> Love For All > by Derpyforever > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: You Got Burned... By Fluttershy?! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: You Got Burned... By Fluttershy?! "I can't believe it's almost time," Luna smiled to Celestia in her mirror, "I mean, who would've guess that I, the formerly feared Nightmare Moon, would get married in two weeks?!" "It sure is a momentous thing, Luna," Celestia smiled back, "I'm so happy for you." "And you, Twilight Sparkle," Luna looked at the Twilight in her mirror, "If it wasn't for you, this day may have never come. Thank you for teaching me the true values of friendship." "It was nothing," Twilight replied, as she checked a few thing off of the list she had in front of her. "I say it was more than nothing," Rarity declared as she added some finishing touches to the wedding dress for Luna, "Close your eyes dear." Luna closed her eyes as she felt Rarity slip the dress on her. "Alright," Rarity declared, "You can look." Luna opened her eyes to see herself in a beautiful white dress made out of the softest silk she had ever felt. "Oh my goodness," Luna gasped, "I-I look amazing. Thank you, Rarity." "I can't take all the credit," Rarity replied, gesturing over to an indigo unicorn, "Seazon was the one who was able to create the design, and on such short notice." "But," Seazon smiled, "It was you, Miss Rarity, that was able to create the magnificent work of art." "Thank you," Rarity nodded, then helped Luna out of her dress and putting it back on the ponikin, "Well, that just about does it. I guess we'll be on our way, and congratulation again Princess." "Thank you, and thank you for making my dress," Luna waved at the three as they left for the station. "I can't believe I got to work on another Royal wedding dress," Rarity declared as the three board the train, "And thanks for coming on such short notice Seazon." "Were friends," Seazon smiled, "It's what friends do." "Speaking of lending a hoof," Rarity continued, "Is the line of 'Hearths Warming Fashion' ready yet? I know you've been working so hard on it." "Almost," Seazon replied, "But I wouldn't be able to have done it without you." "It's no big deal," Rarity smiled, but slightly blushed. "It is a big deal," Seazon said as the train started to slow down, "I'm so glad I met you, Miss Rarity, or I would never have been able to get to where I am now." "Oh you," Rarity giggled. "I'll see you two later," Twilight said as the train came to a complete stop, "I going to go help Flash move to Ponyville, so I'll see you all in the afternoon." "Ok," Rarity said as she and Seazon got off, "Have fun." As the train departed, Seazon said he had to return to his shop 'This Seazon's Fashion'. "I'll see you later," Rarity said, giving him a hug. "Goodbye," Seazon replied as he walked off. "He's such a nice stallion," Rarity said aloud as she started walking towards her shop, "and not so bad on the eyes... wait, what did I just say!" Rarity stopped where she was and shook her head, shocked at the words that escaped her mouth. "Must be a little tired," Rarity told herself, but had the sneaky suspicion that she hadn't misheard herself... She continued on her way and walked inside her shop to find Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie waiting. "Well, how'd it go," Applejack asked, "Did she like the dress." "She loved it," Rarity declared, "and it seemed like one of my best work yet if I do say so myself." "That's good," Fluttershy said then got up, "Alright, well, I'm going to go see Comet at the Crystal Empire." "Why are you going all the way out there," Rainbow asked. "We've been talking about what were going to do at the wedding," Fluttershy explained. "You show up, see the two get married, party a bit, then leave," Rainbow questioned, "What's there to plan?" "It may be their wedding," Fluttershy continued, "but he's still my coltfriend and we like to make sure every moment we spend together is special." "Ugh," Rainbow groaned, "Ever since you and Twilight started dating, you two haven't been making any sense." "Hold it there partner," Applejack interjected, "they just want to spend sometime together... but she is right, Fluttershy. Y'all have been a little tough to talk to, cause you keep bringing up y'all's coltfriends." "There's no need to be jealous," Fluttershy replied. "Were not jealous," Applejack defended. "That's not what I see," Fluttershy said as she began to walk to the door, "I see Twilight and me with coltfriends/dates to the wedding, and you four all alone. That sure can bring jealousy out of some ponies... well, see you girls later." With that, Fluttershy left the four ponies with mouth agape. "Did we just get burned...," Rainbow stated as her sense started to come back. "By Fluttershy," Applejack finished. "Well, I certainly didn't see that coming," Rarity declared. "You know what," Pinkie exclaimed, putting her hoof down, "I'm tired of seeing those two being able to rub their relationships in our muzzles. We need to get coltfriends of our own." "Or at least dates to Luna's wedding," Rarity suggested. "Then it's official," Applejack declared sticking her hoof in the center of them, "We'll all get dates to Luna's wedding." "I'm game," Rainbow said sticking her hoof in the center. "I'm in," Rarity said, putting her hoof in. "Me too," Pinkie exclaimed, putting her hoof in as well. "Alright," Applejack said, "Here's the best of luck for all of us." (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 2: It's Love Seazon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: It's Love Seazon Shortly after the pact was made, the four friends made their way out on their own to look for a date. Rarity made her way out into town looking for a suitor. Having encountered stuck up stallions before (no names will be mentioned *cough*Blueblood*cough*), Rarity wanted to make sure that whoever she chooses is the right one for her. "So who would be the best stallion to choose," Rarity said then her eyes fell upon a little dragon that she knew very well, "Oh, hello Spike." "H-Hi, Rarity," Spike blushed, "What are you doing." "Just looking for a date to Luna's wedding." "REALLY," Spike yelled, then covered his mouth and blushed harder, "I mean, really?" "Yep, and... have you gain weight," Rarity asked, gesturing to Spike's belly, which was a little bigger than normal. "Oh," Spike said, "that's just..." "Ah never mind that. Anyways, you wouldn't happen to know any stallion whose currently single would you?" "A stallion, huh," Spike replied flatly. "Of course," Rarity chuckled, "What else would I be looking for?" "Are you sure you don't want a handsome, strong dragon," Spike said coolly, trying to make any muscles he had pop up, but his arms were a little fatter than normal, so they just kind of hung there. Rarity stared at him for a few moments... then, to Spike's despair, began laughing. "Oh, you sure are a funny little dragon," Rarity laughed, "Liked I would date one of those greedy, disgusting creatures. That's why your my friend Spike, you are nothing like them." "I can be more than a friend you know," Spike grumbled "Your absolutely right," Rarity suddenly exclaimed, slightly shocking Spike, "A friend can help a friend out." "Really," Spike asked, his face lighting up. "Of course! It's so clear now," Rarity said, "I'm going to go see if Seazon knows a stallion." "That's the spir-... what?" "I mean, as popular as he is, Seazon's got to know somepony." "Who's Seazon," Spike questioned, starting to get downhearted again. "A stallion I met at fashion week," Rarity explained, "We're just friends, though." "Just friends, huh," Spike repeated, putting his claw to his chin in thought, then an idea popped in his head, "mind if I tag along?" "Of course I don't mind," Rarity replied then led Spike down the streets, "Come on." Rarity led Spike to Seazon's shop and opened the door, ringing the bell as they entered. "I'll be there in a second," Seazon called from the back. "Would you look at that," Spike pointed out, "he's keeping a lady waiting." "Be nice Spike," Rarity warned as Seazon appeared from the back. "Ah, Miss Rarity," Seazon declared, "So good to see you... and who's this little dragon?" "This is my number one dragon assistant, Spike," Rarity introduced him. "Yeah," Spike emphasized, "I'm her number one." "Well, what a pleasure it is to meet you," Seazon smiled then turned to Rarity, "So, you need something Miss Rarity?" "I just dropped by to ask you something," Rarity replied, "You see, my friends and I thought it would be a good idea if we'd found a special somepony to take to Luna's wedding. Well, I was wondering if you knew any colts that are currently single." "Nopony comes to mind," Seazon shook his head. "Well, we tried," Spike declared, then tried to drag Rarity out the door, "Let's go... whoa!" Rarity pulled her hoof back, making Spike fall over from the force. "Are you sure," Rarity asked. "I really wish I could help you," Seazon said, then gestured over to a bunch of scarfs, sweaters, jackets, and other fashionable winter clothing, "I mean, you helped me so much; but I'm afraid all my friends are taken." "I see... well, thank you for at least trying," Rarity said, then looked at the clothes, "By the way, didn't you say you didn't quite finished those yet." "I did," Seazon replied. "Want some help," Rarity offered. "I think he can do it on his own," Spike urged to leave. "Not now Spike," Rarity pushed him away. "I sure would appreciate it," Seazon nodded. "But you said this wouldn't take long," Spike lied to get Rarity to leave. "I never said such thing," Rarity questioned, "Seriously, Spike, what has gotten into you?" "You know what," Spike said, "Fine! I dedicated my life to you and you don't even notice me!" "Spike," Rarity replied, "I never have take you for granted." "That's not what I'm talking about," Spike yelled, his eyes starting to tear up, "And if you can't see how I feel... then... just leave me alone!" "Spike, wait," Rarity called as he ran out the shop, tears starting fall off his face. "What was that about," Seazon asked. "I don't have the slightest of clue," Rarity sighed, "I'm sorry about my friend." "No need to be sorry," Seazon nodded, "Let's just work on the clothes." "Alright," Rarity smiled. She and Seazon started working on the clothes for most of the morning. Seazon was drawing up a design for a scarf and sweater combo and Rarity was at his side watching. "So I was thinking that the red and green striped sweater would best be matched by a contrast of a blue scarf with purple stripes," Seazon said as he used his pencil to draw some of the stripes. "That would look pretty good," Rarity replied, "but when we think winter, we think of everything flowing in a soft harmony. So such a contrast would throw the design off... how about a solid black sweater and a dark green scarf with blue stripes." "That is a good idea, but black isn't really a festive color... how about we stick with that scarf, but with a solid maroon sweater." "Sounds good," Rarity said. "Alright, let's just...," Seazon stopped when he turned back at Rarity. For some reason, the lighting from his lamp gave her a shine that Seazon couldn't help but stare at. "Let's just what," Rarity asked. "Let's... just...," Seazon shook his head, "I'm sorry, just a little light headed. Let's just grab something to eat and take a break." "Alright," Rarity nodded. Seazon led Rarity to the back were he lived. He led her to his kitchen were he quickly whipped up some food. "Hope you like some soup," Seazon said as he presented the bowl in front of Rarity, "It's a recipe that runs in the family." "Thank you," Rarity said using her magic to lift up a spoon as Seazon did the same. She scooped some of the warm liquid and took a little sip before eating the rest on her spoon. "This is delicious," Rarity complimented as she ate a little more. "It's not all that," Seazon replied, hiding his blush by eating some of his soup. "Nonsense," Rarity smiled, "This is the most amazing thing I have ever tasted. "Thanks," Seazon smiled back, "You're pretty amazing too." "I'm sorry what," Rarity said taken back. "Oh," Seazon blushed, "I mean... uh... you're pretty amazing at your work..." "Oh," Rarity slightly blushed too, "Why thank you." "No problem," Seazon smiled awkwardly, then tried to preoccupy himself by eating again. After lunch, Seazon and Rarity went to his sewing room were he worked most of the time. "You want me to sew first," Rarity asked, since Seazon only had one machine. "Sure," Seazon replied. Seazon watch as Rarity carefully moved the cloth to match the pattern. Her hooves moving ever so delicate as she worked. "What do you think of this," Rarity asked Seazon showing him what she has done so far. "Pretty good," Seazon replied, "but it could use some purple threading." "I got it," Rarity said as she looked over to were he kept his thread. "No need to trouble yourself," Seazon said as he started to use his magic to grab the purple thread just as Rarity used hers and the two auras mixed together. "Oh," Rarity blushed as she released her light blue magic so that Seazon's purple magic could completely surround it and pick it up, "I'm... I'm sorry." "It's alright," Seazon replied, but was blushing too. "I guess we should get back