> A face of names
>  by DTFluttershy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: The stones
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Canterlot Wedding celebrations had finally passed over. Nopony was injured the invasion of the Changelings and Princess Celestia had gotten over her experience trapped in Queens Chrysalis cocoon and returned to ruling over Equestria alongside he sister, Princess Luna. 

Most of the mane 6 surprisingly however had headed back to Ponyville. There were however good reasons for their absence. Applejack had promised Big Macintosh and Granny Smith she’d return with Applebloom as soon as possible to continue Apple bucking. Fluttershy had to make sure that all her animals were alright. Angel Bunny had promised her he’d after the place, but she didn’t always trust him. Rainbow Dash had no choice but to go back, being the chief weather Pegasus for Ponyville. She had also promised Scottaloo’s parents that she’d return her as soon as possible. Rarity meanwhile daren’t stay any longer then she’d have to, especially with Sweetie Belle constantly trying to “help” her. As for Pinkie Pie, her shoulder was aching so that meant Gummy had ended up in the bath again. Despite his harmlessness, Mr and Mrs. Cake were uneasy about Gummy being around the twins.

Only Twilight and Spike had remained in Canterlot to collect a few souvenirs. The two were trotting through the market square talking about the previous days. “Sometimes Spike,” said Twilight, “I think trouble just follows us around.”

“Well to be fair Twi,” began Spike, “you do know Princess Celestia, you and your friends can control the Elements of Harmony, and, you know Pinkie Pie. She’s just made of weird stuff.”

“You do provide a point there Spike,” conceded Twilight.

“You know, I think I might ask Rarity to marry me.” Spike began to day dream about his own wedding to Rarity. Twilight loved Spike dearly, but knew in her mind that it was more likely that Princess Luna would turn back into Nightmare moon, Discord returning, and both teaming up with Gilda, Trixie, the Diamond Dogs, The Flim Flam brothers and Queen Chrysalis and taking over Equestria with a Parasprite army.

‘Maybe trouble really does follow us everywhere’ Twilight thought to herself.

“Twilight?”

“Yeah Spike.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

Twilight thought to herself for a moment. “Well Spike, that really depends on how you would define love,” she responded. She herself didn’t really know how to define love itself. She knew of several definitions, but each one different from the other.

“I mean like how your brother loves Princess Cadence,” responded Spike.

“Oh, you mean love as in, you’d want to spend the rest of your life together.” Twilight thought again for a moment. “I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been ‘in’ love,” said Twilight putting extra emphasis on the in. “OK I’ve had a few flings in my time but, never in Love. I’m far too busy in my studies to even consider a long time relationship.”

“What do you mean flings,” asked Spike. Twilight just giggled a little. She just loved Spike’s little confusion spells. “Ah,” she said quickly before Spike got another word in, “just the shop I needed.”

It was a jewellery stall with many jewels and diamonds. What drew Twilight’s attention most off all though were the precious stones covered with a locked glass casing in the middle. After spending a couple years with Rarity, jewels and diamonds like these and no big shock. Precious stones however were even harder to come by and only a few select unicorns could actually find them. The perfect souvenir for her and her friends. “Excuse me,” she called hoping to gain the vender’s attention.

He eventually came out the back. He was a yellow unicorn with a brown mane and a cutie mark showing a Diamond, a Ruby and a precious stone in the shape of a triangle. “Ah Miss Twilight Sparkle,” he said.

Twilight was taken aback. “I’m do apologise but, do I know you?”

“Unlikely,” he responded. “However I have heard of you.”

“Really.”

“Well of course. You’ve saved equestrian a number of times. I’m surprised you don’t harassed in the streets with the papers. So what brings you to my store? I’m Diamond Miner by the way.”

“Well Mr. Miner,” began Twilight, “I’m looking for some souvenirs for my friends. They’ve already returned to Ponyville.”

“Of course. After the recent events I would retire as soon as possible.”

“Quite. Well I noticed you had some precious stones for sale and I was hoping if I can by some of them for my friends.”

“Of course. Any you have in mind.”

Twilight looked down at the stones. 6 did catch her eyes. One was a light purple like the highlights in her hair. Another white with what looks like blue veins circling around it. Another a blue with a pink dot on the top. Another a simple a similar shade to Fluttershy’s mane. Another was a cyan blue one with a white streak circling it. The final one her eyes were glued on was red with several green sparkles circling into to one point. “I’ll take these 6,” she said pointing at each one with her hoof.

“Excellent choice Miss Sparkle,” said Diamond. “That’ll be 900 bits.”

“900 BITS,” exclaimed Twilight causing several ponies to look at her.

“Well, they are precious stones,” pointed out Diamond. “Tell you what, seeing as it is you, I’ll reduce the price. 700 bits.”

Twilight thought about this. This was for her friends after all and he had reduced the price by 200 bits still... “How about 650?”

Diamond breathed through his teeth. “I can go as low as 680. I can’t go lower than that.”

Twilight still pondered over this. Spike nudged her side. “Come on Twi, it’s a good deal. Take it already.”

Twilight breathed out. “You’ve got a deal Diamond.”

Diamond held out his hoof and Twilight shook it. “Pleasure doing business with you.”

The stones were placed in a bag and Twilight and Spike headed towards Canterlot station for the next train to Ponyville.

> Chapter 1: Oh, Hello
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The train pulled into Ponyville station with a sudden jerk. Twilight had held onto her seat whilst Spike had been thrown onto the floor. “Ow. What’s the big idea,” he mumbled.

“Well, you should have noticed that the engineer driving was new,” said Twilight.

“I can’t help it if I have a photographic memory,” argued Spike.
Twilight just rolled her eyes as she disembarked the carriage. She made sure she had the precious stones with her. She and Spike slowly trotted back towards the Library. When they were halfway back Twilight looked towards the sky. She noticed that several Pegasus were arranging storm clouds. “Oh I almost,” said Twilight in a small panic. “There arranging a quick storm today. Apparently the weather factory’s has produced more then necessary.”

Spike groaned at the thought of short showers. “I swear, Ponyville’s only use in Equestria is a sponge to absorb the extra wa...” Spike was cut off as lightning bolt nearly hit him. Spike let out a sigh of relief. “Hello Derpy.”

“Hi Spike,” responded the cross-eyed Pegasus on the cloud. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry,” said Spike. He then added under his breath, “at least this time you missed.”

Derpy shot off to help the other Pegasus. Twilight couldn’t help but smirk at the mare. She was a good friend, but her dopiness could make anyone laugh. Then she remembered something. “Spike, where’s my photo album?”

“What photo album?”

“The one with all the pictures from the wedding.”

“Oh that one. Yeah I left it on the train.”

“WHAT?!”

“Well you didn’t tell me to get.”

“Spike, you’re meant to be my number 1 assistant. I shouldn’t have to tell you to get it.”

Twilight was now getting angry. Spike was now feeling very sorry for himself. He was Twilight’s number 1 assistant and he shouldn’t have to wait for Twilight’s instructions. “Gee, I’m, I’m sorry Twilight. I’ll go and get it right now. I’m sure it’s in the lost and...”

“No Spike,” said Twilight whilst placing her hoof in front of Spike. “You just get back to the library before it rains. I’ll go and get it,” and Twilight trotted back to the station. Her tone was calm yet annoyed. Spike tried to shake it off and headed back towards the library.

Twilight was now on her way back from the station with the album in her satchel. She was now galloping as fast as she could back to the library. However she wasn’t looking where she was going. She kept her eye on the sky making sure she got back. If Rainbow was right, they would be expecting an inch of rain. Soon however, she collided with somepony. “Oof,” went Twilight as she fell to the ground. 

As Twilight tried to regain her senses, she heard the voice of the colt she hit. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. My notes.” He was clearly in a panic.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” apologised Twilight finally finding her senses. She saw papers and tried her best to collect them. She then looked up and came face to face with the colt. Their eyes met and they seemed to be in a trance. This unicorn had a dark blue coat, his mane coloured black and his cutie mark was a book with a magic aura surrounding it. He was bigger then twilight but not that much more muscular.

“Oh, hello,” said the colt.

“Hi,” said Twilight. A few more moments of silence passed.

“Um, my notes,” said the colt.

“Oh, sorry,” said Twilight and handed him his papers with his magic. “I am so sorry I bumped into you,” said Twilight.

“Oh no, it was entirely my fault,” replied the stallion. “Trying to read, walk and keep an eye on the sky. I’m in over my horn.”

“Yeah well, I shouldn’t be running and looking at the sky either,” responded Twilight. “So, are you new to Ponyville.”

“Yes actually, I recently moved from Lonmane. Came to study different types of magic and hope to learn them. I’m actually you could tell me where the local library is?”

“Well, I should be able to help you, seeing as I am the librarian of it.”

“Oh marvellous. Well, lead the way miss uh...”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

“Borealis Aura. Please to meet you Miss Sparkle.”

Twilight blushed as Borealis kissed her hoof. She then felt a rain drop on her snout. “Uh-oh, we’d better hurry,” Twilight said quickly. “I don’t have my coat with me.”

“Not to worry,” said Borealis. He then opened his satchel with his magic pulled out an umbrella. He opened it and levitated it over the two unicorns. “There we are. I don’t exactly find running in the rain comfortable. And I doubt such a beautiful young mare like you would find it comfortable either.”

“Oh Borealis,” Twilight giggled, “your such a gentlecolt.”

“Well, first impressions are important,” said Borealis as they began to trot off together. “So tell me about yourself Miss Sparkle.”

“Well, I grew up in the Royal city of Canterlot...”

At the library, Spike was rushing about trying to clean up the place as best he could. He knew he had to make it up to Twilight. She was right. He couldn’t just wait for her to give him instructions. ‘Sometimes Spike your such an idiot,’ he thought. He then looked out the window. The rain was pouring down the windows at a tremendous rate. “Gee, I wonder where Twilight is,” he said to himself.

At that moment, he heard the door open. He also heard twilight laughing profoundly. ‘At least she’s in a good mood,’ he thought. He hurried down to meet her. “Twilight, I’m so glad that your ba...”

He stopped midsentence to see the stallion placing his umbrella away. “Ah Spike,” said Twilight, “your just in time. This is Borealis Aura. Borealis, this is...”

“A Draco Salamandra,” interrupted Borealis. “Facinating. I’ve never had the chance to see one up close.” He began to look Spike over.

“A Draco whatdra,” asked Spike.

“He means flightless Dragon Spike,” said Twilight. “Apparently Borealis is fluent in old Equestrian.”

“Maybe ponies see it as a dead language. I beg to differ,” said Borealis.

“And some agree,” said Spike under his breath.

“So then Borealis,” said Twilight, “what book did you want to read?”

“Well I was hoping for a little bit of light reading. Do you per chance have anything written about H. G. Whooves?”

“That’s in the Science-fiction section,” said Twilight. “I never really got the impression you would like those sorts of books.”

“Please, Twilight. The scientific aspects are all very interesting. I mean a machine that can take you back as well as forwards in time is simply a marvellous idea. I’m aware that Star swirl the bearded came up with a spell to allow you to travel to the past, but only for a short period of time.”

Twilight remembered her experience with that spell and she would rather forget it. “Spike, could you please go see what books we have under H. G. Whooves please.”

“Sure thing Twilight,” Spike said with much egger. At least there was one advantage to having Borealis here. Spike quickly returned with all the books in the library written by H. G. Whooves. “There we are, which one would you like?”

Borealis looked through the pile. “Ah, here we are,” he said and using his magic, he picked it up. “War of the Worlds. Always a classic.”

“Well, thanks for coming over,” said Spike as headed towards the door to let him out.

“SPIKE,” said Twilight annoyed. “We can’t just send him out there.”

“Why not,” asked Spike. He then opened the door to reveal it was still tipping it down.

“That’s why,” said Twilight. “Mr. Aura, you are welcome to stay here until the storm passes.”

“Oh I don’t want to impose,” he said.

“No, I insist. It’s the least I can do after you offered your umbrella.”

“Well if you’re offering I suppose I can stay until the weather clears up. I would love to stay a bit longer.”

“Excellent,” said Twilight. “I’ll make us some tea. Would you like some?”

“Oh yes please. Two sugars and a lot of milk.” Borealis followed Twilight to the kitchen as Spike folded his arms in a huff.

“...and then I said, that’s not a teleportation spell, that’s a telepathic spell,” joked Twilight. Borealis laughed along with her. The two had been talking to what to spike, seemed like hours. “Oh, Borealis, I don’t think anyone has actually ever gotten my jokes.”

“Well it is all about taste Miss Sparkle, that’s all. Oh look it’s stopped raining. When did that happen,” ask Borealis.

“About half an hour ago,” said Spike.

“Oh dear,” said Borealis. “We appear to have enjoyed ourselves.”

“I guess we have,” said Twilight. Both of them got up and headed towards the door. “I really have enjoyed our time together,” said Twilight.

“Me too,” said Borealis. “Would you like to do it again some time?”

“Of course I would.”

“Excellent. I heard there was an open concert tomorrow night. Shall we say 7 o’clock.”

“Seven it is,” said Twilight. “Hope to see you soon.”

“Goodbye Twilight. Till tomorrow we’ll meet again,” and Borealis trotted off.

Twilight closed the door and trotted to her room with a bit more of a spring in her step. Spike on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel suspicious of Borealis.

> Chapter 2: Tell and Show
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning the sun shone. A clear sky was the promise from the weather team and Ponyville was bustling about with life. Twilight was on her way to her favourite cafe. She had organised with her friends to meet there for a mid morning snack. This was rather unusual but she had organised it so that she could give her friends there presents. Spike had decided to stay at the library and clean up, although Twilight knew he was actually going back to bed. But after her encounter with Borealis the day before and her date with him tonight, she just didn’t care.

After a quick trot, Twilight finally arrived. She looked around for her friends who were sitting around the table on hay stacks, all except Rarity who brought her own private sofa along. “Hi girls.”

“Howdy Twilight.”

“Good Morning darling.”

“Hey Twi.”

“Um, hello Twilight.”

“TWILIGHT.” Out of all of the greetings, Pinkie Pie’s was by far the loudest. She jumped out of her seat and gave Twilight an enormous bear hug. “Oh Twilight, I was so worried about you. I mean I haven’t seen you in nearly a whole day. I mean that’s like, a whole day without me. I can’t imagine what my day without me would be like. Wait, you’re not a changeling are you. WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE REAL TWILIGHT?”

Pinkie Pie had at this point had pointed an accusing hoof at Twilight. Twilight, now use to Pinkie’s logic, approached it calmly. “Don’t worry Pinkie Pie it’s me. Anyway Celestia promised me that changelings will never bother us again.”

“Pinkie Promise Twilight?”

Twilight sighed as she prepared herself for the ritual. “Cross, my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“Okie dokie lokie,” said Pinkie as she bounced back to her seat.

Twilight followed onto the other remaining seat. “I got you all presents,” said Twilight. The others squeeeed with glee as Twilight took the precious stones out of the satchel. She gave the white one to Rarity, the blue dotted one to Pinkie, the cyan one to Rainbow Dash, the pink one to Fluttershy and the Red one to Applejack.

Rarity was most amazed. “My, my Darling, these are lovely. So this is why you stayed in Canterlot for another day.”

“Bleugh,” went Pinkie Pie sticking out her tongue. The others noticed the precious stone falling out of her mouth. “My candy tastes horrible. It’s like eating rocks. Can I try yours Applejack?” The others stared at Pinkie Pie with wide eyes. “What?”

“Pinkie,” began Rarity trying to hold back her rage, “these are not candies. They are precious stones.” Her voice began to build in anger. “They cost a lot of bits and are extremely rare. You don’t eat them, you don’t lose them and if you find anymore in the ground, you must, give them, to me. Got it.”

“Okie dokie lokie.”

“Thank you Pinkie,” said Rarity. “What I still don’t understand Twilight is how can you even afford one stone, let alone 6.”

“Well the seller recognized me and decided to give me a discount. They were 900 bits, got them down to 680.”

The others were stunned. “Did you um, use Pinkie’s way of bargaining,” asked Fluttershy quietly.

“No I didn’t have to confuse him. He was just such a gentlecolt.”

“Speaking of gentlecolts,” said Rarity, “a little bird told me that you had a stallion over during the rain yesterday.”

Twilight blushed in embarrassment. “How did you find that out?”

“Like I said darling a bird told me. Well, when I mean bird I mean one of Fluttershy’s birds told her and then she told me before you all arrived.”

Twilight looked at Fluttershy. “Oh I’m so sorry Twilight,” she began. “It’s just after the storm, the birds wanted to go outside and, Clarence is just such a gossiper and I just had to tell someone. Please don’t be mad at me.” Fluttershy hid under her hooves. Twilight just smirked a bit.

“Don’t worry about it Fluttershy,” she said. “I was going to tell you anyway. I’m going with him to the open concert this evening.”

“And I suppose you’ll be wanting some tips on dating then,” said Rarity.

“I don’t need anyone’s help Rarity. I have gone on dates before and I do read about them from time to time.”

“Besides,” added Rainbow Dash, “after that night with your ‘Prince Charming’, I don’t think anyone’s going to come to you for dating advice.”

“I thought we agreed to never speak of him again. So Twilight, what he like? Is he a proper gentlecolt? Will you need me to make a dress? Oh what am I saying, you haven’t told us his name yet.”

“His is Borealis Aura. He’s from Lonmane and is very much the gentlecolt. In fact he loves studying as much as I do.”

“Well boy howdy,” said Applejack. “He sounds like the perfect match for you.”

“Well, I did get to know him a lot yesterday during the storm. I just seemed so comfortable around him. I was actually slightly upset when he pointed out when it stopped raining.”

“Don’t worry Twilight,” said Pinkie. “I’m sure he’s missing you as much you are him.”

“Maybe your right Pinkie.”

“So Twilight,” said Rarity, “what will you be wearing?”

“Well I was planning on wearing my yellow dress. It was a huge success in Canterlot anyway.”

Rarity cringed at the thought of that dress. She tried to regain her composure as best she could, but anxiety was still present in her tone. “Twilight, you can’t seriously wear that, dress, to a concert. Borealis clearly has very high standards as I expect he’ll be wearing a tuxedo of the highest standards. Perhaps cashmere. No. I insist on making you an entirely new dress. One that would even make Fancy Pants seem like he crawled out of the Everfree Forest.”

“Sorry Rarity,” said Twilight, “but Borealis doesn’t like to draw attention to himself and I don’t want to embarrass him by showing up and being the centre of attention.”

“If you say so darling, just, promise me you won’t dance okay.” Twilight huffed at her friends remarked, but conceded she wasn’t the best dancer in all of Equestria. She quickly changed subjects as other topics went through the mane 6’s discussion.

That evening Twilight was beginning to have second thoughts. Not about the date itself but what Rarity said. She had gotten on her dress and thanks to Rarity, her precious stone was now in a locket hung around her neck. But she was debating with herself weather she was to understated. She even considered the dress to be tacky and just shout cheap. Spike saw she was nervous and decided to help calm her down. “There ya go Twilight,” he said. “A nice cup of tea.”

Twilight tried to pick it up with her magic but she was so nervous, she couldn’t concentrate. As she picked it up the cup trembled violently so by the time it reached Twilights mouth, there wasn’t anything left. It was a miracle that none of it landed on the dress.”Twilight, just calm down,” assured Spike. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

“But Spike, what if Rarity’s right. What if his taste is extremely high? I’m sure he’s been with mares higher up the social ladder. I bet compared to them in this, I’ll look like something that crawled out of Boggy Bottom Bog.” Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh ,my gosh. It’s him. Spike, answer the door.”

“Why? He’s your date.”

“I have to go and do my mane up. And put on some make up. And get a flower. And...”

As Twilight kept jabbering on and trotting around like a headless chicken, Spike answered the door. There stood Borealis. His mane was combed back and he was wearing a ruffled tie and a red blazer. He also had a bouquet of flowers on his back and a picnic basket beside him. “Ah Spike. Nice to see you again. Is Twilight around?”

“I would leave her for a moment. She’s having one of her ‘moments’.”

“Oh dear. Maybe I should talk to her.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea...”

“Spike,” Borealis paused, “please. She just needs a bit of reassurance that’s all.”

Borealis pushed Spike aside and went inside to find Twilight. Spike was now annoyed with him. “Twilight. Twilight,” he kept calling out. “Miss Sparkle.” Twilight finally emerged looking more nervous than ever. “My, my,” said Borealis.

Twilight had a good long look at what Borealis was wearing. She then turned her head in shame. “I knew it.”

“Knew what Twilight,” asked Borealis. He then trotted closer to Twilight and a hoof on her cheek. Then very gently, he pulled Twilight’s face to his. “You look lovely Twilight.”

“You really think so,” said Twilight, a smile finally appearing on her face.

“Of course I do.” Borealis then magically levitated the bouquet of his back and handed them to Twilight. Twilight then took them with her magic and sniffed them. 

“Oh thank you Borealis. They’re lovely. Spike, can you get me a jug of water for them.”

“Sure,” said Spike in an annoyed tone. As he was filling up the jug, he heard Twilight and Borealis laughing. If Spike was honest with himself, he didn’t like Borealis. But, he made Twilight happy, then, Spike was happy as well. He hurried back into the first room and placed the jug on the table. Twilight then placed the flowers in the jug.

“They really do brighten up the room,” said Twilight.

“Well then Twilight,” said Borealis, “we must get going. The concert starts in half an hour and we must get good seats.”

“Oh of course,” said Twilight. “Remember Spike, don’t stay up late and don’t eat all the ice-cream.”

“I won’t Twilight.”

“Pinkie Promise?”

“Pinkie Promise.”

“Alright then,” said Twilight. “Come on Borealis.”

Before they exited through the door however, Borealis stopped. “Wait.”

“What is it,” asked Twilight.

