Prologue: Seven Years[Un-Edited]

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I woke up from bed early in the morning with my alarm going off. I turned it off and headed to the bathroom. Looking at the mirror, I examine the scars on my body and thought back to the day I lost my memory and wings. There are scars on my left cheek, left rear leg, the right side of my neck, left side of my stomach, right side of my forehead, my right shoulder, a bite mark on my right front leg, and the two largest on my back where my wings used to be.

Seven years ago; I first opened my eyes to see nothing but a ceiling. Getting up, I notice that I’m in a bed with a bunch of bandages over my body. I then felt pain all over my body from the wounds, especially my back and head. I tried to remember where I got these wounds, but couldn’t remember.

The door opened up and a mare came in. Her coat was white and mane light grey. She had on a hat with a plus mark and a heart in the center. “Oh, your awake. How are you feeling?” She asks.

I looked at her and said. “My wounds hurt, but I think I’m ok. Who are you and what is this place?” She responded, “I’m Nurse Redheart, and this is the Ponyville Hospital. You were brought here after the incident.” My eyes widened in surprise at this. I try to remember what happened, but nothing came up. “What happened.” I asked. She had a worried look on her face. “I’m afraid that you were attacked by a pack of timberwolves at Sweet Apple Acres. According the the ponies that brought you here, you were chased by timberwolves outside the Everfree Forest, but fought off most of them until the last one got you in it’s jaws. Honestly, it’s a miracle your still alive.” She explained. I could’t believe what I was hearing, I was attacked by dangerous creature. I looked down while putting my hooves on my head.

Nurse Redheart walks over to my side and place her hoof on my shoulder. “I’m sorry this happened to you dear, but you did save one of the ponies lives on the farm.” She said, trying to encourage me. It made me feel a little better, knowing I help somepony else.

“I should let you rest, but do you think you could tell me your name?” She asked with a concerned look. I was about to answer, until I realized something. I took a couple moments to think, but nothing came up.

“I... I can’t remember.”

I later realized I was a different pony when i looked in a mirror, I had a dark brown mane with grey coat, my eyes were light silver. Nurse Redheart said I was a thestral pony. Thestrals are bat ponies that are nocturnal and their senses are much stronger. It’s the reason I have prescription sunglasses for my eyes for the sunlight. The only reason I’m awake during the day is because I adjusted my wake up time. What’s strange was that I had no problem adjusting my sleep schedule, the doctors believe I’ve been practice this before I lost my memory. As for how I lost my memories and wings. After I was release from the hospital a week later, the Apple family came by to thank me for what I’ve done, and told me what happened. Apparently, the pony I saved was Applejack, who had and orange coat and blond man wearing a stetson hat, was extremely close of being timberwolf food. They told me I pushed her away at the last second, and the timberwolf chomped on my wings. It slammed my head through one of their trees, causing my skull to crack and wings ripped off at the same time. Most of the Apple family were there for a yearly reunion, and dealt with the last timberwolf while one of the mares ran to the hospital.

I was glad nopony beside me was hurt, and Granny Smith, Applejacks’s grandmother, asked me why I was chased by timberwolfs in the first place. After telling them I lost my memory, The Apple family offered me to stay with them until I find a place to live. I agreed to their offer. When we arrived, the Applejack gave me a tour around the farm. The last place Applejack took me to was their barn. What I didn’t expect at the time, was that is was a surprise party for me. This was where I met my Applejack’s friends; Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie had a light pink coat and dark pink mane. She was the one who set up the party the moment her pinkie sense went off, which I had no idea what that was. Rarity was a unicorn. She had a white coat and dark violet mane. Rarity gave me my hoodie she fixed up for me from the timberwolves. Fluttershy and Rainbow dash were Pegasi. Fluttershy had a light yellow coat and light pink mane. She kinda kept her distance from me at first. I assumed it was because I was different than the rest of the ponies. It turned out she was like that that with everypony at first. Rainbow Dash had a cyan coat with a rainbow color mane. She said it was cool that protected her friend, though felt terrible that I lost my wings. At the end of the party, everypony was trying to think of a name for me until I get my memories back. They came up with Dark, Silver, Scar, and Shade. I looked at my cutie mark, it was a dark brown shield with a crescent moon on it, so I picked Shade until I remember my original name.

A year went by since I started living in ponyville. I spent most of my time at the library when I’m not working on the farm. I was looking for any information that’s familiar to me. Eventually, Mayor Mare offered me a job as a part time librarian, since the old librarian moved to a place called Manehatten. She even offered me the bedroom on the top floor. I accepted her offer and moved to the library. Whenever the Apples require an extra hoof with the farm, I would normally go over there and help.

After three years, I strolled by the Karate dojo in town and saw a few ponies spar. Something about seeing them fight felt familiar to me so I started practicing there. What I didn’t expect was that I was more skill at fighting than most of the senior ponies there. Within a month, Black Belt, the teacher there, asked me to be a part time assistant instructor.

For the next few years to this day, I enjoyed my time here in Ponyville, even though there were ups and downs. I became stronger in my fighting skills and learning about Equestria. I even taught the girls some moves to defend themselves once in a while, beside Fluttershy. Unfortunately, nothing I read about in the library jogged my memory, neither has my fighting practice, even though it was second nature to me. After discussing with the doctors about it, they said that they can’t begin to guess when my memory will return. Not only that, since Thestrals kept themselves hidden since the Nightmare Night incident, there was no way for me to find anypony I might have known.

I just sigh and clean myself up for the day. After I finished, I put my sunglasses and jacket on. Since my ears are different, it kinda freak new ponies in town, hence why I usually keep my hoodie over my head. Walking down stairs for breakfast, I heard the door knocking. Opening the door, I see a mail pony with a letter in his mouth. “Letter for Shade.” He said. I felt confused a bit. The only ponies I know live here in Ponyville. “Um...I’m Shade, but who sent the letter?” I asked. The mail pony gives me the letter. “It’s from Princess Celestia.” He said and left. I just stood in place processing what I just heard. I didn't understand, why would the Princess send me a letter? I went back inside to open the letter. I opened the envelope and read the letter.

“Dear Shade,

I’m Princess Celestia. Years ago, I intended for my personal student, Twilight Sparkle, to live in the Ponyville Library, but it was never to be. Tomorrow, I will be sending Twilight to Ponyville in a pegasus chariot to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I would like to ask you to guide her to where the preparations are, and to allow her to temporary stay in the Ponyville Library. Please send your reply with the teleportation rune on the by placing a letter on the rune.

Yours, Princess Celestia.”

I was surprised the Princess would ask me to assist her student, especially a pony she doesn’t know. Something was strange though. The moment I read Twilight Sparkle’s name, it felt very familiar to me. The same happen’s whenever I hear about Princess Celestia, but I assume it was because she’s famous. Nether the less, I put the paper down and reached for a paper and quill.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I’m honored you would ask me to be your student’s guide and yes, she could stay in the main bedroom of the library. Though I am confused why you ask me to do it, I will help her to the best to my ability.

Your Subject, Shade.”

After I finished writing the letter, I place it over the rune the Princess provided. The letter caught fire, turning to smoke and left through the window. I looked back at the letter and notice the rune disappeared. ‘I guess it worked’ I thought.

The rest of the day, I cleaned the entire library. If Princess Celestia’s personal student is going to stay here, I figured I’d make her comfortable. With everything cleaned, I went to Sweet Apple Acres to tell the Apple family I won’t be joining them for their family reunion. When I told them about the letter from Princess Celestia, they were just as surprised as I was. With everything done, I went back to the Library and slept in the guest bedroom. ‘Why does Twilight’s name feel so familiar to me.’ I thought. I decide to wait until tomorrow to worry about it and went to sleep.

I opened my eyes to a ruined castle. It was night and I could see rubble from the collapsed ceiling. ‘Where am I?’ I thought. Suddenly, I hear laughing from all directions. I tried to find the source, but no success. The laughter increased from above, I looked up and couldn’t believe my eyes. I was see a descending alicorn, just like Celestia, but this one was different. She had a dark blue coat with a translucent purple mane. She landed in front of me as a backed away a little. Suddenly, my back hit something behind me. I turned around, and saw other ponies, but these were different. I noticed there eyes and ears were just like mine, and they bat wings. All of them were only staring at the alicorn. The alicorn looked at me smiling and said. “My little ponies, soon I will return, and the night will last forever!”

Chapter 1: Friendship is Magic: Part 1[Un-Edited]

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I waited outside in town for Twilight to arrive. Unfortunately, Princess didn’t say exactly where I was supposed to meet Twilight. While I was waiting, I couldn’t help but think about the dream I had last night. It felt so real and I could remember every detail. Before, I could only vaguely remember my dreams, and that alicorn. There was something familiar about her, but I couldn’t put my tongue on it.

I quickly shook my head and decided to worry about it later. Suddenly, I heard flapping above me. I looked up the sky and noticed a golden chariot being pulled be two Royal Guards ponies. Inside the chariot, I spotted a beautiful unicorn with a light purple coat and purple mane with raspberry streaks. I thought to myself shockingly, ‘Why the hay did I think that she’s beautiful, it’s bad enough that I have a small crush on.’ My thoughts were halted when I saw the chariot descending near the town square.

When I made my way there, I noticed the purple mare, whom I assumed was Twilight Sparkle, talking to Pinkie Pie. The next I knew, Pinkie zipped right past me. I wondered why she left so quickly. Resuming my goal I walked back over to the unicorn mare. I then noticed a young dragon standing next to her. The dragon’s scales were light blue with green spikes. For some reason, he was just as familiar to me as well as Twilight. “Excuse me, are you Twilight Sparkle?” I asked.

She and the dragon turned to me with unsure looks, most likely probably because of my sunglasses and hoodie. “Um... yes, I assume your Shade.” She responded.

I nodded “I am, The Princess asked me to be your guide here in Ponyville for the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration. Is there anywhere you would like to start?” I asked smiling, trying to be as professional as possible for the Princess’s personal student.

“Yes, the first is the banquet preparations.” She said. “Very well, if you would follow me, I’ll take you to Sweet Apple Acres.” I said, gesturing them to follow.

After we exited the town, I looked over at the young dragon. “So, mind if you introduce who are by the way? Sorry I didn’t ask earlier.” I asked with respect.

The dragon looked up at me and smiled. “Oh... I’m Spike, Twilight’s number one assistant.” He said proudly. I was impress, I didn’t think Twilight would have an assistant, and a dragon at that. Though like before, the way he said it sounded familiar.

“Well, I bet Twilight’s glad to have an assistant as good as you Spike.” I said. Spike chuckled a little.

“Thanks Shade, but is it ok if I ask something personal.” He requested worriedly. I glanced over at Twilight, it looked like she was in her own thoughts.

“Sure Spike.” I said to him. He looked at me with a concerned look.

“Well, I was wondering where'd you got those scars?” He asked. I placed a hoof on the scar on my cheek when he asked me that and sighed. “I got these from a timberwolf attack seven years ago.” I responded him.

Twilight stopped and looked at me in shock. “What, that’s terrible!” She yelled. I just continued walking glancing down. “Yeah, not only that, I ended up losing my memories when one of them slammed my head through a tree.” I complained. Twilight and Spike walked up next to me. “Shade, I’m so sorry that happened to you.” She said to me. I looked up at her smiling.

“Don’t worry about it Twilight, oh, there’s Sweet Apple Acres.” I said when I spotted the farm.

Spike got out a piece of paper and quill from celestia knows where. “Summer Sun Celebration official overseer checklist. Number one, banquet preparations, Sweet Apple Acres.” He said as we past by the gate of the farm. We heard somepony yell “Ye Ha,” and I knew who it belonged to. We turned our heads to Applejack running to a apple tree and bucked it. The apples from the tree then came falling down. Pleased with her work, Applejack placed one hoof over the other. I noticed Twilight sighing as she walked toward Applejack.

