie lookalike prepares herself...and cut the wire.

For a moment...nothing happened. The others, especially Pinkamena, sighs a bit as the chemical bomb appears to be going off...that is until a loud beeping noise is heard, making the gang horrified. That doesn't sound good...

The bomb went off and...send whipped cream onto everypony?! The gang looks confused as they got whipped cream on themselves...and more!

"Ugh! Whipped cream," Rarity cried out at the whipped cream on herself.

"What 'de hay?" Applejack asks confused. "Ah thought we were done fer!"

"Wait a minute." Spike said with a frown, glancing at the bomb carefully. "This bomb is a fake!"

"A FAKE," Most of the ponies yell out in shock and disbelief. The gang went through all that trouble...for a fake bomb?!

"Yeah, this timer is actually a clock one and the chemicals in these packs are instant whipped cream!"

"Ooooh, funny that I didn't notice that earlier," Phobos said sheepishly.

"There's a message here: 'Property of Rainbow Dash'?" Fluttershy ask as she notices a label on the bottom of the fake bomb.

The others glance at Rainbow who then realizes something, then nervously say, "Well, what do you know! So that's where I left one of my prank bombs from last April Foals' Day! I was going to use it to freak out my former Flight School bullies and I guess I must've dropped it during that day and it got buried somehow."

"Why didn't you say something before," Most of the gang yells out upset to Rainbow. They would’ve dodged the problems with the fake prank, Twilight and Ben, etc. if she would’ve mentioned this fact sooner!

"Hey, I forgot about it until now! Give me a break!"

Most of the gang groans, some of them fell to the floor in exhaustion. All that trouble, over a prank bomb!

> Chapter 4: The Date Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: The Date Aftermath


The gang quickly got to work, cleaning up the whipped cream mess and hiding the remains of the prank bomb. Fluttershy during that time took Nyx and Spike to bed and help them to sleep. After a while of cleaning the mess and putting the young ones to bed, the Mane Five sat in the living room part of the castle, exhausted. Omega went to the lab to recharge himself while Pinkamena, Golden Heart and Gold Wing head to the fridge to help themselves to a snack.

Just then, as if on cue, the couple laughs as they came in, with Ben holding a trophy on his back. He calls out, "Hey, we're back!"

"Yeah, so we see." Rarity said, smiling as she sat up. "So how about the dance party, Darlings?"

"Oh, it was amazing. Discord put on a good show and even performs tricks for us." Twilight giggles to her friends as Ben put the trophy on a stand nearby. "Ben and I won first place in the dancing contest. Can you believe it? It was a great date!"

"Right; we're glad to have done this, we should do this again sometime." Ben said to his friends, making them a bit exhausted.

"Right, but can you do it almost every other day?" Rainbow asks Ben exhausted. "I mean, the royal duties are fun and all, but we miss doing what we do the most every day."

"Yeah, right. True." Some of her friends remarks in agreement.

"Where were you girls anyway? You disappeared right after Discord begins our dance." Twilight said, giving an arching eyebrow to her pals, pondering where they have ran off to.

"Long story, sugah cube, long story," Applejack groans a bit as she sat in the chair, sighing a bit.

"Let me guess: there was a disaster that you were dealing with and you didn't tell me and Twilight earlier because you didn't want to interrupt our date?" Ben asks his friends curiously, making them sigh a bit.

"Yes." The Mane Five said in exhaustion. No use in trying to hide it anymore.

"Well, I will have to say...thanks." Twilight said gently to her friends while smiling. "You are the best friends a pony like me could have."

"You're welcome, Twilight!" Pinkie squeaks a bit, bouncing up and down. "We just want you both to have a Super Duper Fun Time!"

"You know...you're right, Pinkie."

---------------

A while later, the Mane Five, as well as Pinkamena, Golden Heart, Gold Wing and Omega left to go on home. Despite the Kalidahs attack and the fake prank bomb, tonight wasn't a bad one.

"You know I had fun fighting them creatures." Pinkamena said with a delighted giggle. "They really gave me a work out." 

'Indeed that it did." Golden Heart said to his sister, nuzzling her a bit. "I feel lightly sorry for what you do with bandits or raiders."

"Yes. I wonder that myself." Omega said, pondering what Pinkamena would do should any bandits or raiders were to show up.