Borealis didn’t answer. Instead he used his magic to levitate a bluebell flower out of the vase. He brought it over to Twilight and pinned it onto her dress. “Now you look absolutely beautiful.”

Twilight blushed. “Come on,” she said, “we’ll be late. Don’t wait up Spike,” she called as she closed the door.

“Bye Twi,” said Spike. When he was sure she was gone however, Spike headed towards the freezer. “Time for an ice-cream binge,” he said to himself. As he opened the freezer however, he got a big surprise.

“FOREVEEEEEEEEEEEEEER.”

Pinkie had burst out of the freezer and slowly slunk back inside. Spike got over the initial shock and then looked into the freezer to see first, how she could fit in there and then how she got in there. When he looked in however, she was nowhere to be found. “Maybe I’ll just go and read,” said Spike. “Maybe I’ll read one of those H.G. Whooves books.”

Twilight and Borealis were on their way to the concert. The air was cool, young foals were playing in the streets and Luna’s moon shone bright over Equestria. “Ah the perfect night,” said Borealis.

“Princess Luna has really been putting some effort into these full moons,” said Twilight. “Celestia’s moon was okay, but it can’t even compare to Luna’s.”

“Tis true Miss Sparkle. Tis true.”

As they approached the park where the concert was being held, Twilight heard a familiar voice. “Apples get yer’ apple’s right here. Can’t enjoy a concert without an apple.”

“Applejack?!”

“Huh. Oh hey Twi.”

As Twilight trotted up, she asked the obvious question. “What are you doing here?”

“Come on Twi, a bunch of ponies comin’ fer a concert. That’s prime business opportunity. So this is the stallion you told us ‘bout.”

“Please to meet you Miss Apple. I’m Borealis Aura.” He stuck out his hoof to shake with Applejack. She obliged.

“You were right Twilight. He is a gentlecolt. So, ya’ll wanna buy anything.”

“Mm. Do you have any apple pies,” asked Borealis.

“Sorry Partner. Soarin’ bought all of them.”

Up on a cloud high above the park, Spitfire was sitting looking miserable, whilst Soarin’ gorged himself in his 4th pie. “Mm. So good,” he moaned.

“This wasn’t what I meant when you were getting pie tonight,” said Spitfire. Soarin’ wasn’t listening as he started on his fifth pie. “Worst, date, of my life.”

“Oh what a terrible shame,” said Borealis. “A simple apple for me then and Twilight?”

“I’ll have an apple as well Applejack.”

“That’ll be 4 bits please.”

Borealis quickly handed over the money. “Oh Borealis, I could have paid for it myself.”

“Nonsense Twilight. What sort of a gentlecolt would I be if I let you pay.”

“Boy Twi, ya sure know how ta pick ‘em.”

Twilight blushed. “Come on Borealis,” said Twilight. “We have to find some place to sit. Bye Applejack.”

“See ya tamorra Twi.”

The concert had gone well. They played many musical pieces such as Wagnor’s ‘Flight of the Valkyries’ and Beethoovens “5th symphony. The picnic that Borealis had prepared was delicious. Sandwiches, salads and an extra helping of Crème brulee. Twilight had a wonderful time and all through the night, found herself growing more and more attracted to Borealis.

Finally the concert had ended and Borealis was trotting Twilight home. Twilight felt more and more nervous around him by the second. She was almost sure of her feelings towards him by the time they reached the front door to the library. But she had to make sure he felt the same way. “Well Miss Sparkle,” said Borealis, “it has certainly been a delight being with you for the past couple of days.”

“It certainly has,” said Twilight.

“Goodbye then Twilight,” said Borealis. “I’ll see you around. Then Borealis kissed Twilight on the cheek. Twilight face flushed with colour and her face was in shock. Borealis was just as colourful as Twilight’s. “I’m, sorry Twilight. I guess I got a bit carried away. I mean you are...”

Borealis never finished his sentence as Twilight had pushed her lips onto Borealis’. Neither of their eyes were open and after what felt like an eternity to both, they separated. Faces now both flushed with colour, but their faces wore a look of more relaxation then shock. “Well,” said Borealis, “looks like I’ll be seeing you more soon Twilight. But now I must head home. I left the place in such a state.”

“I understand. So see you tomorrow.”

“And everyday besides.” He then gave Twilight one last kiss on the cheek, then turned to head for home.

Twilight entered the library and slowly trotted to her bed, her face full of utter happiness. She passed were Spike was sleeping. He had clearly fallen asleep whilst reading a book. The title, the first mare’s in the moon. As Twilight finally got to her bed, she dozed of almost immediately, but not before saying one more thing.

“I think I’m in love.” 

> Chapter 3: Lassoes and Unicorns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next Morning at 8 o’clock, Applejack was sleeping peacefully. She never normally slept in this late, but she had stayed late at the concert to try and sell what was left on the stand. She was enjoying her lye in when she was woken up by pots and pans being banged loudly in her room. “GAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

“Wake up youngin’,” said Granny Smith. “Time to git up.”

Granny descended back stairs with her instruments as Applejack would put. After finding having a quick shower and put on her hat, she descended downstairs where the rest of her family was settling down to breakfast. She had her trademark hat on with her precious stone that Twilight gave her. “Mornin’ ya’ll,” she greeted.

“Hi sis.”

“Mornin’ AJ.”

“It’s about time you got up,” said Granny Smith.

“Sorry Granny. It’s just ah stayed up late tryin’ to sell more apples.”

“Early to bed, early to rise youngin’.”

“I know Granny, I’m sorry.”

“Oh well,” conceded Granny Smith, “at least sold some more apples.”

As the Apple family settled down to breakfast and simply talked about the day’s schedule. Then Applebloom brought up a new topic. “Applejack, have you ever had a coltfirend.”

Applejack’s pupils shrunk as she nearly choked on a pancake. She eventually calmed herself to respond. “What makes you say that Bloom,” stuttered Applejack.

“Well, it’s just Sweetie Belle told me that Twilight has a coltfriend. I was jus’ wonderin’.”

“Don’t fret about it sis,” said Applejack as she put a reassuring hoof over her little sisters shoulder. “I have had a few coltfriends. They haven’t lasted very long cos’ THESE two keep scarin’ ‘em away.”

Applejack at pointed at both Granny Smith and Big Macintosh. “Well we need more help around the farm.”

“Granny!”

“And I want great gran kids before I go.”

“GRANNY!”

“What?!”

Applejack glared at her. Then her gaze turned to Big Mac. "An then, there’s yer brother. He won’t even let me be alone with another stallion.”

“I don’t know what yer talkin’ about,” said Macintosh. “I was just tryin’ to protect my little sister.”

“Ya made Rodeo cry!”

“I stand by my reasonin’ forever more. None of them were right for you.”

Applejack just moaned and continued with her breakfast. Evening had come round fast over Equestria. Applejack had, had a terrible day. Her argument with her family had thrown her rhythm of when it came to bucking apple trees that morning, so she only bucked half of the goal today. Selling apples down in Ponyville had gone even worst. She barley sold 1 apple. The only one she sold was to Fluttershy, but she had the suspicions that Fluttershy only bought it to Applejack feel better. “Celestia it was hard today. Flim and Flam made it look so easy,” she muttered to herself. “Ya jus’ show up, dance and sing and there just linin’ up to by cider.”

Applejacks mutterings were ruined when she noticed something in the orchard. She dropped her cart to have a closer look. She saw a mysterious figure bucking apple trees. It was obviously a unicorn. He was loading apples into a cart. “Well, that no good thief,” said Applejack. She had begun to approach him with her lasso in tow ready to subdue the intruder. Before she could even get her lasso ready though, one flew out towards her from the unicorn. Before Applejack knew it, her legs were tied together and she had been dragged towards the mysterious. She couldn’t get a look at his face due to the angle he was at and Celestia’s sun casting behind his head. 

Applejack decided to get the first word. “What the hay are you doin’ here stealing our apple’s. This is Apple family private property and ya’ll have no right to...”

Before Applejack could finish, the stranger had whipped the lasso away from her legs allowing her to get up. “Ma apologies for that ma’am,” said the stranger lending a helping hoof. “I didn’t know you were an Apple.”

Applejack accepted the hoof. “Yeah well ya’ll really...shouldn’t...have...”

Applejack was just lost as she finally got a good look at the unicorn. He was brown with a black mane and tail. Not much of the mane could be seen as it was covered by a 10 gallon hat. The unicorn’s cutie mark was a simple lasso being twirled around.

“Scuse me miss,” said the unicorn.

“Huh,” said applejack snapping out of trance. “Oh Sorry. It’s just that, ya’ll really shouldn’t be trespassing.” She said that last part in a more softer tone then she was going to initially use.

“I do apologise ma’am. It’s just that earlier I overheard an apple family member that you hadn’t bucked enough apple trees and well, I decided to help. But where are my manners, I haven’t even introduced myself. My name is Loose Rope, but my friends call me Lasso. I’m from Mannessee”

“Well Lasso my names Applejack. I have to say you do know how to work a rope. No one’s ever been able to lasso me.” Then Applejack remembered. “But then, you’re a unicorn. Ya probably just used your magic to lasso me.”

Lasso looked at his horn. “This stupid thing. I never use it.”

Applejack was surprised. “Why ever not?”

Lasso turned away. “Back in Mannessee, I always wanted to lasso. When I finally earned ma cutie mark I thought I was more than qualified to enter the annual competition. But they didn’t except me because I’m a unicorn and they thought I’d use magic.”

“Well that...that just ain’t right.”

“It was at that point I decided to travel. I’ve travelled all over Equestria, an just findin’ ponies who needed my help. I always resorted for a hooves on approach, never once resortin’ ta ma magic.”

Applejack felt very sympathetic and put a reassuring hoof on Lasso’s shoulder. Before she could say anything else though, she heard Big Macintosh. “Look out AJ.”

“Macintosh wait. He’s fine.”

“He’s a no good thief is what he is,” said Macintosh. He was going at full speed, ready the charge into Lasso. Lasso quickly reached for his lasso and quickly threw it towards Macintosh. It landed in front of him. When Macintosh trotted over it, Lasso pulled tying the rampaging stallion’s legs up and sending Macintosh tumbling head over hooves towards them. He stopped just in front of them.

“Howdy,” said Lasso.

Big Macintosh was lost for words. Applejack wasn’t not far behind. “Ah don’t think anypony’s ever lassoed Macintosh.”

Then came another call. “Dinner youngin’s. Come and git it.”

“Well boy howdy, I’m starvin’. Lasso, would ya like to stay fer dinner,” said Applejack.

“Well, it can’t hurt. And it’s been such a long time since I had a home cooked meal. What the hay, I’d love ta stay.”

“Come on then,” said Applejack. “I hope ya’ll like apples,” and they began to trot to the house.

“Erm, I think yer forgetting something,” said Big Mac.

“Oh right, sorry,” said Lasso. He took his lasso and gave it a firm yank. Big Macintosh was spun round like a top. The spinning motion had also set him on his feet. When he stopped spinning his eyes kept twirling around in circle. Applejack couldn’t help herself and laugh herself stupid. Big Mac’s eyes finally stopped spinning and he glared at Applejack. “Yer not ma friend anymore.”

During dinner, Lasso introduced himself to the other members of the apple family. He told stories about his adventures through Equestria. Macintosh still glared at him the whole time they were eating. He still didn’t believe a unicorn would never use his magic. Applebloom however was completely fascinated by the stories Lasso told. His heroism was astonishing and how he asked for little in return was simply astonishing. Granny Smith had also enthralled in the stories Lasso told and she had told her own stories. Lasso held onto every word of it.

Applejack on the other hand wasn’t paying attention to the stories. She spent almost all of dinner staring dreamingly at Lasso. “Applejack.” 

Applejack was drawn away from her fantasies as Granny Smith interrupted. “Huh, wha?”

“I said, did you enjoy yer food?”

“Um, yeah I did Granny.”

“Alright then. I’ll just clear the table.”

“No Mrs. Smith,” interrupted Lasso. “What of guest would ah be if I let someone of your age do the work? I’ll take care of the dishes.” Lasso was as good as his word and quickly gathered up all the dishes and took them to the kitchen.

Applejack kept staring at him dreamingly. “Well he’s a keeper,” said Granny Smith.

Applejack glared at Granny Smith and said through her teeth, “Granny!”

“Well if you won’t have him I will.”

“GRANNY!”

“I’m only kiddin’ yougin’. But you clearly haven’t been ‘ere all evenin’.”

“I suppose, I do have a crush on him.”

Big Macintosh snorted. “He is still a un-trust worthy pony. No unicorn can resist using your magic.”

“You’re only mad because he beat you up,” said Applejack triumphantly.

“Hey he took me by surprise. I bet in a straight up brawl I can take him.”

“Why don’t you do it now,” asked Applejack. “I mean, you’ve got the element of surprise.”

Big Macintosh’s eyes went wide and his pupils shrunk. His darted round nervously. “Well, I um...”

“You have been gettin’ a little flabby Mac,” said Granny.

“Um...”

“Yeah,” said Applebloom. “Well I bet even I could wrestle you to the ground.”

Macintosh finally took control. “Alright then. I’ll prove to you all I was as strong as I ever was.” He got down and quietly trotted into the kitchen. Lasso was cleaning the dishes. Macintosh knew it was the perfect time to pounce. He trotted up towards Lasso, but before he could make the first move, Lasso quickly turned around and attacked. Next thing Macintosh knew, he was upside down on the floor and his legs tied up. The rest of the Apple family tried their best to hold in there laughs. They failed. Miserably. They were laughing so much the both Applejack and Applebloom were on the floor. Granny smith tried her best from breaking her hip. “I didn’t find it funny the first time,” said Macintosh.

“Well Macintosh,” said Lasso, “have you learnt your lesson.”

Macintosh just snorted as the rest of the Apple family stopped laugh. “Oh boy howdy,” said Applejack. “I haven’t laughed that hard in years.”

“Neither I youngin’,” said Granny Smith. “Well time for bed I think.”

“But Granny,” whined Applebloom.

“Early to bed, early to rise. Lasso, d’ya wanna a bed for the night.”

“I thank you kindly ma’am,” said Lasso.

“You can stay in my room then,” said Macintosh, “so I can keep an eye on you.”

Applejack was now getting really annoyed with her brother. “Sorry,” said Lasso, “but as a traveller, I sleep under the stars.” He then proceeded towards the door after removing his lasso from around Macintosh. “I do thank you kindly for the offer though an for givin’ me food.”

“You can come for breakfast if you like as well,” said Applejack.

“Sorry ma’am, but I’ll be leavin’ tamarrow mornin’ Gotta keep up my travels. See ya another day partners,” and Lasso exited the house.

Applejack was disappointed to say the least. “Good riddance,” said Macintosh.

Applejack had, had enough. “You know what Big Mac, forget you. He is a kind gentlepony and all you did was eye him suspiciously all evenin’,” she shouted. “Maybe for once, yer wrong about this colt and what if I do like him. It’s my life to live, not yours. Who do ya’ll you are my father.”

The Apple family was in silence. It wasn’t just Applejacks outburst but also due to the fact she mentioned Father Apple. “I’m goin’ ta bed,” said Applejack and stormed upstairs with a tear in her eye.

Macintosh resumed a face of anger. “She’ll come round eventually,” he said as he went into the kitchen for a drink.

“Granny.”

“Yes Applebloom.” Applebloom just gave Granny smith a look of concern. “Don’t worry Bloom. I know what she’s goin through. Come on, let’s get you ta bed.”

Later that night, Applejack was staring out the window at a faint glow in the distance she could only assume to be Lasso. She sighed mournfully. “He’s only tryin’ his best.” Applejack turned around to find Granny Smith standing in the doorway. Applejack just rested her head on her hooves. Granny Smith came forward to greet her by the window. She stared into the sky full of Twinkling stars and Luna’s moon.

“He still blames himself fer the accident.”

“I know Granny. It’s just he’s tryin’ ta be my parent, but, he jus’ isn’t.” Applejack then looked to Granny Smith. She then returned the look. “I miss ‘em everyday Granny. I really do.”

“I understand Applejack. I miss ‘em to.” They stared out the window again for a few moments until Granny spoke again. “I can see it in yer eyes ya know.”

“See what?”

“The look. I saw it in yer grandpapy’s eyes when he met me, and I saw it in my own daughters eyes when she met yer father.” Applejack knew what Granny meant. “Go on. Go see ‘em.”

Applejack was surprised by this turn of events. “But, you said early ta bed, early ta...”

“Never mind what I said. Go see ‘em if ya want. And don’t worry about yer brother. He’s thinking a lot to.”

Tears began to form in Applejack’s eyes. “Thank you Granny. Thank you.”

Applejack then grabbed her hat and trotted quickly out to meet with Lasso. “Eeyup. Young love,” said Granny Smith, thoughtfully.

Applejack walked through the orchard to the tallest hill. She knew that Lasso would be there. As she got closer, she began to here a harmonica playing. As she assended the hill, she saw Lasso around a fire and very skilfully playing an old tune on his harmonica. When he finally stopped, Applejack trotted to his side. “Hey.”

Lasso looked up. “Hey.”

“D’ya mind if I, sit with you?”

“Not at all. Make yerself comfortable partner.”

Applejack sat down next to Lasso. Lasso just kept staring at the stars. Applejack meanwhile looked at him. “Ya’ll didn’t tell us you played.”

Lasso gave a quick chuckle. “When ya travel around as much as I do, sometimes music is yer only company.”

They sat in silence for a bit more. Applejack also began to stare into the sky trying to see what Lasso was looking at. “Listen, I wanna apologise fer my family this evenin’,” said Applejack. “Big Mac can get a little over protective.”

“Ya’ll should appreciate fer what yer family do fer ya,” said Lasso. “Otherwise one day,” he paused. “They may not be there.”

Applejack was puzzled. “Ya didn’t tell us that at dinner either.”

“I didn’t want to remind you all about your parents.”

“How did ya know?”

“Well, the pieces aren’t that hard to put together.” Another moment of silence. “Look Applejack, I completely understand what Big Macintosh does. He just doesn’t wanna repeat of what happened to yer parents.”

“I know but, I’m a grown filly who can already take care of myself.”

“So I’ve heard,” said Lasso smiling.

“Why can’t he just accept that though?”

Lasso took Applejack’s chin in his hoof and turned it to face his own. “Because he loves you. And he will protect you from anything. It’s just that to him, colts and stallion are threats.” He frowned. “Look, if he doesn’t want me here, I won’t be a bother anymore. I’ll back ma bags and head to the next town.”

“But, you only just got here,” said Applejack, sadness building in her voice. “Ya can’t keep travelin’ like this. Yer gonna hurt yerself, And...and...”

Applejack was now beginning to stutter a little, but before she could say anything else, Lasso kissed her on the forehead. Applejack was largely taken aback. Lasso then gave her a smile that just seemed to say, “I know.”

Applejack then in the spurt of the moment, jumped back and kissed Lasso on the lips. Lasso returned the same energy that Applejack gave. There hooves also trying to bring each other closer. When they finally parted, Applejack had tears of joy in her eyes. “Well,” said Lasso, “it’s getting late. We really outta get some sleep. I’ll see ya in the mornin’ Miss Applejack.”

Lasso laid down to get some sleep. Applejack however didn’t move. “Ya mind if, I sleep out here as well.”

“Don’t mind at all,” said Lasso and reached out his front left hoof to invite her to come in. Applejack obliged. She made herself comfortable with her head lying on Lasso chest. She listened to his gentle heart beat. Lasso then put his hoof over Applejack in a loving embrace and kissed her again on her forehead. Applejack was meant to say something, but she was so happy, that she dozed of immediately.

> Chapter 4: CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SLEEPOVER AT FLUTTERSHY'S AGAIN YAY!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Celestia’s sun rose high and bright over Sweet apple Acre’s. On the highest hill in the orchard, a fire was smoking itself out as the last ember burnt out. Nearby lay two ponies, snuggled up against one another with the mare on the stallion’s chest. Applejack tried to get closer to her new colt friend Lasso in order to fell his warmth. The bright sun had not woken either pony seeing it had come up at such a rate.

However, the light in both ponies was quickly darkened. To dark even for one of Rainbow Dash’s tricks. As Applejack finally began to stir, she opened a sleepy eye to see what had woken her. Hanging over her head was a very cross earth pony. “Macintosh,” she bellowed.

This immediately woke up Lasso who out of instinct, quickly threw his hind legs into the air and bucked Macintosh right in the jaw. This didn’t do any real damage but was enough to disorient him. The next thing he knew was being lassoed again and falling onto his back once more. Lasso looked over him. “Ya know Big Mac, at first it was fun but now it’s getting pathetic.”

Applejack now looked over him. “What in the hay were ya’ll doin’ Big Mac.”

“I was goin ta apologise to ya and Mr. Rope, but then I discover I was right all along.”

“What da ya’ll mean,” asked Applejack.

“I mean he slept with you.”

The two quickly caught onto what Macintosh meant. Lasso snorted. “I did no such thing. We talked, cuddled and kissed a little, but that was it.”

“YA’LL KISSED HER,” bellowed Big Mac. “That is it, you are here by forbidden to come onto Apple family property.”

“BIG MAC.” This time the shout came from Applejack. “Big Mac, I kissed Lasso first.” Big Mac was left in a state of shock. “We talked about our parents in case yer wonderin’. Lasso lost his parents as well. And in case yer wonderin’, he didn’t mention it so we all didn’t git upset.”

Big Mac stayed silent. Applejack then took in a deep breath to calm herself. “Look, Big Mac, I know why yer tryin’ ter protect me, but ya gotta let me live ma own life. Ya can’t protect me forever.” She looked into Macintosh’s eyes. “Please Macintosh.”

Macintosh thought for a moment and then sighed. “Alright AJ. I’m sorry. I guess I have been too worried about ya.”