“Ha, lets get this over with.” She said with disinterest. I turned towards Spike, and like me, he had a worried look on his face before we walked up with her. “Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle.” Said Twilight. Applejack grabbed her hoof and shook it vigorously. “Well howdy do miss Twilight, a pleasure making your acquaintance. I’m Applejack; we here in Sweet Apple Acre sure do like making new friends.” Said Applejack enthusiastically, still shaking Twilight’s hoof. “Friends? Actually I...” Twilight didn’t finished as Applejack let her hoof go. “So, what can I do you for? I’m guessing your the one Shade’s looking out for.” She asked winking at us. Twilight was still shaking her hoof nonstop until Spike put his claws on it and giggled. I decided to speak up. “Yeah, I’m just guiding Twilight to where the preparation are.” I explained. “Yes, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, and your in charge of the food?” Twilight said pointing at Applejack. “We sure as sugar are. Would you care to sample some?” Applejack asked. Personally, I was hoping Twilight would agree, The Apple family food are the best. “Ah, as long as it doesn’t take to long.” Twilight replied, but Applejack already ran next to a dinner bell.

She rang it and yelled. “Soups on everypony.” The next thing we knew, we were being swarmed by a stampede of ponies. We ended up at a table, and Applejack appeared next to us. “Now, why don’t I introduce you all to the Apple family.” Twilight looked a little reluctant. “Thanks, but I really need to hurry.” She said, but to no avail. Applejack just began introducing Spike and her to the entire family. “This here’s Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, ‘catching her breath’, Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Up’n’att’um Granny Smith, We got guests, and Shade came by for a visit.” Granny Smith got up and walked over us mumbling. I looked at Twilight and her mouth was full of food each of the Apple family relatives gave her. Applejack put her foreleg over Twilight’s back and said, “Why, I’d say they’re already part of the family, like Shade here.”

I smiled sincerely when Applejack included me as well. I’ve always considered the Apples to be my family since they took me in. Twilight on the other hoof, spitted all the food the food out. “Okay well, I can see the food situation is handled so we’ll be on our way.” She said. I didn’t want to miss the family reunion, but I guess we still need to check on the remaining preparation. “Arn’t ya gonna stay for brunch?” Said Apple bloom, using her ultimate power. Her sad, adorable, puppy dog eyes. For as long as I can remember, I have never been able to resist Apple Bloom’s weapon.

“Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do.” Said Twilight. Everypony awed in disappointment. “Fine.” Said Twilight reluctantly. Everypony was excited that we decided to stay for a while. Granny Smith told Twilight and Spike how I saved Applejack from Timberwolves. Twilight and Spike was amazed that I sacrificed my wings for Applejack. I only wish I could remember it, even if it included the pain.

After having brunch, we went back to Ponyville for the next preparation. Spike had no trouble scarfing down the food, Twilight was not so fortunate though. She was having difficulty walking with her stomach full. “Food’s all taken care of, next is weather.” Said Spike check off catering on the list. “Ahhh, I ate too much pie.” Twilight complained. Couldn’t blame her, she looks like her stomach was about burst out. “Hm, there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony name Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds.” Spike said looking up. Twilight and I looked up as well, seeing that there are still clouds in the sky.

“Well, she’s not doing a very good job is she.” Said Twilight. I was about abject until I heard the wind whistling. I watched a rainbow blur flew past me and rammed Twilight into the mud. I saw that the blur was Rainbow Dash laying on Twilight. Rainbow Dash off her and I helped Twilight up. Both of them are covered in mud.

Rainbow Dash chuckled a little. “Uh excuse me.” I couldn’t believe it, I was responsible for Twilight’s well being, and one of my best friends rammed into her. “Haha, let me help.” Rainbow Dash said flying off. She brought over a dark cloud over Twilight and I. She then started bouncing on it and rain came down on use. Even though the mud off Twilight, both of us were soaked. “Oops, I guess I over did it.” ‘Gee, ya think,’ I thought to myself, and I’m pretty sure Twilight thought the same. “Um how about this. My very own patted rainblow dry. No no, don’t think me. Your quite welcome.” She said without realizing we were not pleased.

Twilight’s mane and tail was puffy, as was my tail. Luckily, I was wearing my hoodie, so my mane was spared. Rainbow Dash and Spike only found it funny and keeled over laughing. “Lemme guess, Your Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said with a annoyed look. “Yup that’s her.” I responded . Rainbow Dash got up, knocking Spike to the ground. “The one and only. Why, ya heard of me.” Rainbow Dash asked, flying over us. “I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear. I’m Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.” She said.

“Ya ya, that’ll be a snap. I’ll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon I’m done practicing.” Rainbow said laying on a cloud. “Practicing for what?” Twilight asked. There was only one group of ponies I could think of the Rainbow Dash would train for. Only because she never stops talking about them. “The Wonderbolts. There gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show them my stuff.” She said doing a flip. “The Wonderbolts?” Asked Twilight. “Yup.” Rainbow Dash responded. “The most talented flyers in all of Equestria.” “That’s them.” “Pff, please. They’d never accept a pegasus who can’t keep the sky clear for one measly day.” Exclaimed Twilight.

I looked at Twilight and sighed. “Twilight, Rainbow Dash is the best flyer in Ponyville, there’s not a single pegasus I can think of that’s better than her.” I told her. “Yeah, I can clear the sky in ten seconds flat.” Rainbow Dash claimed.

“Prove it.” Said Twilight smugly. I had my own smirk, knowing Rainbow was about to prove it. Rainbow Dash began knocking one cloud after the other in style. She finished it while saying, “loop a Loop around and wham. What I say, ten seconds flat. I never leave Ponyville hanging.” I looked at Twilight and Spike and saw they looked at Rainbow Dash in aww. “Haha, you should see the look on your face. Ha, your a laugh Twilight Sparkle. I can’t wait to hangout some more.” Rainbow Dash said before she flew off.

“Wow, she’s amazing.” Said Spike, who quickly started playing with Twilight’s messy hair giggling. Twilight was irritated by him and started walking away. “Wait, it’s kinda pretty once you get used to it.” Spike said, attempting to cheer her up I sighed a little, the weather was done, but Twilight's mane was a mess thanks to Rainbow Dash. Then an idea came to my head, there was one pony I know that can fix this. “Twilight, mind if we head to town hall next? It’s where the decors are.” I asked her. “Fine, let’s make it quick.” She responded, as we headed to town hall.

Inside, everything was already completed. “Decorations, Beautiful.” Spike said, checking decors off the list. Everything was beautiful, thanks to a certain pony. “Yes, the decor is coming along nicely. This ought to be quick. I’ll be in the library in no time; beautiful indeed.” Said Twilight admiring the decorations.

“Not the decor; her.” Spike said pointing at a pony in the middle of the room. That pony was Rarity deciding on a color of ribbon. I hope she has time to fix Twilight’s mane. “How are my spines, are they straight.” Spike asked, with love hearts in his eyes.” Twilight and I just rolled our eyes at the dragon. Guess Rarity got an admire.

“Good afternoon.” Twilight said, trying to get Rarities attention. “Just a moment please; I’m in the zone as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why Rarity, you are a talent.” Rarity said as sh tied a red sparkling ribbon on a poll. “Now um, how can I help you aah-ha-ha! Oh my stars darling, what ever happened to your coiffure.” Rarity Asked in shock at Twilights mane.

“Oh, you mean my mane. Well it’s a long story. I’m just here to check on the preparations then I’ll be out of your hair.” Said Twilight.

“Out of my hair, what about your hair.” Rarity said as she’s pushing Twilight. Unfortunately, Twilight didn’t like it.

“Wait; where are we going. Help.” Twilight begged, but Spike just started floating and used his tail and a propeller. I looked at him in surprise, the only pony I know that could do that was Pinkie. ‘Oh what have I done.’ I thought. I should’ve known Rarity would be this way.

We made our to Rarities shop where she was giving Twilight new clothes. “No, too green; too yellow; too puffy; not puffy enough; too brilliant; too shiny.” Rarity said as she put different cloths on Twilight. Meanwhile, I was busy brushing my tail. “Now go on my dear, you were telling me where you’re from.” Rarity said as she was tightening the clothe Twilight was wearing. Twilight was having trouble breathing from this. “I’ve been sent from Canterlot too...” She didn’t finished when Rarity suddenly let go clothe Twilight was wearing.

“Canterlot, oh I’m am so envious; the glamour, the sophistication. I’ve alway’s dreamed of living there. I can’t wait to hear all about it. We are gonna be the best of friends you and I.” Rarity said with gleam. Twilight didn’t seem onboard of it though. Rarity looked at the gem in the middle of Twilight’s clothing. “Emerald; what was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies.” Rarity said when she spotted the gem in the clothing Twilight was wearing.

Taking the moment, I stopped her. “I’m sorry Rarity, but we’re on a tight schedule and really need to check on the last preparation.” I told her. “But I was hoping too...” Rarity tried to counter, but I didn’t let her. “Rarity, if somepony tried to, um, postpone you from finishing a order, how would you feel?” I asked her, trying to get her to let Twilight go.” Rarity looked at Twilight with concern. “Oh my, I’m sorry darling, I didn’t realize.” Apologized Rarity. Twilight took off her clothing. “It’s fine, thanks for fixing my mane though.” Said Twilight. With that we left Rarity’s shop and headed to the last preparation.

“I’m sorry that took longer than I thought, Twilight.” I apologize as we head to her. “It’s fine Shade, at least my mane is back to normal, and Spike seemed to have enjoyed himself.” Twilight said looking at Spike on her back, whom was still thinking about Rarity in bliss. “Wasn’t she wonderful.” Spike said leaning back.

“Focus Casanova, what’s next on the list?” Twilight asked, bringing Spike back to Equestria. The dragon looked at the list. “Oh um, music, it’s the last one.” Suddenly, we heard birds chirping a harmonious song.

We peered through a bush to see where the song was coming from We saw Fluttershy orchestrating the choir of birds. “Oh my, um, stop please everyone. Excuse me sir, I mean no offense, but your rhythm is a teeny tiny bit off.” Said Fluttershy flying back down. “Now follow me please. A one, a two, a one two three.” They began until they were interrupted. “Hello” Twilight called.

They stopped and the birds flew away. Fluttershy looked down on us and I stared at Twilight with a ‘really’ look. “Oh my, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten your birds. I was just checking on the music. I just here to check up on the music and it sounded beautiful.” Twilight said as Fluttershy descended. Fluttershy didn’t say anything and an awkward silence followed.

“I’m Twilight Sparkle.” She introduced herself. We waited for a moment for Fluttershy to introduce herself, but she didn’t. “What’s your name?” Asked Twilight. “Um... I’m Fluttershy.” Said Fluttershy, but in an extremely soft voice. I remember being given the same introduction when I first met her. “I’m sorry, what was that?” She asked. Knowing how shy Fluttershy is, I figured I’d do her a favor. “She said her name is Fluttershy, she cares for the animals around Ponyville.” I told Twilight politely. “Oh, nice to meet you Fluttershy.” Twilight said to her, though Fluttershy was still being reserved.

Shortly after, all the birds came back to the tree. “Well um, it looks like your birds are back so I guess everything’s in order. Keep up the good work.” Twilight said, trying to ignoring the awkwardness. Fluttershy just returned a mumble. “Okay.” Twilight said as she began walking back. “I’ll See ya later Fluttershy.” I said while turning around. She simply nodded.