to work then," Rarity said. "Yes, of course," Seazon said slowly. But neither moved as they looked into each others eyes. Seazon intrigued by Rarity's beauty and Rarity dazzled by his good looks. "Your eyes sparkle like a sapphire stone, Miss Rarity," Seazon smiled. "Thank you," Rarity smiled back, "And please, you can just call me Rarity." "Of course, Rarity," Seazon cooed. "You know, Seazon, we have known each other for a while," Rarity said. "And we work so well together," Seazon added. "Maybe... maybe you could be my date." "It would be my pleasure to take such a fine lady," Seazon replied, then his grandfather clock rang out. "I guess it's time for me to go," Rarity said. "I'll see you tomorrow," Seazon said, kissing Rarity's hoof. "Goodbye," Rarity blushed, then left Seazon's shop. (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 3: In the Burning Heart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: In the Burning Heart (Don't own that song) Later in the afternoon, Twilight had return with Flash back to Ponyville. Twilight offered to help unpack everything, but again, Flash politely decline, so Twilight had the day to do whatever. "What to do, what to do," Twilight said to herself as she roamed the streets of Ponyville until she saw Rarity, who seemed like she walking on sunshine (Don't own that song either), "Hey Rarity, why so happy? Did Mayor Mare finally outlaw dirt?" "Mock all you want," Rarity replied, "but we will rid of this town of dirt!... Anyways, that's not why I'm so happy. I just found a date to Luna's wedding!" "Good for you, Rarity," Twilight said, "getting into the wondrous thing we know as romance." "Well, the four of us: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and me decided to get dates this morning, so I guess I'm the first one." "That's good," Twilight smiled, "but what about Spike." "Well, he's a little young for dating don't you think," Rarity questioned. "No I'm talking about... did you seriously not notice," Twilight asked, slightly shocked. "Notice what dear," Rarity asked. "He's always had a thing for you," Twilight answered. "Oh, that. Of course I know that. But why would that have to do anything with me... oh." "Oh, what?" "Oh my gosh," Rarity exclaimed, "How could I be so insensitive! I took Spike along with me when I was talking to Seazon and he tried to pull me away. But I told him to behave and he got mad and ran away with tears in his eyes! It's all my fault!" "Calm down Rarity," Twilight said, "let's just talk to Spike." "I hope he's not hurt too bad," Rarity worried as she followed Twilight to her library. Upon entering, they found Spike up in his basket. "Spike," Rarity called to the dragon, but he didn't move. "Spike, I'm sorry that I brought you along to see me go off with another stallion, and I know you probably don't want to look at me right now, much less talk, but I just want let you know, I'm sorry." Spike didn't answer as he just laid there, motionless. "Spike," Rarity said starting to fear for him, "Spike, please say something!" "What, who, where," Spike sheepishly said as he shot up. "Were you asleep," Rarity exclaimed. "Yeah," Spike yawned rubbing his eyes, then turning back over, "but why would you care?" "Spike," Rarity said, "I do care about you." "You do?" "Yes, but I care for you as a friend. You are such a good friend when I need you and I know you'll always be looking out for me." "That's good to know," Spike yawned then waved his claw in air, "Now can you two go? I need to sleep." "Spike," Twilight said sharply, "That's no way to act, especially when a friend is trying to talk to you." "If she wants to talk to me, she can do it in a week." "...Why a week," Twilight asked. "Oh, that right," Spike yawned, sitting up, "I forgot to tell you why I've been eating so much lately. Remember my birthday when I got really greedy, and every time I took something, I grew bigger and older." "Yeah." "Well, that's one way for a dragon to get big," Spike sleepily said, "The other, natural way is for a dragon to hibernate one week to enter the next phase of their life." "I remember reading about that," Twilight declared, "When a dragon is ready to get bigger, they eat a bunch of gems to store energy and sleep for a week." "Yeah," Spike flatly replied, "exactly what I just said." "So that's why you were a little on the husky side earlier," Rarity said. "Uh-huh," Spike said, then turned over back under his blanket, "So if you'll excuse me. I need to go back to sleep. Oh, and I forgive you as a friend, I'm happy with whoever you're dating and all that stuff... goodnight." With that Spike let out one more yawn before he started to snore. "Well, I guess we'll talk to him in a week," Twilight said. "I guess so, see you later Twilight," Rarity said as she left the library. "Bye Rarity," Twilight called. (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 4: Farm Life > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4: Farm Life Two days after seeing him, Rarity had told the other three about Seazon at Sweet Apple Acers "Good fer you, Rarity," Applejack smiled, "Getting a coltfriend right off the back." "Thanks," Rarity nodded, "Anyways, I'm suppose to meet with him at his shop today, so I wish you girls the best of luck. Bye" "Bye," the three replied as she left Sweet Apple's barn. "I can't believe Rarity was the first to get a coltfriend," Rainbow groaned once she was out of ear shot, "I'm the cool one around here." "Ah, don't sweat it Rainbow," Applejack assured, "we still got about a week and a half." "Yeah, I guess your right," Rainbow replied, "Well, I guess I'll get back to looking. Sure you don't want to be my wing gal, AJ?" "I wish I could," Applejack said, then gestured out to a stack off wood outside, "But Big Mac and I have to build a bigger storage unit for the apples, so I'll be busy for the next three days." "Alright, suit yourself," Rainbow said then took off. "Guess I better go too," Pinkie added, "bye." "Bye," Applejack nodded as she watched to two leave the farm before turning and walking to her house. "Alright Big Mac," Applejack called as she walked inside, "time ta start bucking some tre-..." Applejack stopped when she saw a brown earth pony conversing with Granny Smith. She starred at his black mane that curved just above his green eyes that was accompanied by a deep farm accent. "Hello there, Applejack," Granny Smith said, snapping Applejack out of her trance, "so glad you could come by and meet your help." "My help," Applejack questioned. "Yes," Granny replied, "this here is Barn Raiser." "Howdy," he tipping his cowcolt hat. "He helped build Appleloosa's buildings and whatnots, so I figured he'd be perfect for helping you and Big Mac with the Apple Storage." "Oh," Applejack said, "well, we're not suppose to start working on it till later this afternoon. Right now, Big Mac and I was going to buck some trees." "Eeyup," Big Mac said as he came downstairs with Applebloom. "And I was going to help," She exclaimed happily as she bounced down the steps "Well," Granny continued, "It never hurts to have an extra pair of hooves." "Alright," Applejack sighed, knowing that she should never argue with Granny Smith, "Come on Barn Raiser, I'll show you how we do it around here." Big Mac took Applebloom to the West side of the Farm while Applejack and Barn Raiser took the East. Applebloom tried to kick the tree as hard as she could, but of course, the lack of experience only made a few apples fall at a time, so Big Mac finished whatever she couldn't. Meanwhile, Applejack showed Barn Raiser exactly where and how to kick, giving a demonstration that made every apple fall into the set buckets. "Now you try," Applejack said, nodding over to a nearby tree. "Alright," Barn replied. He bent down and wind up his hind legs, once he was sure where to kick, he let loose a powerful hit that shook the tree of it's apples and even knocking some apples off of some nearby trees. "Well I'll be," Applejack gaped, "I've never seen anypony buck a tree that hard." "Well, when there was no more stores to build, I had to help with the harvest; and ya learn real quick that if ya can harvest more than one tree at a time, ya get done a lot quicker," Barn replied then rubbed his leg a little, "but I think I did it a little too hard, it's been a while since I've done it." "Well we got a lot of apples to harvest so you might want to get your legs warmed up again," Applejack said. "Don't worry," Barn beamed, "A couple of more trees and I'll be good." As the day went on, Applejack and Barn were clearing trees faster than Sweet Apple Acers has ever seen. As the sun started reaching for it's peak, Applejack and Barn were covered in sweat... however, Applejack would catch herself staring at Barn at times. 'He sure is strong,' Applejack thought, 'And not too hard on the eyes... No, focus Applejack. You have too much to do than worry about the handsome stallion right next to you... Augh!' Applejack shook her head and tried to focus on her work, but still would glance up at him every now and then. It came to a point to were she had completely forgotten about the tree and would barley even touch it... "You tired, Applejack," Barn asked, making Applejack shake her head to refocus. "A little bit," she admitted as she sat down and leaned up against the tree she's been trying to buck for the past ten minutes. "I guess it is time for a break," Barn added, sitting next to her. "Yeah," Applejack slightly blushed, "I guess it is." Barn and Applejack sat there staring up at the sky. Applejack could feel her heart pounding... and she knew it wasn't from working hard. "You know," Barn said, "Back in Appleloosa, I'd watch the clouds as they floated by. Guessing what shape the formed." "I used to do that as a filly," Applejack said. "Like that one," Barn pointed to a cloud, "It kind of looks like a... like a hat." "Really," Applejack asked, "I see a... a hoof ball." "It's obviously a hat," Barn grinned. "Ok," Applejack chuckled and point her hoof up, "How about that one? it looks like a..." Applejack didn't get to say what it was, for when she put her hoof down, she accidently touched Barn's hoof. They both looked at it, then at each other, blushing. They continued to just stare at each other as neither retracted their hoof... No, quite the opposite in fact, for the two hooves held each other without them realizing it until they looked down for a second than back at each other, prompting them to blush harder. "This is a bit weird," Barn stated, "but... nice." "Yeah," Applejack nervously smiled. "Should we get back to harvesting the apples," Barn asked, not wanting to get Applejack in trouble. "We did harvest a lot," Applejack grinned, "And we do need a break... a long break." "Yeah," Barn chuckled as Applejack leaned up against him, "a long break." Barn let go of Applejack hoof so he could wrap it around Applejack as she snuggled up closer. The two stayed like that for the rest of the morning until the sound of a bell came from the house. "Lunch time kiddos," Granny Smith's voice echoed throughout the farm. "Already," Applejack sighed. "No worries," Barn grinned, "We can hold hooves under the table." "Well then," Applejack cooed, "what are we waiting for?" The two raced their way back to the house while the cloud Applejack pointed out still hung out over the farm... and the cloud just so happens to be the shape of a heart. (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 5: Little Love > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5: Little Love Upon reaching the Sweet Apple house, Applejack and Barn Raiser sat next to each other as Big Mac and Applebloom showed up a few minutes later. "Soup's on," Granny Smith said as she came out of the kitchen with some apple pie. "Mah favorite," Applejack chuckled as Granny Smith passed out the pies to everypony, "Thanks Granny." "No problem," Granny replied as she took her seat, "Well, dig in everypony." "Apple pie," Barn grinned at Applejack, "We'd eat this all the time at Appleloosa." "Well, you'd never had pie until you tried Granny Smith's homemade Sweet Apple Pie," Applejack chuckled. "Let's see then," Barn declared, taking a little bit of the pie and giving it an experimental taste before eating it, "Wow, this is really good Granny Smith." "Why thank you sunny boy," Granny replied, "It's a family recipe." "I'd sure like to know it," Barn said. "No can do," Granny declared, "Only family knows it." "Well then, we'll just have to see about that," Barn grinned looking at Applejack, who slightly blushed. Big Mac and Applebloom noticed and looked at each other for a second before looking back at the two. Big Mac smiled and shook his head before going back to eat... Applebloom, on the other hoof, was shocked at Big Mac's reaction. "Can you excuse me and Big Mac for a second, Granny," Applebloom asked. "Sure thing, kiddo," Granny said as Applebloom pulled Big Mac outside. "What's wrong, sis" Big Mac asked. "What's wrong with me," Applebloom quietly exclaimed, "What's wrong with you?! Didn't you see the way those two looked at each other?" "Eeyup." "And you're just going to sit back and let those to be together?" "Eeyup." "Well I say you shouldn't! Your the big brother, you're not suppose to let your little sister go off with whoever. You're suppose to