Applejack smiled. “Lasso, untie him.”

Lasso smiled back and quickly untied Big Mac. When his legs were free, Lasso helped him up to his hooves. “There ya go partner,” he said. “Hope were okay now.”

“Ya, we cool. And I’m sorry ah charged at ya and, pounced on ya yesterday.”

“No problem.” Lasso’s stomach growled. “Ah think it’s best if we get some breakfast.”

“Ah here that,” said Applejack. “Come on, let’s get back.”

As the three ponies trotted back to the house, Lasso stole a kiss from Applejack on the lips, prompting her to giggle and for Macintosh to cringe slightly. “Ah still ain’t gonna like this,” he said to himself.

Applebloom was still sleeping in her bed. As the sunlight shone through her window it crept its way to her eyes. Her eyes dimly fluttered open. She then turned onto her side in a attempt to wake up without the sun blinding her. As she slowly woke up, she noticed a glass on her bedside dresser. What little was left at the bottom was clearly a form of apple juice. As she sat up to get up, she noticed the time. She didn’t have a clock, but she could tell what time it was roughly from where the sun was in correlation with her room. “Oh no,” she gasped. “Ah over slept.”

Applebloom leapt out of her bed and galloped as fast as she could downstairs with her mane still in a bag. She burst into the kitchen. “SORRY AH OVERSLEPT GRANNY,” she bellowed. “Ah just don’t know what went...”

“No need to worry youngin’,” said Granny Smith.

“Ah know Granny, early ta be, early ta... Wait, wha did ya say?”

“Ah said its fine.” Granny Smith then turned towards the sink to do the washing up. “Ah had a feelin’ ya wouldn’t sleep well last night’, so I gave ya some of my special sleeping apple juice. Knocks ya out cold fer a good night’s rest.”

“Bu’ why would ya think tha’...,” Applebloom paused as she remembered the argument last night. “Oh, I see.” Applebloom looked away with a tear collecting in her eye. 

Granny Smith then put a reassuring hoof on Applebloom’s shoulder. “Ya’ll shoudn’t dwell on the past Bloom. If kept doin’ that ah wouldn’t get anything’ done.”

“It’s not jus’ that Granny,” said Applebloom. “Its jus’ that, ah never seen Big Macintosh and Applejack fight like that.”

Granny smith smiled. “Don’t you worry ‘bout that. They’ve made up now and Lasso will be stayin’ with us as well.”

Applebloom perked up. “Really. Oh that’s fantastic news. Imagine how many Cutie mark options there are. Relation Cutie marks. Weddin’ cutie marks. Foal sittin’ cutie marks.” She then stopped. “Hey Granny, were do foals come from?”

Granny Smith’s eyes went wide with shock. “Uh,” she stuttered. “How ‘bout ah tell ya after breakfast and you git dressed.”

“Okay then Granny,” and Applebloom rushed upstairs to get her bow on.

“Phew,” said Granny Smith. She had to tell Macintosh were foals come from when Applejack was coming and Applejack when Applebloom came along. “I’ll let the school system tell her,” she said quietly.

Soon Applebloom came barrelling down the stairs with her trademark bow on. “Ah’m already now Granny. I’ll be havin’ ma weekend cereal please.” The apple family normally delved most things you would expect. Applebloom however being a young filly had a large sweet tooth and craved for things sweet. Natural sugars only get you so far in life. “Gimme a big ol’ bowl of the stuff Granny.”

“Sorry youngin’,” said Granny Smith. “All out.”

“Whadya mean,” said Applebloom sounding like she was about to cry.

“Well, seein’ as Lasso is stayin’, he wanted ta work ta repay us and he insisted on having an energetic breakfast, so ah gave ‘em yours.”

“But whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?”

“Well, ta be honest, after last time you had a big bowl of cereal,” she looked out of the window, “ah don’t mah flower bed will grow again.”

“But Granny, what will ah have fer breakfast?”

“Don’t worry youngin’,” said Granny Smith. “I’ll git yer somethin’.” Applebloom quickly darted towards the table. Normally when a situation occurred like this, Granny Smith always came up with something spectacular. As she waited with anticipation, Granny Smith trotted in with two bowls of something steaming. As she placed on in front of Applebloom, Applebloom looked down, and recoiled in disgust. “Oatmeal?”

“Eeyup. Nothin’ better to start with,” said Granny Smith.

Applebloom looked at the sloppy mess in her bowl. She picked some of it up with a spoon as it slowly slopped back into her bowl. “Please tell me tha’ I can put somethin’ in it,” she pleaded.

“Nonsense. Ya don’t need anythin’ on oatmeal. Just enjoy the natural taste,” said Granny Smith as she took in a spoonful.

Applebloom decided to follow suit, though she very quickly regretted the decision. The texture of the oatmeal made it feel like sick and Applebloom was forced to follow her gag reflex and spit it back into the bowl. Then she got the full taste. At least with vomit you had some taste. Applebloom put down her spoon and dismounted the table. “Ah think I’ll help everypony outside,” she said. At least out there she could have a few apples.

Things didn’t exactly go well for Applebloom for most of the day. The apples she took didn’t give her the sudden boost she needed. This gave her a feeling of depression for the morning. She especially grew envious towards Lasso. He had finished of her cereal. Her special cereal and he was bucking apple trees like no tomorrow. What really made her envious and Applejack highly impressed, was that he barley put any energy into bucking, and yet every apple fell of a tree.”Wow,” said Applejack. “How can ya’ll do that so fast?”

“Easy,” said Lasso. “You just have to look for the right spot on the tree.” He then approached the next tree and observed it for a moment. “There’s always a weak spot on a trees and if you hit it just right,” Lasso then gave the tree a swift kick as apples fell into the waiting bucket, “the apple come tumbin’ down.”

Applejack gasped in awe. Even Big Mac who was close by was impressed. Applebloom on the other hand, was cross. “Ya’ll think you can show me that how’ ta do that,” asked Applejack.

“But of course,” said Lasso. “What ‘bout you Big Mac?”

“Eenope. Ah’ve got ma own technique, but thanks fer the offer.”

“No sweat. Ah suppose you have better endurance anyway.”

Applejack was taken aback slightly. “Ah bet I’ve got more endurance then you Lasso,” she said.

“Oh, I’m sure ya do,” said Lasso slyly. Applejack then blushed and giggled a little as she realised her double entendre. Applebloom meanwhile began to grow an increasing hatred for Lasso.

When Lasso had taught Applejack how to do it, apples were falling left right and centre. Applebloom normally worked with Applejack. She bucked the apple trees whilst Applebloom ran around catching them. But with all the apples falling so quickly she couldn’t keep up. “Come on Applebloom,” Applejack would say. “Keep up.”

Applebloom was only a young filly and was only doing this until she learned how to buck an apple tree. When they came around to do another tree however, it happened. Applejack bucked the tree and the apples fell. Applebloom was ready to catch them. As the apples fell into the bucket, they hit it so hard the bucket gave out. It fell to pieces and the apples went tumbling to the ground. Applebloom wasn’t hurt due to the bottom of the bucket holding together, but she felt sorry for herself. “Applebloom,” said Applejack, “are ya’ll alright?”

“Ah think so, but I broke ma bucket. Ah’ll go git a new one.” And Applebloom galloped back to the barn. This gave her a chance to think. “Lasso’s just a big show off,” she said to herself. “Ah don’t care if I git ma cutie mark, the less time ah think ‘bout it, the better.”

On the way back, Applebloom thought even more. She noticed that everyone had gone out to work before she had even woke up. Then there was the communication. Normally on a job like this, Applejack always talked to Applebloom. Always giving her encouragement and helping her when it comes to collecting the apples. Today however, Applejack had barley said a word to her. She spent most of her time staring at Lasso and sighing a lot. ‘Grown ups are weird,’ she thought. She felt like she was losing Applejack as a sister. She then began to think of all the possible future times they could have together. Bucking her first apple tree, going to big pony school and, more importantly, her getting her cutie mark. All of that could be destroyed by this foreign intruder.

Applebloom was so furious, that she bucked a nearby tree to let out some stress. As she tried to calm herself, she heard a clunk in her bucket. She took it off her head and looked inside. Her eyes went wide. There in the middle, was a ripe apple, freshly bucked. She did it, she bucked her first tree. Quickly, she grabbed the apple from the bucket and galloped as fast as she could to Applejack.

“Applejack,” she cried as she put down the apple. “Big Macintosh, look what I...”

She stopped herself as she saw the events unfurl in front of her. There she saw Lasso pulling as hard as he could on his rope. The rope was hung around an apple tree. The tree was flexing almost as if it was a catapult. The tree surprisingly, hadn’t snapped or resisted. Lasso pulled as hard as he could, his hooves digging into the ground as he went. Applejack watched on in amazement. “Are ya’ll Big Mac,” she bellowed.

Far away, Big Mac was standing with a cart behind him, looking both nervous and concerned. “Eh, nope,” he said nervously.

“Alright then. Let ‘er rip Lasso.”

Lasso then let go of the rope, as he did, the tree shot forward and all the apples were let lose. They flew towards Big Mac. Big Mac crouched down and put his hooves over his head, waiting for the worst. However, all the apples landed in the cart. Big Mac got up and gave the ‘all good signal.’ Applejack could only cheer. “Woowee. Well done there Lasso. Ah didn’t think ya could do it.”

“Well, when you’ve got motivation anything’s possible,” he said.

When Applebloom got over the shock of the impossible, she remembered her original goal. “Look Applejack. Look.” She showed her the apple.

“Thanks kiddo,” said Lasso taking the apple away from Applebloom. “Ah needed a snack.” And he took a bite out of the Apple. He then proceeded to finishing it off. Applebloom just stared of in disbelief. “Well, better get the apples back to the barn.”

He and Applejack then hitched the carts together, and trotted off. Lasso threw the core of the apple away. Applebloom just kept staring into space. Her first apple was now no more than a core. As Applebloom finally regained her senses, the rage boiling up inside her was almost unbearable to contain. Before she could release her rage however, she was interrupted.

“APPLEBLOOM.”

Applebloom recognised those two voices anywhere. She turned around to find both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, totting towards them. “Scootaloo. Applebloom.”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, YAY!”

With the arrival of her fellow crusaders, Applebloom forgot to be cross. “What are you two doin’ here.”

“Don’t you remember silly,” said Scootaloo. “Were having another sleepover at Fluttershy’s tonight.”

“Oh yea, ah forgot.”

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SLEEPOVER AT FLUTTERSHY’S AGAIN YAY!”

“Wait,” asked Applebloom, “where is Fluttershy?”

“Oh, right here,” came a familiar voice. In trotted Fluttershy, smiling as ever and her own precious stone hung around her neck in a necklace.

“Sorry we left out behind their Fluttershy,” said Scootaloo.

“Oh don’t worry about. You were just excited about seeing Applebloom again. I completely understand. So, how was your day Applebloom.”

Applebloom suddenly remembered her day, as her hyper activeness seemed to just float away. “Well, first thing is that Applejack has a new...”

“Who goes there?”

The 4 mares suddenly jumped as a voice came from the trees. Fluttershy quickly hid under her hooves. In from the shadows came Lasso. “Who the hay are you,” he asked.

“Who the hay are we,” said Scootaloo, quickly confronting the stallion. “A better question would be, who the hay are you?”

As much as Applebloom would have loved to have seen Lasso get beaten up, she knew Scootaloo wouldn’t last long against his rope. “Scootaloo, calm down. This is Loose Rope, or Lasso. Applejack’s new coltfriend.”

“Aw,” went Sweetie Belle. “Applejack got one as well.”

Scootaloo just cringed slightly. “Well, seeing as you do look trust worthy,” said Lasso, “ah guess I have nothing ta fear. Ah’m guessing your some of Applebloom’s friends.”

“Best friends actually,” said Scootaloo. “I’m Scootaloo, and that’s Sweetie Belle.”

Fluttershy upon hearing Applejack knew this colt, stood up, but was still being rather defensive. “And who are you lil’ lady,” asked Lasso.

“Oh, I’m, Fluttershy,” she said quietly.

“Um, pardon,”

“My name is um, Fluttershy.”

“One more time please ma’am. Ah didn’t quite catch that.”

“Ugh,” said Scootaloo finally losing patience. “Her name is Fluttershy.”

“Oh, one of Applejack’s friends.” He approached the cowering Pegasus. “Please ta meet ya,” he said holding out a hoof.

Fluttershy slowly accepted as he shook his hoof.  “Nice to meet you,” she said quietly.

“So what brings you round these parts,” asked Lasso.

“Well, I was just taking Applebloom and her friends to my house for a sleepover. I was about to actually go and see Applejack to tell her.”

“Don’t fret about it,” said Lasso. “I’ll tell her. Ah just came back to retrieve ma rope.” Lasso soon unwound his lasso from the tree and placed it over his neck. “Pleasure meetin’ ya miss Fluttershy. Take care of ‘em,” and Lasso disappeared back into the trees.

“He’s seems nice,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Trust me, he ain’t,” said Applebloom.

“Oh why would you think that,” asked Fluttershy as the 4 fillies began to walk to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Well, first he eats ma special cereal,” began Applebloom, “then he made Apple bucking look sooooo easy, and then when I bucked ma first apple, he ate it. Ah didn’t even git to tell Applejack,” she said sadly.

Applebloom was clearly upset, so Fluttershy decided to cheer her up a bit. “Well, um Applebloom, you may not like him, but, what about your sister.”

Applebloom thought. It seemed as if all day, Applejack may have been ignoring her more, but she seemed so much more happier. “Well, ah guess she’s been happier ever since he arrived.”

“And don’t your sister to be happy,” asked Fluttershy.

“Ah guess so, but she hasn’t been paying attention to me almost all day.”

Fluttershy giggled slightly. “Don’t worry Applebloom. She’s just well, falling in love.”

“In love,” asked Scootaloo. “Bleugh. How can any mare fall in love with a colt?”

“You’ll understand one day Scootaloo,” said Fluttershy. “Anyway Applebloom, have you ever had a birthday present you were really in love with?”

Applebloom thought to herself. “Numerous times. Why?”

“And when you had them, did you ignore your sister and brother.”

“Ah, ah guess.”

“And when you were with the toys, did Applejack leave them alone for you to play with.”

“Yes.” Applebloom could see were this was going.

“Well, it’s that sort of thing, only this time with another pony. She let you play with those toys because it made you happy. So maybe you should do the same for her.”

“Ah guess,” said Applebloom slightly. “And ah suppose Lasso does treat her right. Shoot. Ah’ve been so selfish.” She kicked the dirt. “Ah’ve only been thinkin’ ‘bout myself. Thanks for the talk Fluttershy.”

“No problem Applebloom.”

The four ponies kept trotting along for a while until Sweetie Belle asked a question. “Fluttershy.”

“Yes Sweetie.”

“Have you ever had a colt friend?”

Fluttershy’s pupil’s shrunk as the question hit her. She then lowered her head and blushed. “Um, n, n, no, no I haven’t.”

“Thank Celestia,” said Scootaloo. “Not getting to tied down in that mushy gooiness eh Fluttershy?” Applebloom quickly hit Scootaloo in the shoulder. “Ow. What did I do?”

“Would you, like a colt friend,” continued Sweetie Belle.

“Oh um, not at the moment sweetie. I’m far too busy to be in a relationship at the moment.”

“Oh. Okay then,” said Sweetie Belle. “Just asking.”

Fluttershy stayed silent for the rest of the journey. Secretly, she did want a coltfriend. Someone there to care for her on stormy nights. Someone to keep her company whilst her friends were busy. She also wanted a baby. Animals were fine companions but after taking care of several small baby animals, she wanted to be a real mother. She had raised Angel bunny to be like her child, but he had grown up far too quickly and now could easily take care of himself.

She didn’t dwell on it for long for soon dusk fell and the cottage was in sight. “Alright then girls,” said Fluttershy as she opened the front door. “Sleepover time.”

“YAY,” cried the girls.

The sleepover this time had gone over a lot smoother than previously. Games were played like truth or dare, although no one ever picked dare when it was Scootaloo’s time to suggest it. Dinner also went down well with only a few spills and yet everyone seemed to have enjoyed the time despite it not being as hectic as previous.

However like most good things they must come to an end. Celestia’s sun had set ages ago and now Luna’s moon was high in the sky. Fluttershy was just putting the crusaders to sleep. “Right then,” said Fluttershy, “would anyone like a glass of water.”

“No thanks Fluttershy,” said Scootaloo. “We’re all good.”

“Do ya think you could sing to us again,” asked Applebloom. “I’d like to forget this day as soon as I possibly can.”

“Okay then,” said Fluttershy. But before she started, a ruckus was heard outside. They heard the chickens squawking in fear. Fluttershy looked nervous. “What was that,” she stuttered.

The crusaders didn’t know. They were a scared as Fluttershy. “Maybe one of the chickens just laid an egg,” said Applebloom hopefully.

“Or maybe they just saw a shadow that spooked them,” suggested Sweetie Belle calming herself.

“Or maybe it was a Cockatrice,” put in Scootaloo.

This was a suggestion none of them wanted to hear. The three young fillies began to scream as loud as the last time they met a Cockatrice.  As the girls continued to scream, Fluttershy tried her best over the situation. “Now girls, there’s no need to panic.” It didn’t work. “Girls. Girls. GIRLS!” That last shout shut the three up. “Right. I’m going to go and see what disturbed the chickens. Stay here.”

“Bu’ Fluttershy,” said Applebloom, “what if it’s a cockatrice?”

“Don’t worry girls, I think after last time we met it, none are coming back.”

“But Fluttershy...”

“I’ll be fine girls. Don’t worry.” Fluttershy turned to the door and began to trot downstairs. In truth she was even more scared then the three fillies. But, she was the grown mare and she had to show bravery. Before she knew it, she was outside the chicken coop. She slowly looked inside. “Hello.”

No answer. She crept closer inside. “Hello. Anypony in here.” When she was inside the chicken coop, her eyes adjusted to the low light as she saw an enormous figure before her, turned away. It was clearly a stallion, but what terrified Fluttershy was the sheer size of him. He was even bigger then Big Macintosh and Fluttershy was intimidated by his size as it was.

She slowly began to back out, hoping the intruder wouldn’t notice ner. However a creaky floorboard caught his attention and he spun round. Fluttershy could now see his eyes. They looked as if they had no compassion for anything. Fluttershy was now petrified. She couldn’t move, she couldn’t scream, she was just frozen. The stallion began to approach her. He then stood tall over her looking down. ‘This is it,’ thought Fluttershy. She closed her eyes and lowered her head to prepare for the blow. It never came.

Fluttershy opened one eye and looked up. The stallion was gone. She relaxed slightly and opened both eyes. She looked down to see the stallion there. He was trying to make himself seem as small as possible. His hooves covered his eyes. He absolutely terrified. Fluttershy was confused. Now that the moon was shinning off the stallion and Fluttershy got a good look at him.

He was an earth pony and extremely muscular as Fluttershy first thought. His fur was a very light blue and could probably be mistaken for white. His mane was cut fairly long by most colt’s standards. His mane was also coloured blue but of a much darker shade but also joined by a even darker shade of clue that could easily be mistaken for black. He was indeed a very handsome stallion. But still left Fluttershy confused as to why this colt, who could easily look after himself, was cowering like this, especially in front of her.

Fluttershy then got down to the colt’s eye level. “Hello,” she sweetly. The colt lifted one hoof and his eye met with Fluttershy’s. Quickly though he jumped and retreated to the back of the chicken coop. Pressed up against the wall, he once again tried to make himself look as small as possible.

“Oh, no, no, no, no, don’t be scared,” said Fluttershy getting in closer. When Fluttershy got closer, she put a hoof on the stallions. He cringed slightly. Fluttershy’s touch however was very gentle. Finally the colt plucked up courage to remove his hooves and to open his eyes. Fluttershy finally got a proper look at them. They were of an ice blue and looked absolutely gorgeous. Her heart fluttered at the stallions beauty. 

“What’s your name,” asked Fluttershy. Then response she got was a barely audible whisper. The mouth moved, but almost no noise came out. “Um, sorry I, didn’t quite get that.” The response she got was somehow even quieter than before. “Um, sorry, didn’t catch that. This time she got no response. The stallion just turned away and began to cry.

“Oh no I am sorry. It’s just that I, would like to know your name.” The stallion looked back. Fluttershy’s eyes were simply full of concern. The stallion breathed and stood up to full height. Fluttershy backed away to give him some room. He then began to make a series of hoof gestures. Fluttershy knew this sort of language. Angel bunny used it to try to talk to Fluttershy. The Stallion pointed towards his mane and then slammed his hoof against his chest. “Mane chest?”

The stallion shook his head. “Oh Blue Muscle.” The stallion nodded. “Well, um, it’s very nice to meet you Blue Muscle. I’m Fluttershy. I would like to know however, why you’re my chicken coop.” The stallion made more gestures. One to his for head, then proceeded to point at a nest were a chicken would normally sit, and finally he simulated what at first glance looked like an explosion, but Fluttershy thought otherwise. “You thought one of chicken made a noise. So you came to check it up. Oh, why thank you. You must have really good hearing.”

The stallion nodded. “Oh why, thank you,” said Fluttershy. She then felt the temperature drop fiercely. “Oh my,” she said. “It is getting cold out here. Would you like to come inside?” The stallion quickly moved his head away shyly. “Oh no, no, no, no, no. Don’t be shy. It’s cold out here anyway and I don’t think you’ll make it home in time.”

The stallion though also began to point towards the outside. Fluttershy looked back. “Oh, you’re afraid of the dark. Don’t worry, you won’t have to walk far, and I’ll stick beside you so don’t worry about it.” The stallion stood at full height again and trotted towards Fluttershy. “Alright then, let’s go.”