“Well that was easy.” Twilight said to Spike as he was walking out of the bush. Fluttershy then beamed to light. “A baby dragon.” I heard Fluttershy say in joy. I turned around to see her fly over and knocked Twilight aside. “Oh I’ve never seen a baby dragon before. He’s so cute.” Fluttershy said to Spike as I was helping Twilight up. “Well well well.” Spike said enjoying the attention. “Oh my, he talks. I didn’t know dragons can talk. It’s just so incredibly wonderful. I... I don’t even know what to say.” Fluttershy said flying. I was kinda surprise at first, because Fluttershy has a fear of dragons. I suppose since Spike’s a baby, she doesn’t mind.

After I helped Twilight up, her horn glowed and levitated Spike on her back. “Well in that case we better be going.” Twilight said as she began walking away. I wondered why she wanted to go to the library so bad. I shrugged it off and decided to follow her.

Fluttershy came up to us as we walk. “Wait, what’s his name?” She asked in a cheerful voice. “I’m Spike.” He answered. “Hi Spike, I’m Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon, and what do dragons talk about.” She asked. “Absolutely everything.” Twilight groaned at this. I had to admit, even I was interested in Spike’s tale.

“Well, I started out as a cute little purple and green egg.” Spike started. Throughout the entire walk, Spike was telling Fluttershy his entire life story, while I was listening in.
When we were almost at the library, tore my attention away from Spike and looked Twilight. “Hey Twilight.” I said getting her attention. “Yes, Shade.” She said without looking at me. “Just to let you know, You and Spike will be sleeping in the master bedroom.” I told her.

Twilight looked at me in surprise. “Really, um are you sure.” I simply nodded. “Though I am going have to find a place for Spike to sleep.” I said. I turned my head towards Spike, and it looks like he was finishing up.

“And that’s the story of whole in tire life. Well, up until today. Do you want to hear about today?” Spike asked. “Oh yes please.” Fluttershy answered in glee.

Twilight then turned around at a speed that would impress Rainbow Dash. “I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast. This is where I’m staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.” Twilight said in a forced smile. “No I don’t...” Spike tried to object but was thrown off.

“Aww look at that. He’s so sleepy he can’t even keep his little balance.” Twilight said while Spike gave her a displeasing look. Fluttershy then scooped Spike up into the air. “Poor thing, we simply must get him too bed.” She said as she flew inside the library. Twilight hurried in and pushed Fluttershy out.

“Yes yes, we’ll get right on that. Well goodnight.” She said before closing the door. I Couldn’t believe Twilight my own home. Ok technically, the first floor is opened to the public, but still. I look at fluttershy in concern. “Fluttershy, I am so sorry about that.” I said. She shook her head smiling. “Don’t worry Shade, Twilight probably wants to make sure Spike gets his sleep.” Fluttershy said. That’s what makes Fluttershy so amazing, she sees the good in everypony.

I walked up the door and knocked on it. “Twilight, I live here.” I said sternly. Twilight opened the door and smiled nervously. “Sorry about that.” She said as she moves away from the door. I walked in and the lights were turned off. Since I was still wearing my sunglasses, I could barely make out the shapes of Twilight and Spike.

“Huh, rude much.” Spike said. “Agreed, Twilight Sparkle, I hope you have a good reason for acting that way toward Fluttershy.” I said in slight anger. “Sorry Spike and Shade, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now wheres the light?” Twilight said looking around. Wait, what was part about Nightmare Moon.

Suddenly, the lights came on, and the room was filled with ponies. We jumped up slightly in surprise.

“Surprise!” Everypony in the room yelled with confetti and balloons going everywhere. Twilight reacted to this by groaning. I was think why all these ponies are here. Then it hit me, there’s only one pony that would throw this party.

“Surprise!” Said Pinkie Pie coming out of nowhere.”Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you. Were you surprise, were you huh, huh, huh?” She said jumping around.

“Very surprise, libraries are suppose to be quiet.” Twilight said in annoyance. “Well that’s silly. What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean duh, boring. You see, I saw you when first got here. You were like hello and I was like gasp. Remember? You see I never saw you before, and if I never seen you before, that meant your new, because I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville, and if your new, and that you haven’t met anyone yet and if you haven’t met anyone yet, that meant you don’t have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely and that made me so sad and I had an idea, and that’s why I went, gasp, I just throw a great big ginormous super duper spectacular welcome party, and invite everyone in ponyville. See? And now you have lots and lots of friends.” Pinkie said over joyously, while Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy showed up.

While Pinkie was talking, Twilight took a sip of her drink she got from a nearby table through a straw. She turned around and I noticed he mouth was red and sweating.

“Um, are you alright sugercube?” Applejack said sharing our concern.

Twilight jumped up with her hair turning into fire and ran up stairs.

“Aww, she’s so happy, she’s crying.” Pinkie said smiling. “I’m pretty sure pretty sure that isn’t the reason Pinkie.” I told her.

As Twilight was heading to her room, Spike pick up the bottle Twilight poured into her drink. “Hot Sauce.” Spike Said reading the label. Why in Equestria was hot sauce there.

Pinkie tipped the hot sauce bottle over one of the cup cakes and covered it. She then picked it up and at it in one bit. We all looked at her questionably. “What? It’s good.” She said with her mouth full.

Everypony was having a blast at the party. Unfortunately, I wasn’t enjoying the party. I kept thinking what Twilight meant earlier about Nightmare Moon. I remember reading about the Mare in the Moon years ago. That’s when it hit me. The alicorn in my dream last night matches the descriptions of Nightmare Moon. I got out of my spot walked over to the stairs. Before I reached them however, Pinkie appeared right next to me. I swear I will never figure her out.

“Hey Shade, where’re you going?” Pinkie asked. I didn’t want to worry Pinkie if it was a mistake so I told her a part of the reason. “I’m just going to check on Twilight.” I told her. “Oh, Spike already went up there to see if she want’s to play pin the tail on the pony. You wanna play?” Pinkie said asked smiling. “Oh, um maybe later. I also wanted to see how she thought the tour was. You know, me being her guide and all.” I said nervously. I hated having to lie to one of my friends, but I didn’t want them thinking I’m overreacting. “Ok.” Pinkie said as she went back to the game.

I climbed upstairs to the master bedroom where Twilight was sleeping. Before I reached the door, I overheard Spike talking to Twilight. “It’s the eve of the Summer Sun Festival. Everypony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun. You really should lighten up Twilight. It’s a party.” Spike said as he left the room and bumped into me by accident. I noticed he had a lamp shade over his head for some reason.

“Shade, what’re doing here?” Spike asked. “I just need to check on Twilight for something.” I told After Spike passed me, I went into the main bedroom. The room had two floors, the top where the be was, and the bottom where the study area was.

“Hey Twilight.” I said. Twilight turned around and saw me. “‘Sigh’ Yes, Shade.” Twilight said in annoyance. “I need to know if what you said about Nightmare Moon is true?” I asked in concern. Twilight looked at me with eyes wide open.

“You believe me?” She asked. I simply nodded “Yes, you see, legend has it on the longest day on the thousandth year. The stars will aid n her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night. I hope the Princess was right. I hope it really is an old pony tale.” Twilight said looking up on the moon with a unicorn image on it through a window. I climbed the stair case to the top of the room and looked at her. “Actually Twilight, I believe Nightmare Moon is returning.” I told her. She turned her head in surprise. “Really, but why?” She asked. I was hesitant, but decided to tell her. “Promise you won’t freak out.” I asked. she nodded her head questionably.

I sat down next to her and took off my hoodie, revealing me bat ears. Twilight gasped in shock as I continue taking off my sunglasses, showing her my eyes. “You see, Thestrals are followers of the Mare on the Moon. Last Night, I had a dream about her, there were others like me. Nightmare said she’s returning and the night will last forever.” I told her as I was looking down.

I preyed Twilight didn’t think I was one of Nightmare’s followers or fear for thestrals. When I looked up at Twilight, and was surprised at what I saw. She started crying a little.

“Cr... Crest Shield.” Twilight whispered. I froze at what she called me. For some reason, that name just felt right.

“You know who I am?” I asked, thinking it was too good to be true. Twilight nodded. Now it makes sense. That’s why Twilight and Spike are so familiar to me.

“Yes, but I thought you... you.” Twilight didn’t finish as she tried to wipe away her tears. failing. What was she trying to tell me. I walked over to a cabinet and brought out a box of tissues. I took one out and gave it to Twilight, who took it with her magic.

“Twilight, please tell me who I am?” I asked gently. I wanted to know about my past, but I still tried to considered what Twilight was feeling. Twilight wiped away all her tear and looked at me while smiling.

“You were my first closest friend I ever made. We made a promise to each other when we were younger.” Twilight said.

When Twilight mentioned we made a promise, I started remembering something. It was of me and a younger Twilight making the promise. Like a fog being lifted.

“I remember now, we promised while you became the greatest sorceress. I would become the greatest knight.” I told her.

Twilight smiled in hope and hugged me. “It’s really you, no pony else knew about the promise.” Twilight said softly. I returned the warm hug. I finally met somepony from my past. That was short lived however when I heard the door open.

I glanced over at the door and it was Spike. “Come on Twilight and Shade. It’s time to watch the sunrise. Spike said, gesturing us to follow. He then noticed that Twilight and I were still hugging. “Well, aren’t you two getting to know each other better.” Spike said to us. Twilight and I looked at each other and let go while blushing.

“Spike, it’s not what you think.” Twilight told Spike. He just giggled at this. “Really, because it looked like you two were...” Spike drifted off when he got a good look at me reaching the stair. His jaw dropped in shock. “You... you look like.” Spike said stuttering.

I looked towards Twilight, who closed Spike’s jaw. “Spike, I’ll explain later, right now we need to see the Princess.” She said. “To convince her about Nightmare Moon, right?” I asked. Twilight turned to me. “Yes, but also something else.” She said. “Really? What else?”. I asked, trying to come up with a reason. “I think it’s best if I show you to the Princess.” She said smiling.

“Um...ok.” I said putting my sunglasses and hoodie on. Why did she need to show me to the Princess.

We exited the library and made our way to the Town Hall where the celebration was being held. Pinkie came up to use out of nowhere, as usual. “Isn’t this exciting. Are you excited, because I’m excited! I’ve never been so excited! Well except for the time I saw you walking into town and I went ‘gasp’. I mean really, who can top that!?” Pinkie said to Twilight.

The birds started singing being orchestrated by Fluttershy. The main light were focused on the stage were Mayor mare was. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.” She said. Everypony started hollering excitement except Twilight, Spike and I. “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year. And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land. The very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day. The good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia.” Mayor Mare announced. The birds started singing again. I looked up and notices Rarity up there pulling the curtains.

The main light focused on the balcony where the Princess was supposed to be, but she wasn’t. Everypony started whispering to about where the Princess is. “This can’t be good.” Twilight said worryingly. I looked up at the moon and was shocked. The unicorn image on it was gone.

“Remain calm everypony. There must be a reasonable explanation.” Mayor Mare said trying to calm everypony down.

Pinkie started jumping. “Oh oh, I love games. Is she hiding?” Pinkie said looking around. I know I should expect this of her, but I still couldn’t guess what she thinks. Rarity walked up the the edge of the balcony. “She’s gone.” She said.

Everypony gasped in shock.

“Oh she’s good.” Pinkie said. I sigh at her being oblivious. She then screamed looking up. I tuned my eyes to the balcony, and saw a purple smoke form. Everypony gasped at it.

“Oh no.” I heard Twilight whispered.

The next thing that happened was terrible, the purple mist revealed a black alicorn with a translucent purple main, and sharp silver eyes. The same alicorn from my dream.

“Nightmare Moon.” Twilight said. Spike fainted at the sight of Nightmare Moon.

“Oh, my beloved subjects. It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sun loving faces.” She said, glancing over everypony else.”

“What did you do with our Princess.” Rainbow Dash demanded flying up. Only to have Applejack hold her back clinging onto her tail with her teeth.

“Ha ha ha. Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” Nightmare asked in anger.”