act all tough and scare the stallion that dares take the hoof of your sibling!" When Applebloom finished, she was about to leave it at that go back inside, until Big Mac stopped her. "Hold it," Big Mac said, making Applebloom stopped and looked up at her brother, "You're not going to ruin this for her." "Why not," Applebloom flared, "and why aren't you?!" "Your sister is old enough to make decisions on her own," Big Mac explained, "If she likes that stallion, than so be it, I'm not going to stand in her way. You need to do the same. You don't have to fell happy for her, but at least accept the fact that your older sister is moving on." "But she's mah sister," Applebloom replied, but not as sharply, "I'd thought we'd be together forever." "You know Applejack will never forget about you," Big Mac assured, "You two are closer than pea's in a pod, and when the time comes for you to start dating, I know she'll feel happy for you." "Alright," Applebloom sighed. "Good," Big Mac replied, "Now I want you to leave those two be." "Fine" Applebloom grumbled, then lowered her voice, "I'll just mess with one." ### For the next three days, Applejack, Big Mac, and Barn Raiser went out to start building the storage unit. "Sure you two don't need help," Applejack asked as Barn Raiser and Big Mac lifted the last of the wood together and put it on a wagon. "We got it," Barn nodded. "Eeyup," Big Mac said. "Alright then," Applejack replied, kicking back on the wagon seat. The two pulled the wood out to the building foundation that took two days to build since Applebloom has been getting in the way. She still didn't like Barn Raiser and was trying the best she could to get him to quit, but, despite all her efforts, Barn would not get annoyed by her and would just keep working. So Applebloom decided she needed some help. While the three continued on the project, Applebloom was watched from a distance along with her two friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "So tell us again why you called us," Sweetie asked. "We need to make sure Barn Raiser and Applejack won't be together," Applebloom answered. "Whoa, wait a minute," Sweetie exclaimed, "you want us to stop love?" "If it involves mah sister, than yes," Applebloom replied. "But you said this could get our cutie marks," Scootaloo said, "I don't want my destiny to be breaking the hearts of ponies." "Well, than think our talent could be love counseling," Applebloom reasoned, "Were counseling Applejack's love." "We've done some pretty crazy things, Applebloom," Sweetie said, leaving the two, "but this is where I draw the line, I'm out." "Me too," Scootaloo agreed. "Come on," Applebloom said chasing the two, "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, we never back down from any challenge." "This isn't a challenge," Sweetie replied, "This is straight up mean." "You know what," Applebloom called at the two, "Fine then! If you two won't help me, I'll get somepony else to." Applebloom zoomed past the two and ran into town... Applebloom slowed her gallop to a trot as she entered Ponyville. She started to walk around and look for somepony she knew to help her. "There's got to be one pony whose willing to help me out," Applebloom said, "If only I could find... umph!" Applebloom was paying attention to where she was going and ran into somepony. When she got up, she saw that who she ran into was a colt about her age. He was blank flan blue earth pony with neon yellow hair with freckles that laid just beneath his green eyes... Applebloom always liked freckles... "So sorry mam," the colt apologized, he had a country accent, "Didn't see where I was going." "It's alright," Applebloom replied, shaking her head then said, "Hey, I know you. You're the new student from Saddallas." "Yep," he nodded, "Names Farm Hoof." "Nice to meet you Farm Hoof, I'm Applebloom. Where you heading?" "I was going to head down to the park. Want to come?" "Sure," Applebloom said, completely forgetting what she was originally doing. Farm led Applebloom through the park and to an area were the grass was really tall. He led Applebloom through it and showed a small hill with a pond and a rope swing at the bottom. "I've never seen this before," Applebloom said. "It's blocked off from being seen," Farm said, "I come here to swim." "Cool," Applebloom replied. "Come on," Farm grinned, "Last one in is a rotten egg!" Farm and Applebloom ran down the hill and jumped into the pond. It was really cool and refreshing as Applebloom and Farm played 'Marco Polo' and chased each other around the pond. They had a contest were they swung on the rope and tried to see who could make a bigger splash. Each argued that they had the bigger splash which ended with the two splashing water on each other, trying to get the other to give in. Before either of them knew it, the sky turned orange as the sun began to set. "This was fun," Farm said shaking off the water as he got out. "Yeah, thanks for showing me this," Applebloom smiled, shaking off her water. Once she finished, she realized that the water she shook off drenched Farm, "Oops my bad." "You will be sorry," Farm laughed, shaking the water back on her. "Hey," Applebloom giggled, "no fair!" "Alright, truce," Farm smiled after he stopped shaking. "But I'm still soaked," Applebloom said. "Hmm, so am I," Farm said as he put his hoof to his chin in thought, "I know! If we roll in the grass, maybe we can dry off then!" "Sounds good," Applebloom smiled as the two started to roll around. They continued to roll around until they accidently rolled into each other, back to back. "My bad," they both chuckled as they got and began to walk up the hill. "Thanks for the great day," Applebloom smiled as they got to the top. "No problem," Farm shrugged, "Thanks for coming, it's not as fun to swim alone... hey, before you go, I want you to watch something with me." "What?" "Everytime before I leave," Farm explained, "I like to watch the sunset from the top of the hill. It's an amazing sight... just look." Applebloom turned back to face the sun, and he was right. The orange-red rays shooting over the Everfree forest trees in the distance before reflecting off of the pond below and creating a beautiful sight. "Wow," Applebloom gasped, "This is so amazing." "You are," Farm sighed making Applebloom look at him as he realized what he said, causing him to blush, "I mean... uh..." "You... you think I'm amazing," Applebloom asked, slightly blushing "Y-yeah" Farm awkwardly smiled, "and you're pretty cute too." "Oh," Applebloom smiled awkwardly as well, "I've never been told that before." "I can't see why not," Farm continued, a little more confident, "You're more beautiful than a desert flower." "Thanks," Applebloom giggled, blushing a little harder, "You're not too bad yourself." "You know," Farm grinned holding Applebloom's hoof, "I don't have to be home until after dark. We could stay here for a little longer." "I'd like that," Applebloom cooed, leaning up against him as they watched the sunset. 'So this is what love feels like,' Applebloom thought, 'This is awesome... Maybe I should give Barn another chance... maybe...' (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 6: Double Dare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6: Double Dare The next day Applebloom confronted Applejack about why she's been misbehaving so much lately, especially towards Barn Raiser. "I just thought that if you started dating, you'd forget about me," Applebloom finished as Applejack listened to Applebloom's apology, "So I'm really sorry." "I accept your apology," Applejack smiled, "I'm glad you finally decided to talk to me. Now, you are right, I might begin to spend more and more time with Barn than I do with you, but don't you fret little sis, I'll never forget about you." "Don't worry," Applebloom smirked, "If you do ever forget, I've got a new pony to spend time with." "What in tarnation are you talking about," Applejack questioned. "Let's just say I met a colt yesterday while I was walking around Ponyville," Applebloom coolly said. "Well I'll be," Applejack grinned, "My little sis has found herself a special somepony... what's his name?" "His name is Farm Hoof," Applebloom sighed, "and he's so kind and caring." "Is he cute," Applejack grinned. "Applejack," Applebloom blushed. "I'm just teasing you... but he must be pretty good looking for you to be blushing that hard," Applejack teased, nudging her little sister a bit. "He might be," Applebloom replied, trying to hide her face with her hair, "I've got to go meet Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, see you later." "Bye Applebloom," Applejack chuckled as she watched her head off to the CMC clubhouse. "Hey girls," Applebloom exclaimed as she burst inside "Sorry y'all had to wait." "No problem," Scootaloo replied. "Wait," Applebloom realized, "where's Sweetie Belle?" "Oh... um..." As if on cue, Sweetie Belle came running in breathing hard. "Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle gasped between breaths, "I fell off... your scooter! Didn't you hear me... call your name?! That's the last time... I go with you to spy on... Applebloom!" "Sweetie Belle ," Scootaloo face hoofed. "Oh," Sweetie Belle said as she caught her breath, "Hey Applebloom." "You two were spying on me," Applebloom exclaimed. "Well, I wouldn't call it spying... just watching you from a distance without you knowing... I think I said that right," Scootaloo looked up, "Did I Rainbow Dash?" "Dang it," Rainbow Dash, who was hanging on the ceiling, "I'm suppose to be hidden." "You're not doing a very good job," Applebloom flatly stated. "Whatever," Rainbow huffed as she dropped to the floor. "Anyways, Applebloom has a coltfriend," Scootaloo saluted to Rainbow "Hey," Applebloom exclaimed, "That's private information!" "Ah man," Rainbow groaned, "I thought I had enough competition already and I get on upped by not only AJ, but by Applebloom too! I really need to look harder; see you three later!" With that Rainbow Dash zoomed out of the clubhouse and into the sky. "So Applebloom," Scootaloo smirked, "you decided to go soft and get a coltfriend?" "Don't be jealous that you don't have one Scootaloo," Applebloom shot back. "Sweetie Belle and I can get one anytime we want," Scootaloo flared, "Right Sweetie Belle?" "Yeah!" "Alright then," Applebloom grinned, "I double dare you two to go on a double date!" "Alright than," Sweetie Belle said. "How about we make it interesting though," Scootaloo added, "If we can find dates..." "If we're betting," Applebloom interrupted, "Than you two can't just find dates, you two have to find coltfriends." "Alright," Scootaloo accepted, "If we can find coltfriends than you have to... dance like a fool at the reception at Luna's wedding." "Alright than, but if I win," Applebloom smirked, "You two have to do my chores for the wedding for the next week." "Deal," Scootaloo put her hoof out. "Deal," Applebloom shook it. ### "This should be easy," Scootaloo told Sweetie Belle as they walked down the streets, "I bet we can find someponies easy." "Yeah," Sweetie Belle agreed, "Then Applebloom will be embarrassing herself in front of everypony." "Alright," Scootaloo declared, "Should we split up? Or stick together?" "How about we split up and then meet at the Cakes' store in an hour?" "Sounds good," Scootaloo nodded. After they split up, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle tried to think were to look first. Sweetie Belle tried the arcade, which seemed most logical since it's normally filled with colts (and is also her favorite place)... however, it was to no avail as they all seemed too interested into their games, so she left and tried another place. Scootaloo tried the park, but everywhere she turned, it seemed, the colts already had a marefriend, and they were hanging out together on a picnic date. She too gave up and headed somewhere else. An hour seemed to fly by as the two met in front of the bakery. "Any luck," Scootaloo asked. "Nothing," Sweetie Belle shook her head, "You?" "Nope," Scootaloo replied as the two went in and sat in a booth, "Ugh! We're never gonna find coltfriends." "What would you two girls like," Mrs. Cake asked as she walked up to them. "We're fine for right now," Scootaloo nodded, "Thanks." "Alright, call me when you're ready," Mrs. Cake smiled. "Ok," Sweetie Belle declared as Mrs. Cake left them, "We need to find two colts who are kind, caring, fun to be around, and above all, cute." "I don't really care about the cute part," Scootaloo replied, "Just as long as they're nice and willing to rough it." "Here you girls are," Mrs. Cake said as she put two milkshakes in front of them. "Um, we hadn't ordered anything yet," Scootaloo questioned. "Oops, my bad," Mrs. Cake yawned, "the twins kept us up most of the night. It was meant for those two young stallions over there in the booth." As Mrs. Cake scooped up the two shakes, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle saw the two colts she meant to bring them for. One was a blue unicorn with red hair and the other was a red pegasus with blue hair; they both had purple eyes. "How about those two," Sweetie Belle whispered to Scootaloo as Mrs. Cake took the shakes to them. "With those good looks, they have to be already taken," Scootaloo bashfully whispered