As they walked through the darkness back towards the cottage, Blue Muscle walked very closely to Fluttershy. She could see every single muscle in the stallion, seeming like they were trying to force their way out of the tight skin. Fluttershy wasn’t normally a pony who felt physical attraction to other stallions, but for some reason couldn’t help but admire the stallion’s body. Soon though they arrived at the back door. Fluttershy walked in first, with Blue Muscle staying outside.

“Well come in,” said Fluttershy. “You’ll catch a cold if you stay out there.” Blue Muscle very nervously went inside. Fluttershy closed the door behind him very gently. “Alright then Blue Muscle, um, I’m afraid I haven’t got any spare beds, and, I don’t think the couch is big enough for you. So, I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to sleep on the floor. Don’t worry though,” she said quickly. “I have plenty of blankets so you won’t be too...”

She was interrupted yet again by a creek of a floorboard. Blue Muscle quickly hid behind her and covered his eyes with his hooves. There at the top of the stairs, were the Cutie Mark Crusaders looking very perplexed. “Fluttershy,” said Sweetie Belle. “Who is that?”

“Well, um, this is, Blue Muscle. He made the noise.

“Why d’ya invite him in then,” asked Applebloom. 

“Well, he was just checking in on my chickens to see if they were alright and it was getting cold, so, he’s staying the night. Speaking of which, you girls need to get to bed.”

“But Fluttershy,” they moaned.

“Come on girls. Your questions will be answered in the morning.”

“Yes Fluttershy,” and the three fillies trotted back to bed. 

Fluttershy then turned to Blue muscle. “It’s alright there gone now.” Blue muscle opened one eye to make sure they were gone. He then sat up slightly to get comfortable on the rug. “Well, it looks like you’re ready for bed,” said Fluttershy. She headed towards her cupboard and picked out the spare duvet. She then placed it over the stallion. It only just reached the floor.

“There you go,” she said. “Now then, I’ll be sleeping on the couch over there, so if you are scared, I’ll be right there.” Fluttershy then proceeded towards the sofa to get her own sleep. But before she could get up, she heard knocking coming from Blue Muscle. She turned to see Blue Muscle looking very nervous. “Oh you’re still scared aren’t you. Well, um, I suppose I could sleep, in the duvet with you.”

Both ponies blushed as to what Fluttershy said. Fluttershy was sure now that Blue Muscle would hate her. But to her surprise, Blue Muscle lifted up the duvet. “Alright then.” She quietly fluttered over towards Blue Muscle and got underneath the duvet. She made herself comfortable next to Blue Muscle. Soon, he had fallen into the land of dreams were you could become your own pony.

Fluttershy was still trying to make herself comfortable. With an extra body and with the earth pony’s heavy breathing, it only fell half way down her side. This made her feel cold and exposed. Fluttershy then took a bold move. She edge herself closer towards the sleeping stallion. She could now feel his muscles, relaxing and tensing ad Blue Muscle breathed. His heartbeat was slow and yet strong which made Fluttershy more comfortable being closer to the stallion. As she began to doze of, she did find it odd how she felt a lot safer with Blue Muscle here, and yet she was the one who was doing the protecting. It was odd and yet, it felt just right.

> Chapter 5: Answers and Salesponies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning all five ponies sat around the table eating breakfast. Blue Muscle didn’t sit on a chair like the others. His sheer size meant he could just sit on the floor. But they have had issues. Thanks to Blue Muscle’s extreme shyness, it had taken Fluttershy 15 minutes to even get him to sit round the table. By that time his cereal had been reduced to mush. However, he ate it anyway.

Even with him at the table, he tried to hide under the table so he didn’t have to see the girls looking at him. The girls though had every right to look. This was a pony that had a build bigger then Macintosh and yet made Fluttershy look like a dragon. They wanted answers. “So, Fluttershy,” began Sweetie Belle, “who is this?”

Fluttershy knew she would have been bombarded with questions that morning. Blue Muscle had told her a bit about his life, but not much. He was incredibly defensive about himself. “Well, um, Sweetie, this is Blue Muscle.”

“Wha’ was he doin’ in the chicken coop last nigh’,” asked Applebloom.

“Well he heard one of the chickens make a noise and he decided to attend to him.”

“What’s with his Cutie Mark,” said Scootaloo. She looked at the stallions flank, were of which he slowly retreated away from the young filly. Fluttershy had taken note of the stallions cutie mark. It was of a pony’s shadow cowering in fear. Before the three fillies had gotten up, Blue Muscle had told her many things. However...

“Well um, Scootaloo, he hasn’t told me.”

“Well I’m glad he hasn’t,” she said rudely. “I mean, his talent is clearly cowering in fear. What sort of talent is that?” Blue muscle had looked away as tears began to form in his eyes. Scootaloo’s friends glared at her. “What? I’m just sayin’. Maybe my special talent is bravery.”

“It’s still no excuse ta be rude,” said Applebloom.

When the atmosphere had finally calmed down, Sweetie Belle asked, “So, is he going to be staying here?”

Fluttershy stuttered a bit. “Well, um, that depends if Blue Muscle wants to stay here Sweetie.” She looked at the cowering stallion, who looked back. “Well, Blue Muscle, um, would you um,” as Fluttershy blushed, but plucked up courage, “stay for a while?”

Blue Muscle looked away in thought, but very quickly began to shake his head. “Oh,” said Fluttershy. “Okay then.” Disappointment was heavy in her voice. In truth, she wanted him to stay a bit longer, but it was his decision, and she would respect. Then, unexpectedly, a knock came from the door.

“Now who can that be,” moaned Scootaloo. Blue Muscle once again began to retreat away from the door and underneath the table, causing what was left of the breakfast to fall onto the floor.

“Oh don’t worry,” comforted Fluttershy, “I know who it is.” A much harder thump was heard from the door. Fluttershy proceeded towards the door and opened it. There stood a small and very tired looking rabbit. “Good morning Angel Bunny,” said Fluttershy. “Happy Birthday. I hope you had a good time last night with your birthday frie...”

Fluttershy was cut off as the rabbit grudgingly went inside and shook his front paw out at Fluttershy to keep her quiet. The three fillies and the stallions watched as the rabbit went into the kitchen. Several electronic noises later, and the rabbit walked out with a cup of coffee in a mug saying ‘#1 rabbit.’ Angel got onto the table and proceeded to drink his coffee.

“Uh,” went the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Angel Bunny was by far the strangest animal they ever met. Angel Bunny just glared at them and then proceeded to look to his left. He didn’t really take notice of Blue Muscle, now sitting upright. Angel Bunny really didn’t take any notice of him either and continued to drink his coffee. Then as realisation hot the small rabbit, he spat out his coffee and did a double take on Blue Muscle. 

Realising his territory was under threat, the rabbit began to ward to stallion onto a fight. Much to everyone’s surprise, Blue Muscle didn’t cower in fear. In fact he did just the opposite. He raised up his hoof and it was about to come down on the small rabbit. The Cutie Mark Crusaders watched on in horror. “GET AWAY FROM MY ANGEL!” The bellow had come from Fluttershy who was still by the door.

Before she got back to the table, she didn’t hear one giant thump, but a series of smaller thumps. When she finally got into view of the scene, Bluer Muscle was scratching Angel Bunny’s ear, and the thumping was from the rabbit’s legs. “Oh,” said Fluttershy, “I didn’t know he had a ‘kicking spot.”

Eventually Blue Muscle stopped scratching the Rabbit’s Ear. Angel then made a series of jesters to introduce him as Angel Bunny. Blue Muscle was also making similar jesters himself. Soon the two were making a lot of jesters as if they were having a conversation, although Blue Muscle’s normally ended up being similar to each other. Fluttershy thinks that Blue Muscle was saying he is cute.

“You know,” said Fluttershy, “it is Angel’s birthday today. So, um, would you, like to stay now?” Blue Muscle quickly nodded. “Yay,” went Fluttershy, almost too eagerly. “Alright then. I have a special surprise for you tonight Angel, but I have to go into town.”

Angel nodded. “Okay then. Come on girls. Let’s go.”

“Alright then Fluttershy,” said the Cutie Mark Crusaders. 

As the three fillies and Pegasus headed towards the door, Blue Muscle stayed where he was. Angel bunny then grabbed his attention and made a series of jesters to indicate a message. Blue Muscle clearly understood what he meant, but was looking nervous. Angel then put his paws together and pleaded with the stallion to do it. Blue Muscle thought for a moment then got up and headed for the door. Before Fluttershy exited the cottage, Blue Muscle tapped her on the back. She turned. “Yes Blue Muscle. Is there something you want?”

Blue Muscle pointed at himself, then outside. “You want to come with us?” The Stallion nodded. “But, aren’t you, um, very shy?” The stallion nodded again, but a look of determination on his face. “Alright then,” said the Pegasus. Blue Muscle walked out and shut the door behind him. As the group went off, Blue Muscle, similar to the previous night, stayed close to Fluttershy. Again she didn’t mind, but couldn’t help but look over the stallion’s physique.

In town, there were ponies everywhere, all bustling about buying and selling things. Blue Muscle was definitely not in his comfort zone. His head was hung low and he tried his best not to be seen. Sadly the disadvantage of having a large body is that you do stick out like a sore thumb. Fluttershy kept close to him but the CMC had trotted ahead. Scootaloo simply said that they didn’t want to be seen with such a cowardly pony. Even though Applebloom and Sweetie Belle wouldn’t admit it, they were embarrassed as well. 

Fluttershy didn’t mind. Sadly she was used to be isolated, but she didn’t feel like it with Blue Muscle there. What they were shopping for were ingredients for Angel’s special dinner, the same sort as the one were Iron Will came into town. All the ingredients had been picked up, except for one. A cherry. As they approached the Cherry stall, Fluttershy grew nervous. There was the familiar seller, still with 5 o’clock shadow and looking as grumpy as ever.

When Blue Muscle saw the pony, she went back into full cowering and hid behind Fluttershy. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had gone to another stall to browse so it was clear that Fluttershy would have go at it alone. “Stay here Blue Muscle,” she said sweetly. “I’ll be back soon.”

As Fluttershy approached the stall, the salespony recognised. “Easy pickings,” he muttered.

“Um, excuse me,” said Fluttershy, “um, I would like to buy a cherry.”

“Well,” began the salespony, “I have only got one left. So, that’ll be 15 bits.”

“15 bits,” stuttered Fluttershy. “But I heard you reduced it to half a bit.”

“Sorry, but er, there’s a cherry famine going on. Yeah, so the price has sky rocketed.”

“But, I don’t have that much.” Blue Muscle had slowly observed from a distance. “And I really, really, REALLY need it.”

“Oh you need it that much do ya. 30 bits then.”

Fluttershy couldn’t speak. Blue Muscle overheard and was simply appalled. “N, ne, never mind,” said Fluttershy in defeat, and slowly trotted away. “Come on Blue Muscle. I suppose Angel’s birthday isn’t going to be so special after all.”

As Fluttershy slowly trotted away, something in Blue Muscle snapped. He plucked up courage and headed towards the stall. Fluttershy turned in surprise. The CMC who were nearby also took note of this. The salespony had his back turned as Blue Muscle approached. Blue Muscle, tapped his hoof on the stall, causing it to shake. That got his attention. “What do ya want?”

Blue Muscle pointed to the cherry, and then at Fluttershy. He then stamped his hoof again. “Listen buddy, I don’t know what you’re saying, but as I said to your filly friend, it’s 30 bits.” Blue Muscle snorted. He then put both hooves on the table and leaned forward, showing off is full build. The stall creaked and groaned over the massive weight put over it. The salespony looked nervous. “If your’ trying to intimidate me,” he said nervously, “it ain’t gonna work.”

Then something seemed to posses Blue Muscle. His eyes turned to spirals and he gazed deeply into the salespony’s mind. His eyes also turned to spirals, but he soon panicked. “No, please, mother. Don’t make me wear that. I, I, I, know you wanted a daughter, but please, don’t.”

The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Fluttershy watched with open mouths as the salespony continued to look terrified. “Please, mother no. No NOOOOOO!” The salespony then collapsed onto the floor in the foetal position and began to suck his hoof and silently crying. Blue Muscle then retracted, left half a bit, and took the cherry.

He trotted back towards Fluttershy. The 4 fillies though looked shock. Blue Muscle quickly resorted back to his faze of cowering, almost waiting for punishment. Fluttershy however, got down to his level and whispered, “Thank you.”

Blue Muscle was taken aback. He looked up to Fluttershy. “So that was your special talent. Making other ponies believe there fears and make them come true.” Blue Muscle once more placed his hooves above his head in shame. “Don’t worry; other ponies aren’t happy with their special talents. I know you didn’t mean to do it. I have a stare that makes animals back down. I can’t control it either. Don’t worry, I forgive you.”

Blue Muscle removed his hooves from his head and sat up. Then to Fluttershy’s surprise, he reached out and hugged her tightly. Fluttershy quickly accepted the hug and hugged back. The CMC simply went “Aaaaahhh.” Well Scootaloo went “Bleugh,” but you the idea.

When the two ponies broke, Fluttershy spoke first. “Now then, I have to take the girls home now. Do you mind taking everything back to the cottage?”

Blue Muscle saluted Fluttershy, took the stuff and trotted to the cottage. Fluttershy couldn’t help but stare longingly at Blue Muscle as he trotted away. “Wow,” said Scootaloo. “That is an AWSOME TALENT. Oh boy. We’ve been going about this the wrong way girls. We have to go with our minds. Come on, I’ve got some great ideas.” Applebloom and Sweetie looked even more nervous than ever.

At the cottage, Angel Bunny was waiting impatiently at the table. He was clearly bored. “Don’t worry angel Bunny,” called Fluttershy. “We’ll be out in a minute.”

Soon out emerged Fluttershy and Blue Muscle with the salad on his head. Angel Bunny still didn’t look too impressed. The ponies soon sat down and Fluttershy began to sing.

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday Angel Bunny

Happy Birthday to you

Both ponies clapped as if Angel was a small child. Angel Bunny grabbed the spoon and was about to scoop some up, but then there was a knock on the door. “Who could that be,” asked Fluttershy.

Angel clearly knew who it was. His face had lit up. He quickly dismounted the table and went to the door. When he opened it, there stood a female rabbit. They quickly hugged and had the female rabbit gave him a nuzzle on the nose. She then went out the door. As Fluttershy looked on, Angel Bunny simply turned, waved and left. He shut the door behind him. For a moment, there was silence. Then, Fluttershy began to tear up, and simply rested her head on her hooves and began to cry. “He’s all grown up,” she whimpered. He doesn’t need me anymore.”

She continued to cry. Not loudly but silently. When ponies and even humans cry loudly, it simply means they want attention. When they cry silently, it simply means they can’t stop. Fluttershy just couldn’t stop. Eventually however, she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She looked up to see Blue Muscle with eyes full of sympathy looking at her. Fluttershy wiped away a tear and smiled. 

“Thank you,” she simply said. “Well, seeing as we have this salad here,” she said holding up a spoon, “should we?”

Blue Muscle grabbed the other spoon and the two settled in for their evening meal. The two had spent the rest of the night talking and giggling and simply just looking outside. Night had also fallen quickly over the two ponies and both had retired to bed. Blue Muscle had agreed to stay one more night and was sleeping on the rug once more. Fluttershy had gone into her own bed. She was dreaming about Blue Muscle. Spending the rest of her life with him, looking after animals, and having foals together.

In her mind however, something niggled. Her shyness she felt, would get in the way of advancing any further, and she knew Blue Muscle wouldn’t go any further either. ‘Maybe I should just give up on love,’ she thought to herself.

Suddenly there was a flash lightning and a clash of thunder. Fluttershy woke up with a start and a scream. “Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay,” she said trying to calm herself. “Maybe, maybe it was a one off. Maybe now it’ll just...”

Another clap of thunder and flash of lightning. She screamed again and hid under the covers. “Just end. Please end soon.”

She then heard her door open and some very hoofsteps approaching her. She felt a heavy hoof on her back. Her head emerged from the covers, there to see Blue Muscle, looking unfazed but with a face full of concern. “Sorry. Did I wake you? Oh I’m so sorry. I’ll try to scream more... Wait, you’re not scared of the lightning?”

Blue Muscle shook his head. “Or the Thunder?” Blue Muscle once more shook his head. “But, but why,” asked Fluttershy. Blue Muscle simply put his hoof on Fluttershy’s cheek and smiled. Fluttershy knew what this meant. He heard him scream and came to protect her. However, she quickly turned away. “Oh look at me. I’m such a wimp.” She sighed. “I’m not brave at all.”

“I think you’re brave.”

Fluttershy was taken aback. She looked towards Blue Muscle. He just spoke. Fluttershy couldn’t describe his voice. It was soft and caring, yet was also strong and solid. Fluttershy decided to take a chance. She quickly sat up and kissed Blue Muscle on the lips. Blue Muscle at first was startled, but quickly began to return. Both held each other close as they continued to kiss. Soon though, they broke apart. 

“So um, Blue Muscle, there might be more Thunder and Lightning later, so um, could you um, sleep up here tonight.” Blue Muscle simply smiled and nodded. He got over to the other side of Fluttershy’s bed and climbed in. The bed sagged a little as it struggled to hold his weight. 

When he was in, Fluttershy snuggled up to him and rested her head on his chest, listening to his strong and gentle heartbeat. Finally it seemed, she found her special somepony.

> Chapter 6: Party Planning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia’s sun broke over the horizon of town. The air was cool and crisp. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and a few ponies were already going about their business in a lazy sort of way, seeing as it was still early. However, there was one Earth Pony who had been up even earlier and was now bouncing around town, dropping invitations into letter boxes.

This bubbly pony was called Pinkie Pie, said by her friends to be an anomaly of pony kind. She however couldn’t care less, as today was a special celebration. “It’s always a special celebration silly. But today is a super duper extra special celebration.”

I don’t know how she did that. Seriously, I’m scared of her. Anyway, Pinkie was doing her trade mark bounce all the way to the library. As she knocked on the door, she failed to comprehend that Twilight probably won’t be awake. After awhile of no answering, she tried again, but even harder. She heard a groan from inside and shuffle of bed sheets, but still no answer. Then Pinkie’s knee began to ache. “That’ll wake her up.”

The next sounds to come from inside the tree was a scream, a tumble out of bed, a fall down the stairs, and a mutter of annoyance. “Pinkie.” Soon though, Twilight opened the door, looking in a right mess. “I believe this is yours,” she muttered.

Using her magic, she levitated Pinkie’s pet Alligator out of her house and dropped him in front of Pinkie. “What was he even doing in my bed,” asked Twilight.

“I don’t know. He gets up to all sorts of adventures. And I am not one to keep him from them. That reminds me, I wonder what my old pet shark is doing right now.”

“Pet Shark? Forget it actually. So what brings you here?”

“Oh right. I was going to invite you to Borealis’ Welcome Party.”

“His Welcome Party. Wait. You’re inviting me, Twilight Sparkle, to Borealis’, my coltfriend’s own welcome party.”

“Yeah. Won’t it be fun? Where is he anyway? I need to ask him if I can throw him a welcome party.”

Twilight looked at Pinkie with a confusing look and was about to question why she would throw a welcome party without asking Borealis, but, then again this was Pinkie Pie. “Sorry Pinkie, but Borealis had to go back to Lonmane to get the last of his things. But he’ll be back this afternoon and I’m sure he’ll go.”

“Alrighty then. Here’s your invite. Now, have you seen Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight was about to answer, when she was interrupted by some loud snoring. “I think she’s on that cloud Pinkie.”

She looked up and saw a cyan leg flopping over the cloud. “Thanks Twilight. I know what to do.”

Dash was sleeping on her favourite cloud. She had been up early making sure there weren’t any clouds in the sky and now she was taking a well deserved rest. “Mm, Spitfire. I had no idea. No Soarin’ I don’t mind if you stick it in there.” Her dream was interrupted when she felt her cloud be disturbed. As she slowly woke, she saw the bubbly pink pony appear, then disappear and continuing to do so. “What do ya want Pinkie? I’ve been clearing th clouds and I just want to rest.”

“Oh sorry Rainbow...Dash. It’s just that...I was going to...invite you to...Borealis’ wel...come part,” said Pinkie in between jumps.

“Oh, sure I’ll come Pinkie. You don’t really have to ask me though. I would have come anyway.”

“Great. So I’ll...see you there at...7.”

“Sure. Now let me sleep.”

“Okie dokie...lokie,” and the pink mare bounced off. “Next stop, Rarity’s.”

Rainbow Dash watched Pinkie bounce off to her next meet. “Thank Celestia. Now I can get some sleep. Why does my cloud feel wet?”

Pinkie Pie kept on bouncing through Ponyville on her way to Rarity’s. When she Got there however, she saw that numerous suitcases outside. She was curious and decided to follow her nose and investigate. “Not that I have much choice.”

How can you even hear me? Anyway, she saw that Rarity was packing some of her manikins away. “Hey Rarity. Whatcha doin’? Are you moving?”

“Mm. Oh not at all darling,” replied the well educated unicorn. “Well, as it turns out, I have been invited to the engagement party of Hoity Toity and Photo Finish.”

“Oh that’s great Rarity. I’m sure you’ll...Wait, when did Hoity Toity and Photo Finish get together.”

“Well I don’t want to bore you with the details, but, there was a photo shoot, both got into an argument, then, for some reason began to make out, and well, they tried to keep it a secret, but, you know the tabloids and they are now about to announce their engagement.”

Pinkie simply looked at Rarity with her head held high and her eyes half closed. “And why wasn’t I, invited to plan the party?”

“Because they don’t know you.”

“But I know them.”

“Of course you do Pinkie.”

“So, is all that stuff outside yours,” ask the pink pony changing attitudes.