“Oh, oh, more guessing games. Um, Smokey Smokes, how about Queen Meanie, no, Black Snooty, Black Snooty!” Pinkie said, luckily, Applejack shoved a cup cake in her mouth.

“Does my crown no longer count now I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years. Did you not recall the legend. Did you not see the signs.” Nightmare Moon as she got close to Fluttershy then Rarity.

“I did and I know who your are. Your the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon.” Said Twilight. Everypony gasped in shock.

“Well well well, somepony who remembers me. And you also know why I’m here.” Nightmare Moon said.

“Your here to... to.” Twilight stutter as she looks around the room nervously. I decided to speak up.

“Your here to bring everlasting night.” I told Nightmare Moon with determination.

“Ah another pony who knows of me.” She said in pride.

“Yeah, from the dream you casted last night.” I told her. Nightmare looked confused. “That’s not possible, I only casted that dream for my loyal subjects.” Nightmare Moon said. I took off my hoodie and sunglasses to show her what I am. Nightmare Moon was surprise to say the least. “Your a thestral, what happened to your wings?” Nightmare Moon asked narrowing her sight at me.

“Lost them, and just because I’m a bat pony, doesn’t mean I’m one of your followers.” I told her. “So, another Thestral who dares betray me.” Nightmare Moon said angrily. “Can’t betray you if I wasn’t with you to begin with.” I commented back. Nightmare Moon snarled at this, but regained her composer.

“Hm hm hm, well no matter. Remember this day little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever! Ha ha ha ha ha!” She laughed as the purple translucent smoke became a storm, shooting out lightning.

Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic: Part 2[Un-Edited]

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Nightmare Moon was laughing at her victory as lighting surrounded the room.

“Seize her! Only she knows were the Princess is!” Mayor Mare said pointing her hoof at Nightmare Moon. The Royal Guard Pegasi took to the air and charged at Nightmare Moon. They had white coats with blue manes wearing golden armor. Nightmare Moon noticed the guards coming at her.

“Stand back you fools!” She said as her eyes glowed white. Suddenly, lighting from the purple smoke shot at the guards, knocking them out of the sky. The smoke covered Nightmare Moon, she becoming smoke as well, and left the building through the front entrance. The Guard were too injured to go after her. Luckily, Royal Guards armor are enchanted, so that mostly protected them from the attack.

I saw Rainbow Dash was trying to give chase to her, and Applejack finally lost her grip. “Rainbow, wait!” I yelled and I ran after her to make sure she didn’t get herself hurt. “Come back here!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the smoke of Nightmare Moon as she left Town Hall.

When I exited the building, I noticed Rainbow Dash stopped in midair. I figured she probably lost track of Nightmare Moon, thankfully. I heard hoofs galloping behind me. I turned around, and saw Twilight running past me with Spike on her back.

Rainbow Dash noticed her as well and flew after her. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy came out of the building with worried expressions. “Shade, where’s Rainbow Dash?” Asked Applejack. “She’s heading toward the Library, come on.” I told them.

We galloped to the library as fast as we could to the Library. Reaching and opening the door, we saw confronting Twilight face to face, literally. “And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon? Are you a spy?” Rainbow Dash said flying in front of Twilight.

Applejack moved behind Rainbow Dash and pulled her back by grabbing Rainbow’s tail with her teeth. “Whoa.” Rainbow Dash responded. “Shimmer down sally, she ain't no spy, but she and Shade do know what’s going on; don’t you two.” Applejack said looking at Twilight then me as the rest of us entered the library.

“I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don’t know where they are, where to find them, I don’t even know what they do.” Twilight explained.

When she mentioned the Elements of Harmony, I was about to tell Twilight where I heard about them, before Pinkie spoke up. “The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.” Pinkie said, reading the title of the book I was going to tell Twilight about. Twilight ran over to Pinkie and knock her aside. “How did you find that?” Asked Twilight looking at the book.

“It was under E.” Pinkie answered while bouncing around. “Oh.” Twilight said, accepting her Pinkie’s answer. She levitated the book from the shelf and opened it. “There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said the last know location of the five Elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is know, The Everfree Forest.” Twilight said. We walked outside toward the Everfree Forest.

When made our way to the edge of the Everfree, we stopped at the sight of it. Seeing it, I remembered fragments of my memory. It was when I was being chased by the timberwolves. They were wolf like creatures made out of dead wood. I started to hyperventilate and my hoofs were shook rapidly.

I felt a hoof over my neck and looked to my left. I saw Rainbow Dash with a concerned look on her face. “Dude, you ok.” She asked. I just nodded to her.

“Wee, lets go.” Pinkie said in joy, completely ignoring the dangers of the Everfree.

“Not so fast.” Said Twilight, causing Pinkie to stop. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but I’d really rather do this on my own.” Twilight said. I looked at her as if she was crazy.

“No can do sugercube. We sure ain't lettin’ any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We’re sticking to you like caramel on a candy apple.” Applejack as she and the rest of our friends head into the Everfree Forest. Twilight looked unease at Applejack calling her a friend. “Aseptically if there’s candy apples in there.” Pinkie said. Twilight and I just looked at her weirdly. “What? those things are good.” She said as she caught up with the others.

I looked over to Twilight. “Twilight, I don’t know why you want to do things by yourself, but nopony can do everything on their own. And also, you should probably call me Shade, at least until we find those Elements.” I told Twilight her and walked up ahead. Right now we needed to focus on finding the Elements of Harmony. As much as I want to look for answers, we have more important things to worry about. I heard Twilight sigh and began walking.

As we walk through the forest, I kept my ears open for anything moving in the woods. I was worried about encountering the timberwolves, but even more so for everypony else’s safety. I steeled my nerves so I won’t freak out if I see any.

“So, non of you have been in here before?” Twilight asked us. “Heavens no. Just look at it, it’s dreadful.” Rarity answered. “I haven’t been in since before my incident.” I told her.

“And it ain't natural. Folks say it doesn’t work the same way as Equestria.” Applejack explained. I started hearing hearing something underneath us, but couldn’t make it out. “What does that mean?” Asked Twilight in worried.

“Nopony knows.” Said Rainbow Dash in a spooky voice. “You know why?” She asked and she slowly walks up to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. “Rainbow, quit it.” Applejack said disapprovingly. “Cause anypony who ever come in, has never come out!” She yelled jumping and spoking them. “Didn’t I come out?” I commented.

Suddenly, the ground gave way underneath us and we fell down screaming. I looked up and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying down to get Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Sliding down the cliff, I noticed a stick pointing out of the ground. I grabbed it with my mouth and hooked my back hooves with Applejack’s.

Twilight was still sliding down and manage to barely hold onto the edge of the cliff. “Hold on. I’m coming Applejack let go of my hooves and slowly slip down to Twilight. I let go as well and slid down behind Applejack and hooked my hoof with Applejack’s back leg. Applejack got Twilight, but neither of us can get a good footing to pull her up. “Applejack, Shade; what do I do?” Twilight said, holding on for her life.

“Let go.” Applejack told Twilight. I looked at her in shock. “Are you crazy!” Twilight yelled. “No I ain't, I promise you’ll be safe.” Applejack told her. That’s not true.” Twilight said in disbelief. “Now listen here. What I’m saying to you is the honest truth. Let go and you’ll be safe.” Applejack said to here. I didn’t know what Applejack was doing, but I trusted her. “Twilight, I know Applejack. If she say’s you’ll be safe, she means it.” I told her.

Twilight looked at us and let go screaming as she fell down. I slid down to Applejack’s side and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy catch Twilight. I sighed in relief and followed Applejack down by the cliff sides. ‘Applejack’s honesty always assure everypony around her,’ I thought.

When we reached the bottom, I thought heard a strange sound from nearby. It was there for a moment, but I lost it. I then slightly heard a beast yelling from the distance. I ignored it for now and went up to Twilight when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy let her down.

“Are you ok?” I asked. She smiled and nodded. “I am. come on, we need to find the Elements.” She said before walking off.

We continued on with Everypony “And once Pinkie and Rarity were safe, whoosh. Me and Fluttershy looped a looped around and ram. Caught you right in the nick of time. Rainbow Dash said while boasting.

“Yes Rainbow I was there, and I’m very grateful, but we gotta huh.” Twilight stopped as a beast appeared before us. “A manticore!” Twilight said as the beast roared in anger. It was a lion like creature with bat wings and a scorpion tail. “We’ve got to get past him.” Twilight said with determination.

The manticore took a swipe at Rarity. She ducked and back hoof the manticore. I am so glad I taught the girls some martial arts before. “Take that you ruffian.” Rarity said in triumph. The manticore just roared at Rarity, causing her hair style to become puffy like Pinkie’s. “My hair.” Rarity said in distraught, before remembering the manticore in front of her and running away. I mentally hoof face myself Rarity’s priorities.

I ran up to fight as well. “Wait.” Said Fluttershy. I stopped and turned toward Fluttershy. “What?” I asked. As I said this, Applejack decided to rodeo the manticore.

“We shouldn’t hurt that poor animal.” She said. I looked at her questionably, but remembered how good Fluttershy is with animals. I nodded and looked back to see Applejack was thrown off the manticore’s back. “All your’s partner.” She said to Rainbow Dash in the air. “I’m on it.” Rainbow Dash said saluting her. “Rainbow, hold it.” I told her, but was completely ignored as she past by me.

Rainbow circled around the manticore, and created a rainbow tornado around it. The manticore raised his tail, and I realized what it was going to do. Before I could warn Rainbow Dash, the manticore swatted her in the air. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight and I yelled. I dove over and caught Rainbow Dash with my back before she hit the ground.

Rainbow Dash got off me and I did as well. “Huh, thanks.” Rainbow Dash said to me. “No problem.” I replied to her and turned around. I saw the manticore was about to charge, as well as the other girls. The girls charged at the beast first. Fluttershy and I quickly ran in front of them.

“WAIT!” Fluttershy and I yelled stopping both all of them stopped. I nodded to Fluttershy, and she walked over to the manticore. The beast raised hiss paw, getting ready to strike Fluttershy. I got ready just in “Shush, it’s ok.” Fluttershy said to the manticore gently and nuzzled it’s left paw. The manticore looked at it’s paw and showed it to Fluttershy. There was a huge thorn in it. “Poor poor little baby.” She said to it. “Little?” I heard Rainbow Dash said. “Now this might hurt for just a second.” Fluttershy said as she pulled the thorn out of the manticore’s paw.

The manticore yelled in pain and grabbed her. “Fluttershy!” We yelled, I was about to help her, but I realized what the Manticore was doing. He was licking Fluttershy in gratitude. “Aww your just a big old kitty aren’t you. Yes you are, yes you are.” Fluttershy said to it. We relaxed and walked pass the purring manticore.

Twilight and I stopped and waited for Fluttershy. “How did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked Fluttershy, whose mane was pulled back from the licking. “I didn’t. Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness.” She told her. Twilight smiled and looked at me. “Did you know that would happen?” She asked. “I had a hunch she could calm it, considering she lives with a bear.” I told her. She looked surprise and we continued on. ‘Fluttershy’s kindness always brought out the the best in creatures,’ I thought.

Before we caught up with everypony else, I heard that strange sound again. I looked behind me and noticed the thorn from the manticore was gone.

We continued on and the forest becoming more dense. “Huh, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck.” Said Rarity complaining. The forest became so dense, that we lost the light of the moon. “Well I didn’t mean that literally.” She said. It became significantly darker around us. I could still see fine thanks to me being a thestral.

“That ancient ruin could be right in front of us and we wouldn’t even know it.” Said Twilight. I was about to tell them to stick close to me, but I heard the strange noise again. I quickly looked around to find the source of it but lost it. I then heard a squishing sound. “Oh wait. I think I stepped in something.” Said Applejack. I looked at Applejack’s hooves. “Don’t worry, it’s mud.” I told her.