back. "Are you afraid, Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle smirked. "Of course not," Scootaloo defended, "In fact, I'm so not afraid, that I'll go over and talk to that pegasus right now." "Well then I'll talk to the unicorn," Sweetie Belle declared as they both got up and approached the two colts, "Hi there, my names Sweetie Belle and this is Scootaloo. We were wondering if we could sit here with you." "Of course," the unicorn beamed, "I'm Fine Scent, but you can call me Scent, and this is my cousin, Off Road, but everypony calls him Road." "Hi," Road nodded. "Cousin," Scootaloo questioned as she sat next to Road and Sweetie Belle sat next to Scent, "I would have guessed you two were twins." "Our moms are twins," Road replied, "They're the two ponies who run the spa here in Ponyville." "I've been there," Sweetie Belle said, "So your moms are Aloe and Lotus?" "Mines Lotus," Scent replied. "And mines Aloe," Road added. "That's cool," Scootaloo nodded. "You two girls want milkshakes," Scent asked. "Sure," Sweetie Belle replied. "Excuse me, mam," Scent called Mrs. Cake as she walked by, "Can we have two more shakes for these lovely gals?" "Coming right up," Mrs. Cake replied, then turned to the counter, "Honey! Two more shakes please." "I got you," Mr. Cake called from the back, "Pinkie!" "I got it," Pinkie exclaimed as she caught two shakes that were thrown from the kitchen window than ran up to Mrs. Cake, "Here you are." "Thanks, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake smiled, putting the two drinks down and leaving them alone. "So enough about us," Scent declared, "What about you two?" "We're part of an organization called the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Sweetie Belle replied. "We go out on adventures while trying to find out what our special talents our," Scootaloo added. "That's interesting," Road beamed. "Yeah," Scent gestured to his and Road's blank flank, "especially since we don't have marks ourselves." "Scent," Road growled. "Excuse my self-conscious cousin," Scent sighed as he rolled his eyes, "He doesn't like being a blank flank." "It's nothing to be ashamed about," Sweetie Belle said. "That's what I always say," Scent replied. "Great minds think alike I guess," Sweetie Belle grinned. "I guess they do," Scent chuckled. Scootaloo pretended to gag at the affection of the two, making Road snicker. Scootaloo grinned and gestured to a booth across the bakery. Road nodded and they both slipped away from the other two. "I can't stand that lovey, dovey stuff," Scootaloo said once they were out of earshot. "Me neither," Road replied, "So you're a blank flank too. How long have you been trying to get one?" "It feels like forever," Scootaloo sighed, "But we've been getting lessons from Twilight." "Princess Twilight Sparkle," Road gasped. "Yeah," Scootaloo nodded. "Wow," Road chuckled, "I always wanted to meet her." "Well, it's probably because I've known her before she became a princess, but she's not all that great." "Still, meeting a princess would be pretty cool." "You know, I'm going to the royal wedding next weekend, you could come with me if you want," Scootaloo offered. "Like... Like a date?" "Well... yeah," Scootaloo blushed a little. Road thought for a minute, then asked, "Would this mean that... I would be your cotlfriend?" "Maybe," Scootaloo shyly replied. "Well, if that makes you my marefriend, than I'm all for it," Road beamed. "Really?" "Yeah! You seem like a pretty cool gal. I'd love to get to know you better." "So I guess I'll see you at the wedding then," Scootaloo smiled. "Whose says we have to wait that long," Road grinned. "What do you mean?" "Well, the day still young... You got a scooter?" "Of course," Scootaloo replied. "Well then, let's go for a ride," Road beamed as he and Scootaloo went outside. Road got on his green scooter as Scootaloo got on hers. "Ready, Scoots," Road asked. "I'm ready, but can you keep up," Scootaloo grinned as she took off down the street. "You bet I can," Road grinned, going down the streets after her and two rode around town, pulling off stunts and racing each other. 'He's pretty good,' Scootaloo thought as Road went up a ramp, letting go of his scooter to take a swan formation before grabbing it again and landing gracefully, 'I think this one will be a keeper... I wonder how Sweetie Belle is doing...' Meanwhile, back at the Cake's bakery, Sweetie Belle was telling Fresh Scent how she, Scootaloo, and Applebloom met. "...So after the party, we agreed that we should band together and form the Cutie Mark Crusaders," Sweetie finished. "Your friends sound like fun ponies to be around," Scent smiled. "They are," Sweetie nodded "You know," Scent continued, "I've been kind of tired of seeing a blank flank myself. Do you think I could join the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" "Of course," Sweetie smiled "That's good to know," Scent grinned, "I'd be able to get to know you better." "I'm not all that great," Sweetie Belle slightly blushed. "You're pretty cute," Scent cooed as he put his hoof around her, "You've got that going for you." "Thanks," Sweetie Bell blushed a little harder. "And your hair smell pretty good," Scent sighed, "Must be why you're called Sweet." "Really," Sweetie Belle took a quick sniff, "I've never been told that before." "I'll be sure to bring it up," Scent smiled, "Along with your beautiful eyes." "Aww, your such a flatterer," Sweetie Belle smiled back, snuggling up a little closer. "I'm a truth teller," Scent grinned. "Nice one," Sweetie Belle chuckled. "Thank you," Scent nodded. 'Kind, Caring, Fun, and above all, Cute,' Sweetie thought, 'Yeah, this one's mine.' (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 7: Tough Scales, Soft Heart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7: Tough Scales, Soft Heart The next day, Scootaloo and Off Road were racing each other on their scooters when they just so happen to pass by Twilight's Library. "Hey Road, didn't you say you wanted to meet Twilight," Scootaloo asked as they came to a screeching halt. "Yeah," Road nodded. "We could see her right now if you want." "Really? Cause that would be awesome." "Yeah, I'm sure she won't mind." Road and Scootaloo took off their helmets and approached the door where Scootaloo knocked. "I'll be there in a second," Spike's voice called... but it was slightly deeper than normal. When it was opened, Scootaloo was surprised to see him... not as him. His arms were longer and a little more gangly with slightly longer and sharper claws, and his tail, being longer as well, had more spikes on it. "Spike," Scootaloo gasped, "Is that you?" "Yep," Spike nodded, "Just came out of dragon hibernation a yesterday." "Dragon Hibernation?" "It's when a dragon sleeps through a growth sprit," Twilight replied. She was no longer looking down at Spike for he was at her eye level now as she proudly said, "My little Spike is growing up." "You keep acting less like a sister and more like a mother," Flash appeared from inside and by Twilight. "Don't be jealous that your sister wasn't as nice," Twilight smirked. "Well, sister," Spike chuckled, "I'm going to go out. Need to get use to my new height." "Alright," Twilight replied, "See you later." After Spike left, leaving Scootaloo to introduced Road to Twilight, he walked down the streets with his head held high as everypony he passed looked at him twice before realizing it was him. "Hey, Spike," Cheerilee smiled as he passed by, "My have you gotten big." "Thank you," Spike nodded. He had a skip in his step as he walked past the park and saw Fluttershy and Comet together on a picnic. "How's it going, Fluttershy," Spike smiled as he approached the two Fluttershy just stared at Spike for a moment before asking, "S-Spike?" "Uh-huh," Spike grinned, "Like the new me? Just came out of hibernation." "Oh my, you should have told me it was time for your hibernation. I would've gone find a bunch of gems for you to eat and then make a nice, cozy bed for you to sleep in." "It's alright," Spike shrugged, "Everything went alright, so I wouldn't have needed your help." "That's my Fluttershy, though," Comet beamed, "always helping." "Thanks," Fluttershy blushed. Spike looked away as the two kissed, (partially because his mentality hasn't caught up with the rest of him and was still in baby dragon mode, so it still kind of grossed him out to see two ponies making out), but then it dawned on him that maybe he could finally get Rarity to notice him. He quietly slipped away from the two to finally win the affection of Rarity... completely forgetting what she told him before he fell asleep... Spike was walking down the streets with his skip again and was happy as can be; nothing could damper his mood. He became older, he get's more freedoms, he could finally get Rarity's atten-... "What the," Spike exclaimed as he walked into Rarity's shop to see Seazon give Rarity a bouquet flower. The two looked at him as his heart began to sink. "Spikey," Rarity smiled, "You finally woke up." "Into a nightmare," Spike exclaimed "What do you mean?" "Why are you with this guy?!" "I told you, remember? He's my coltfriend." "... coltfriend," Spike slowly repeated as he suddenly remembered what had happen before he fell asleep, "Oh no! I forgot about that!" Rarity watched the downhearted dragon as he slumped down into a nearby chair. She let out a little sigh and walked up to him. "I'm really sorry, Spike," Rarity said, "You literally devoted your life for me, but your a dragon and I'm a pony, I can't see any possible way we could be together... and what would happen after that? I mean, I couldn't possibly imagine what our offspring would look like, and that's considering if we're able." "I know," Spike replied, "I just thought there would be at least some chance." "If it makes you feel any better, you know we'll always be friends," Rarity smiled, "and you'll always be my number one dragon assistant who I can trust to always be there for me... and who know, you might find some lady dragon to be with." "I guess your right," Spike smiled back then got up and looked over to Seazon, "Be good to her, alright." "Of course," Seazon nodded. "Like I said, will always be there for me," Rarity chuckled. "I will be," Spike smiled as he made his way out of the shop, "See ya." Spike made his way and walked around the edge of the Everfree forest, a little hurt from no longer being able to gain the love of Rarity, but happy to know that she will never forget about him. "I wonder if I'll ever find a dragon like Rarity said," Spike wondered as he kicked a rock hard at a bush. "OW," the bush exclaimed, "Hey, what's the big idea!" Spike just stared at the bush, looked around to see nobody else, than back at the bush. "I'm... sorry, bush," Spike replied, a little confused. "I'm not a bush," the voice remarked as a female dragon about Spike's age stood up from behind. She had yellow scales with purple fins on her back and purple spikes on her tail, "I was hibernating... lucky for you though, it looks like I'm done." "That's funny," Spike chuckled. "You think getting hit with rock by some stranger is funny!" "No, that was an accident, I didn't know you were behind the bush," Spike apologized, "I just find it coincidental that I finished hibernating yesterday." "Really," the dragon asked, calming down a bit. "Yeah," Spike smiled... but then realized he was just staring at her as she stared back, "I... I never caught your name." "Whimsey," she declared "I'm Spike." "Cool name," Whimsey smiled. "Thanks," Spike blushed a little, "Twilight thought it would fit me pretty good." "Is Twilight your mother?" "Not exactly. She's an alicorn who hatched me from my egg. She took care of me ever since." "Oh," Whimsey replied, slightly shocked, "You live with a pony?" "Yeah," Spike replied, "Why do you ask?" "I just thought you lived with other dragons." "Who do you live with?" "I live with my mother in a cave not far from her," Whimsey pointed to a mountain on the other side of the forest, "On Willy Nellie Mountain... but living with ponies is pretty cool. I always wondered what there like?" "Well... would you like to come with me to Ponyville?" "Sure." Spike led Whimsey back to Twilight's library and walked inside where Twilight was re-shelving some books and Flash was trying to get her to let him help. "If I don't practice, how do you expect me to help around the library," Flash said "No matter how many time you practice, your going to mix it up... oh hey, Spike, who's your friend," Twilight asked. "Twilight, this is Whimsey, I met her out near the Everfree forest. Whimsey, this is Twilight, the alicorn that hatched me from my egg," Spike introduced. "Hi," Whimsey waved. "Well hello," Twilight smiled, "Glad to see Spike is associating with more than just ponies. Want me to show you around the library?" "Ok." Spike stared at Whimsey as she followed Twilight upstairs. He smiled to himself until the sound of a throat being cleared and a "Hoo" snapped him out of it. He turn around to see Owlowiscious on the back of Flash. "What," Spike asked, not liking the smug look on either's face/beak. "You know what," Flash grinned. "Hoo." "I don't like like her," Spike snapped at Owlowiscious. "Yes you do," Flash teased, "I see the little love birds around your