“Oh goodness no darling,” said Rarity. “Those are Sweetie Belle’s, ‘necessities.’”

“Well they are.”

“She’s going to Mother and Father’s house while I’m away. These are my things over here darling,” said Rarity pointing over to the enormous pile of suitcases and bags ready to go to Canterlot.

“Gee Rarity, do you really need all of those things. And who helped to get all this downstairs.”

“Well of course I need all of this. Last time I went to Canterlot I was so under prepared. And, well, I got Caramel and Lucky to help me again.”

“Those two will do just about for you.”

“Yes well, I do have to return the favour to those two every now again Pinkie,” said Rarity as she trotted over to her last suitcase. “Thankfully I have plenty to give.”

“Wait, you haven’t even met Twilight’s coltfriend yet.”

“Oh don’t worry darling about that darling. I’ll be going there this afternoon for tea. I’ll sure to meet him then.”

“Okie dokie lokie then. I’ll be off. Gonna see Applejack and Fluttershy.”

“By then darling,” and with that the Pink mare bounced away. 

Pinkie Pie continued to bounce down towards the country lane leading to the outskirts of Ponyville. There resided the apple family farm. Pinkie Saw Applejack bucking apple trees with Big Macintosh.

“Hey Applejack.”

“Huh. Oh howdy Pinkie. How can ah help ya?”

“Oh you don’t have to help me, but I do want you and Lasso to come to Borealis’ welcome party, and ask Lasso if he wants one too.”

“Why thank you Pinkie. I would love to come. But ah’m afraid Lasso can’t make it. He’s travelin’.”

Pinkie was surprised. “But you told me two days ago that he was going to stop travelling.”

“Don’t worry Pinkie, he said he’d be back. He jus’ wanted ta go on one last trip before he officially retires from it.”

“Oh, okay then. Hope he comes back soon. Can I at least hold a party in his honour?”

“Course you can. Ah don’t see why ya can’t.”

“Yay,” said Pinkie, bouncing in place for joy. Her attention then turned to Big Mac and trotted towards him. “What about you Big Mac. Do you wanna come as well?”

“No thank you Pinkie. Ah’m not really the partying pony.”

“Aw,” moaned Pinkie. “Pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaase,” she wined whilst battering her eye lashes at him. Then she whispered into his ear, “I can give you a very special treat afterwards.” Big Mac blushed through his own red coat at Pinkie’s offer and froze solid. Pinkie simply laughed. “I’m only kidding silly. You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to see Fluttershy.” And Pinkie bounced away, with Big Mac still frozen in place. 

Pinkie Pie soon made her way up the path to Fluttershy’s cottage near the border of the Everfree forest. As she crossed the bridge however, she felt a bit strange, as if something was different. She simply shrugged it off. She thought it was just normal pony sense and not her Pinkie sense. She eventually got to the door and knocked it. She waited, and waited. She knocked again. “This isn’t right,” she said to herself. “Fluttershy’s normally up by now. It’s time,” she began as she put on an inspectors hat and a picked up a pipe, “to investigate.”

In her room, Fluttershy was sleeping with her head on the chest of her new coltfriend Blue Muscle. The previous days incidents had meant the two had connected and Fluttershy knew that this was the stallion she wanted to be with. As she snuggled into his muscular chest, listening to his heartbeat pounding strong, Blue Muscle began to slowly wake up, but as he opened his eyes, instead of being greeted by the ceiling, he was greeted by a pair of blue eyes. “WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO FLUTTERSHY?!”

In a mad panic, Blue Muscle scrambled out of the bed as fast as he could. The sudden impact of his jump out had caused the bed to collapse in on itself and waking Fluttershy as well as crashing her into the ground. Blue Muscle quickly hid in the closet and tried his best to close the door. Pinkie had already sprung for the closet and was trying her best to open the closet. “COME OUT NOW. I KNOW YOU’RE IN THERE!”

“Uh,” groaned Fluttershy. “Pinkie Pie, what’s going on?”

“Oh hi Fluttershy. There was this strange pony in your bed and I chased him into the closet. You can thank me now.”

It took Fluttershy a second to regain what had just happened. When she did, she went into a panic. “Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,” she said as she rushed passed Pinkie Pie.

“Huh. Another day. Another time when I find someone in someone’s bed. Mainly mine.”

Fluttershy got to the closet and did her best to coax Blue Muscle out. “Shhh, sh, sh, sh, sh. It’s okay. She’s a friend of mine. You don’t have to be scared of her.” As Blue Muscle slowly emerged out of the closet, she kissed him on the cheek. Both blushed at this. Pinkie was taken rather aback.

“Would somepony please fill me in on what the doozy is going on here?”

“Well, um Pinkie, this is Blue Muscle. I met him a couple of days ago.”

“So, why is he here? Ooh, ooh, ooh. Are you two in a relationship?”

Fluttershy went red again. “Well, um Pinkie, I suppose,” she gulped, “we, we are.” Fluttershy simply smiled and blushed in hope that Pinkie would not make a big deal out of this. Then again, this is Pinkie Pie.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh OH MY GOSH. Oh Fluttershy, this is super duper news. Oh you have to tell me all about him. And then I’ve got to throw parties. There’s got to be a Fluttershy’s first coltfriend party, a welcome party and 2 party, party. Oh this is going to be so great.”

As Pinkie continued to ramble on, Fluttershy could see that Blue Muscle was growing shyer and shyer about Pinkie’s idea. Fluttershy knew what she had to do. “Um, Pinkie.”

“Yeah Fluttershy,” said Pinkie as she stopped.

“Um, there is something you should know about Blue Muscle. He’s um, very shy. I mean really shy. I mean even more shy then me.” Blue Muscle looked away from Fluttershy. “Oh no, no, no, no, no, no. I didn’t mean it like that,” she said to him before kissing him on the cheek. 

Pinkie simply went, “Ooooh. Don’t worry Fluttershy. I understand if he doesn’t want a party. But can I at least throw one in his honour. I mean, I’m doing the same for Lasso, so I guess I can roll the two into one. Well, Fluttershy, here’s your invite to Borealis’ party this evening. And here is one for you Blue Muscle if you want to come as well.”

Both accepted the invitation, but before anything else happened, Pinkie hugged Blue Muscle. She eventually retracted her head to say something. “Thanks for making Fluttershy happy Blue. I hope you do come to one of my parties at some point.”

As Pinkie dismounted, Blue Muscle smiled. He then gave a salute to say he was leaving and headed for the door, but not before kissing Fluttershy on the lips. Fluttershy went red once more as Blue Muscle descended the stairs to the door.  Fluttershy could only stare dreamingly as he left. “He’s really cute,” said Pinkie.

Fluttershy was startled. “Pinkie.”

“And strong.”

“Pinkie!”

“And I bet he has an enormous...”

PINKIE! I think it’s best if we end this now.

“Aw, you’re no fun.”

HOW DO YOU KEEP DOING THAT?!
> Chapter 7: Borealis' Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the library Twilight and Rarity was sitting down to tea while Sweetie Belle was playing with Spike. That was the original plan but, Sweetie Belle decided to read after she caught Spike playing with the bride and groom decorations from the wedding. Don’t ask. Anyway, Twilight and Rarity were talking about Borealis. “I just can’t believe you stumbled into him by accident Twilight.”

“I know. I mean you hear romance stories like about mares finding their perfect stallion, but that’s all fiction. And it’s just me. I mean, I am a bit socially awkward.”

“Oh no Twilight you’re not. I mean you were at first but, you’ve been so much more open of recent.”

“Well that’s all completely down to...”  Before Twilight could answer, she heard a knock on the door. “Ooh. That must be Borealis,” said Twilight as she headed for the door. She quickly checked in a mirror to make sure she was alright and opened the door. “Oh Borealis, I cannot tell you how much I...” She stopped. There was no one there. “Mm. Must be something faulty with the bell.” And with a heavy sigh, she shut the door.

Or at least she tried to. As the door shut fully, there was a very loud cry of pain. “YOUCH.” Twilight looked as Borealis slowly appeared with his tail caught in the door.

“Borealis,” questioned Twilight.

“OPEN THE DOOR. OPEN THE DOOR. OPEN THE DOOR,” begged Borealis. Twilight quickly reopened the door and Borealis’ tail came in. “Ugh. Thank you Twilight. Thank you.”

“Are you alright Borealis,” asked Twilight.

“Ooh. I’ve been better.”

“What were you playing at anyway?”

“I’d thought I’d surprise you. You see I’ve been working on a new invisibility spell to make us invisible for longer and I wanted to show you my progress.”

“Ah, that’s sweet. But, you really shouldn’t do that.”

“I’m sorry my little sparkler,” said Borealis. “Can you ever forgive?”

Twilight giggled out of embarrassment. “Little sparkler. What’s that, my pet name you gazer?”

“Well clearly your intent on doing them yourself,” said Borealis getting closer to Twilight, “my little star light.”

“Oh Borealis,” said Twilight. The two closed the gap and began to make out gently began to kiss. Both however being lost in the moment mounted onto their hind legs and hugged to get closer. They would have gotten further, if they hadn’t been interrupted.

“Ahem.”

The two opened there eyes to see Rarity standing there. Both soon realised how far they had gotten. They quickly got back down and all fours and began to mumble and stutter there apologies to each other. “Oh don’t worry about it Darling’s. You’re just in love that’s all. I completely understand. So you must be Borealis. Twilight has told me so much about you.”

“And you must Miss Rarity,” said Borealis. “Twilight tells me that you are Ponyville’s finest dress maker, and that you have connections in Canterlot.”

“Well I do happen to know Sapphire Shores, Fancy Pants as well as Hoity Toity and Photo Finnish.”

Rarity was pleased. “Speaking of which, I am afraid I must go Darlings.”

“Oh come on Rarity,” said Twilight. “You can at least stay for 10 more minutes.”

“Well, I suppose it couldn’t hurt. Anyway Sweetie Belle does appear to be enjoying her reading,” said Rarity pointing to the young filly. “And anyway I must make sure that, you are a true gentlecolt.” Before the three could go back to the table, the door opened once more, as in stepped a small foal. “‘Ello Miss Twilight.”

“Oh, hey there Pipsqueak,” said Twilight. “Here to return those books?”

“Not exactly. More like to renew them, and get some more, if that’s alright?”

“Well of course it. Hand me those books and I’ll let you find some more.” Twilight used her magic to take the books away and take them to her desk.

“Is that a Trottingham voice I hear,” said Borealis.

“Tha’ be true sir. Pipsqueak’s the name.”

“Borealis Aura.”

“Nice ta meet ya Mr. Bore-al-is.” Borealis sighed at the miss pronunciation of his name. “Oh and uh, Miss Rarity. Nice to see you too. Is uh, Sweetie Belle around?”

“Why yes. She’s reading over there.” Rarity pointed towards Sweetie Belle.

“Thanks,” said Pipsqueak as he trotted towards Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle was reading a book that clearly she was confused about. “’Ello Sweetie Belle. Whatcha readin’?”

“Oh just a silly little baby’s book,” said Sweetie Belle. “Something about trains with faces. “Sweetie Belle giggled. “This one about a little engine and how he went fishing.” She giggled some more. “And that one over there is about one that wouldn’t come of a tunnel because it was raining. I mean how silly.”

“He he. Yeah silly,” said Pipsqueak.

“Come along Sweetie Belle,” called Rarity. “The Taxi’s here.”

“OK then sis. See ya Pipsqueak.”

“See ya.”

Rarity and Sweetie Belle left, with the stallion in front struggling to move with all the bags. Twilight Borealis and Spike watched. “All right then,” said Twilight. “I’d better get back to Pipsqueak’s books.”

Spike and Borealis kept watching, with Spike staring dreamingly at Rarity. Borealis only laughed slightly. Spike took notice of this. “What’s so funny?”

“Oh, it’s just that stallion struggling with the cart.” Borealis turned and headed back to the library, then he said quietly, but loud enough for Spike to hear, “And the fact you think you have a chance with her.”

Spike was appalled and chased after him back to the library. “And what exactly is that meant to me...”

“Spike,” called Twilight. “Hey Spike can you go find Pipsqueak. I have his books ready.”

“No need Miss,” came a voice. The three turned to see Pipsqueak standing there, his head held low.

“Ah Pipsqueak,” said Twilight. “Here are your books and I’m ready to check more out for you.”

“No thanks Miss Twilight,” said Pipsqueak sadly. “And, cancel the old books as well.”

“Is everything alright Pipsqueak?”

“Yeah. I’m fine Miss,” and Pipsqueak slowly trotted away.

“I wonder what’s wrong with him,” said Spike.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” said Borealis. “So Twilight, what were you saying about my party.”

“Oh yes the party,” said Twilight quickly. “Now then, I’m sure you’ll recall my friend Pinkie Pie...”

Spike was taken slightly aback. Pipsqueak was obviously upset and Twilight simply, brushed aside. Something was not right and Spike was determined to find out what, as soon as he finished the story arc with the bride and groom.

The noise from Sugar cube corner could only mean one thing. Pinkie was celebrating the arrival of another pony had arrived in Ponyville and Pinkie was making sure that everypony knew about it. Thankfully Mr. and Mrs. Cake had taken to twins (much to Mr. Cake’s displeasure) to Mrs. Cakes Mother’s house, so Pinkie was free to party as she wanted to.

Twilight had her reservation over whether Borealis would like Pinkie’s loud parties. But surprisingly he did well. He interacted well with the other ponies and was as ever very polite. “So Borealis,” asked Pinkie, “are you enjoying the party?”

“Of course I am Pinkie. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Ponyville’s premier party pony Pinkie Pie.”

“That’s what my card says.”

“It sure doe, wait. I haven’t seen you card.”

“Oh you haven’t. Here it is.” Pinkie handed a pink card to Borealis as both him and Twilight read it. Borealis read it aloud.

“Pinkie Pie. Ponyville’s premier party pony. Well what do you know?”

“I find it best never to question Pinkie Pie but what I do know is that this party is going great.”

“Well, Twilight you have really great friends.”

“Yeah I know I do.”

Then all of a sudden, Carrot Top burst in. The music stopped and everypony stared at her panting. “What’s wrong Carrot,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“One of the Royal Chariots has just entered Ponyville and it’s on its way here.”

Everypony began to talk at once. A Royal Chariot meant a Royal visit. Twilight however was confused. “I’m sure Princess Celestia would have given me some advanced warning if her or Princess Luna’s visit. Unless of course...huh.” Twilight gasped. “Um, Borealis I think it’s best if we leave now.”

Borealis was surprised. “I’d thought that you would love for a royal visit.”

“Not this one though.”

Soon, all of the ponies heard the door open as in stepped into room was the newlyweds. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her husband and Twilight’s brother, Shining Armour. However, they didn’t look friendly. Pinkie Pie was quick to greet them. “Hi and welcome to Borealis’ welcome as well as...”

The Princess and Shinning simply trotted past her. They ignored all of the ponies and simply totted towards Twilight and Borealis. “Uh-oh,” said Twilight. Sinning and Cadence stopped in front of them. 

“Twilight,” said Shining Armour.

“Oh dear.”

“You never told me you had a coltfriend.”

“Here it comes.” Twilight prepared for the worst.

Shining Armour then smiled. “You should have told me. I would have loved to have hang out with him.”

“And there it is.”

Borealis was confused. “Hi. Shining Armour. Head of the Royal Guard.”

“Um. Borealis Aura. Erm explorer I guess.”

“Awesome you’re an explorer.”

“Well trying to be an explorer. I’m making sure I know everything before I start.”

“Wow. Twily, you picked a good one this time.”

“Please stop,” said Twilight under her breath.

“Come on Borealis. Let’s go and talk.”

“Sure, I guess,” and the two trotted to get a drink, leaving Twilight looking miserable. Cadence was curious.

“What’s wrong Twilight? I thought you would have loved to have seen your big brother get along with your coltfriend?”

“Yeah,” added Applejack. “I wished Big Mac was like that with Lasso.”

“That’s the problem though,” said Twilight. “He gets to friendly with them and tells them embarrassing stories, or worst drives them away because of it.” The three mares looked towards the two stallions. Shining was laughing at some remark and Borealis put on an awkward smile.”Excuse me while I bang my head against a wall.”

“I have such a wall over here,” said Pinkie.

“Thanks Pinkie.”

From there on in, for Twilight at least the party went downhill. Shining spent the rest of the evening talking to Borealis about Twilight’s childhood. Twilight continued to at least metaphorically hit her head against the wall when with the two. Borealis kept trying to put on a smile and occasionally laughed awkwardly. Soon though, ponies began to leave Pinkie was turning the music down. And thanks to Twilight’s relief, Shining and Cadence were leaving. “Well, it was nice meeting you Borealis,” said Shinning.

“Erm yes. Pleasure to meet you as well. Oh and erm, congratulations on your marriage and all.”

“He he. You’re alright. Well then Twily, I’ll be seeing you around.”

Twilight did her best to put on a genuine smile for her big brother. “Be seeing you around then Shining. Princess Cadence.”

“Bye Twilight,” said Cadence, and the newlyweds climbed into their carriage and were hauled away. Twilight gave an aspirated sigh.

“Well um, that was interesting,” said Borealis.

“I am so sorry about my brother,” said Twilight. “He gets that sort of way when I get a knew coltfriend.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve dealt with that sort of pony before. Friendly, but can get on your nerves. Don’t worry about it too much.”

“Thank you Borealis.” Twilight stole a quick kiss from Borealis. “Alright then Pinkie. Borealis and I are going to head back to the library.”

“Yes we will be and thank you once miss Pie. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Ponyville.” Borealis stuck out his hoof, but Pinkie resorted to giving him a bear hug.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re making Twilight happy and of course you were so polite and...”

“Um Pinkie. I think you’re squeezing Borealis to hard.”

“Oh Sorry,” and Pinkie dropped Borealis who gasped for air. “See ya soon then,” and Pinkie bounced into Sugar Cube Corner.

“Well, I suppose we’d better get back to the library,” said Borealis.

“Yeah I suppose we should. I bet you can’t catch me.”

“Oh it is on,” said Borealis as he chased after Twilight playfully. “When I catch I am going to kiss you and I won’t be able to stop.”

“Who said about wanting to stop?”

Soon Twilight burst through the doors of the library door giggiling. “I told I could beat you here.”

Borealis quickly followed behind. “Alright then you win. Let me give the winner a winning kiss.”

“Oh you sneaky little stallion,” said Twilight, as the two embraced each other and began to kiss deeply, both moaning with pleasure. With both ponies still being rather young, they quickly moved onto using their tongues, dancing in and out of each other’s mouths. They had remembered how they nearly got this far this morning if not interrupted. But now there was nothing to interrupt them. It was all about Twilight and Borealis. Borealis and Twilight...”

“Uh. Twilight.”

Damn. Twilight and Borealis broke the kiss to see a still sleepy Spike. “Oh Spike, did we wake you up?”

“A little,” grumbled Spike.

“Oh Sorry. I guess we got a little carried away. Borealis will be staying here tonight as well by the way.”

“Sure whatever. Can I have my milk now?”

“Um Spike,” said Borealis, “pardon me for asking but, aren’t you a little old to be having warm milk before bed?”

“Only when he’s been woken up,” said Twilight. “Could you take care of it Borealis? It’s just that I’ve got to clean up a little. Spike, go back to your bed and Borealis will make it for you.”

“Sure I guess,” said spike as he went to bed. A few moments later as Spike was getting comfortable and waited for Borealis to come in with his milk. He did eventually. “Ah thank you,” said Spike expecting Borealis to take it to him. He didn’t. He just stood there in the door way, levitated the glass of milk towards Spike, and left shutting the door firmly behind him.

“Gee, what’s biting up his flank?” As Spike took a sip, he nearly spat it back out. Grudgingly he swallowed. It defiantly milk, but it seemed to have out the outside of it heated beyond warm, and the inside to still feel cold. “How hard is it to make warm milk if your ‘oh so intelligent.’” He said out of annoyance. He daren’t drink it again. Looks like a bad night ahead for him.

Twilight meanwhile was looking in one of her closets for a spare blanket for Borealis. “Where is it? Come on.” She then heard the door opening and turned. There stood Borealis. “Oh hey there. Did Spike like his milk?”

“Drank it down.”

“Oh good. Um, could you per chance help me find a blanket for you?”

“Why do you need find another blanket?”

“Well um,” Twilight blushed.

“Why don’t I show you one of the benefits of sharing a bed.”

Borealis approached Twilight and kissed her again on the lips. It didn’t take long for Twilight to respond back. Twilight didn’t put up much of a fight either as she opened her mouth to let Borealis in and to fall back onto the bed. They continued to make out. Twilight however felt she had to intervene. “Borealis. Wait. It’s too soon.”

“I know it is Twilight. Still doesn’t mean we can at least cuddle.” Borealis got off of Twilight and trotted towards one side of the bed. Twilight also got up and went to the other side and both climber in, with Twilight putting her head on Borealis’ chest, listening to his gentle heart beat. He also lightly kissed Twilight on her head and rubbed her side.

“You are just so good to me, you know that my little explorer,” said Twilight.

“And your too good to me,” said Borealis. And together the two drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, Spike hoped he could do the same.
> Chapter 8:Do the Hokey Kokey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie had already gotten the second party under way the next day. This one was in honour of Fluttershy’s and Applejack’s coltfriends, Blue Muscle and Lasso. The two were unable to make it due to Lasso going on one last trip before he took up a more permanent residence in Ponyville. And as for Blue Muscle, he would have been too shy to even go to the party. It didn’t mean however that Fluttershy and Applejack didn’t go. They arrived at Sugar Cube Corner together and Pinkie Pie greeted them at the door. “Hey Applejack. Hi Fluttershy.”

“Why howdy sugar cube.”

“Hi Pinkie. We really do appreciate what you are doing for our coltfriends.”