Fluttershy then screamed in horror. “It’s just mud.” Applejack told her. We turned around and saw what Fluttershy was screaming at. The trunk of the tree had a disturbingly horrifying face. Applejack and I backed up from it. We noticed all the trees around us were like that.

All the girls screamed at them while I was holding my guard up. We then heard Pinkie laughing. We looked over to Pinkie who was making silly faces at it. “Pinkie, what are you doing. Run!” Twilight told her. Next thing we know, Pinkie started singing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrPte1uijDw

We were all laughing as what ever made the horrifying faces disappeared. I don’t know why they disappeared, but I don’t care. ‘Pinkie’s laughter always brought a smile to everypony’s faces,’ I thought.

We continued onward laughing until we hit a river. There was rapids going out of control in the river. “How are we going to cross this?” Asked Pinkie to nopony in particular. We could probably have Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy carry us one at a time, but we then heard wailing.

We looked through a bush to see a sea serpent in grief. “What a world, what a world.” He said flailing the water. I noticed his flailing is what was causing the rapids. At least this creature seems civilized.

“Excuse me sir, why are you crying.” Twilight asked. “Well I don’t know. I was just siting here, minding my own business. When this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just wisp past me, and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off.” He said pointing at his damaged mustache. Purple smoke, could that have been Nightmare Moon?’ I thought remembering how she turned herself into purple smoke at Towns Hall. “And now, I look simple horrid.” He said as he cried more, splashing water all over us.

“Oh give me a break.” Said Rainbow Dash. “That’s what all the fuss is about.” Applejack followed up. “Well, considering I got glue in my mane one time, I could understand.” I said. Some of the girls snickered while, Twilight looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Exactly. How can you be so insensitive? Oh would you look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales.” Rarity said admiring his scales. “Sniff. I know.” He said. “and your expertly craft mane.” She said. “Oh I know, I know.” He responded again. “Your fabulous manicure.” She continued. “It’s so true.” He said. “All ruin without your beautiful mustache.” She finished. “It’s true, I’m hideous.” He said dramatically. “I simply cannot let crime against fabulosity go uncorrected.” Rarity said before she yanked one of the serpent’s scaled out with her mouth.

"Ow, what did you do that for?” He asked.

Rarity raised the scale like a sword. I couldn’t guess was Rarity was going to do with that. “Rarity what are you…” Twilight didn’t finish as Rarity did the unexpected. The serpent dramatically collapsed as Rarity cut off her tail. She tossed the scale aside and used her magic to attach her severed tail to the serpent’s severed mustache.

“Oh oh oh My mustache” How wonderful!” He said in joy. “You look smashing.” Rarity complemented. “Oh Rarity, your beautiful tail.” Said Twilight in concern. “Oh it’s fine my dear, short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.” She told us. 'Her generosity never ceases to amaze me,' I thought.

“So would the mustache.” Whispered Rainbow Dash to Twilight. I just rolled my eyes at her comment I looked at the river, and it was calm now. “We can cross now, let’s go.” Said Twilight noticing as well and crossing it. The river was a lot more shallow than I thought. Suddenly, She was lifted up by the serpents tail. “Please allow me.” Said the sea serpent as made a bridge for us.

We crossed over and I turned around. “Thanks…um.” I tried to thank him, but didn’t know his Name. “Steven Magnet, and your quite welcome.” He said as he went back into the water. I turned back and caught up with the others.

We continued on until Twilight stopped spoke up. “There it is. The ruin that holds the elements of harmony. We made it!” She said looking at the ruins over a foggy cliff. It was a ruined castle that looked like a battle accused a long time ago. Twilight galloped to the ruined castle. “Twilight, wait for us.” Said Applejack as we ran up to catch up with her.

“We’re almost there.” Twilight said before almost falling down a cliffside of a downed rope bridge. Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed Twilight’s tail with her mouth and pulled her back. What with you and falling off cliffs today.” Rainbow said amusingly.

I went by Twilight’s side and helped her up. We looked over the edge of the cliff and couldn’t see the bottom because of the fog. “Now what?” Asked Pinkie. “Duh.” Rainbow replied flapping her wings. “Oh yeah.” Pinkie said as Rainbow Dash flew over and dragged the end of the broken rope bridge to the other side. I see she was about to finish tying when she and I heard something. “Rainbow.” Somepony said. “Whose there?” Asked Rainbow Dash looking around.

I looked around to see where the voice came from. “Something wrong shade?” Asked Applejack. “I think heard a voice on the other side of the gorge.” I told them. I noticed the fog spreading around Rainbow Dash and we lost sight of her. I could still hear what going on the other side. “Rainbow. Rainbow.” The voice said again. “I ain't scared of you. Show yourself” Rainbow Dash demanded, sounding like she was getting ready to fight.

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.” The voice said. “Who.” Rainbow asked. “Why, you of course.” The voice answered. “Really!? I mean, oh yeah, me. Hey uh, you wouldn’t mind telling the Wonderbolts that would ya. Because I’ve been trying to get into that group for like ever.” She said excitedly.

“No Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us. The Shadowbolts.” The voice said before I heard hooves galloping. I try to see who Rainbow was talking to, but the fog was too dense. “We’re the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria. But first, we need a captain.” She said. I didn’t like the sound of that.

“The most magnificent.” The voice said. “Yep.” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Swiftest.” The voice continued. “Yes.” Rainbow Dash agreed again. “Bravest flyer in all the land.” She said. “Yes, it’s all true.” Rainbow Dash said. “We need…” I couldn’t hear what the voice said on that last part since her voice died down, but I had a pretty good guess.

“Woohoo. Sign me up, just let me tie this bridge will quick and then we have a deal.” Rainbow Dash said as she was about to finish tying the rope of the bridge. “No! it’s them or us.” The voice said stopping Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow, What’s taking so long?” Twilight asked yelling. The fog lifted up somewhat and I could see who Rainbow Dash was talking to. There were three pegasi wearing black and blue outfits with yellow goggles over their eyes and a skull image over their cutie mark. “Those pegasi are trying to recruit Rainbow Dash.” I told them. Oh no, Rainbow!” Twilight yelled to her.

The middle pony, who I assume was the leader, looked at us and her eye’s glowed yellow. The fog completely cut off our sight from her. “Don’t listen to them.” Twilight yelled again warning her. I on the other hoof wasn’t worried. Rainbow was a lot of things, but she’s no traitor. I focused on listening to their conversation again.

“Well?” The shadow bolt asked. “You.” Rainbow Dash said. I thought I heard her wrong. “Thank you; for the offer I mean, but I’m afraid I’ll have to say no.” Rainbow said as the bridge leveled out and heard her fly back to us.

When she came out of the fog, we all congratulated her on coming back to us. “You had me a little worried there Dash when you just said you.” I told her. “What; you heard that!” She said in surprise. “Sensitive hearing, remember.” I told her while smirking. “Well yeah, I never leave my friends hanging.” Rainbow Dash said to Twilight as she flew on ahead. ‘For as long as I’ve known her, she was always loyal to her friends.’ I thought.

I looked around and I couldn’t see the Shadowbolts anywhere. I suspected Nightmare Moon had something to do with it. I decided to keep up my guard at all times for now. When we crossed the bridge, We headed straight into the ruined castle.

There inside, we say a pedestal holding five stone orbs, which I assumed were the Elements. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew up and grabbed each of them one at a time. “Careful, careful.” Twilight said as Rainbow Dash set down the first element. “One; two; three; four; there’s only five.” Pinkie said counting the orbs coming down. “Where’s the sixth?” Asked Rainbow Dash.

“The book said, when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth element to be revealed.” Twilight explained laying down. “What the hay is that supposed to mean?” Asked Applejack. “I’m not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back, I don’t know what will happen.” She told us, lighting up her horn and closing her eyes.

“Come on now y’all. She needs to concentrate.” Applejack said as she left through the front gate. Everypony else followed her out, but me. With what we encountered before, I thought it best to hanged back a bit to make sure Twilight was alright.

Just then, I heard that strange sound again. I turned around and spotted a purple smoke swirling around the Elements of Harmony. “Twilight, look out!” I warned her. She opened her eyes too late. “Ah!” She yelled, as the Elements were caught in a twister of purple smoke. “Twilight!” I heard the girls behind me yell.

I quickly ran over to Twilight to protect her. “The Elements!” She said before jumping into the tornado. I jumped into it as well at the last second.

Twilight and I coughed after we fell to the ground. I opened my eyes and noticed both of us were in a different part of the ruin. In front of us was Nightmare Moon, holding the Elements of Harmony in her translucent mane. Lightning came out of nowhere as she laughs in victory.

I looked at Twilight and saw determination in her eyes. I leaned over to her. “I’ll distract Nightmare Moon, while you get the Elements.” I whispered to her. She nodded and turned her gaze at Nightmare Moon. We pawed the ground as we prepared to charge. “Your kidding. Your kidding, right?” Nightmare Moon asked amused, seeing that we were about to attack her.

Twilight and I charged at her and Nightmare Moon did the same. Twilight’s horn lit up and disappeared before she collided into Nightmare Moon. She was surprised by Twilight’s disappearance. I read about the spell Twilight used and decided to use it to my advantage. While Nightmare Moon was distracted, I jumped back hoof kick her in the face. I ended up behind her, and got ready to continue my attack.

Angered by this Nightmare turned her attention on me. During my training, I learned the best way for me to fight a unicorn was to not give them time to focus on their magic. I quickly stood on my back hooves into my bipedal fighting stance and leaped at her before she could react. Since she was bigger than me, I jumped up and upper cut her with my left hoof. To follow up, I spun around and back hooked kick her in the cheek.

I was about punch her again, but my body stopped moving as I my hoof was an inch away from Nightmare Moon’s muzzle. My body was enveloped by a purple dark aura. Nightmare Moon’s horn was glowing, meaning caught my using her magic. “You will Pay for attacking your Queen!” Nightmare Moon yelled in anger with bruises on her face.

Nightmare Moon looked like she was going to me pay, but her eye’s widened when she looked past me. I used most of my strength to turn my head. Twilight was charging her horn in front of the Elements. “NO!” Nightmare Moon yelled, she threw me against a stone pillar. She threw me so Nightmare Moon turned herself into purple smoke and rushed over in front of Twilight. I tried to stand up, but Nightmare Moon threw me hard.

Twilight was zapped away from the Elements when Nightmare Moon appeared in front of her. The Elements were glowing with electricity coming off them. “No! No!” said Nightmare Moon, looking at the glowing Elements. For a moment, it looked like the Elements were going to defeat Nightmare Moon, but the light around them vanished. “But, where’s the sixth element!” Said Twilight in surprise.

Nightmare Moon laughed in her victory and slammed her hooves to the ground, causing the Elements to shatter to pieces. I didn’t known to think, the Elements where the one thing that can stop Nightmare Moon. I looked towards Twilight and she’s just as shock as I am. “You little fools. Thinking you can defeat me. Now you will see your Princess or your sun. The night will last forever.” She said and laughed in victory. “But maybe I should make an example of you two for the trouble you gave me.” She said.

I slowly stood up and faced Nightmare Moon. “Your won’t harm my friend.” I told her. She only laughed at me.” Oh really, and just what are going to do?” Nightmare Moon said as her horn was charging and was aimed at Twilight. I realized what she was going to do. Nightmare Moon’s horn fired a purple beam that was heading directly at Twilight. Twilight’s horn lit up to cast a spell, but I didn’t think she would finish in time. Before the beam made contact with Twilight, I jumped in front of Twilight and took the hit. I could feel extreme burning on my left shoulder and was pushed back against her.

We skid across the floor to the middle of the room. I felt my sunglasses in my right pocket broke when I hit the ground. I winced from the pain on my left shoulder. I looked over to where I got hit. My shoulder was severely burned and a part of my jacket was scorched off. Twilight looked at my wound and gasped. “Crest, why did you do that?” She whispered in grief.