head... the little hearts in you eyes... the..." "Alright! Enough already," Spike exclaimed, "So I find her attractive, big deal." "It is a big deal," Flash said, not teasing him now, "You found somedragon to be with and you shouldn't let that slip by you." "Like I'd have a chance with her," Spike sighed, "I'd haven't any luck in the past." "Hoo." "... You know what, you're right Owlowiscious," Spike replied, apparently motivated by whatever the owl said, "I just found somedragon to be with and I shouldn't let that slip by me." "Seriously," Flash exclaimed, "You listen to the bird!" "He's normally right," Spike replied as he made his way upstairs, "and he's right about seizing the chances life gives me." Flash watched Spike run upstairs, then looked at the owl on his back "You wouldn't happen to have any dating tips for me with Twilight, would you," Flash asked. "Hoo." "Twilight," Flash repeated. "Hoo." "Your owner, the pony who takes care of you," Flash said, getting a little frustrated. "Hoo." "The lavender alicorn that just went upstairs a few minutes ago," Flash yelled. "Hoo." "Why do I even try with you," Flash grimaced... Meanwhile, Spike went upstairs and into Twilight's room, who, to Spike's embarrassment, was showing Whimsey baby pictures of him. "And this is when he accidently set fire to one of his stuffed animals, and he got upset," Twilight said, showing Whimsey a picture of a baby Spike throwing a fit over a pile of ash next to him. "Aww," Whimsey laughed. "Twilight," Spike groaned. "Hey, Spike," Twilight smiled, "just showing some pictures of you." "I can see that," Spike deadpanned, then turned to Whimsey, "Hey, Whimsey, can I asked you something in private." "Sure," Whimsey replied. Twilight nodded and began to leave the room... but not before whispering into Spike's ear, "I think you picked a good one." Spike blushed a little as the snickering Twilight closed the door behind her. "So," Whimsey declared, "What do you want to talk to me about?" "I just want to know if... umm... you like to go with me... on a date," Spike nervously asked. "A... date?" "Yeah," Spike blushed a little harder. "... Sure." "Really?" "Yeah," Whimsey smiled, "You're pretty sweet, and your pony friend, Twilight, is really nice." "Wow," Spike let out a sigh of relief, "That was easier than I thought." "That wasn't the hard part though," Whimsey grinned, "You still got to take me on the date." "That is true," Spike chuckled, "How about a picnic in the park?" "Sounds good," Whimsey grinned. Spike and Whimsey walked downstairs as Spike gathered up some gems he kept in a basket. "I'll be back later," Spike said to Flash and Twilight as they passed them. "Alright," Twilight smiled, "Don't stay out too late." "You seriously are mothering him," Flash pointed out as the two left. "I am not," Twilight frowned. "Yes, you are," Flash replied, "Calling him your little spike and the baby pictures." "... Oh my gosh, I am mothering Spike," Twilight realized. "Well, at least we know you'll make a good mother," Flash grinned. "Maybe," Twilight blushed, "But for now, I think I'll stick with just Spike." "Let's hope for not too long," Flash smiled as he leaned in for a kiss before being stopped by Twilight's hoof. "Keep hoping," Twilight smirked. "The smart one's are always the tease," Flash chuckled. "Flattery I see... I guess that earns you a kiss," Twilight cooed as she moved her hoof and leaned in to kiss Flash back. (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 8: Laughing and Love Are More Fun Togther > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8: Laughing and Love Are More Fun Together By the title of this chapter, you can probably tell who's next... *sigh*... 3,2,1... "So is Carmel my coltfriend," Pinkie cheerfully asked the sky as she happily bounced down the dirt road. "No, Pinkie," the voice sighed in annoyance. "What about Cheese Sandwich?" "No, Pinkie." "Matt?" "No, Pinkie." "Are you?" "No, Pinkie." "What about..." She's been like this ever since the last chapter of "Twilight's Love Story" and, technically, she hasn't even lived through that yet!... I'll never understand her and the fourth wall. "What about Caboose," Pinkie suggested. "Copyright, and no." "But I wanna know," Pinkie wined, "I looked on your computer, but I couldn't find any notes on the subject." "Do you really think I'm that stupid, especially after the last time, when you gave them to Sagebrony07?" "Pleeeeease," Pinkie begged with puppy dog eyes. "No," the voice deadpanned. "But I'm Pinkie Pie," Pinkie said, still with her face. "And now you're a silenced Pinkie," the voice replied, follow by the sound of a 'click'. "But, DF!" Pinkie waited for an answer, but only the sounds of an average Ponyville day replied. "Aw man," Pinkie sighed, "He must have put the fourth firewall up... Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait it out." Pinkie started to hum as she continued on the path towards the Everfree forest, unaware that during her fourth wall moment, Spike and Whimsey were watching her in shock. "That was strange," Whimsey declared as she turned to Spike. "That was Pinkie," Spike chuckled. "Where do you think she is going?" "Where her sense takes her..." Meanwhile, Pinkie had hopped her way to Fluttershy's cottage. As she approached, she saw that Comet and Fluttershy were outside, feeding her chickens. "Hi, Fluttershy," Pinkie exclaimed, "Hi, Fluttershy's coltfriend, Comet." "Hi, Pinkie," Fluttershy smiled, "What brings you around?" "Don't know," Pinkie shrugged, "But I think I'm about to find out... Any moment now... still wait-whoa!" All four of Pinkie's knees wobbled, causing her to get a little off balance, but was able to stand upright. "Huh," Pinkie said, confused by the new sensation, "Never got that one befo-" "I got cookies you two," a hyper voice called from Fluttershy's cottage. The three looked to see a highlighter yellow, earth pony holding a tray of cookies on top of his sky blue mane. He had a very outgoing complexion, and when he approached the three, he skipped every now and then. "Oh, looks like we got a visitor." "H-HI, th-there," Pinkie replied, but her knees wobbled again, "M-My name is Pinkie Pie." "Nice to meet you, Pinkie," the pony replied, as he set down the tray on a nearby stump, "My name's Yellow Can-Bake-Anything-And-Has-A-Really-Long-Name-And-You-Must-Call-Me-By-The-Entire..." "Yellow," Comet interrupted with a disapproving glare. "Ah come on, amigo, just trying to have some fun," Yellow chuckled, before taking a second to look back at Pinkie, "I'd spent a little bit in Mexicolt." "You were there for a baking competition for a day," Comet deadpanned, then sighed as he turned to Pinkie, "Anyways, Pinkie, this is my friend Yellow Frosting. He is a very... unique character, and I figured that the only pony who would be able to keep up with him is you." "So you're new," Pinkie asked Yellow. "Good guess, you're right on the nose," Yellow gleefully smiled as he put his hoof on his muzzle. "Oh, I wish I'd know earlier, then I could have prepared you a party," Pinkie said. "How about you just show him around Ponyville," Comet suggested. "Ok," Pinkie nodded, "If that's alright with you Yellow." "Sound super duper," Yellow smiled as he and Pinkie headed to Ponyville, leaving Comet and Fluttershy back at her cottage. "Do you really think this could work," Fluttershy asked Comet as they went back to feeding the chickens. "Of course it will," Comet assured, "there should be no worries. They couldn't be a more perfect match." "That's what slightly scares me," Fluttershy sighed. ### "So you can bake," Pinkie asked, gesturing to Yellow's icing bag cutie mark. "Yep," Yellow nodded, "From scrumdidlydumshish cookies to sweetsazerfras cupcakes. You name it, I baked it." "What a crazy coincidence, I bake too! In fact, I work at a bakery called Sugar Cube Corner! How about we go there first." "Sound grrrrreat!" "Let's go then!" Pinkie led Yellow through Ponyville and up to the gingerbread looking building, which seemed a little empty from the outside. "Are they open," Yellow asked. "Yep! Or at least for me they are, I mean, it is where I live," Pinkie chuckled, "But you might want to brace yourself." "Wh-" Yellow didn't get to finish, for when Pinkie opened the door, Pound and Pumpkin Cake zoomed out and crashed into him. "You no Pinkie," the two year old twins said as they realized the pony they tackled was not their favorite foal sitter. "No, I'm Yellow," Yellow smiled brightly at the two. "Pinkie's over here," Pinkie cheered as she came from behind the door. "Pinkie!" The two got off of Yellow and came up to hug Pinkie. Pinkie returned the hug and gave each a kiss on the forehead. "Oh, it's hard to believe you are already two years old! It seemed like just yesterday Rainbow Dash was teaching you how to use your wings, Pound Cake" Pinkie smiled warmly at the toddlers as Pound flew up onto Pinkie's back, followed by Pumpkin teleporting, "and it looks like you gotten better control over your magic Pumpkin." "Uh-Hu," the two nodded. "Come on you two, let's get you back inside," Pinkie chuckled, then reached a hoof out to Yellow, "You're welcome to join us." "Thanks," Yellow smiled as he grabbed the offered hoof and got up... and for a second, but maybe it was the light from the sun, Pinkie thought he saw him blush. 'Does he like me,' Pinkie thought as she brought the two foals inside, 'like, LIKE LIKE me?... Man, why are colts so hard to understand... wow, did I just think that?! I would have thought that would have been something Rarity would have thought... wait, what did I just think?... I'm confused... I wonder what's for diner... wait, what was I thinking about?' Pinkie looked up and saw Yellow stand still as Pound and Pumpkin Cake investigated the new pony by sitting and staring at him. 'Now I remember... or do I?... let's see: I bugged DF, went to Fluttershy's, met a fun and cute stallion... Yeah, I remember.' "You alright, Pinkie," Yellow asked, as Pinkie noticed she was in a trance. "Yeah," Pinkie blushed, "I'm fine." "You need a cupcake, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake, who appeared from the back with a few cupcakes, asked, "We made too much anyways." "Sure," Pinkie nodded as she took one of the cupcakes. "Oh, hello," Mrs. Cake took notice of Yellow, "I've never seen you before. Care for a cupcake?" "Thank you, and I'm new," Yellow smiled as he took a cupcake "Well, welcome to Ponyville," Mr. Cake, who appeared from the back as well with the twin's baby carriage, declared as he put the twins in their carriage. "Thank you," Yellow said, then took a bite from the cupcake, "Wow! This is pretty good, although, if you added a pinch more cinnamon, then it'd be perfect." "Cinnamon! That's your secret ingredient," Mr. Cake gaped at his wife, "I could have sworn I guessed that one." "No, honey, you didn't," Mrs. Cake replied, then turned to Yellow, "But I'm impressed! Nopony has ever been able to figure out what I add to my cupcakes." "What can I say," Yellow chuckled, pointing to his flank, "I have a gift for baking." "Well, our business has become quite popular, so we'd could use an extra pair of hooves... you have a place to stay," Mr. Cake asked, catching Pinkie's interest as she flicked her ear toward the conversation. "Not really," Yellow shook his head, "I was going to crash at my friend's marefriend's cottage." Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other and nodded as Pinkie's interest was at it's peak. "Why don't you work for us? We got a basement you could sleep in." "Really," Yellow asked in excitement. "Sure. Of course, we'd have to do all that proper business stuff, so we'd need you to fill out an application while we go walk the twins." "Yes! Of course," Yellow gleefully cheered as he franticly shook the Cakes' hooves, "Thank you! Thank you sooo much!" "Your welcome," Mr. Cake rubbed his hoof a little after Yellow gave it an exceptionally hard shake, then went into upstairs before coming back down with a paper and a quill, "Here's the application. If you finish it before we get back, just give it to Pinkie, she'll know what to do with it." "Ok, and thank you again," Yellow repeated as he waved at the two as they left the store. He took the seat across from Pinkie as he began to fill out the application, "I guess I should also thank you, Pinkie. This wouldn't have happen if it wasn't for you." "Your welcome," Pinkie blushed again, "It was nothing really." "Let's see, 'What is your name'... Yellow Frosting," as he wrote it down, "That was easy! 'Skills', baking, duh. 