“An’ ah’m sure that if they were here right now they would show you there thanks too.”

“It’s OK. A party’s a party. Although this one won’t be as big as the other one last night mainly because I had one last night and because the reasons for the party aren’t here for the party and of Blue Muscle was here then it would be really big because have you seen the size of him Applejack he’s even bigger then Big Macintosh and I bet he could beat him in a fight if he wasn’t so shy...”

“Uh Pinkie,” said Applejack.

“Yeah?”

“Breath.”  Pinkie took in a large amount of air as now she seemed at her normal hyperactive self. “Anyway, Big Mac keeps getting beaten up by Lasso anyway, so Blue Muscle isn’t really required.”

“And I don’t think Blue Muscle would do something like that,” said Fluttershy. “He is really caring and kind and wouldn’t dare hurt another pony.”

“Pardon me fer, makin’ like he’s a bad stallion, but I heard from Applebloom that, he made a salespony cry.”

Fluttershy looked away. “Well, um, he was, just trying to defend me, and he didn’t mean to anyway.”

“Ah’m sure he didn’t. Anyway personally, ah think he deserved it.”

“Thank you Applejack, I think.”

As the two went off to go and mingle, Pinkie Pie was about to join them. Then she stopped all of a sudden she stopped. She looked around and on her own person. “Something isn’t right,” she said to herself.

“Hey Pinkie,” called a voice.

“Twilight.” Pinkie ignored the feeling and went to greet Twilight and Borealis. “Twilight, I’m so glad you can make it. And thank you Borealis for...” Pinkie stopped mid-sentence for she could see that Twilight had arrived alone. “Where’s Borealis?”

“Well apparently he ordered a really large present for me. He really didn’t have to but he was so insistent. Sadly it got held up Manehatten, so he had to go get it himself. Don’t worry he’ll be back tomorrow. He says the package will be extra special.”

“Oh. Well, if it’s a really big present, then I understand. Boy Borealis must really be in...” Pinkie stopped. She looked around again. She even sniffed the air. Twilight was understandably confused.

“Pinkie, I know I’m going to regret this but, what are you doing?”

“Something is not right Twilight. Something, really, isn’t, right.”

“What is,” asked Twilight with concern. “Is your Pinkie sense going off?”

“No. And there’s the problem Twilight.”

“What do you mean? Surely if your Pinkie sense isn’t going off, that means everything is alright.”

“No it isn’t. I always get very small Pinkie senses. It tells me things like if anyone is happy or sad. And just a few minutes ago, it told me everyone was happy. Now it’s like it’s just...been turned off.”

Pinkie was beginning to panic more so Twilight tried her best to cheer her up. “Cheer up Pinkie. Maybe you too hard. I mean even two big parties in quick succession would even take it out of the princesses. Come on, let’s go and get some punch. That’ll make you feel better.”

“Yeah, I suppose it would help to get me in the party mood.” So the two friends headed towards the table with the punch bowl. However, when they got there, other ponies were just standing around it awkwardly. As the two friends got closer, they saw why. There on the table, with his head shoved in the punch bowl, was a purple colt, with dark purple hair and a cutie cake drinking the punch down.

Twilight, cautiously approached. “Um excuse me sir, but would you care to explain why your head is in the punch bowl.”

The colt quickly brought his head up a looked at Twilight and Pinkie Pie. “Well you see I heard the punch her in Ponyville was really, really good so I thought I would say what the hay and simply dunk my head in there to get a taste because I really couldn’t be bothered with getting a cup and I’m glad I did because the punch is really, really, REALLY good. Oh I must see the pony who made this and tell her what I feel about.”

Barley pausing, the colt then gasped loudly and darted towards Pinkie. “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. It’s you. Ponyville’s Premier Party Pony I just wanted to tell you how great your punch is, although I suppose that you already knew that due to the fact I just told you friend there. Can you tell me the recipe for that? I would love to how you make it. By the way, my names Hokey Kokey but I’m sure you knew that already.”

“Ugh,” was the only word Pinkie managed. Twilight was taken rather aback. In all the time she knew Pinkie, she was never speechless.

“Mm. I thought you were more of a talker really. Ooh I love this song. I’ll be on the dance floor if you need me.”

When Hokey Kokey left for the dance floor, Twilight went to talk to Pinkie. “Pinkie, are you alright?”

“I, I don’t know Twilight. I really don’t. I’ve never known anyone to be that forward with me before.”

“Well it looks like you met your match,” said Rainbow Dash. 

“Ah do find it weird that somepony can be as enthusiastic as you Pinkie,” said Applejack.

Pinkie was still rather left for words. “Um Pinkie,” asked Fluttershy. “are you OK?”

Pinkie now appeared to have just stopped. She didn’t blink. Her eyes didn’t move. Twilight wasn’t even sure she was breathing. Pinkie was staring out to the dance floor to where Hokey was dancing. He seemed so enthusiastic. So friendly. So...cute. Pinkie all of a sudden seemed to come back to life, startling her friends slightly. “What am I doing? It’s another pony to meet. Stand back girls, I’m heading to the dance floor.”

The 4 friends were relieved as Pinkie seemed to return to normal and the 4 went about their business. Hokey was pretty much hogging the dance floor to himself. Others had either taken a break from the dancing or were just staying away from the overly enthusiastic pony. Pinkie however, only seeing this as a challenge, stepped onto the dance floor and began dancing next to Hokey. “Oh hey, you’re finally dancing,” said Hokey.

“Yeah. I don’t understand why I was like that over there. I guess I was just a bit surprised about how friendly you were.”

“Yeah I get that a lot.”

Pinkie gasped. “No way me too. Some ponies say I’m way to forward, but I just want to make as many friends as possible.”

“Get out. Me as well. I always like parties. You can make so many friends at them and I heard that you threw some of the best parties ever.”

Pinkie was pleased. For the rest of night the two seemed inseparable. They drank what was left of the punch together. They played party games together. And they ate the food together. Pinkie was well known to eat a whole cake at once. Twilight remembered the incident with the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness cake. But Hokey was in a completely different class. 

Night seemed to get later and later and later. Ponies were already beginning to go home. Somehow though, Pinkie and Hokey didn’t slow down. Soon though almost everypony had left except Pinkie’s friends. Fluttershy had actually fallen asleep, but Pinkie was still going. “We’re going to have to leave now,” said Rainbow Dash. “I’ve got weather patrol in the morning. 

“Ah don’t want to seem rude,” said Applejack.

“Fluttershy’s fallen asleep,” protested Dash. As indeed she did. 

“I think it is best if we did leave,” yawned Twilight. She went to speak to the still dancing Pinkie and Hokey. “Hey um, Pinkie.”

“Yeah Twilight.”

“It’s getting late so um, we’re just going to get home, preferably before Celestia brings up the sun.”

“OK then Twilight. I’ll just keep partying with Hokey.”

It was so great to meet you all,” said Hokey. He then went up to all of Pinkie friends and gave them a hug. Applejack and Twilight accepted it warmly. Fluttershy was thankfully woken up by the hug. Rainbow Dash was reluctant at first, but eventually gave in and gave Hokey a hug as well. “I wish we could have spent more time together but your friend Pinkie was so super-duper-ific that I had to spend more time with her. I hope you aren’t affected mentally that I didn’t spend more time. Maybe we should get together more to talk...”

“Its fine,” said Rainbow Dash. “I tell you one thing though, you talk even faster than Pinkie does.”

“Well, we’ll be seeing you tomorrow Pinkie,” said Twilight.

“Bye ya’ll,” said Applejack.

“Huh. Wha. Are we going? Oh. Goodnight Pinkie,” said a sleepy Fluttershy.

“See ya guys,” waved Pinkie as her other friends left. Her attention was then drawn to the still hyper Hokey. “So then Hokey,” she said nervously, “it um, looks like we’re the only ones left.”

“I suppose your right Pinkie. Doesn’t mean we still can’t party.”

“I dunno Hokey, I’m sort of tired.”

“How about a sleepover party then?”

“Ooh. A sleepover. That would be super mega terrific.” Then Pinkie blushed slightly. “Oh. I’ve um, never had a sleepover with a colt before. Well, not deliberately of course.”

“I know what you mean. So, shall we go to finish the cakes of in your room then.”

“Great idea.” Pinkie and Hokey gathered up what was left of the cakes and headed upstairs to Pinkie’s bedroom. They spent the next hour stuffing their faces with the cakes. Both of them told stories of old parties they had been to, and at each other’s jokes.

“Wow, that was really funny Pinkie. I can’t imagine me ever forgetting my own birthday party.”

“Yeah. I felt rather silly after all of that. But turning your towns lake into jello was just inspired.” Pinkie then took a bite out of a cupcake she had been holding. Some of the frosting had ended up on her nose. Hokey snorted with laughter. “Oh like, cake on your face then,” said Pinkie. She then threw the rest of the cupcake at Hokey’s face. Icing and pies of cake was all over his face.

He quickly proceeded to lick it all off in a similar method to Pinkie. Pinkie was now very fond of Hokey, and laughed when he licked the cake off. “You’ve still got cake on your nose,” said Hokey. 

Pinkie blushed. “So I have.”

“Here let me get that for you.” Before Pinkie knew what was going on, Hokey came closer to her face and licked it of her nose. Pinkie’s face flushed with more colour and Hokey’s face did the same. Pinkie almost melted at the sensation. “Did you like that,” asked Hokey.

“Oh yes I did,” said Pinkie. “Let me return the favour.” Pinkie closed the gap between the two ponies faces and began to kiss Hokey. He in response, kissed back. Pinkie had kissed many a pony before. It was only natural when it came to some of her parties, but this one kiss, with this specific colt, felt better then all of her other kisses. Eventually after what felt like forever to the two of them, they broke apart.

“Shall we finish the sleepover,” said Hokey.

“Yes, let’s,” said Pinkie. Pinkie placed what was left of the cakes into Gummy’s food bowl, and the two ponies clambered into Pinkie’s bed. Pinkie lay on Hokey’s chest, snuggling in. “You’re like a big soft pillow,” she told him.

Hokey put his hoof round her and cuddled her. “And you’re like a big squidgy teddy bear,” he told her.

The two eventually fell asleep, just as Luna brought the moon down and Celestia brought the sun up. Another day was about to begin.
> Chapter 9: Dame
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun rose once more over a Saturday morning Ponyville. Citizens were already going about their business. Having Breakfast, buying goods, and trying to avoid a scooter racing along the centre of it all. Yes it appeared that Scootaloo was in a hurry. This wasn’t unusual for her but it was for most young ponies. They normally liked to stay in their rooms imagining their own world until it was time for breakfast. 

Scootaloo though wanted to cease the day and to get up quick, so is to make more time in the day to find out her special talent. She would also train up her skills on her scooter. Scootaloo couldn’t fly yet so her trusted scooter was her only mean of moving fast. Propelling her are her wings. Today though, things would change.

Scootaloo had gotten up earlier than ever. Only the weather got up earlier and that was the reason why. Rainbow Dash had promised her that she would spend the entire day with her to teach Scootaloo how to fly. She had told her to meet her by Ponyville town hall. Scootaloo arrived and she was very excited. She waited for Rainbow Dash to make the most awesome entrance ever.

She looked around, but only saw a Pegasus trying to fly straight. ‘Derpy must be allowed to fly again,’ thought Scootaloo. But as object got closer, Scootaloo saw the unmistakable multi-coloured mane. “Rainbow Dash?”

Indeed it was. Rainbow Dash landed quite clumsily as she tried to steady herself. “Hey, squirt,” she mumbled.

“Rainbow Dash, are you alright,” asked Scootaloo.

“Just tired. Did you bring your scooter and wagon?”

“Um yeah, why?”

“Because this is part of your training. A Pegasus must have a good sense of direction.”

“How did Ditzy Doo learn to fly?”

“I have no idea.”

Rainbow Dash put on a spare helmet that Scootaloo had, and Scootaloo raced of. “So why are you so tired Rainbow Dash?”

“Well Scoots, a thick fog has been trying to roll in for the Everfree from the past 4 days and I was put in charge of keeping it at bay.”

“How do you do that?”

“You have to try to assemble the fog into actual cloud and send it away. And trust me, it’s really difficult. Just be glad you don’t have to get a job yet.” Scootaloo took note of this. “And also, my friends have been really annoying of late.”

“Really? What have they done?”

“You know how they all of coltfriends now?”

“Yeah.”

“Well ever since Pinkie met Hokey Kokey a few days ago, they’ve done nothing but talk about how they’ve gotten them presents, and how much time they spend together and...” Rainbow Dash shuddered slightly. “...How good they kiss.”

“Ew,” said Scootaloo. “How can anyone kiss a colt anyway?”

“I don’t mind them talking about them every now and again,” said Rainbow Dash, “But when they talk about them endlessly.” Rainbow Dash then began to do her best impressions of her friends. “Oh Twilight, we have to double date. It’ll be so much fun and I’m sure Hokey and Borealis will like each other. Well shoot Sugercube. Ah bet Lasso could rope ol’ Blue Muscle any day. Well he’ll have a difficult time. Ugh.”

Rainbow Dash slumped in the wagon as Scootaloo kept going. “Alright then squirt,” said Rainbow Dash. “Stop here.”

“Why are we stopping?”

“Because the second lesson is,” she paused impressively as Scootaloo made a face of anticipation, “always make sure you get plenty of rest.”

Scootaloo’s face dropped when she heard. “Rest?”

“Yep. Naps, sleeping, whatever. And there is my cloud.” Rainbow Dash pointed towards the sky where a single white cloud floated there. “I’ll take you up there and we’ll have a nap. Even a hyper little filly like couldn’t possibly...”

Rainbow Dash was interrupted when the cloud seemed to snore loudly. It shifted a bit and quietened down. “I’m pretty sure clouds don’t snore Rainbow Dash,” said Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo. Wait down here.” Rainbow Dash slowly took off and went straight up towards the cloud. She saw a brown male Pegasus with a lighter brown mane, snoring loudly and appeared to be eating her cloud. His cutie mark, a shooting star. Rainbow Dash had worked on this cloud for years, to make the most comfortable in all of Equestria. It was only reserved for her. And here was this stallion that she had never seen before, think he could take it for his own.

“Hey,” said Rainbow Dash in an attempt to wake her up. “Hey! HEY! WAKE UP!

The stallion talked in his sleep. “5 more minutes mommy.”

Rainbow Dash decided there was only one thing to do. She hit the sleeping stallion right in the side. The punch quickly woke him. “Eh, what’s the big idea ya crazy mare.”

Rainbow Dash was disgusted. “You have the gall to sleep on my cloud and say I’m crazy.”

“Look, I don’t know who’s you are’s, but I’ve had a long trip and I just want to get back to New Horsey. I was tired and this was the only cloud in the area. And I don’t sees ya names on it.”

“It still doesn’t give you the right to use it. And what do you mean you’ve never heard of me. I’m Rainbow Dash. The most awsomeist flier in all of Equestria.” Rainbow Dash beamed. He was sure to leave now.

“Never heards of yez.”

If Rainbow Dash wasn’t angry before, she was now. “LISTEN YOU. I AM NOT ONLY THE AWSOMIST IN ALL OF EQUESTRIA BUT ALSO THE FASTEST!”

“Fe,” retorted the stallion. “Ain’t no pony faster than Star Scream. Especially some crazy dame like you.”

“Oh yeah,” said Rainbow Dash. By now the two pegasi were in each other’s faces. “If you think you’re so fast, how about a race. Winner keeps the cloud.”

“Oh if we’re gonna bet, how’s about we makes things interesting. Loser, takes the other one on a date, and pays for it.”

“You’re on,” said Rainbow Dash. She then looked down to Scootaloo. “Hey squirt.”

“Yes Rainbow Dash.”

“You’re going to see some awesome flying.”

Scootaloo Squeed.

Later, the 2 adult pegasi were at the top of the mountain near Ponyville. Scootaloo was at the bottom. She was going to be joining in too as an observer. “Right,” said Rainbow Dash, “we go down the mountain, over the lake, circle round the apple orchard and meet back were the cloud is. Can you handle it?”

“Please, if you were from, where I was from, this’d be easy,” replied Star Scream.

“Ready.”

“Steady.”

“GO,” said the two ponies, as all was left in their place, was a dust cloud. After watching Rainbow Dash zip down the mountain, Scootaloo took off as well. She was allowed to take short cuts but she knew she could never be as awesome as or quick as Rainbow Dash. Dash thought she was winning. She couldn’t see Star Scream anywhere. 

‘Hope he brought his wallet,’ she thought. She soon entered Ponyville. Building’s flashed by as her goal got nearer and nearer. Then she saw a sight that made her heart sink. There’ standing by the cloud was Star Scream, looking smug.

“Tooks ya time,” he said. 

Rainbow Dash slowed to a halt and could only say, “But...”

“Well then, I’ll be taking this cloud back to New Horsey.”

Scootaloo had now caught up. “Hey Rainbow Dash how badly did you beat him?”

“She lost kiddo,” said Star Scream.

“But, how is that possible.”

“But.”

“I’ll be back tonight. Hope ya remember to bring your purse.” Star Scream then took the cloud and flew away laughing, leaving Rainbow Dash stuck in a trance.

“But.”

Scootaloo thought it would be best to take the ‘Buting’ Rainbow dash away on her scooter. “Maybe Twilight can help you, and figure out how you were beaten.”
> Chapter 10: Rainbow Dash's date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“But. But. But. But...”

“And then she was like this Twilight.”

“But. But. But. But...”

“Are you sure that’s all that happened Scootaloo.”

“But. But. But. But...”

“Positive.”

“But. But. But. But...”

“Mm. What do you think Applejack?”

“But. But. But. But...”

“I haven’t seen anythin’ like this before Twilight. Lasso, you’ve met a load of ponies, you seen anythin’ like this?”

“But. But. But. But...”

“Can’t say fer sure. She’s more frozen then a rattle snake at a mongoose rodeo.”

“But. But. But. But...”

Scootaloo had brought Rainbow Dash to the Library where she, Applejack and the recently returned Loose ‘Lasso’ Rope had been talking about his adventures. Rainbow Dash seemed to be stuck in a trance. “She was beaten in a race by some other Pegasus pony. She lost her cloud because of it.”

“I don’t think losing a cloud would make her go into a trance like this,” said Twilight.

“A race shouldn’t either,” conquered Applejack. “Running of the leaves she lost to you Twilight.”

“Maybe,” began Twilight, “losing a race that involves flying could do this to her. I’ve never heard of a story were Rainbow Dash is beaten at flying.”

“Me neither,” said Applejack. “But, I think I may have figured out a way to snap her out of this trance. Ahem. Boy Howdy. Ah can’t believe I found a backstage pass to the next Wonderbolts show. Too bad ah don’t like ‘em much. Ah guess they’ll just go in the trash.”


The next thing anyone knew, Applejack was tackled to the ground by a rainbow streak. Applejack was now on her back with the Rainbow Manned Pegasus on top of her. “DON’T THROW THOSE AWAY I’VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THOSE FOR MONTHS PLEEEAASE GIVE THEM TO ME.” Rainbow Dash was then Lassoed of Applejack and landed on her back. She then began to take in her surroundings. “How did I get here?”

“Well,” began Lasso, “according to the little missy here, you were beaten by a race and was completely frozen. Ain’t seen nothin’ like that.”

Rainbow Dash thought back to earlier that day. She face hoofed. “Ugh. Now I remember. There was some idiot called Star Scream on my cloud, and he never heard of me. How rude. I then challenged him to a race, winner to get my cloud. I then lost the race, and my cloud.” Rainbow Dash face hoofed once more. “And not only that, but now I’ve got a date with him tonight at 7. AND I HAVE TO PAY!”

“Wait,” said Twilight. “Why do you have to date him? And more importantly pay. Borealis and I always split the bill.”

“And as for me,” put in Lasso, “ah always pay the full lot of bits. It’s the only gentlecoltly thing to do.”

“As you are Lasso,” said Applejack walking up to him. “As you are.” She then gave him a peck on the cheek. 

“Aw Shucks,” went Lasso.

“Bleugh,” went Scootaloo.

“This is serious though you guys,” said Rainbow Dash. “I don’t want to go on this date.”

“Sorry Rainbow,” said Twilight, “but you should have at least thought of the possibility that you’ll lose.”

“But I never lose.”

“Well you did and you are going on this date. I’ll inform everypony.”

Rainbow only gulped.

Sugar Cube Corner 11:30 AM.

“Ooh we are going to need streamers.”

“Pinkie.”

“No, that’s too many streamers. More Balloons.”

“Hokey.”

“Ooh, great idea Hokey. But we will need to...”

“OI! LOVE BIRDS!”

The two bouncing ponies stopped and looked at Rainbow Dash. “I don’t want this date to go smoothly. The sooner he’s out of my life the better.”

“Well then why did Twilight say you were going to have it here,” asked Pinkie.

“It’s because she thinks I need a coltfriend because everyone else has one. And then we can ‘all date’ or something like that. But I don’t want to date Star Scream. He’s a complete jerk and is completely self-absorbed. Honestly, could you imagine if I was like that?”

No comment from the author.

“Aw come on. That’s not very nice.”

You’re doing it too. Ugh. I’m regretting creating you.

“Anyway,” began Hokey, “what are we going to do with all the decorations? Cakes are away again and we can’t have a party this short notice.”

The two earth ponies thought as Rainbow Dash took in the silence for a moment. “OOH, I KNOW,” they both shouted.

“What in equestrian could you two...?”

“MAKE OUT PARTY!”

“Please tell me your not...” but they were. Pinkie had jumped on Hokey sending both onto the floor there lips meeting and began to make out. “I’ll show myself out.” Rainbow Dash thought it best to leave before things got private.

Fluttershy’s cottage. 2:30 PM

“YOUCH. Careful were your sticking those needles Fluttershy. I want some blood left by the end of the day.”