“Isn’t it obvious, because my friends are the most important to me.” I told her. When I tried to get up, I could barely stand on my left leg. “Without their bond, I would never have come this far, and that include you Twilight.” I said as I slowly stood straight.

“Shade? Twilight?” "Don’t worry Shade and Twilight; we’re here.” We’re coming, Shade, Twilight!” We heard our friends calling out our names from the stair case at the end of the room. I noticed Twilight had a spark in her ears for a moment. “You think you destroyed the Elements of Harmony just like that.” She said turning to Nightmare Moon. “Well, your wrong, because the spirits of the Elements here!” She said as the rest of our friends entered the room.

The shards of the Elements around Nightmare Moon started to move and hover in the air around her glowing. “What?” Nightmare gasped.

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!” Twilight said as a few of the shards floated around Applejack.

“Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness.” Some shards floated around Fluttershy, she shied away at first, but accepted them.

“Pinkie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter!” Pinkie bounced as a few of the shards floated around her.

"Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity!” A few of the Shards floated around Rarity.

“And Rainbow Dash, who would not abandon her friends for her own hearts desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty! The remaining shards floated around Rainbow Dash.

“The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!” Twilight said.

“You still don’t have the sixth Element,” Nightmare Moon reminded us. “The spark didn’t work.” She finished.

“Oh, but it did,” Twilight said smiling. “ different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you; and when Shade protected me and reminded me what’s most important; the spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… are my friends!” She claimed. When she finished, a bright flash appeared over us, showing the sixth Element. It kinda looked the shape of Twilight’s six pointed star cutie mark.

“You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the… the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element: the Element of Magic!” Twilight declared.

For some reason, even though the lights were bright, my eyes weren’t hurt like they should during the day. The shards of the Elements around the girls came together, forming necklaces. Except for Twilight, whose Element formed a tiara on her head. The Elements brought them together and a twirling Rainbow came out of them. The Rainbow shot out and washed over Nightmare Moon.

“No! NOOOOO!” Nightmare Moon cried out as the rainbow enveloped her into a tornado. The light grew brighter until it covered the entire room and I had to finally cover my eyes with my hoodie.

When the light died down down, I saw my friends laying down on the floor. “Are you girls alright?” I asked in concern. “Oh, my head,” Rainbow Dash whined, rubbing her head. “I think we’re ok Shade.” Applejack responded to my question.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity exclaimed. I see her flaunting her regrown long tail. It was probably because of the Elements of Harmony. I then realize the sting on my wound faded away. I looked to where Nightmare Moon hit me with her beam, and my wound was completely healed. I guess that light from the Element had something to do with it as well. Too bad it didn’t repair my hoodie.

“Why Rarity, it’s so lovely,” Fluttershy said looking at Rarity. “I know! I’ll never part with it again!” Rarity said waving it around and cradled it like a baby.

“No, your necklace.” Fluttershy clarified. “It looks just like your cutie mark!” She said. Rarity looked at her necklace and then at Fluttershy’s. “So does yours!” Rarity said noticing Fluttershy’s necklace.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie chimed, bouncing around the room. “Oh, yeah!" Rainbow Dash ginned, liking her necklace with a red lightning bolt on it. I can’t help but feel left out, with everypony receiving an Element but me.

“Gee, Twilight. I thought you were just spouting a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship.” Applejack admitted.

“Indeed you do,” Somepony said from the window. We looked towards the window and the sun rising up. I quickly put my hoodie back on my head to block the sunlight. In a flash, a tall white alicorn with a bright rainbow flowing mane appeared before us, it was Princess Celestia. Beside Twilight, we all kneeled in her presence.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight gasped. She walked up to her teacher and the Princess gave her an affectionate nuzzle.

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student! I knew you could do it!” The Princess told Twilight.

“But… you told me it was all an old pony tale.” Said Twilight.

“I told you that you need to make some friends,” Princess Celestia corrected her. “Nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moo’s return, and knew it was you who had the magic to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you had let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well.” Princess Celestia said as she walked over to a alicorn laying on the ground where Nightmare Moon once stood. Her coat was blue with a light blue mane, and she was a lot smaller compared to how she looked earlier.

“Princess Luna!” Said Princess Celestia.

The alicorn woke up and gasped at Celestia’s presence in fear. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” She said. Princess Celestia knelt to the blue one’s level. “It is time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

“Sister?” Everypony burst in response. Somehow, looking at those two felt familiar.

Will you accept my friendship?” Princess Celestia asked standing up. We leaned in closer to here her response, but Pinkie Pie leaned in too closely and fell over forward.

Princess Luna went up to Princess Celestia. “I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister.” Princess Luna said and Princess Celestia gave her a tender hug.

“I missed you too.” Princess Celestia said in tears. I heard a loud blowing behind me. It was Pinkie Pie bawling her eyes with a tissue, which I had no idea where she got, at the reunion. Her river of rears suddenly stopped and she perked up. “Hey, you know what this calls for? A PARTY!” Pinkie said. She then bolted to the door.

“Wait Pinkie!” Twilight yelled, stopping Pinkie in mid air, literally. “There’s one thing we need to do first” Twilight said looking at me. I figured it was time to get answers. We walked up to the Princesses. “Princess Celestia, this is Shade, he supported all of us.” Twilight explained. “Shade it is so good to finally meet you, but do you think you could show your face?” Princess Celestia asked. I wasn’t used to being in the presence of royalty, so I just nodded.

I lifted my hood off my head and looked at her. The sunlight was bright, so I had to squint my eyes a little. Princess Celestia looked at me in shock. Guess she wasn’t expecting that I was a thestral.

“Crest Shield.” Celestia whispered. Princess Luna looked at her in surprise for some reason. “Um… you know who I am?” I asked in surprise. She slowly walked over in front of me. What happened next was unexpected. Princess Celestia gave me an embracing hug.

“How could I not know my son’s name.” She said to me. I froze in shock at what she told me. That’s also when I remembered a fragment of my memory. I couldn’t believe I was related to one of the best ponies in Equestria.

“WHAT?!” Most of the girls yelled in shock, beside Twilight. Princess Celestia let go and looked at me with a concerned look. “Crest Shield, I thought I lost you forever? Why didn’t you let me know you were alive?” Princess Celestia asked in tears.

I almost didn’t respond, I was still processing that I was Celestia’s son. “I’m sorry, but seven years ago, I was attacked by timberwolves. I ended up losing my memories and wings as well.” I explained to her, moving my mane to show her the scar on my head.

Celestia just knelt down to my height and cry. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.” Princess Celestia cried. I felt horrible seeing the Princess cry, so gave her a hug. “I don’t know what happened before the incident, but I didn’t loss all of memories.” I told her and let go. “When I saw you and Princess Luna reunited. It help me remember another part of my past.” I said. “It was when I couldn’t sleep one night and heard you crying in your room. You crying because of how much you missed your sister.” I said to Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia looked joyous and hug me again. “Only you could know that, Crest Shield.” She said in a soft voice. I could hear the girls crying behind. Princess Luna walked up to me and Celestia. “Sister, are sure this is Crest Shield and that it is their child.” She asked. “Yes, Luna, this is our best friends son.” Said Celestia.

I didn’t understand what they were talking about and looked at them weirdly. “I’m sorry, what do you mean? I asked. They looked at each other with concerned looks and back at me. “It’s a long story, I think it’s best if we tell you later. Could you girls please keep this to yourselves for now.” Princess Celestia asked my friends. They all nodded and we made our way back to Ponyville. Thankfully, Princess Celestia used her magic to repair my sunglasses so I could see better.

On the way back, Pinkie went ahead of us to prepare the party. Luckily, the Princesses activated runes along the path to keep out dangerous creatures. These runes however would only last a day. We ran into Steven Magnet, and Princess Luna apologized for cutting off a part of his mustache. Rarity and I helped convince him forgive Luna, for which he accepted her apology.

When we reached Ponyville, Pinkie already set everything. Everypony was celebrating with the Princesses return. The Royal Guard Ponies pulled a chariot which carried Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They stopped in front of a crowed of ponies and the Princess walked off. We all bowed in respect to them. I had my hoodie over my head incase there are any ponies outside of Ponyville. A pair of filly pegasi flyer up to Princess Luna and placed a garland of her neck. Princess had joy written all over her face that she was accepted by ponies.

I looked over Twilight to see her looking down for some reason. Princess Celestia noticed this to and walked over to us. “Why so glum my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest if complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” Princess Celestia Asked.

“That’s just it. Just when I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them.” Twilight explained. I had to admit, it hurts to say goodbye to her.

“Spike, take a not please.” Asked Celestia. Spike pulled out a scroll and and quill out of nowhere and was prepared to write down what Princess Celestia was going to say. I wonder if he’s using the same trick Pinkie uses. “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the Unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her home in Ponyville.” Celestia decreed. My friends and I hugged Twilight in excitement.

“Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia! I’ll study harder than ever before!” Said Twilight in excitement. Everypony cheered at the news. I guess I’ll let Twilight have the main bedroom.

Pinkie looked away from the festival. “Isn’t this exciting? Are you excited cause I’m excited I’ve never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went” Pinkie caught her breath and continued. “But I mean really…” She didn’t finished when I interrupted her. “Pinkie, who are you talking to?” I asked. “The readers silly.” Pinkie responded. I just looked at her questionably before I just shook my head. “I’m not even gonna ask.” I told her.

Everypony enjoyed the festival for the entire day. At sunset, the festival was coming to a close and Everypony returned to there homes. I was happy it all worked out in the end, but I still couldn’t wait for answers. When I was taking a set of balloons down, I heard somepony coming behind me. I turned around to see Princess Celestia walking up.

“Crest Shield, we need to discuss what happened before.” She said. I nodded and finish cleaning up cleaning a part of the festival. I was finally going to get the answers I've been looking for.

Chapter 3: Story of the Lost[Un-Edited]

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Princess Celestia and I walked to the library, where she would tell me what happened before. The sun has just set over the horizon. During the walk, I couldn’t help but noticed Celestia looking uneasy. My best guess it had something to do with what she said before. About how she was blaming herself. What I couldn’t figure out was why. I didn’t think she was responsible for what happened, right?

When we reached the library, the door was being guarded by two Royal Guard ponies, one of whom opened the door. I noticed the girls and Princess Luna were already waiting for us. They were sitting on chairs around a circular table. I figured Twilight prepared it for us. Celestia and I took two empty seats. I took the seat between Twilight and Rainbow Dash, while Princess Celestia sat next to her sister and Rarity.

“I suppose most of you are wondering why you never knew I had a son. As well as why my sister knows him.” Said Celestia. Most of us nodded, excluding Twilight and Princess Luna. Celestia took a moment to close her eyes. “Before I tell you, I must tell you all about the Eclipse Knights.” Said Princess Celestia.

“The Eclipse Knights?” I asked. None of the books I’ve read has ever mentioned that name. I looked around, and noticed the girls were equally confused. Celestia noticed this, and began to explain.

“You see, long ago, shortly after Starswirl the Bearded mysteriously disappeared, various creatures threatened the ponies Equestria. In order to protect the ponies, Luna and I created a new order of knights, The Eclipse Knights. These knights were made up of unicorns, pegasi, thestrals and earth ponies.” Explained Celestia, whom paused before continuing. “Together, they hunted and captured these creatures and imprisoned them in a new prison called Tartarus.”

“Most of these ponies were transferred from our royal guards, while others outside the military were recruited for their special talents in dealing with these monsters. One of these ponies, was a roaming earth pony. He traveled around Equestria and protected villages from criminals and monsters alike. His name was Fighting Spirit.”
“Fighting Spirit came from the far west, where a group of earth ponies, practiced a martial art style called Jigen Haō-Ryū Kempō, or in the ponish word, Dimensional Overlord’s Style Martial Arts.”