'Have you ever been convicted of a felony?' No..." Pinkie watched Yellow as he finished his application. When he was done, he gave it to Pinkie, who put it in Mr. and Mrs. Cakes room before coming back down. "Well, I've only been in Ponyville for a day, and I already got a job," Yellow mused as Pinkie said back down in the booth. He held up his cupcake as if in a toast and declared, "To life!" "To life," Pinkie laughed as she held up her cupcake and the two brought them together before taking a bite. "You know," Yellow said, as he swallowed his piece of cupcake, "I just can't say it enough. Thank You, Pinkie. I wish there was a way I could repay you." "It's alright," Pinkie waved her hoof in the air, "Helping a friend is good enough for me." "Then, what if I was more than a friend," Yellow smiled. "W-What do you mean," Pinkie asked as her knees wobbled again. "Pinkie, I know you like me," Yellow kindly smiled, "And to tell you the truth, I like you too." "... LIKE LIKE me?" "Yes, LIKE LIKE." "Oh," Pinkie blushed, her knees wobbling even harder. "And how can I not," Yellow continued to compliment, but a tint of red stained his cheeks, "You're so nice and outgoing. I tried to date mares before, but I never met one as fun as you. I'd like it if you would be my marefriend." "Really," Pinkie blushed harder than ever, "I'd like it if you'd be my coltfriend." "That's good to know," Yellow let out a little sigh of relief as he felt his nervousness leave him, "I'd thought you'd might reject me." "I would never reject a handsome stallion like you," Pinkie swooned, prompting Yellow to blush and her knees' wobble to stop, "I think I know how you can repay me." "How," Yellow blushed a little harder. "Like this," Pinkie cooed then surprised Yellow by locking his lips with hers. Yellow was stunned by the kiss as Pinkie retracted and swung around the booth to sit next to him. "Wow," Yellow sighed, "Just... wow. I didn't expect that." "Me neither," Pinkie admitted, "I think it just... happened." "So... what now?" Pinkie shrugged and said, "We could kiss again." "I'd like that," Yellow chuckled as he nuzzled Pinkie. Pinkie giggled a little at his soft touch before their lips met again, this time longer. When they parted, Pinkie laughed a little. "Something funny," Yellow asked. "I just found out I love the taste of frosting more than I thought," Pinkie flirted. "Guess the same goes for me, except with pie," Yellow replied in the same flirting manner. "I guess the title was correct. Laughing and love are more fun together." "The... title?" "I'll explain later," Pinkie cooed, "I'm still craving a sweet treat." Pinkie kissed Yellow again, as Yellow thought about what Pinkie said... but shrugged as he kissed her back. (To Be Continued... Yellow, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into...) > Chapter 9: A Strike Of Heartache > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9: A Strike Of Heartache The sun shined through the window of Rainbow Dash's cloud home as the light began to stir her. As the light's intensity increased, Dash slowly blinked open her eyes and yawned as she stretched out her legs and wings. She crawled out of bed as her hooves met the puffiness of the soft floor. She walked over to Tank, who poked his head out upon hearing his master's movement. Rainbow smiled a little as she gently rubbed his head and dropped in a leaf for him to eat. "Breakfast of Champions," Rainbow Dash told the tortoise as he began to nibble on the leaf, "I'm thinking I'll head down to Sugar Cube Corner for my own championship delight." Leaving Tank to finish his breakfast/possibly lunch, Dash left her house and flew to Ponyville. She easily spotted the bakery and busted inside. "Hey Pinkie! Do you think you can..." Rainbow stopped when she realized she flew in to see Pinkie Pie and Yellow Frosting nuzzling each other as they sat in one of the booths. The two looked at her in embarrassment as they both went red. "... Um, what are you doing," Rainbow Dash awkwardly asked. "We were having an 'employees only' party," Yellow sarcastically replied. "And you are?" "Yellow Frosting." "My coltfriend," Pinkie proudly chippered. Rainbow Dash's mouth dropped as she said, "You have a coltfriend." "Yep, now that makes," Pinkie pulled out a calculator from her hair, "divide by 40, carry the one, use the Pythagorean theorem... seven out of nine mentioned in the story description," Pinkie cheerfully exclaimed as she threw the math machine out an open window, "Meaning you need to step it up. You only got one chapter left before the wedding." Rainbow gave her a sideways glance before looking at Yellow, "Are you sure about her?" "Why wouldn't I be," Yellow smiled brightly, "She's so amazing and fun and pretty and funny and she is one of the most wonderful mares I've ever met. I mean, it's like looking in a mirror, and that mirror turns out to be a pony, and that pony has all those terrific qualities, and you're like 'Oh My Faust! You're exactly like me'!" "... They're are two of her," Rainbow blankly replied, as she looked between Pinkie and Yellow. "Actually, I think 'Oh My Lauren sounds better," Pinkie added. "Really? I prefer Faust," Yellow replied. "How about 'Oh My Lauren Faust'," a disembodied voice suggested. "Nah," Pinkie shook her head as she looked up at the ceiling, "Too much of a mouthful." "I agree. I mean, you're about to say 'Oh My Lauren Fau-' but get cut off in mid-sentence by what ever you're saying 'Oh My Lauren Faust' over," Yellow pointed out as he too looked up at the ceiling. There was a silenced before the voice asked, "W-Were talking to me?" "Duh," Yellow replied. "What the- How!!!" "Pinkie wasn't kidding when she said she'll explain later," Yellow explained, "And by the way, I believe I do know what I'm getting myself into. Having a fun and pretty marefriend." "Aww, thanks," Pinkie giggled as she pecked him on the cheek. "... They're are two of her," Rainbow repeated, before shaking her head and leaving, "I can't handle one, I won't handle two." "Alright Rainbow," Pinkie waved, "See you later. Hopefully DF will have somepony good for you!" Rainbow Dash continued to walk down the busy Ponyville rode as she muttered, "So Pinkie's got a coltfriend. Pinkie! Why do all my friends find a special somepony and I don't get anypo-..." Rainbow Dash was interrupted by an orange pegasus who bumped into her. Rainbow Dash shook her head a little as she dust off a bit. "Hey! Watch where you're...," Rainbow stopped when she saw who it was as her voice growled, "Lightning." "Rainbow," Lightning replied with the same amount of apathy, "Didn't expect you to be here." "Same goes for me," Rainbow raised an eyebrow, "Thought you would've gone back to Stableton." "Thought you would have gone back to Cloudsdale," Lightning shot back. "What are you even doing here," Rainbow huffed as she and him quiet down a little, not wanting to make a screen in the crowd. "A little 'vaca' if you know what I mean," Lightning answered as he opened one of his wings to reveal a rolled up robe that had a hood on it. "Here? I've not seen any disturbances," Rainbow questioned. "You're dumber than I thought," Lightning lightly chuckled, making Rainbow glare at him, "You know, the wedding? Some need to be on guard, just like last time." "I'm surprised Celestia recruited you again," Rainbow smirked, "You didn't do a very good job last time." "And where were you? Oh! That's right. You were prancing around, trying on dresses, and making loud booms," Lightning sneered. "I oughta end you where you stand," Rainbow growled. "Again, dumber than I thought," Lightning repeated as he began to walk away, "Have a terrible life." "Go to Tartarus," Rainbow muttered, but tears filled her eyes. She noticed someponies were looking her way, and to hide her shame, blasted off into the sky and onto a cloud. "Who does he think he is," Rainbow said to herself as she sniffled a little, "He's just a back-stabbing jerk. He doesn't deserve me... He..." Rainbow broke down as she dropped and began to sob into the cloud. She bawled for a few minutes until she heard somepony. "You're right, he doesn't deserve you," said a very soft spoken and soothing voice. "Hey, Fluttershy," Rainbow sniffled, "What do you want?" "It's not what I want," Fluttershy shook her head as she sat next to Rainbow, "It's what you want... I saw what happened down there." "Oh... you saw that," Rainbow slightly cringed. "It's nothing to be ashamed of," Fluttershy smiled, "In fact, I'm glad you told him off. After what he did to you, he doesn't deserve to even be your friend." "I don't know, Flutts," Rainbow sighed, "A part of me wants to forgive him." "I know, I know," Fluttershy replied, "It's hard when you have mix feelings, especially for your ex." "I just don't know how you did it, and you had it worse," Rainbow said, "Your ex was a Tempmare, yet, you still were able to move on. Even after he almost got you killed." "Well, let's just say I got even at the Gala a few years ago," Fluttershy chuckled, "but seriously, you can't blame yourself. Never blame yourself. What he done was terrible, but it was his mistake, not yours. I bet you anything he feels more guilty than you do." "He sure has a weird way of showing it," Rainbow pouted. "Rainbow," Fluttershy warmly smiled, "You're one of the strongest and most independent mare I know, not to mention a great friend. I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be without you, so any stallion would be lucky to have you." "Lightning sure didn't feel that way," Rainbow said. Fluttershy let out another sigh, "You know, I can't do much except be by your side. The rest you have to figure out on your own... If it'll make you feel better, I could always set up an 'accident'." "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa," Rainbow eyes widen, but smiled, "Where did that come from?" "Where did what come from," Fluttershy grinned. "I always thought you hated it," Rainbow grinned back. "Eh," Fluttershy shrugged, "I learned to ignore it." "Well, let's not go there... yet..." "Alright," Fluttershy chuckled, "How about you and I hang out a bit at the wedding, that might make you feel better." "What about Comet?" "Don't worry," Fluttershy waved her hoof, "Comet and I will have plenty of time to be together, so he'll understand if I tell him you and I will want a little mare time." "If you say so," Rainbow shrugged, then said in a more solemn tone, "and... thanks. Thanks for cheering me up." "That's what friends are for," Fluttershy smiled as she stood up, "See you later, and remember, strong and independent." "I will," Rainbow smiled back as she watched Fluttershy head back to her cottage. Rainbow sat at that cloud for a little bit longer, feeling a little better thanks to Fluttershy's kind words. She felt as if the pain from Lightning was lifted a little as she laid on the cloud. Then her thoughts wondered about her family. She remembered her dad telling stories about how he and her mom met before... how it was love at first sight. Back then, Rainbow thought it was too mushy and lovey, but now, Rainbow couldn't help but let the stories give her a warm feeling inside, giving her hope that she too will meet that special somepony... giving her hope that she has and ideal match somewhere out there... waiting... (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 10: Love To Scare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 10: Love To Scare The sky was orange as the sun began its climb into the sky, shining down on the Equestrian inhabitants below. Shining through a window of its opposite; the window of Luna. Normally, during this time, Luna would begin to prepare for bed after a long, hard night of watching over Equestria; however, insisted by Celestia, Luna's been relieved of her dream duties until after the wedding, so she could "focus on the wedding" according to her sister... little did she know it meant staying up in her tower for the entire week while Celestia did all the work. Luna looked out the window to see Celestia in the garden, ordering guards and checking off things from a list in front of her. Luna sighed as she shook her head, and then turned around to see a very familiar shadow. "Black," Luna yelped as she pulled the blanket from her bed and covered herself, "What are you doing here? You know you can't see me this week!" "Don't worry, I'm not looking at you," the shadow replied, then came up to form the dark gray unicorn whom was soon to be Luna's husband, with his back to her, "See? The rule is I can't see you, but nothing says that I can't hear the love of my life." "Oh that's right, I almost forgot one of the reasons I love you," Luna chuckled as she took the blanket off, "You're a funny stallion... but just to be on the safe side." A navy blue aura suddenly surrounds Black as he was pushed out the door and locked out. Black smiled. He then turned around to face the door as he saw Luna's shadow peek from underneath the door. Black's horn glowed a dark blue as Luna saw her shadow morph into Black. "You can't get rid of me that easily," the shadow joked, "And I'm technically still not looking at you, my twin brother who appears flat on the ground is." "For the Master of Shadows," Luna grinned at the silhouette, "You sure have a pretty bright side." "So I do," the shadow turned into Cheese Sandwich as it said, "I'm just a regular comedian," the shadow turned into a landscape of grassy hills as the stars and moon shined down, "But I believe the Princess of the Night is still funnier," the shadow turned into a rose, "and more beautiful." "You flatterer," Luna blushed as the shadow returned to Black, "Just like when we met." "Ah, when we met," the shadow split into Luna and Black, who were both staring deeply into each other’s eyes, "It was love at first sight." "I believe it was more 'love at first fright'," Luna joked. "Point proven," the shadow chuckled, "You are funnier." "If you want to see funny," Luna smirked, "I should give you a dream of what you looked like when you approached