“Well maybe if you didn’t squirm I wouldn’t have to jam needle into you Rainbow. If um, that’s okay with you?”

“Well maybe if your coltfriend wasn’t such a coward, he can hold me still.”

Rainbow Dash was at Fluttershy’s cottage getting a dress fitted. Rarity was still out of town so Fluttershy had agreed to do Rainbow Dash’s dress, having knowledge of sewing. Blue Muscle meanwhile was hiding under the table, his head turned away from the two mares. “Fine,” said Rainbow Dash, “I’ll try to stand still.”

“What actually seems to be bothering you Rainbow Dash,” questioned Fluttershy. I thought you would have wanted to go on your date.”

“I don’t. It was just a silly little bet that I never should have agreed to. The sooner it’s over and done with, the better. I mean, if you had to go on a date that you didn’t want to go on, would you make a fuss of it? Fluttershy?”

“Uh, oh sorry Rainbow Dash. I was distracted. So what were you saying?”

Rainbow Dash looked round the room, to see what would distract Fluttershy. All of her animals were outside, she couldn’t see any out the window. It didn’t take long to realise what she was distracted by. “As I was saying Fluttershy, I don’t want to go on this date. I mean,” she blushed, “I suppose it has been a while since my last date, but still I think I should be able to choose who I go on a date with, and not because of some silly YOUCH! WOULD YOU STOP STARING AT HIS PLOT!”

Rainbow Dash’s outburst had caused Fluttershy’s cheeks and ears to go red with embarrassment. It had also caused Blue Muscle to emerge from underneath the table, with a blush as full as Fluttershy’s. Before either of the two Pegasus mares had a chance to say anything, Blue Muscle had darted upstairs to hide. Fluttershy stared crossly at Rainbow Dash. “What? It’s not my fault he’s a wimp.”

Fluttershy finally drew the line. She cut the thread and stood back. “There done,” she said flatly.

Rainbow Dash looked in the mirror. “But Fluttershy, it looks to good.” Fluttershy had actually done a simple flowing white gown with blue stitching to match Rainbow’s coat. “It needs to be about 20% less awesome.”

“I’m sorry Rainbow Dash but other things have come up. I’ve now got to go and calm my little blue cat down.”

“LITTLE! He’s twice the size of Applejack’s brother.” Fluttershy merely hmped and went upstairs. “Wait Fluttershy. I’m sorry okay.” Clearly Fluttershy wasn’t listening, so Rainbow Dash decided to take her leave. “I’m really not going to try at this date.”

Rainbow Dash’s home. 6:55 PM

Finally, everything was prepared. Rainbow Dash had been given a Spa treatment earlier in the day, thanks to Rarity’s connections and Twilight (still being affected by the cloud walking spell) was with her in her house, still trying her best to convince her that going on this date was a good thing. Rainbow Dash though was stubborn. “I don’t understand why I should still go on this date. He guy is a complete jerk.”

“Don’t be so pessimistic Rainbow Dash. I’m sure that behind that description you’ve given us, he’ll be fine.”

“You just want us all to have colt friends so that none of us get jealous of each other.”

“No Rainbow. I just want to help you.”

“I’m still not going to enjoy it.”

“I’m sure you will,” said Twilight. “I bet you any money that brown Stallion will turn up at that door in a bow tie and a bouquet of flowers any second.”

15 Minutes later

“Any second.”

Another 15 minutes later

“See Brown! No wait, that’s maroon.”

Yet another 15 minutes later

“That’s it. He didn’t bother to show up,” but before Rainbow Dash could to bad mouth the stallion, the doorbell rang.

“Ha,” went Twilight. “I told you. Now I bet he is there with a Bow tie and flowers.”

Rainbow Dash went to open the door and as she did, all she saw was Star Scream struggling with his bow. He was wearing a rather cheap and nasty tuxedo that smelt like it had been vomited on by an Ursa Minor. He finally got to his hooves, but his bow tie was a complete state. “Stupid Monkey suit.”

“Then why did you buy it,” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Well one of us has got’s ta put in the effort,” said Star Scream as he eyed up Rainbow Dash’s dress. “And it was dirt cheap.”

“Smells like you just got it out of the dirt,” retorted Rainbow Dash.

“Well excuse me for putting on my best cologne and getting you some freshly pinked flowers.”

“You see Rainbow,” interrupted Twilight. “I told you he would be a gentlecolt. He’s in a tuxedo...” Twilight recoiled, finally getting a whiff of the suit and the cologne, “...and he also brought flowers. Just look at them aren’t they... Hey wait. Those are my hibiscuses.” Twilight quickly took the flowers back from Star Scream.

“Well, well, who are you, you little cutie.” Twilight was now disgusted at this colt’s behaviour. “How about afterwards you and I go back to my place.”

“I have a coltfriend you know.”

“Well, if you ever feel like ditchin’ the loser.” Star Screams attempt to ‘woo’ Twilight were interrupted as Rainbow Dash grabbed him by the collar, and dragged him out of the house.

“Come on you,” she said through gritted teeth. The two left with Star Scream still waving at Twilight.

As the door slammed shut behind them, Twilight groaned. “Now I understand why Rainbow Dash didn’t want to date him.” Then something dawned on her. “How am I meant to get down?”

In the skies above Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was scowling at Star Scream, as he kept trying to fix his bow tie. “What the heck’s wrong with you,” she asked.

“I know. This bow tie is too much.” He then simply undid the tie and threw it behind him.

“I mean purposely flirting with my friend even though you’re meant to be going on a date with me.”

“Hey, you clearly don’t want to be on this date, so I got’s too keep my options open.”

“Well if you know I don’t want to go on this date, why are we going on this date?”

“Because the bet says you’re paying. I can’t deny a free meal.” Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she remembered that part of the bet. He hoped he forgot. “Anyways, we’res we goin’.”

“We’re going to the Green Clover. It’s were my friends and I hang out some time.”

“Sounds like a nice place.”

Rainbow Dash really wanted to get this date over and done with as soon as possible, so she tried to fly a little faster. “Yo Rainbow, ya mind slowin’ down.”

“Why,” said Rainbow Dash smugly. “Am I flying too fast for you?”

“No. I just can’t enjoy the scenery.” Rainbow was puzzled by this that she did slow down to allow Star Scream to catch up. “New Horsey ain’t exactly thrivin’ with nature. Rather dirty actually.”

“I would have thought you liked it dirty.”

“Yeah, but even a city slicker like me likes ta look at nature from above. I find it rather, peaceful compared to the bustling streets of the place.”

Rainbow Dash was taken rather aback by this. She would have thought that someone like Star Scream would hate a place like Ponyville. The two had now slowed to a gentle flap of the wings and as Star Scream looked down onto the land, Rainbow Dash did the same. She had lived in Ponyville for many years now as part of the weather patrol, but her herself had yet to take things slow. Alright she had, but that had slowed to a sleep, and rarely took in the beuty of what was around her.

She had never quite understood why somepony would even want to stay in Ponyville for very long. She had even questioned why she was still there herself even before she met all her wonderful friends. The only reason she could think of was she was waiting for the golden opportunity for when she would be able to join the Wonderbolts. But seeing Ponyville like this, just in the time of Twilight and the street lamps were just coming on, she realised something. ‘This town ain’t that bad,’ she thought.

The Green Clover soon came into site and the two Pegasus’ descended down to the door of the Restaurant. As they entered, they got a good look at their surroundings. Rainbow Dash and her friends normally ate outside and she hadn’t even considered dinning on the inside. But the night was predicted to be colder than usual so, it was choice of freeze, or be surrounded by snobs. It was a very close call.

The place was not that crowded. Rainbow Dash could see there were a few other couples on dates, two high class business ponies accompanied by what she assumed to be their daughters, snickering away. One table that caught Rainbow Dashes eyes was in the far corner, were two unicorns, one white furred and the other blue, in hooded cloaks, covering their faces. The blue one was mumbling something as the taller and seemingly more comfortable of the two shrugged it off, as she dived into some cake.

Then, a waiter turned up. “Table for two please,” said Star Scream.

The waiter, being a pony from Prance last time Rainbow Dash checked, didn’t take well to Star Screams own accent, and her record here had also been, not best. “Good evening Sir and Madam. If you would like to follow me to your table, I shall get your menus.”

The two Pegasus’ followed the Prench Stallion. Rainbow Dash could just feel him judging them. “And I thought my accent was stupid,” said Star Scream. Rainbow Dash giggled. The waiter looked over his shoulder and glared at them. Rainbow Dash and Star scream simply looked away as if a teacher had caught them talking to each other in class.

“Here we are Sir and Madam, your table.” The table itself was not in a great position in the restaurant. It was fairly close to the toilets so customers would be passing by regularly.

Rainbow dash was disgusted. “Couldn’t you put us somewhere else,” she asked.

“Sorry but every other table is booked out for this evening.”

“The place is empty,” cried Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry, but we cannot help it if ponies cancel.”

“Ugh, fine,” said Rainbow Dash.  The two took their seats and the waiter gave them their menu’s. He then trotted off to go and serve another couple. 

“Jeez, what’s his problem,” asked Star Scream.

“Well, let’s say I have a bit of a record here.”

“Like what?”

“Oh you know, purposely causing a rain cloud to appear over the restaurant.” 

Rainbow Dash then simply went to stare at her menu choosing what she wanted. Unbeknownst to her though, Star Scream was up to something. When she next looked up, she saw that Star Scream had taken the tassel of the menu and placed it above his lip. “Oh look at me,” began Star Scream in a prench accent, “I’m Prench and I don’t care for anypony else because I have bread and cheese.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but giggle. “I wear a burette and whenever somepony attacks me I just surrender because I’m a big Prench blouse.” Rainbow Dash laughed louder. “And speaking of our cheese, it’s much better eating cheese 3 years out of date and having onions with it.” Rainbow Dash was now laughing so loudly that the other ponies had turned their heads to see what the commotion was.

“Ahem.” The two Pegasus stopped their joking as they looked up. Above them, stood the waiter. The two were very embarrassed “Shall I take your order, or do you wish to leave.”

“We’ll order,” said Star Scream.

“What will it be then?”

“I’ll have the Daisy Burger and Hay fries please,” said Rainbow Dash.

“And I’ll have the Lettuce and Mushroom steak. Extra Barbeque sauce,” said Star Scream. The waiter simply rolled his eyes and took the menu’s away. “Douche,” muttered Star Scream.

The meal hadn’t gone down as well as they hoped. There food was late for starters. The waiter insisted that it would take a long time, but when the food did eventually arrive, it was practically cold, which only meant that the waiter purposely waited for it to cool down before serving. Or at least that is what star Scream and Rainbow Dash thought. 

But despite the spiteful service, Rainbow did enjoy the rest of her date. Star Scream was actually very polite and really funny, at least in Rainbow Dash’s eyes. Most of her other friends would probably find shoving hay fries up their noses would be rather vulgar, well, maybe not Pinkie Pie, but Rainbow Dash found a childish charm to it.

When the two did finish their meal, the waiter immediately turned up presenting the bill and went away. “Celestia I can’t believe how rude this guy is,” said Rainbow Dash. “It’s he wants us to leave.”

“I say we do as soon as possible.”

“Hold on then, let me get my money.”

“Why,” asked Star Scream.

“Oh did you forget that part of the bet?”

“Know, I’m just saying why do we have to pay when we were clearly not satisfied in our service.”

“So what are you planning,” asked Rainbow Dash suspiciously.

Star Scream got in closer to so that nopony else could here. “I says, we ditch the cheque.”

Rainbow Dash gasped. “You can’t be serious. I’ll never be allowed back here again.”

“Why would you want to?”

Rainbow Dash contemplated this for a moment. “Eh, your right. Let’s go.”

The two Pegasus quickly trotted towards the door, hoping the waiter wouldn’t notice. He did however. “OI GET BACK HERE.” The two were nearly at the door and quickly took off into the sky, leaving the waiter shaking his hoof and talking in his native tongue. “VOUS ETES TOUS DEUX BANNI DE CE LIEU DE VIE! DE VIIIIIIIE!”

The two Pegasus’ flew far enough to be sure that they weren’t being followed. They sat on the grass, their hearts pumping and the adrenalin in their bodies calming down. Dash was the first to speak. “Wow, that was, one of the dumbest, and most exciting things I have ever done in my life.”

“Not the first time I’ve done it,” panted Star Scream.

“Wait, you’ve done this before,” said Rainbow Dash in slight alarm.

“Only when required, like snooty waiter’s that pushes you aside just for pushing you aside.”

“Well, we really shouldn’t have done that. Try not to do it anymore.”

“I’ll try. So, shall I take you home?”

“That would be very gentlecoltly,” and the couple took of for Rainbow Dash’s cloud home.

As the two got to the front door of the cloud home, Rainbow Dash spoke. “Listen, I had a really good time tonight, much better than I thought. You’re alright,” she said as she gently punched Star Scream’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I enjoyed it as well,” said Star Scream. “Listen, it’s a really long flight back to New Horsey, so I was wondering if I can crash here for the night?”

Rainbow then got an idea. “Sure, if you give me some rent.”

“Rent! I haven’t got any money.”

“Well, you can always pay me like this.” With that Rainbow Dash moved towards Star Scream and kissed him long and hard on the lips. 

Star Scream almost immediately kissed back. The two soon broke apart after what felt like an hour, and Star Scream said the first words. “I really likes you kid.” The two then trotted into Rainbow’s house as a couple, and for once in her life, Rainbow Dash felt like she didn’t need the Wonderbolts. 
> Chapter 11: Veve le Prance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the library Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were all having a get together. Applebloom had been dragged along with her sister and Spike was forced to spend time with her. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, it was just more of a case of they were both in the same rut and both had been pretty much been dragged along to be in the same rut, only twice as big. 

For you see, the mane 6 normally had these sorts of discussions on a regular basis, this time into Twilight’s tree library. Applebloom or Spike were never really dragged along to these things, but Granny Smith and Big Macintosh had gone Apple selling, and after Applebloom’s last adventure at selling, she wasn’t allowed to go. And as for Spike, well he lives at the Library, and that’s where the meet up was. To say that both were sick to death about hearing about coltfriends, was an understatement.

Thankfully there train of thought was interrupted when a familiar voice came into their heads. “Hey guys.”

“Hey Scootaloo,” they both mumbled.

“What’s wrong with you two?” Both the filly and the dragon simultaneously pointed towards the group of four ponies, all giggling and talking about there coltfriends. Well technically, Twilight was telling her friends about Rainbow Dash’s date, Star Scream.

“Honestly girls, this guy is such a jerk. He absolutely stunk, he tried to get his luck on me, right in front of Rainbow Dash and (I’m so going to sound like Rarity here) his suit was absolutely appalling.”

“Sounds like most ponies from New Horsey,” said Applejack.

“He sounds like a big meanie bo-beanie,” said Pinkie Pie. “Not like my Hokey.”

“Or my Knight in blue armour,” said Fluttershy.

“Yeah,” said all the mares said dreamingly, thinking about there coltfriends.

Scootaloo began gaking and pointing her hoof in her mouth. “I see what you mean. Luckily for me Rainbow Dash will never fall for any colt. She’s way too awesome for that mushy stuff.” Suddenly the door burst open and a familiar cyan came in. “Ooh, ooh, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash,” cried Scootaloo.

Rainbow Dash immediately though went to the table where her friends were. “You guys, I’m so glad to see you.”

“Why? Did you dump the jerk,” asked Twilight.

“What? No. Why would I dump one of the most awesome ponies, I have ever met in my life.”

“WHAT?!” The cries not only came from the adult mares on the tables, it also came from two fillies and a dragon. 

“Seriously guys. He was totally awesome. Jerk complete act. Last date was so much fun. By the way, I’m probably not allowed back at the Green Clover.”

“What did ya’ll do,” said Applejack.

“We ran out on the check.”

“Rainbow Dash,” moaned Twilight.

“Relax Twilight. And anyway, it was quite possibly the most exciting things I have ever done. But honestly guy’s, Star Scream is actually a very kind gentlecolt. I think I maybe in love with my bright Star.”

“Bright Star,” questioned Pinkie Pie. She then began to giggle. “Is that a pet name you have for him?”

Rainbow Dash blushed. “Yeah, I guess it is one for him.”

The mares could only giggle at this new fact that Rainbow Dash now had a coltfriend. Scootaloo however felt her world collapse around her. Her hero, Rainbow Dash, her idol, had now resorted to mushy stuff. She just stared into space. “What’s wrong with her?”

“She’s now in the rut we are,” said Applebloom.

“Why?”

“Oh Rainbow Dash just got a...Sweetie Belle,” exclaimed Spike.

“Nice to see you too Dragon boy,” said Sweetie Belle. “So what did Rainbow Dash get?”

“Just a coltfriend,” said Applebloom.

“Really. Big Shock.”

“What’s wrong Sweetie Belle,” asked Applebloom.

Sweetie Belle sighed. “Rarity.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Well...”

Spike had completely phased out at the mention of Rarity. ‘She must have returned,’ thought Spike. He then began to think further. With all of his friends slowly falling in love and considering his love for Rarity, he felt that now was the time to confess his love for Rarity. Now was definitely the time. By Celestia’s beard. No more trying to avoid the topic in front of Rarity. No more Pinkie promises.

Spike quickly ran out of the door on his way to Carousel Boutique. This was it, this was the moment. Any butterflies in his stomach were gone. Rarity was sure to say yes to his love, and they weren’t in a life or death situation. Carousel Boutique was in sight, the cart still full Rarity’s stuff. ‘Great,’ thought Spike, ‘now I can show Rarity how strong I am.’

Spike ran the door. “Rarity, there’s something I have to*GASP*.

What Spike saw in front of him stopped Spike in his tracks. His world all of a sudden seemed to crumble around him. In front of, was the love his love making out with a white, slick Pegasus Stallion with a black mane. He just froze there. He didn’t even have the chance to tell his love for her. 

Rarity stopped making out for a moment when she noticed Spike. “Spike you shouldn’t run into someponies house? Especially when they’re making out with a HUNK of a stallion.”

“Bu...bu,” was all that Spike could breathe.

“Ah vous donc etre celui qu’ils apellent Spike. Bonjour monsieur. Je suis D'emeraude Ailes, modele ex pour Hoity Toity et ami colt a la Rarity.”

“Wha...bu...”

“He said his name is D'emeraude Ailes Spike. An ex-model for Hoity Toity, and my coltfriend. Though sadly he can’t speak a word of normal Equestrain. Luckily though I am fluent in Prench and I am slowly teaching Emerald to speak.”

“Spike,” came a voice. Twilight came through the door. “You can’t just run out like that. Who knows could have happened... Oh hello Rarity and who is your friend.”

“Oh hi Twilight. This is my new coltfriend, D'emeraude Ailes.”

“Ah Mademoiselle Sparkle. Mademoiselle Rarity m’a parle de vous.” D'emeraude Ailes then greeted Twilight by kissing her on each cheek. 

Twilight blushed. “Well, good to meet you two D’em... D’emer... D’emera...”

“His name is a bit hard to pronounce darling, but thankfully it translates to Emerald Wings. He doesn’t mind if you call him that.”

“How did you two meet,” asked Twilight. 

“We actually met at the engagement of Hoity Toity and Photo Finnish. Well I say engagement party...”

“Didn’t go well did it.”

“Maybe it’s best if I talk to all the girls. Venez D'emeraude Ailes. You too Spike.”

“Mas bein sur mon petit bijou.”

Spike now had come full round and decided upon something. He hates colts.

At the Library, Emerald Wings had greeted all of Rarity’s friends and with Rarity acting as a translator, the conversation steered once more to how they met and how the engagement party went. “Well I can tell you first Darling’s,” began Rarity, “it didn’t start well. Hoity and Photo had organised a list of ponies to come. But the bouncer at the door said that I wasn’t on the list. I insisted that I was invited, but he just wouldn’t let me in. That is when Emerald Wings came to my aid,” she said staring into his eyes.

“He was able to convince the bouncer to let me in. He seemed to be fairly scared of him actually. But that wasn’t the end as soon as we went him, we saw Hoity and Photo arguing. Apparently Hoity criticized Photo’s fashion sense. Then it just deteriorated into a war of foreign insults. I didn’t really care though. I just wanted to find more about him. Apparently he used to work as a model for Photo and Hoity. He was actually there when they were first caught. And of course, we spent, more and more time together and we eventually fell in complete love.”

“Ah,” went all the mares, except three. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had gone off to play was sulking in his room.

“One thing that is still confusing me though,” said Rainbow Dash. “Why did they always go to Emerald for  modelling.”

“Well,” said Rarity “he has a very unique talent. Um, D'emeraude Ailes.” Rarity fashioned her hoof in a way that prompted Emerald to start. Emerald began to syke himself up as his wings began to unfurl. All the mares had to turn away as the underneath of Emeralds wing lit up the entire room. If the mares didn’t look away, they were sure that they would be blinded. “And that is why they always go to him,” finished Rarity as Emerald furled his wings back up.

“Well it seems like you had a great time Rarity,” said Fluttershy.

“A lot of things have happen’ here to Rarity,” said Applejack. “Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie found their own special someponies.”

Rarity only gasped. “No way. Oh Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie you must simply tell me about them and let me meet them. Though I’m afraid I must get back to unpacking and spending with my le Chevalier en armure.”

“Huh?”

“Knight in shining armour dears.”

“Oh.” And with that Rarity and Emerald left.

“Well, I suppose I’d better get going to,” said Rainbow Dash. 

“Yeah me too,” said Pinkie Pie.

“See ya ya’ll,” said Applejack.

“Bye everypony,” said Fluttershy.

“See you guys later,” said Twilight. As she shut the door behind her, she now felt she had to do something. She began to trot upstairs towards the bedroom. The door was shut and the blinds were drawn. All Twilight could see was ball covered in a blanket in a basket. It was Spike in his bed but that is what it looked like. Twilight approached closer. “Spike?”