“Fighting Spirit was recruited after assisting one of our knights from a monster attack in a village. The Knight he saved was a thestral mare named Silver Dusk. Silver Dusk was a skilled arial combatant who requested us to allow Fighting Spirit to join the knight’s ranks. To which we agreed.”

“While Spirit had his martial arts, Silver Dusk possessed something special, an medallion she found when she and her friends were exploring old unknown ruins. The medallion created a silver armor that protected her from magical attacks and abilities. Together, they defeated and capture the most dangerous of creatures.”

“After the Eclipse Knights captured all of the creatures that were attacking our ponies, a cult was formed by an unknown pony. This cult was called The Cult of Malice. This cult was responsible for kidnapping children and stealing the magic inside of them.”

“When Silver Dusk tracked down their hideout; we, along with the knights, raided their hideout and freed all the kidnapped children. During the attack, we found the leader who founded this cult. A earth pony who called himself Obsidian Dread, but he had with him an artifact called the Alicorn Amulet. The amulet gave Obsidian Dread an artificial horn to cast spells. It took the power of my sister and I, as well as Fighting Spirit’s martial arts and Silver Dusk’s armor to defeat Obsidian Dread.”

“His defeat resulted in the children getting their magic back, as well as freeing the the cult members, who were being mind controlled; but Obsidian Dread escaped, vowing vengeance against us, and taking with him the Alicorn Amulet.”

“After peace returned to Equestria, we uncovered the artifacts Obsidian Dread has gathered, and hid them away. In order for these artifacts to remain a secret, we had to disbanded the Eclipse Knights. We went through great lengths to gather up any evidence that was linked to the Eclipse Knights and the artifacts. Some of the members of the Eclipse Knights returned to the Royal Guard, while others went on their own path. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk married one another, and had a son. They have asked us to be his godparents. It was a time of celebration, but it did not last.”

“Six years later, Obsidian Dread returned. He infiltrated Camelot at night and attacked Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk. During the fight, Obsidian Dread cast a spell on their son, sealing him in black crystals.”

“Obsidian Dread escaped, but not before telling them if they wanted their son free, they would have to come find him in the Hollow Shade. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk went to us directly to see if we could free him. We attempted every spell we new and couldn’t even scratch the crystal covering their son. We knew going after Obsidian Dread was a trap, but we couldn’t just leave their son in that condition."

“We gathered a platoon of Royal Guards, and marched on the Hollow Shades. Once there, we found a ruined temple near the town, where all the residents abandoned it sometime ago. Obsidian Dread came out of hiding and cast a spell that created shadowy versions of ourselves.”

“Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk defeated their shadows, then went after Obsidian Dread, while we and the Royal Guard dealt with the shadows. The fight lasted for half an hour, before the temple exploded and all the shadows disappeared.”

“When the temple exploded, there was no sign of Fighting Spirit and Night Strike, as well as Obsidian Dread. We spent weeks looking for them, but to no avail. We had to accept that Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk were gone forever. They were given a proper funeral for all of their deeds. Their son was placed in our castle until we found a way to free him.”

“Your probably wondering why I told you all about the Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk.” Princess Celestia asked us. All of us nodded, waiting for her answer.

“That’s because the son that was trapped in crystal, was you Crest Shield.” She told us looking at me. “What!” I responded, almost not believing what she told me.

“Yes; when you were sealed, the crystals froze you in time, preventing you from aging and the need for nutrients.” Celestia explained.

I just slouched back against the chair. I’ve been in a crystal since I was a baby. I felt Twilight and Rainbow touch my shoulders. I lifted my head up and nodded to let them know I was alright. “How did I get out then?” I asked Celestia.

“After your parents and Obsidian Dread disappeared, the magic that was powering the crystals were weakening, but at an extremely slow rate. It took almost a thousand years for it to be weak enough to free you. Shortly when Twilight was enrolled to my school, the guards watching over you reported a large crack formed on the crystal.”

“With the crystal weakened, I used my magic to break the crystal and finally freed you. It took some time for you to adjust what to your new life, especially what how long you’ve been trapped. I wanted to introduce you to Equestria, but many of the Royals still despised thestrals. If they found out about you Crest, I feared they would have attempted something horrible.”

“So, I decided to keep you in secret, with only the guards, Twilight, her family, and a few others knowing about you. It worked for a time, some of the guards decided trained you how to fight in case somepony ever found out about you. A year later though, the Unthinkable happened.”

Celestia looked at Twilight next to me; she nodded and turned to me.

“On your birthday years ago, we decided to take you on a zeppelin cruise to see the Northern Stars. We gave you a hoodie and sunglasses to hide your thestral parts. Celestia also ordered a pair of guards to go undercover with you as escorts. On the way there though, we were ambushed by pirates. Their captain was a bipedal shark named Sharptooth.”

“They came at us by force; their ship fired hooks to prevent us from escaping. The guards protecting us tried to fight them, but Sharptooth’s crew defeated them and tied us all up in ropes.”

“I tried to use my magic, but they brought with them some sort of rock that absorbs any and all magic around it. One of the guards forced you into a barrel during the fight to hide, so you were the only one who wasn’t caught.”

“Sharptooth was going to sell us off, but because I was the Princess’s protege, he was going to keep me as a trophy. We were terrified, I can’t remember the last time I felt so helpless. They took us to their ship and locked us in cages.”

“At night, you came out of the barrel and snuck onto their ship. Luckily, the pirates onboard were asleep so sneaking in was easy. You got us out with a key you stole from a pirate. Before we left back to our ship, you mention you overheard the pirate brought explosive powder with them. The guards opposed this, but you convinced them you had a better chance igniting it silently the them.”

“While we got back on the ship, you went back to ignite the explosive powered. With the Royal guards help, we managed to take down the pirates that were controlling our ship.”

“When we got the last of the hooks off, you came out running with Sharptooth right behind you. You tried to fly over to us, but Sharptooth grabbed your back hoof and threw you across the deck. The other pirates woke up from this and one of them held you to the ground.”

“He was demanding we return to our cages willingly or they would harm you. Before we could answer, the bottom of their ship exploded, causing it to plummet into the Everfree Forest. You got out the the pirate’s grip when the ship exploded and tried to fly to us, but one of your wings got caught in the ropes hold their ship and air ballon together.”

“You ended up getting dragged down with the ship, and we lost sight of you. There was no place to land the ship to look for you. We headed back to Canterlot and told Princess Celestia what happened. We didn’t want to leave, but we needed help looking for you. She ordered the Royal Guard to look for you at the crash site.”

“They searched for days and the only ones they found were the pirates, who were turned to stone. The Princess suspected that they ran into a cockatrice, a creature that turns any living creature into stone by looking at them in the eye.”

“They spent a week searching, but couldn’t find any signs of you. We had to call of the search because of the dangerous creatures that dwell in the Everfree Forest.”

“We assumed you were gone forever, and had a private funeral for you. Those onboard the ship who didn’t know you created a memorial in the gardens, about a unknown thestral child that saved them. Since then, many negative thoughts on the thestrals diminished thanks to you. When you were gone, I only focused on my studies so I can keep the promise we made, because of it, I’ve forgotten what it was like to have friends.” Twilight told us.

As Twilight was telling us the past, I started to remember some of what happened right before I lost my memory. It was when I was in the Everfree Forest. “I remember now.” I muttered.

Everypony looked at me in surprise. I lifted my head up and explained. “I remember waking up from the crash. One of my wings was sprained because of the rope that trapped it.”

“Unfortunately, one of the pirates found me and alerted the others. They start chased me outside the crash site. After an hour of running through thick bush, I saw a cockatrice. I remember what Twilight once told me about cockatrices, so I made a plan. Since the cockatrice didn’t notice me, I went back and lured the pirates back to it. While the cockatrice was turning them to stone, I ran away but ended up getting lost.”

“I spent almost a week trying to find a way out of the forest, but I had to avoid the wildlife. The day I found the Apple family’s orchard, a pack timberwolves found me. I managed to find a way out of the forest and ended up in the Apple family’s orchard, but the timberwolves were still chasing me.

“I was too weak from hardly finding any edible food in forest, so I tried to run from them. When I got close to the farm, I saw Applejack playing with her relatives. With the Timberwolves right behind me, I stopped in my tracks and faced them.”

“I used what ever strength I could muster and fought them while Applejack and her cousin’s hid. The timberwolves scarred much of my body, but I was able to defeat them. Right when I thought it was over, one last timberwolf was sneaking up behind Applejack.”

“I ran up to her and knocked her out of the way, but the timberwolf crunched it’s teeth in my wings, and well Applejack know the rest." I finished, while looking at Applejack.

Applejack turned her attention to the Princess. “That darn timberwolf took off Shade’s, um, I mean Crest’s wing and slammed his head through one of our trees. The grown up’s got there in time before the timberwolf finished Crest off. We quickly brought Crest to the hospital. He was so hurt, we weren’t sure if he was going to make it.

Princess Celestia shed a tear when Applejack and I told her what happened. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.” She said in tears. It hurt me and the girls to see Princess Celestia like this.

“If I had come with you the day of your birthday, if I had looked harder, this never would have happened.” She said crying her eyes out.

I got from my seat and walked over to Princess Celestia’s side. Celestia looked at me and I gave her a big huge. “Mom, don’t blame yourself. You had no idea what was going to happen.” I said while holding her.

“You…called me mom.” Princess Celestia said in surprise. I let go and looked at her. “Well, for what I can remember, you raised me like I was your own. So I thought of you like my second mom.” I told her.

Princess Celestia smiled brightly and hugged me, and I returned the hug. As I opened my eyes a little, I noticed Princess Luna looking down. Remembering what Celestia told me about them being my godparents, I let Princess Celestia go and gave Princess Luna a hug. “Welcome home.” I told her.

Princess Luna shed a tear in joy and returned the hug. “Thank you.” She whispered. Princess Celestia walked over and hugged both of us.

“Aww.” I heard the girls, beside Rainbow Dash. We let each other go. “So, what happens now?” I asked them. The Princess exchanged looks.

“Well, we were hoping you could return to Canterlot and live with us, but it’s your decision.” Princess Celestia told me. They wanted me to go to Canterlot. I looked at my friends, I noticed they looked worried and Pinkie’s mane was a little straight. If I go with them, I may never see my friends again. There was also the small matter of my part time jobs in Ponyville.

After giving it some though, I gave the Princess my answer. “I’m sorry mom, but like Twilight, I can’t leave my friends. Also, maybe it’s best if nopony knows that I’m your son Mom. At least not for the time being. Just until I can get the rest of my memories. I doubt anypony would be willing to believe that I’m your son.” I told them. From what I heard of Canterlot, a lot of the nobles are not so understanding.

The Princesses looked a bit sad but nodded. “I understand Crest, I do hope you’ll visit us whenever you can. Though would it be alright if Twilight and Spike stays with you?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Of course, I’ll give them the main bedroom.” I told them.

“What! Crest, we can’t take your room!” Twilight said in surprise. I shrugged at her response.

“Don’t worry Twilight, you’d make more use of it than I would, though I’ll need to get a new bed for Spike.” I told Twilight. The dragon in question spoke up

“Not to worry Crest, I sleep in a nice basket.” Spike answered. I only looked at him questionably. Celestia looked outside and nudged her sister. Princess Luna nodded and they went outside. They gestured us to follow and that’s what we did.

Once we left the building, the Princesses horns started to glow. While Princess Celestia’s magic was yellow, Princess Luna’s horn glowed blue. Together, the sun lowered below the horizon and the moon took it’s place in the sky. It was the first time the Royal sisters changed the time of day for a thousand years. Everypony was amazed at what they witnessed. The sisters’ magic died down when the job was finished.