me." "Well, I never talked to a Princess before," the real Black blushed, "Let alone asked one out." "I guess you’re right," Luna chuckled, "and seeing me as Nightmare Moon most likely did not help." "Neither did the crowd..." (Last Nightmare Night...) "... So go leave a candy offering for Nightmare Moon. Or you will undoubtedly meet your untimely doom," Zecora finished her story of Nightmare Night, as always, at the statue of Nightmare Moon inside the Everfree forest, where, one by one, the fillies and colts gave a small portion of their candy to the statue. As the last foal gave up its share, a crack of lightning flashed while a surplus of smoke came from the statue. After the smoke cleared out and the foals were able to see, Luna (as her Nightmare Moon alter ego) had replaced the statue. Her catlike eyes glowing; matched with her bright, sharp teeth. "I thank thee for the offering, and in exchange, will not steal your souls," she grinned, using the Royal Canterlot Voice, "Now flee! Before I grow hungry for more than just a simple offering." She let loose a loud screech as the foals screamed and ran away in panic. Once the last one disappeared from the edge of the Everfree forest, Luna let a triumphal grin come across her face as she returned to normal and spat out her fake teeth. "That was quite a show, Princess of the Night," Zecora chuckled, "I believe you even gave me a fright." "Thank you," Luna smiled, "Of course, it did help that you set the mood." "This may be so true," Zecora replied, "but the scare was obviously you." "I guess so," Luan chuckled, "Would you like some candy? My sister always steals most of it from me before I can eat any; her and her sweet tooth." "Thank you for the offer so sweet. But I must deny these tasty treats," Zecora declined. "Alright then," Luna nodded as she levitated the candy in her saddle bag and placed the bag on her back, "I wish you a good evening, Zecora." Zecora nodded as she made her way back to her hut while Luna went back to Ponyville. Along the way, she saw a few fillies and colts with bags filled with candy (minus their offering). Their chaperone, a unicorn, took a head count, unware of a dark cloud that was creeping up on him. "Now what may that be," Luna asked herself as she watched the mysterious cloud get closer and closer... until... Boom! The cloud was set off sounding loud thunder, making the group jump and scream as they hid behind their adult pony. "Not funny, Rainbow," the unicorn deadpanned as he calmly turned around and looked up at the cloud. He spoke with a foreign accent. "Ha Ha! It is to me!" Rainbow, in her shadowbolt costume, laughed as she appeared from behind the cloud, "And that's all that matters!" The unicorn glared at the prankster as she continued to laugh. Luna continued to watch as an idea popped in her head, making a grin grow from her lips. Making sure nopony was looking her way; she turned into Nightmare Moon, then into a blue mist that made its way towards the group. "Come on, not even a chuckle," Rainbow sighed as she caught her breath, "If you’re not gonna laugh, at least pretend to be scared." "I don't get sca-," the unicorn stopped when his eyes fell upon something behind Rainbow as they widen. "I'm sorry, what was that," Rainbow grinned, "Did my awesomeness make you stutter?" The unicorn didn't reply as he and the other fillies and colts only stared at something as they slowly back away from Rainbow Dash. "What? Do I stink," Rainbow asked as she took a whiff of her mane then licked it, " Nope, still have awesomeness on me." "I always wondered what that tasted like," a menacing voice rasped as Rainbow stiffened up as she felt a breath on her neck. She shakenly turned her head to see Nightmare Moon tower over her. "Run," Nightmare Moon whispered, then let out a screech that made Dash jump fifty feet into the air as she screamed. When Rainbow came back down, she used her wings to gain balance and stay in the air as she breathed heavily. "Luna! Not funny," Rainbow gasped as she steadied her breathing. "It was to me," Luna smirked, returning to normal, then looked at the group to see them behind the terrified unicorn, shaking on the ground with their hooves over their eyes, "What's wrong with them?" "I think your prank worked too well," Rainbow explained. "I guess so," Luna chuckled, turning to the group, "It's alright little ones, no need to fear." They stopped shaking and looked over the unicorn to see the gentle smile of Luna. They all let out a sigh of relief and laughed a little at Luna's joke, then came up to her. "You sure gave us a scare your majesty," a little white foal in a pirate costume said, "That was an awesome trick though, that's why your my favorite Princess." "Why thank you, Pipsqueak," Luna took a small bow. "Y-Your majesty," the unicorn tripped over his own hoof a little, catching himself into a bowing position infront of Luna, causing a symphony of giggles from the foals. Luna laughed to, but when the unicorn looked up, she got a better view of him. A very strong-built under his dark grey coat was matched by strong, but gentle, dark blue eyes. Luna's cheeks turn a slightly lighter shade of blue as she tried to cover face with her mane a little. "Oooo, I think she likes him," one of the foals teased, making more giggles come from them as the two blushed a little harder. "Who might you be," Luna asked as she gestured for him to stand up. "My name's Black Hole," he replied as he stood just short of Luna. "I'm Princess Luna," Luna said. "I know who you are," Black smiled, "The little ones told me about you and your Nightmare Moon legend." "Oh," Luna slightly cringed, knowing that her story of Nightmare Moon doesn't always make a good first impression. "No need to worry," Black softly chuckled, "I believe you're not like that anymore. Besides, you're too beautiful to be..." Black stopped dead as he realized what he just said as yet another wave of giggles came from the group. The two blushed again as Luna and Black looked away from each other nervously. "Eh, do we have a taker," Rainbow teased, as the giggling continued. "Be quiet, Rainbow," Black growled, but blushed harder. "Ah, come on Black," Rainbow said getting slightly louder, "Didn't you just say the other day that you thought Luna was the most breath taking pony you have ever seen? That you'd like to ask her out some time?" "I don't recall ever saying such," Black admonished, thought his cheeks remained flushed as Luna rubbed her front left leg a little in embarrassment. "Just do it." "Like the brand I'm totally not allowed to say because of sponsor reasons," Pinkie suddenly exclaimed from a distance in her chicken costume. "Pinkie! You already had your chapter," Rainbow yelled then gasped, "Oh no! Now she's got me doing it!" "Um, Black," Pipsqueak interjected, "We got to go home soon." "Oh," Black let out a very small sigh in disappointment, "Yes, of course." "I'll take them," Rainbow spoke up. "You," Luna and Black both questioned. "Yeah, I'm great with foals," Rainbow replied, not aware that the group just rolled their eyes. "Alright," Black said, "You promise to make sure they get home safely." "Why wouldn't I? Man, you're acting like I've flaked on you before." "There's probably a reason behind that," Black deadpanned. "Whatever," Rainbow rolled her eyes, "See you two later." "Well now that their taken care of," Black sighed as the group left and he turned to Luna, "Lovely night, courtesy of you I suppose, want to take a stroll?" "Cutting to the chase? Confidence, I like it," Luna smiled. "Thanks," Black blushed as he and Luna began to walk down the streets of Ponyville. "So Black, I'm intrigued by your accent... that wouldn't happen to be Bitish, would it?" "You’re pretty smart. Intelligence, I like it," Black grinned making Luna blush, "And yes, born and raised in Great Bitan, moved here only last year." "Bitan," Luna repeated, "that's quite a ways away. Any particular reasons you traveled so far?" "Just some family issues that's all," Black shrugged, "Parents got into some debt with the Red Colts and not paying taxes is a pretty big deal over there. So, I took my parents here to Equestria." "I thought the Bitish would have learned their lesson by now with that whole Mareican Revolution situation?" "Well, they'll learn, maybe not now, but soon," Black shrugged, "anyways, enough about me, what about you? I mean, you’re the Princess of the Night, you must have quite the story to tell." Luna mood slightly sadden as she replied, "To be honest... I don't. I mean, I betrayed my sister and got stuck on the moon for one thousand years. There's not too much to tell." Black noticed and stuck his hoof in front of Luna, stopping the two of them as he said, "Hey now, don't be sad. Sadness doesn't even deserve to touch a pony as beautiful as you." "Sweet, but that's not going to ease my pain," Luna sighed as she sat down on the soft grass, "I mean, she banished me... her own sister. I know it was for the good of the kingdom, but I just can't help feeling angry at her." Black thought as he sat down next to Luna. He rubbed the tiny hairs upon his strong chin as he replied, "I can't say I know how you feel, I’m an only foal you see, however, I understand what you mean by feeling angry at her. You sought out a better kingdom, one for prosperity, but such was stopped. You fought for freedom, from oppression, and you protected those who can't fight for themselves. Celestia just saw the same dream differently." "I guess your, right," Luna half-heartedly chuckled, then said, "That sounds awfully familiar... wait, isn't that an Assassin saying?" "Might be," Black smiled, "But I don't like to talk about work on the first date." "A date, huh? You didn't even buy me flowers," Luna playfully teased. "Are you sure," Black jokingly shot back as his horn glowed, his magic outlining Luna's shadow as it separated and took the form of a bouquet of roses, "The Master of Shadows is always prepared." "Master of Shadows?" "I have mastery over all shadows," Black explained, "can even morph into mine." "That's quite interesting," Luna declared, "However, I don't believe I can exactly accept my own shadow." "Then accept this," Black replied, conjuring a blue flower as it levitated over to Luna. "A Moon Flower," Luna warmly smiled as she used her magic to hold the flower in front of her muzzle as she took a light whiff, "Smells lovely." "It's fitting for a lovely Princess," Black cooed. "Charming. I like it." Luna replied as she stuck the stem of the flower into her wavy mane. "I think you'll find more things about me as we continue," Black declared. "I'm looking forward," Luna chuckled. The two continued to sit under the moon and stars, telling more of their respected lives and future plans. They watched as the last of the Fright-or-Biters disappeared from the town and headed home. Then a carriage pulled by two of Luna's personal Night Guard pulled around and in front of the two. "Your majesty, we are prepared to take you home to Canterlot," one declared. "I'm sorry, Black," Luna sighed, "but I am afraid I must cut our conversation short." "No need to apologize," Black warmly smiled, "I fully understand. Hey, maybe I'll see you again, you know, while I'm at 'work'. " "Maybe," Luna chuckled, "Anyways, Thank you for the lovely evening. I had a wonderful time." "The pleasure was all mine," Black bowed, "We really should do this again." "Until then," Luna lightly kissed Black on the cheek, making him slightly blush, "I'll be waiting." "So will I," Black replied as he helped Luna into her carriage, "Goodbye, Princess of the Night." "Farewell, Master of Shadows," Luna waved as the two stallions pulling the carriages backed slightly, taking it to the skies. (To Be Continued...) > Chapter 11: A Wedding For All > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 11: A Wedding For All "Oh my gosh," Pinkie exclaimed, "I can't believe the day is finally here! The past two weeks have been taking forever! It feels like we've been waiting for months!" "I know," Yellow replied, whom was sitting next to her on a train to Canterlot, "I'm just glad that it's finally here and I have a great mare to spend it with." "Aww, thanks." The couple was not alone, for the rest of the Mane Six, their respective coltfriends, the CMC and theirs, and Spike with Whimsey were all on the train to Canterlot, for the wedding of Princess Luna and Black Hole. "I know you said your friend was hyper, but I didn't expect that," Seazon whispered to Rarity. "Yes, she can be quite the hooffull," Rarity replied, "but she's really nice once you get use to her." "I hope your right, cause I really want to make a good impression on your friends," Seazon worried. "Oh, there’s no need to worry, dearie," Rarity declared, "I'm sure they'll love you. Just like Sweetie Belle did." "Of which I think you should have returned the favor," Seazon said. "She's too young, Seazon," Rarity frowned, "She's just a filly." "But still, a pony and deserves to be happy," Seazon pointed out, "Look at her." Rarity look towards her sister and saw Scootaloo, Off Road, Applebloom, Farm Hoof, Sweetie Belle, and Fresh Scent in a little group, getting to know each other a little better. Rarity watched as Scent told a joke as everypony laughed, especially Sweetie Belle. Rarity smiled at the scene of the two's young love. "I guess you’re right," Rarity replied as she turned back to Seazon, "She deserves to be happy, and I won't stand in the way." "Wonderful," Seazon kindly smiled, "You'll see, it'll be worthwhile." Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was sitting in a seat that was a little bit away from the others. She glumly looked out the window as she watched the trees run by as the train past them. "Ya alrigh' sugarcube," Applejack asked as she got away from the other for a bit to check on her. "Yeah," Rainbow sighed. "Sure ya don' wanna talk abou' anythin'," Applejack asked as she sat next to her. "No," Rainbow shook her head. "Come on, Rainbow, id'll make ya feel bedder," Applejack urged. "Not now, AJ, I just want to be alone." Rainbow replied. "Alrigh', sui' yerself, jus' know you gaw' us ta talk to, if ya ever need somepony," Applejack nodded, then came back to the group where Twilight, Flash, Fluttershy, Comet, and Barn were waiting. "She still down," Twilight asked. "Yeah," Applejack sighed, "Ah feel sorry fer her." "I's alrigh' Applepie," Barn assured as she put his hoof around her for comfort, "There's nothin' much ya can do execp' bein' there fer her." "Ah, jus' wish she'd ad leas' talk ta us," Applejack replied, "She's jus' been down aroun' us ladely" "Well, you can't really blame her," Fluttershy said. "What do you mean," Twilight asked. "You remember Lightning?" "My cousin," Flash asked. Fluttershy nodded, "He's Rainbow's ex-coltfriend." "So that's how they knew each other at the Gala," Twilight realized, "But they acted so nice then, you would have thought they were dating." "They were at the time, until a few weeks later," Fluttershy revealed, "Until Rainbow found out Lightning was cheating on her." "What," they all exclaimed. "My cousin... cheated on her," Flash gasped, "My cousin, Lightning? That's not like him." "Well, believe it or not, he was seeing another mare in Stableton." "Wow," Applejack said, shocked, "Now ah can see why she's so down." "I know," Fluttershy sighed as she glanced at Rainbow at the back of the train car, "I just hope she can pull herself back together." A little while later, the train's whistle sound, letting everypony know it was pulling into the Canterlot Train Station. After they all departed, they were escorted by a few guards to the castle. "Ooo, classy," Whimsey grinned at Spike, "Thanks for taking me along to Canterlot, Spike." "No problem," Spike smiled, "It's where I grew up, so I should show you all my favorite places." "I hope those places are... quiet," Whimsey whispered causing Spike to blush heavily. They all entered the castle as they were greeted by Princess Celestia and that tannish-white pegasus named Edward. "Greetings everypony," Celestia declared, "Glad you could all make it. Follow me." They were all led by Celestia to the Castle Gardens where hundreds of chairs were set up in front of a beautiful arch made of Moon flowers, just starting to open as the sun began to set behind the horizon. Black's family was on the groom’s side. "Please, sit, the ceremony will begin shortly," Celestia gestured to the seats as they all took one on the bride’s side. After making sure everypony was seated she turned back into the castle, heading up a staircase, down a hallway, and knocked on a door at the end. "Who is it?" "It's me little sis," Celestia replied. "Alright, come in," Luna called. Celestia came into Luna's room to see her in her wedding dress, her mane in a bun, and her make-up causing her face to shine slightly. Tears came to Celestia's eyes. "Luna," Celestia smiled, "You... You look beautiful." "Thanks Tia," Luna smiled back. Celestia took a couple of steps towards Luna as she gently wrapped her hooves around her into a hug. "I can't believe my little sister is getting married," Celestia cried a little, "Mom and Dad would have been proud." "Oh, Tia," Luna rolled her eyes, though with a smile, "don't cry, you're going to ruin my dress." "I know, I know," Celestia released Luna as she wiped her tears away, "I'm just happy for you, little sis." "I am too," Luna chuckled, "The former Nightmare Moon, now the Princess of the Night, is getting married to the Master of Shadows." "Master of Shadows," Celestia questioned as she finally straighten up. "Long story," Luna giggled. An hour passed by as the sun had finally taken its last rays and rested behind the mountains in the distance, soon being replaced by a full moon as a few lamps were lit, brightening the area a bit. Black was standing in front of the arch in a sleek, black tux with a pony named White Hole as his best stallion, a light gray coat, blue mane unicorn with a white circle as his cutie mark. "Nervous, son," White asked as he noticed he could barely stand still. "A little," Black half-heartedly chuckled, "Why? Is it showing?" "A little," White quietly laughed, then smiled, "I'm proud of you. My colt is becoming a stallion." "Thanks, Dad," Black smiled back, "Just wish Mom could be here." "So do I," White sighed slightly getting sad, but perked back up to say, "But she'd probably just bawl over her baby leaving the nest." "I guess so," Black chuckled, "I just hope she's watching us right now." "I bet she is," White warmly smiled, "I bet she is, son." A few minutes later passed as the doors from the castle were opened and the wedding march was played as Luna, being escorted by Celestia, walked down the aisle, followed by the CMC as flower fillies. "Wow," White slightly gaped, "I know you said she was beautiful, but that's just dropped dead gorgeous." Black didn't reply as he just stared at his soon-to-be wife walk up the steps and stand in front of him. Celestia smiled as Black lifted the veil over Luna as they lovingly stared at each other as she stood underneath the arch and began the ceremony. "Ladies and Gentlecolts," she declared, "We are gathered her today to bring Princess Luna and Black Hole together in the bounds of holy matrimony. Now, we'll have the vows." Black took a small step forward as he cleared his throat, "Princess Luna, the night we met was the best night I ever had, and the only night that will ever top it is this one now. I know some may look upon you as somepony to fear from the mistakes that have been made in the past, but when I saw you, I saw a mare who’s beautiful on the inside and out and was unwilling to accept the past, only the present, and that present is you. You are my present and future now, and I will love and protect both from now to the end." By now, some of the witnesses were beginning to cry as Luna sniffed slightly as she wiped a tear from her eye and cleared her throat, "Black Hole, you've shown me nothing but kindness and love from our first date. Every day I get to spend with you are the most special, and now that we're getting married, every moment for the rest of my life will. I can't think of nothing better than being your wife and knowing that you will always be there for me. In return, I give you my forever love." Not a dry eye was left as Luna finished her vows; even Celestia had to pause to wipe a few tears before continuing. "Do you, Black Hole, take Princess Luna to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part," Celestia asked. "I do," Black warmly smiled at Luna. "And do you, Princess Luna, take Black Hole to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part?" "I do," Luna smiled back. "Then, by the power vested in me, I hearby pronounce you husband and wife," Celestia declared, "Now, the rings," Celestia gave Luna her the ring while Black received his from White. They levitated them onto each other’s horns, "You may now kissed the bride." "With pleasure," Black grinned as he and Luna embraced each other followed by cheers from the crowd. As the newlyweds ended their kissed that sealed their marriage. They smiled to each other; then kissed again. "Alright, Alright, save it for the honeymoon," Celestia jokingly said as the two broke apart again, blushing a little, "And you better be good to her, Black." "Don't you worry," Black chuckled, "I will." Afterwards, the party was moved over to the ballroom, which had been set up for the wedding reception. With Vinyl Scratch at the turn table as she put on a slow song as Luna and Black took the first dance. Soon, other joined in as everypony began to dance with their special someponies. Rarity was with Seazon as they waltz around the ballroom. "My, you’re good dancer," Seazon complemented. "Thanks," Rarity cooed, "You’re not too bad yourself." Applejack was not having as much luck as she kept stumbling over her hooves, constantly having to be catched by Barn. "Sorry," Applejack blushed deeply, "I's jus', dancin' naw' really mah thing." "Ah can show ya," Barn smiled as he took Applejack's hoof and waist, "Jus' mirror me." Applejack tried her best as Barn went slow. It took a bit, but she was able to keep up as they danced a litte faster. "See, yer naw' tha' bad." "Thanks," Applejack blushed. Meanwhile, Applebloom was being pressured by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to uphold her end of the bet as their coltfriends watched. "Come, Applebloom," Scootaloo said, "A deals a deal. We got coltfriends and now it's time for you to dance." "Wha' are they talkin' abou', Bloom," Farm Hoof asked. "We made a be' tha' if they gaw' col'friends ah'd dance like a fool righ' now," Applebloom cringed. "Really," Farm chuckled, "Now this ah godda see." "Way ta take mah side, Farm," Applebloom deadpanned. "Ignore him," Sweetie Belle grinned, "Go ahead, Applebloom, in the open." Applebloom was completely red as she walked out into the middle where everypony was waltzing to a slow song. 'Why now,' Applebloom panicked in her head as she looked around at the classiness of the event and knowing that this was going to completely embarrass her. Appleboom took a deep breath and was about start when all of a suddne... "Alrigh' everypony, this is star'in' ta ged too slow," a voice over the microphone exclaimed, "Le's crank up the music." Applebloom looked over to the turntable to see Farm Hoof at the microphone as Vinyl put on a much faster song with the mix of electronic as Farm winked at her. Applebloom sighed in relief as everypony started to dance however they wanted, making Applebloom's fool dancing seem normal. "Ah man," Scootaloo grumbled to Sweetie Belle, "She got lucky." "Well, then why don't we make you two a pair of lucky gals as well," Scent cooed to Sweetie Belle as he and Road took Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo into the dance party, making the two forget their defeat as they started to party as well. "Wow, didn't know ponies could party like that," Whimsey panted as she and Spike took a break and went outside, away from the others, "That was fun." "You’re welcome," Spike smiled. "I just can't thank you enough, Spike, you’re the greatest guy I ever met." "No need to thank me," Spike blushed. "Nonsense," Whimsey cooed, "You deserve some kind of reward, and here it is." Spike blushed harder as Whimsey kissed him on the lips. When they parted, they chuckled; then kissed a little more passionately. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie and Yellow Frosting were... wait, where are you guys... hey! Get out of my room!... No, get back!.... AHHH- "-HHHHHH," a brown earth pony with a black and green mane appeared out of nowhere in front of Comet, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Flash. "Hey," the pony exclaimed, "Le' me back up!" "Nuh-uh," Pinkie's voice mischievously chuckled, "Now it's your turn." "Wha' are ya talkin' abou'?" "This." All of a sudden the pony's mouth disappeared. The pony's eyes narrowed in annoyance as it looked up at the sky. "Ha, how does it fe-" Pinkie was cut off by the sound of a door open followed by a voice yelling, "Hey! Get back in there you two!" "Yes sir," Yellow and Pinkie sighed as the earth pony disappeared and was replaced by Pinkie Pie and Yellow Frosting." "Thanks Sage," the voice that belonged to the earth pony said. "No problem," the other voice replied. Pinkie and Yellow looked at each other and laughed as they went back into the party. Not noticing the stares of the other four as they looked uneasily at each other. "Nothing happened here," Twilight finally declared. "Agreed," the other nodded as they went back to the party. And so the reception continued until Luna and Black finally got into the ready carriage. Right before they left for their honeymoon, Luna threw her bouquet into the crowd as a group of mares tried to catch it. After a bit of juggling, it finally landed on to Fluttershy's head. As she yelped, scared by the touch, as she jumped into Comet's hooves as the bouquet fell off her head and into her hooves, causing them both to blush as Comet and Fluttershy nervously smiled at each other. Yes, this night was quite the night as the two newlyweds' carriage departed into the sky. Celestia watched with a smile as she used her magic to pull out a photo from underneath her necklace. She looked at it to see herself with a very light brown pegasus, laughing and having a good time. A couple of tears reach Celestia as she wiped them away. She looked back up at the disappearing carriage. "Best of wishes, Lulu," Celestia whispered, "I hope you have better luck than I." (The End)