"Well maybe if any of them show up, I might show you." Pinkamena giggles as the others give a light chuckle. As if on cue, as they travel on home, there were a few bandits and raiders who had a cart load of goods that they took. The good guys see the group as Pinkamena smirks. "Friends, Big Brother, you return the goods, I will be getting some work out with these Bandits and raiders."

Pinkamena charges and tackles the group of bandits as the others puzzled decide to get the goods back to their owners.

As Pinkamena was done fighting with the Bandits and Raider, they're fearful and are about to ran away, unfortunately, they bump into somepony, landing on the ground. The voice send shiver up their back which sound like a Stallion however, theye looked up and saw Flare Tiger.

Flare Tiger growled, "Try to steal my work? Not a chance! Do you want to face my wrath of burning?"

They shake their heads 'no' as Flare Tiger grinned with fangs showing and sound like an evil-laugh in the background as she come face to face with them.

Flare Tiger smiled while saying, "I think you better run away before I could go crazy on you, One..." They're realized that she's not kidding as the bandits and raiders rushed, and picking up their things as they hear her spoke deeply. "Two..."

They yipped and ran away, not looking back as Flare Tiger snorted in a mumble, 'they're idiots...', she turned and come face to face with the group, smiling in a cheerful mood.

Flare Tiger smiled while saying, "Oh, Ah thank ya, for saving mah good stuff!"

Rarity gulped, "Um... Why..."

Rainbow Dash covers Rarity's mouth with a snicker, "I didn't knew that you did pretty good to scare those low lives!"

Flare Tiger nodded while saying, "Eeyup!"

Applejack asked, "Speak o' which, what's 'de hay are those?" The mare points to some pies that were lucky to not been damaged.

Flare Tiger gasped, "Those are rare berries pies!"

Pinkie Pie gasped as she points to a pie, "Pie! I'll take that one!"

Flare Tiger horrified begins to speak, "Wait, Pinkie..."

Pinkie Pie grab a piece of the Spelon Pie and eat it. They watched her until Pinkie Pie hummed in song.

Pinkie Pie smiled while saying happily, "Yummy! What is that in there?"

Flare Tiger look shocked as she answers, "Um... That's Spelon Berry, a spicy berry as in a hot, hot berry." The mare is surprised that Pinkie didn't get hot throated like Diamond Tiara did!

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Oh, I'll take these, how much are they?"

Flare Tiger answers, "That's three bits, if ya get three pies, then that's six bits per free change."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Done!"

Pinkie Pie pay six bits as she took three pies while humming. They watched her go with baffled looks, their friend amazed them sometimes! Flare Tiger held out pieces of the Oran Pie with a smile.

Flare Tiger chuckled, "Take these, these pieces are Oran Pie, they'll would help ya be fresh and healthy!"

The others took a piece each and eat them. They are surprised that their sores and scars disappear. The gang awed at it with Flare Tiger chuckling to see their reaction.

Flare Tiger giggled, "It's the same thing that happened to Ben and Twilight! They asked me come over for a meeting tomorrow!"

Rarity nodded while saying, "Then it should be. However, this thing was bothering me for for while..."

Rainbow Dash whisper into Flare Tiger's ear. As she's done with it, Flare Tiger nodded to realized what's going on.

Rarity asked, "Why you speak like a stallion's voice?"

Fluttershy meekly nodded but Rainbow Dash looks shocked at Rarity while Flare Tiger sighed.

Flare Tiger groaned, "Pinkie Promise on this one, never speak of it."

They nodded as Flare Tiger explained everything what and why to them. The others are shocked at the explanation between normal and stallion accents.

Flare Tiger sighed, "Now ya know of it. See ya later!"

Flare Tiger trotted away with her good meals in her cart. As she pulled it away, they looked at each other with wonder.

Applejack sighed, "Ah'm wonder why Ben and Twilight want Flare Tiger 'ta come over..."

They shrugged and trotted toward their homes. It will wait for another day.

--------------

The scene changes to the Secret Dungeon at this moment of time. Pinkamena comes back along with Golden Heart, Omega and Gold Wing, they take a sit on a sofa nearby, seemingly exhausted. They apparently had finished having quite the time in helping to keep Ponyville safe while Twilight & Ben were having their date without a care in the world. But who would have thought it be so much work to keep two ponies from stressing out that things go crazy, it was another mystery of life.