Spike simply shifted a bit in his basket. “Spike,” called Twilight again. Spike gave absolutely no response this time. “Spike please,” said Twilight once more in a more whiny tone. Spike hated this tone. It wasn’t because it was annoying; it was simply because he couldn’t ignore it. Twilight was desperate. He decided to comply. Getting up he turned towards Twilight and gave a full worded response.

“Yeah Twilight.”

“Spike, are you going to be ok?”

“I’m sure I will with time,” he said quietly.

“Good, because Spike...” Twilight then stopped mid sentence as if she had just had a sudden rethink. She then started again, but instead of a caring voice, it seemed harsher. “You shouldn’t have ignored Emerald like that.”

“What,” went Spike. He had expected Twilight to have talked to him about his broken heart but instead she was, scolding him. 

“Just because you can’t find your special somepony, or dragon, doesn’t mean you should ignore others.”

“What?! I thought you were going to...” But he was interrupted when a knock came at the door Twilight was excited.

“Great. That’ll be Borealis. Sorry Spike gotta go.”

Before spike had a chance to respond, Twilight had shut the door. ‘What was that about,’ he thought. ‘It looked like she was about to comfort me but then she...didn’t. It was almost like somepony was control...ing...her.’ The gears in Spike’s mind began to rotate as he began to put pieces together. ‘Something’s not right here,’ he thought. ‘And I’m pretty sure it has to do with Borealis. And maybe even the rest of these colts. They all seemed to have arrived to fast to be coincidence.’ Spike kept held of this thought, but didn’t carry it further than that. He didn’t want to arouse suspicion. So he decided to simply get up and say hi to Borealis. ‘Maybe Twilight will be more forgiving then,’ he thought.
> Chapter 12: Something Ain't Right
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the sun once more rising into the air above Equestria, the first residents of Ponyville began to stir. It had now been a month since Rarity’s return and since the mane 6 were blessed with perfect gentlecolts. However, it may have been a blessing for them; it was a nightmare for others. Particularly Applebloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Spike. The new stallions hadn’t been accepted by them yet, and for some it was understandable, and soon they began to notice changes about the mane 6’s behaviour.

The weekend had now dawned across Equestria, and Applebloom was already to get going with her fellow crusaders that afternoon in their quest for their cutie marks. She would be out now, but she had let her room get into a terrible state over the week. She normally always tidied up after herself immediately, but there had been frustrations over the week. Guess with whom?

That’s right. Lasso, Applejack’s coltfriend. From an older Pony’s view, one would simply interpret this in terms of jealousy and fear of losing her older sister to this intruder. This may have been the case, but Applebloom wasn’t just thinking of that. She knew that she could be jealous of Lasso which had brought up most of her frustration however; Applejack had been acting weird of late.

Applejack had been getting up a lot later than usual. Completely unlike her at all. But more than that. Her most notable change would be her signature job. Bucking Apples. Not only were they only about half the strength of how she normally kicks, she also wasn’t on mark. By the end of the week she had several grazes on her hooves from missing her mark. She had even missed a tree completely on several occasions.

Of course Applebloom still wasn’t happy with Lasso. He may have been nice to everypony else, but for some reason when it came to her, he just sort of turned his nose up at her. And she swears every time they pass each other she hear him whispers, “Blank Flank.” Applebloom just couldn’t see why her sister would turn a blind eye to this. 

More so though, she can’t believe Granny Smith let’s is slide. “She’s just in love youngin’,” she would say. “You git distracted very easily.” 

‘Love smove,’ thought Applebloom as she put the last of her toys away. ‘Somethin’ ain’t righ’ here.’ However, there was one thing she was happy about. Her room was finally done. Now she could go out with her friends. They thought about getting there sofa movers at the ‘Quill and Sofa’. She always wondered why she only ever sold two things.

“A’ve done ma room granny,” she shouted. She was actually pleased with it. The room seemed to sparkle.

“Alrighty then. You can go off with yer friends now.” There wasn’t any need to inspect the rooms to see how clean it was. The Apples were terrible liars and you can just tell in the tone of their voice if they were lying or not. Applebloom was said to be the best of the liars in their family, but was only by just a slight margin and you can still tell if she was lying or not. 

Further down the hall, she heard her older sister call as well. “A’ve done ma room Granny. Ah’m gonna go see Lasso now.”

Lasso. The mere name made Applebloom cringe a little. But it was a beautiful day and she was not about to let it get spoiled. As she went out her room, she saw Applejack descending the stairs, but also noticed that she left the door open a bit. In her mind, she always felt competitive when it came to tidying rooms. She was mainly at war with Applejack seeing as Big Mac’s normally too busy to spend any time in his room. Applejack always seemed to get her room cleaner then Applebloom. Looking into her room again it seemed to sparkle once more. ‘Ah haven’t seen Applejack’s room sparkle before,’ she thought. She was sure that. She decided to have a sneak peak just so she can mock her later.

As she opened the door though, she was greeted with a horrid sight, and a horrid smell. Applejack’s room was a mess. Bed sheets were all over the place, several bits of discarded cloths and, weirdly rope were scattered all over the place and the smell, Applebloom winced at it. She quickly ran over the window and opened it for a chance of fresh air. A mess frankly couldn’t begin describe the place. ‘How could Applejack say her room is tidy,’ thought Applebloom. ‘The pig sty is in a better state then this.’

She then realised something. Her sister, the element of honesty and is one of the most up front ponies in all of Equestria, had lied. To be honest it wasn’t that big of a deal in any normal circumstances. Applejack had lied before when Pinkie had her moment, and the other time was when all of Equestria had a moment. But neither was for her own gain. This was big, because Applejack hadn’t just lied. She had lied, well. Very well. Applebloom and Granny Smith actually bought it. 

Now that Applebloom thought of it more, she realised that this was becoming more of a regular thing. Applejack had lied when they were bucking apple trees once, saying she did thirty Apple trees when really she had only done twenty-nine. She lied when a customer gave her the wrong amount and kept a bit for herself. And she lied when she said that she put in a new mane band to make herself look prettier for that colt whose name shall not be mentioned inside Applebloom’s head. 

These things were more or less minor things but Applejack’s lying had gotten worst and worst ever since... Applebloom realised that Lasso had to have done something to Applejack. She thought she was turning him into, a bad apple. She had to tell her friends immediately.

Over at carousel boutique Sweetie Belle was washing the floor. She had made a mess the previous day when attempted to get her cutie mark in stitching and had only stitched Rarity’s bed to her curtains. Rarity was not even sure that was possible. The floor cleaning was but a mere punishment. Sweetie though had insisted though that despite her being known for being klutzy, that she in fact did not sow Rarity’s bed to the curtains. She wasn’t even sure, and she could burn juice, as well as turn toast into, whatever that thing was. There were only two things that she was sure of. One. Whatever the toast turned into had crawled away when they were tidying the mess away, (she thought about looking for it but she decided things could only get worst) and that she did not do it. Rarity didn’t believe her and the only other pony that was in the house was Emerald Wings.

Much like Applebloom, Sweetie Belle had taken a dislike to Rarity’s new coltfriend. For one thing she could not understand a word he said. ‘It would be nice for these foreign ponies could learn our language before coming over,’ she thought to herself. Rarity had insisted that the polite thing to do would be to learn his language. But she had argued that the more generous and easiest thing to do would have been for him to learn their language, but no. Apparently she now has to take Prench lessons. Not even the fillies and colts in the grade above her learned that yet. Instead they were taught about the Zebracan culture by Zeccora.

Another thing was that he kept on flaring his wings up and then essentially blinding everypony within a fifty feet radius. She even swore it did blind somepony when she heard a scream shouting “MY EYES!”

To try and prevent herself from going blind she had to borrow Scootaloo’s set of sunglasses that looked suspiciously like the set Rainbow Dash had. “That girl needs to get over her fan girl obsessions,” she said to herself.

There was one more thing about Emerald wings that really, really got under Sweetie Belle’s fur. It was when the two were forced to spend some time together or even when Rarity left the room for a few minutes. For reasons completely unknown to her, he always gave her dirty looks, and he would always say something in Prench so that she couldn’t understand him. She still can’t comprehend that how he was able to go on for so long without not speaking in Prench. Her train of thoughts were interrupted when she heard the door open. In an attempt to distract herself, she decided to see who it was. She peered round the corner and could not believe her eyes.

“Woooo good Morning Carousel Boutique. Sapphire Shores has graced your shop once Moooooooooore!”

It wasn’t the first time that Sapphire shores had come to Carousel Boutique, but this was the first time that Sweetie Belle was present. She adored Sapphire’s music and was proud that her sister had done the designs for her show. Now was her chance to meet her. She charged down the stairs at such a speed it would have made Rainbow Dash jealous. She stopped just a few feet from Sapphire with a huge grin on her face. “Well hello little filly,” said Sapphire. “Who might you be?”

“Hi I’m Sweetie Belle and can I say that I am a HUGE fan of your music I own all your records and know them off by heart do you wanna hear me sing?” Sweetie Belle had said it all in one breath that Pinkie could have been impressed by it.

Sapphire was taken aback for a moment due to Sweetie’s eagerness. But then again she had met more creepy fans before her. “Why not? I am looking for new backing singers.”

But before Sweetie Belle could begin Rarity intervened. “Oh I am sorry I’m late darling, I just had to do something upstairs. So Miss Shores, of what do I owe the pleasure once more.”

“Well Rarity do you know those dresses you made for a year ago.”

“Oh why yes of course. I cannot tell you what I had to go through to make them.”

“Well Rarity I was just wondering if you could redo them for the tour I’m doing. SAPPHIRE SHORES, SAPPHIRE DANCERS! The diamonds were fine but I was hoping you replace them with Sapphires. It would make more sense after all.”

“OF COURSE SHE CAN,” cut in Sweetie Belle. “Rarity has lots of Sapphires that she’s been keeping for a special occasion. I’m sure she can...”

“Sweetie, darling. The adults are talking,” said Rarity. “I am sorry Miss Shores but I am afraid my sister is mistaken. I have no sapphires available. So I am also afraid I will have to decline redoing the dresses.”

Sapphire was taken aback. Sweetie Belle on the other hand gasped in shock. She’d never deny an order, especially for someone as famous as Sapphire Shores. “Well then,” began Sapphire, “could you please tell me someone who may have sapphires available?”

“WHAT,” Rarity exclaimed. “Oh no, no, no darling. You cannot let anypony else touch my designs. They might not know what there doing and that would be the worst, POSSIBLE, THING!”

“Oookay,” said Sapphire. “Well I guess I’ll have to figure something else out. Oh well. Good BYYYYYE Carousel Boutique,” she sang.

“Ooh Miss Shores,” began Sweetie Belle, “you still haven’t heard me sing.”

“Aw sorry Sweetie maybe another time. But until then, have a free autographed record.” Sapphire handed the record to Sweetie Belle. Even though what had just happened did seem very suspicious, she couldn’t help but squee.

When Sapphire left, Rarity went to go and feed Opalescence; Sweetie Belle went to go a put the record in her room. She had to walk past Rarity’s room to get there but she didn’t mind. But as she past, she caught something glimmering within Rarity’s room from the corner of her eye. Normally this wasn’t that big a deal but there was something odd about this glimmering. Sweetie Belle had gone on gem hunting before with Rarity and like her sister could simply tell whether it was a ruby or a diamond. She had made mistakes before but they really didn’t have much of an impact.

The glimmer though was somewhat odd though. It didn’t look like a diamond or a ruby, or even a crystal. And according to her sister’s latest information, those should be the only precious stones in the entire boutique. Sweetie Belle dropped her record and decided to snoop around. The glimmering that she had seen came from one of bed side cabinets. Much to her dismay and curiosity, it was on Emerald Wings’ side. The new intruder had essentially moved in and was now helping Rarity to model her designs. She decided to look anyway. When she opened the draws, she was amazed to find that it was completely stuffed with Sapphire stones. Sweetie Belle had to cover her eyes as well because the light was being reflected of them. When she closed the draw again, she came to her conclusion. Emerald was stealing from Rarity.

This was the break Sweetie had been waiting for. All she had to do now was to tell Rarity and then his flank is off back to Canterlot. Then a thought occurred to her. Would it really get rid of him? Rarity cleans this boutique everyday so surely she would have caught onto to him by now. ‘So clearly she knows it, but it just doesn’t seem that to be very generous to other ponies. Wait... Generous.’ Sweetie Belle began to think back. Ever since that intruder entered there lives, Rarity seemed less and less generous. Again not a lot of ponies thought about this. Rarity was known to be a bit selfish at times. The whole bride’s maid’s incident came into mind. But this was much larger and she felt she had to tell her friends right away. ‘Something isn’t right here.”

Scootaloo meanwhile was on her scooter once again, trying to find Rainbow Dash. Once again she had promised to teach her how to fly and she was keener than ever to get there as fast as possible. It didn’t take long to find her because a) despite living in a world of Technicolor ponies, Rainbow still sticks out like a sore thumb and b) her snoring can rival that of a Timberwolf’s growl, so it didn’t take that long to find her. And sure enough there she was on her favourite cloud, sleeping.

“Rainbow Dash, Hey Rainbow Dash,” shouted Scootaloo.

After a series of mumbles and groans, Rainbow Dash poked her head from the top of the cloud. “Oh hey squirt. How’s it hangin’?”

“Oh it’s been great Rainbow. I’ve been looking forward to our flying...”

“Yarhhh. Oh Babe, what woke us up,” came a voice. Scootaloo’s pupils shrank as a came the head of a familiar brown Pegasus. Star Scream. “Oh it’s the pipsqueak.”

“I resent that,” went Scootaloo. “Pipsqueak’s at his grandmothers.”

“Yeah whatever. Hey babe, I thought we were goin’ da spend time together today?”

“Oh yeah about that.”

Scootaloo sighed with relief. Star Scream had come along to all of her flying lessons and every time she failed, he laughed at her. Well not today. Now it was simply going to be Rainbow Dash and...

“Sorry Scoots, but I did promise Star last night that I would spend the day with him.”

‘What?!’ “But you said last week you would teach me.”

“Sorry Scoots, but things came up. So see ya.” And with that, Star Scream and Rainbow Dash’s heads disappeared behind the cloud.

Scootaloo was dismayed. She slowly began to turn her scooter around and head off into town. She thought for sure that Rainbow Dash would spend some time with her. She couldn’t understand how any mare can stand a colt for 3 months straight. She could barley spend the school day with the colts in her class. But she really didn’t understand Rainbow Dash. If one thing was truly about Rainbow Dash was that she was always kept her promises. ‘I need her to make a Pinkie promise next time,’ she thought.

‘I still don’t get why Rainbow would do something like this. She normally would do things like this. She is just so awesome and so loyal.’ It then hit her. ‘Loyal. She hasn’t been doing that of late.’

Scootaloo was right. Rainbow Dash didn’t keep as many promises as she did and she wasn’t exactly loyal to them either. ‘Could it be something to do with Star Scream,’ Scootaloo thought to herself. She pondered, and pondered, and pondered some more. After a good few minutes of pondering she came to a conclusion. “Nah,” she said out loud. “Maybe I should just give Star Scream a try.”

Scootaloo kept going until she reached Sugar cube corner to meet up with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. As she walked inside, she saw her two friends chatting away, looking very serious. “Hey guys. Wassup?”

“Oh hey Scoots. We were just discussing our sister’s,” said Applebloom.

“And seeing as your here, we also wanted to bring Rainbow Dash into discussion,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Oh sure, what is it?”

“Do you think that they’ve been acting, odd of recent,” said Sweetie Belle.

“How do you mean?”

“Well, it’s just that mah big sister has been lyin’ a lot of recent. And I mean well. And Rarity has been keeping gems for herself instead of putting them on dresses.”

“And we think it has something to do with their colt friends. Tell us Scoot, has Rainbow Dash been acting funny, ever since Star Scream came into the picture.”

“Well, now that you mention it,” lied Scootaloo, who noticed it almost immediately. “But, I’m sure that Star Scream is just so awesome. I’ve been thinking about getting to know him.”

“Scootaloo, don’t you think that Rainbow Dash has been acting a little, odd lately,” questioned Sweetie Belle.

“Not really.”

“Haven’t ya’ll noticed that Rainbow Dash hasn’t been doing things she normally does,” questioned Applebloom.

“Well,” began Scootaloo acting more nervous, “she has been sleeping a lot more than usual, and, she still hasn’t taught me to fly like she promised. And I suppose she has been a little...”

“Un-loyal,” finished Applebloom. “As in loyalty. As in the element that Dash represents.”

“So you’ve noticed it as well huh?”

The three girls turned their heads to the new voice. There at one of the table sat Spike, with the local paper and a gem cupcake. “Spike?”

“The very same. And I’ve been over hearing you have noticed changes with Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. I’ve been having the same issues with Twilight.”

“What you mean Spike,” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Well for one thing she seems to be neglecting me more and more now that she’s spending more and more time Borealis. There have also been times that when she’s talked to me when all of a sudden; she blanks out for few seconds and changes topic.”

“Now that you mention it Spike,” said Sweetie Belle, “Rarity’s been doing that blanking out thing as well.”

“And Applejack,” put in Applebloom.

“And also,” continued Spike, “I’ve been noticing what she’s been reading. And it does scare me.”

“What would that be,” asked Applebloom.

“She’s been reading a load of old scrolls that date back even further then Star swirl the bearded. And some of the things I am not too happy with. I don’t even know where she got them from.” Spike then leaned in closer. “Girls, I think that there is something wrong with the elements of harmony.”

“Oh for Luna’s sake,” stated Scootaloo. “I haven’t heard such crud in my life. The only reason you are noticing this is because they are way too normal. You need to do a proper comparison with somepony who is weird all the time. Somepony who does something out of left field. Somepony like...PINKIE!”

The others look up to see Pinkie just coming through to head out. “Hey, Pinkie Pie,” shouted Scootaloo. As Pinkie walked towards, she whispered to her friends and the drake. “Pinkie laughs at all kinds of jokes. So I’ll tell her the most overused joke of all time. Hey Pinkie, wanna hear a joke.”

“I don’t see why not,” she replied.

“Right. Why did the Chicken cross the road?” She paused. “To get to the other side.”

Scootaloo held a big grin on her face, hoping to prove she was right. All she had to do was to have Pinkie laugh. “That’s not funny.” That line left the three ponies and dragon in shock. Pinkie Pie, not, laugh at a joke. They knew it was terrible, but even a pony like Pinkie would laugh at it. “Well then, I’m off to go see Hokey. We’re going to have out 1 month anniversary party. Hehehehehehehe,” she giggled and left.

Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Spike all turned to Scootaloo, who was still in a state of shock, just silently said, “She didn’t laugh.”

Later after Scootaloo had come out of state of shock, the four of them were walking through the market, and Scootaloo was still saying that nothing was wrong. “Ya can’t be serious Scoots,” said Applebloom.

“The evidence is staring at you right in the face,” said Spike.

“Look, I know that was not the result I was expecting, but I reckon that joke has gotten so old, that even Pinkie is even sick of it. I have a much better one anyway. An ape walks into a bar...”

“Enough with the bad jokes,” said Sweetie. “We now know that something is wrong with the element bearers.”

“Ugh. Would you guys just be quiet about it? Anyway, it’s not like Fluttershy has changed at all.”

“That’s because she rarely seen now,” said Spike. “She pretty spends all her time in her cottage with...”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!” The four of them stopped when they heard the ear piercing screen as they saw a salespony running towards them, fear in her eyes. “THE SPIDERS! THE SPIDERS! GET THEM AWAY GET THEM AWAAAAAAAAYY!”

“Sheesh, how over dramatic,” commented Lilly.

“What was that about?”

“Ah dunno Spike,” said Applebloom, “but ah think it has something to do with Fluttershy and Blue Muscle over there.”

Sure enough walking away from the tomato stand was Fluttershy and Blue Muscle walking away from the tomato stand. The cutie mark crusaders were well aware of Blue Muscle’s special talent, but he didn’t seem to be sorry for it. Neither did Fluttershy. The 4 of them decided to go and see what’s what. “Hey Fluttershy,” called Applebloom. “Wha’ happened with that sales pony?”

The two of them had to stop seeing as the three girls and dragon had stepped in front of them. “Oh nothing,” said Fluttershy.

“Really,” said Sweetie Belle. “Well what was going on with that sales pony then?”

“Well, she put the price up of tomato’s again claiming that their crop was largely eaten by parasprites. Blue Muscle though was able to get them down to the correct price again.”

“But I heard that there crop was eaten by parasprites,” said Scootaloo.

By now Fluttershy was getting annoyed by all these questions much to Spike’s surprise. Even more worryingly, Blue Muscle had noticed this as well, and was beginning to snort. The Girls backed down. Blue Muscle may have been a big wos, but they were well aware to not get on his bad side. “Calm down Sweetie,” said Fluttershy to him. “There just curious.”

And without as so much as a good bye, the two of the trotted off back to Fluttershy’s cottage. It was at this point, Scootaloo finally conceited. “Alright, something is definitely going on around here, and we need to stop it.”

“But how,” asked Applebloom.

“I’ll tell you how,” said Spike. He gathered the four fillies in for a huddle. “Tomorrow, we follow the four of them as much as we can. Find out about them more and see what they get up to when their girlfriends aren’t around.”

Applebloom then gasped. “You know what tha’ means girls?”

The two of them then gasped. “Oh sweet Celestia no,” said Spike.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SPIES YAY!!!”

“Ahem,” said Spike.

“Oh right. Cutie mark crusader spies yay,” they whispered.

“AHEM.”

“Oh right. Cutie mark crusader and Spike spies yay,” they whispered once more.