“Wow that was rough. But in the end, it seems all well and….muh…heheheh…” As Pinkamena was speaking from being pooled out, she suddenly begins to lightly giggle.

Golden Heart and Omega are puzzled by the pink pony giggling at this moment, even as they were tired, what was so funny? But Gold Wing sees the matter and points a wing over on a bed nearby them and the others see something. As they are surprised as what they see, it was Sombra and Autumn Gem lightly sleeping, holding each other close lightly cuddling. Just as Havis slowly opens a door nearby, he sees the others and lips the words 'tip toe' to them.

“You heard him.” Pinkamena nods and says whispering to the others with her. “Let's go and leave these love birds some alone time.” Seem like Sombra and Autumn Gem have had their own excitement to tire them out.

Goldie nods to that as the two tip toe while Gold Wing carefully flaps to where Havis is one by one before only the mechanical pony was left. But Omega was having a hard time with his metal hooves, he yelps from each time that almost made those asleep yelp from the noise to wake them up. Pinkamena gives a signal wave that said 'Picks up the pace, Omega!' and Omega did so before he join them to where Havis is at.

“Well folks until next time see you later.” Pinkamena whispered this out to the readers in breaking a fourth wall while keeping it low to let the lovers here sleep.

The group head inside as Havis closes the door gently and quietly. Just during the moment that happened, Autumn Gem opens her eyes and looks around as Sombra wakes to from thinking something was noisy enough to wake them.

“Gracious, what was all that noise that sounded like heavy metal steps? You okay.” Sombra spoke off tire to let out a yawn while checking on his love.

“Yes, but I get the feeling that the others came back. I hope they did not see anything” Autumn Gem spoke from feeling concern if Goldie’s group return and saw something or anything the two were doing in bed.

Sombra chuckles lightly and nuzzles Autumn Gem as she nuzzles lightly back in response.

“They did not bother us, so it was no hard feelings, right?” Sombra shrug off to say that if they weren’t bothered, they’re good.

“Right, I guess so.” Autumn Gem lightly responded to the question here.

“I love you. My sweet Gem, you will always be my loveliest Crystal and I will always love you.” Sombra softly responded to hug his love while giving her words of comfort.

“I love you too, and no matter what happens, I will always be by your side to the very end.” Autumn Gem closed her eyes to hug Sombra back in responding to his kind loving words with her own.

Then the two lean in slowly, for a long kiss at the moment. As they go back to sleep and cuddle with another under the covers, as everything fades in black as the two love birds go on with their lovely moment without having a care in the world.

-------------

Twilight and Ben went upstairs to check on Nyx and Spike in their own bedrooms. They smile as their children are in bed sleeping with Phobos sleeping near Nyx.

"Well, got to say, our friends did good in filling in for me." Twilight chuckles a bit softly as the two leaves to head on to bed. "And they allow us a chance to have a date in the first time in years."

"Yeah, we are lucky to have so many good friends...and we're lucky to have a good date too." Ben said gently as he kisses Twilight on the cheek. "So, it's good?"

"Yep, and I can't wait to get back to my royal duties. The date has been fun and it gives me plenty of rest to prepare myself. It helps me prepare my mind to be a great ruler in spreading friendship and helping the ponies in Ponyville."

"Yeah, too bad it doesn't help you in your dancing! You almost broke my toes, left hooves."

"Oh you!" Twilight remarks as she slugs Ben in the back, laughing.

The two lovers smiles as they kiss, hugging while heading back to bed. Tonight has been a fine night with no problems (except with what their friends deal with by themselves) whatsoever. This truly has become a happy ending...

----------

Unknown to Ben and Twilight, a foe that Brave Heart told them about but they have not yet met in pony is watching them right now from another place.

Watching from the Superior's crystal ball in the shadows, Fafnir's blood red eyes were seen and his three clawed winged black scaled hands waved around the ball as he snarled, "Enjoy your time with Twilight as much as you can, Benjamin. Your true love may have defeated my former master, but when I'm through with the both of you…all of Equestria will bow before me…once I dispose of that idiot Superior. And the first thing I will do…is burn you alive…and take your precious Twilight…as my Queen. After I torch Boris, that is. Watch your back, Benjamin Maregillian. Watch your back! "

Fafnir laughs secretly, preparing big time for the day when he gets what he wants.


The End?