“Well everypony, my sister and I must return to Canterlot. We hope to see you all again soon.” Princess Celestia said. Before they left, Princess Celestia horn glowed an a basket appeared in front of her. Guess that’s Spikes bed, so to speak. The Princesses gave the basket to Twilight and walked over to me. They gave me an embracing hug, for which I returned. With that, they got on their chariot and the Pegasi Guard carried them to the sky toward Canterlot.

I was about the tell the girls goodnight before I got tackled by Pinkie Pie. “I am sooo glad your staying Cresty!” Pinkie said while squeezing the air out of me. Guess Cresty is my new nickname for Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Rainbow Dash managed to get her to let go. “I couldn’t imagine leaving you all behind.”

“But are ya sure it’s alright for ya stay here?” Applejack asked in concern. “I’m sure, I can’t imagine a life without my friends.” I told them.

To say the girls were excited was and understatement. Pinkie said she was going to throw me a party, but we convinced her to hold it tomorrow. We all wished each other goodnight and made our way to our homes.

I offered Spike to carry his basket on my back, for which he took. When we made it back inside the library, I placed Spike’s basket across from Twilight’s new bed.

“Goodnight Twilight, Spike.” I told them. “Goodnight Crest.” Said Twilight and Spike.

I left and entered my room. It’s been a long day, first I’m helping the girls defeat Nightmare Moon, then I finally found out my past. If felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder.

Though, when the girls each got their Element of Harmony, I was the one that was left out. Was I just not good enough.

I shook my head at these thoughts. Even if I don’t represent an element, I still have my friends, the ones who I will always protect. I got in my bed and shut my eyes, wondering what awaits me in the future.

Chapter 4: The Ticket Master[Un-Edited]

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It’s been a couple days since. Pinkie threw me a private party with the other girls and Spike for me getting my memories back. She even told the whole town my true name. Luckily she didn’t tell everypony that I’m Celestia’s adopted son. Ever since Twilight and Spike moved in, I have been bits and pieces of my past memory once in a while.

Today, I was going to my morning job at Sweet Apple Acres to help with apple bucking. Twilight and Spike wanted to come so I let them help Applejack and I. We managed to gather more apples than usual and were bringing our haul back to the farm.

“No, nope, no, no…” Spike said as he picks up apples from Twilight’s basket while sitting on her and tossing them behind her. I just stayed behind Twilight and caught the thrown apples into my basket.

“Thank ya kindly Crest and Twilight for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh that I could get all these golden delicious in the barn by lunch time. If I win, he’s going he is going to walk down Stirrup Street in one of granny’s girdles.” Applejack said giggling while Spike continued throwing apples.

“Ha, Remind me to bring a camera.” I said think how ridiculous Big Mac would look.

“No problem at all Applejack. I’m glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry.” Twilight replied. I nodded in agreement.

“I know, right.” Spike interrupted her, as he tossed another apple that ended up bouncing of on Twilight’s head. Twilight gave him a glare and Spike smiled innocently.

“Spike, you’ve been laying on Twilight’s back while we did the hard work.” I told him.

“Exactly! You guys were taking so long that I missed snack time!” Spike complained. I just rolled my eyes.

Twilight’s stomach growled and she laughed nervously. “Well I guess we better get some food.” She said.

Spike continued looking through the apples in the basket, tossing them into my basket the ones he didn’t like. “Aha!” Spike yelled when he pulled out a bright red shiny apple from Twilight’s basket.

Twilight noticed it and licked her lips. “Oh, Spike! That looks delicious!”

Spike however, just forced the apple into mouth and ate it.

“Spike!” Twilight and I scolded.

Spike finished chewing and swallowed it. “What?” Spike questioned. He immidialaty burped burped green flames and a letter formed out of it. I need to remember to ask Spike about that.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia!” Twilight said in surprise as the letter slowly floated down and Spike grabbed it.

Spike cleared his throat and read the letter. “Here ye, here ye! Your royal highness, Princess Celestia, of Equestria is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital of Canterlot on the 21st day of… yadda yadda yadda… cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.”

“The Grand Galloping Gala!” Twilight and Applejack exclaimed in joy as they started jumping.

I was happy Twilight get’s to go to the gala with somepony, though Spike didn’t share my opinion. He looked annoyed and opened his mouth in disgust. Suddenly, he burped out two golden tickets.

“Look! Two tickets!” Spike announced holding them.

“Wow! Great! I’ve never been to the Gala, have you Spike?” Twilight asked.

“No, and I plan to keep it that way! I don’t want any of the girly frilly froo-froo nonsense.” Spike said.

“Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice.” Twilight said, trying to reason with him.

“Nice?” Applejack interrupted. “It’s a heap good more than just nice. I’d love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin our tasty vittles till the cow came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin up round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Macintosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that gala.” Applejack said day dreaming.

“Oh, well in that case, would you like to…” Twilight was interrupted by a familiar falling cyan pegasus landing on top of them.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed laying on top of Applejack and Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash!” You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples? What were you busy doing, spying? Applejack demanded.

“No!” Rainbow Dash immediately said. “I was busy…napping.” She said pointing up to a brach with a blanket and pillow on it. I looked at her a little disappointed. “And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?” She asked Twilight, while flying upside down.

“Yeah but…” Twilight was interrupted again.

“Yes! This is so awesome! The wonder bolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year! I can see it now…” Rainbow Dash said day dreaming what would happen. “Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash. I would draw their attention with my supper speed strut; then I would memorize them with my fantastic billy flash; and for my grand finally, the buccaneer blaze. The ponies would go wild. The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” Rainbow Dash finished.

“Don’t you see Twilight? This could be my one chance to show them my stuff. You’ve got to take me.” Rainbow Dash said before being pulled back by Applejack.

“Hold on one just one pony pinky minute here.” Applejack told Rainbow Dash. Oh boy I know where this is heading. “I asked for that ticket first.”

“So? That doesn’t mean you own it.” Rainbow Dash retorted.

“Oh yea, well I challenge you to a hoof wrestle. Winner gets the ticket.”Applejack challenged before they got to a stump and started to hook wrestle. They were both giving it their all before Twilight broke them up.

“Girls! These are my ticket. I’ll decide who gets them thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket. Don’t you think?” Twilight asked Applejack and Rainbow Dash. It’s a good idea, though I think there was a problem with it.

Applejack was the first to come up. “Drumming up business for the farm.” She said.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash countered stepping in front of Applejack.

“Money to fix Granny’s hip.” Applejack countered back.

“Living the dream.” Rainbow Dash countered again.

“Oh my. Those were pretty good reasons aren’t they.” Twilight said nervously. Yeah, I’m not sure who to support. Twilight’s stomach growled and she laughed nervously.

“Ha ha listen to that. I am starving. I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decision on an empty stomach. So I’ll think about it over lunch and get back to you two. Ok.” Twilight said as Spike got on her back and walks off.

“Okay.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash said in union. I set my basket of apples down and walked away, not wanting to be in the crossfire between of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

I heard a struggle behind me and saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash leg wrestling. I sighed and caught up with Twilight and Spike.

Twilight and Spike noticed I was behind them. “Don’t tell me you want the ticket too Crest.” Twilight said annoyed.

“Nope, I’m not really interested in going to parties with a lot of unfamiliar ponies.” I told her waving my hoof. Whenever I go to parties like that, there’s always somepony that insults me because of what I am.

“Oh, in that case, would you like to join us for lunch?” Twilight asked me.

“Sure Twilight.” I said as we continued down Ponyville.

We entered Ponyville and Twilight was worry who to give the ticket too. I wished I could help, but with only one ticket, I had no idea what to do.

“So who are you going to give the ticket too Twilight?” Spike asked Twilight while riding on her back.

“I don’t know Spike, but I literally can’t think straight when I’m hungry.” Twilight said looking at Spike. “So where should we eat?” She asked.

We were walking up to Sugercube corner, so I was going to suggest going there. Suddenly, Pinkie came out and tackled us to the ground. I looked at Pinkie and noticed that the two tickets were floating down onto her muzzle.

“AHHHH! BATS! BATS ON MY FACE! HELP!” She yelled running around. How do the ticket look like bats? “Wait.” She said looking at the tickets. “These aren’t, tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” She said with glee. I could have sworn I saw stars in her eyes. She then broke out into a song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew6S_UbFbjs

“Oh think you Twilight, it’s the most wonderfullest gift Ever.” Pinkie said in joy standing in front of Twilight. I’m not sure if the Grand Galloping is what Pinkie thinks it is. I’m pretty sure it’s a lot more formal than the parties she throws.

“Um, actually…” Twilight was interrupted when we heard somepony gasp nearby. We turned around and saw Rarity eyeing the tickets in Spike’s claws.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity asked in glee. Oh no, knowing Rarity, she would go to a party filled with nobles.

“Uh…” Twilight tried to answer before Pinkie interrupted.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Twilight’s taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!” Pinkie answered.

“The Gala? I design ensembles for the Gala every year. But I’ve never had the opportunity to begin. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour. It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet him.” Rarity said.

“Him! Who?” Pinkie asked. I had to admit, I was kinda interested who Rarity was interested.

“Him. I would stroll through the Gala, and everypony would wonder, who is that mysterious mare? They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation, that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the Princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him. Her nephew. The most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot! Out eyes would meet. Our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course, I would say, YES! We would have a royal wedding befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him. The stallion of my dreams!” Rarity said daydreaming.

So that’s why Rarity wanted to go the Gala. I’m happy that Rarity has a crush on somepony, even though it hurts a little. Wait a minute, Mom has a Nephew? I wonder why he doesn’t feel familiar to me like Twilight or Mom.

“Twilight! I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph.” Rarity said as she turned away from Twilight. I was about to scold her for guilt tripping Twilight until I heard Spike speak up.

“Hey!” He said. I turned around to see Fluttershy’s pet white bunny, Angle, run away with one of the tickets in his mouth. He climbed onto Fluttershy’s head and showed her the ticket. She gasped when she saw it.

“Angel, these are perfect.” Fluttershy said. Huh? What does Fluttershy want with the ticket.

“Uh, listen guys, I haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.” Twilight explained to them.

“You haven’t?!” Pinkie and Rarity said in union sharing opposite reactions.

“Um, excuse me, Twilight, I would just like to ask… I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven’t given it to someone else…” Fluttershy said getting everypony’s attention. I was surprise Fluttershy wanted to go, and I wasn’t the only one.

“You?! You want to go the Gala?” Rarity said in surprise. I too was surprises, Fluttershy never strike me as one who want to go to parties like that.

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy said before Angle kicked his leg. “I…I mean yes, or actually kind of. You see… it’s not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala and that night alone will they all be in bloom; and that’s just the flora! Don’t get me started on the fauna. There’s loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum and buzzards that can really buzz! Blue jays and red jays and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingoes.” Fluttershy explained daydreaming while flying and holding Angle. Huh, so that’s why Fluttershy wanted to go.

“Gee Fluttershy that sounds…beautiful?” Twilight said thinking about Fluttershy imagination.

“Wait just a minute!” Said Rainbow Dash out of nowhere. We looked up to see Rainbow Dash standing on top of one of the house’s roof.

“Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?” Twilight accused as Rainbow Dash flew down.

“No, I mean yes, I mean, maybe.” Rainbow Dash stumbled. I’m going with yes. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a goody four shoes like you giving away that ticket to just anybody!” She said.

“Wait just another minute.” Applejack said joining us.

“Applejack? Were you following me, too?” Twilight asked in worry.

“No, I was following this one to make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket.” Applejack responded, glaring at Rainbow Dash.

The girls began arguing about who Twilight would invite. I looked at Twilight and saw she was being overwhelmed. That’s it, this is getting out of hoof.

“GIRLS!” I yelled getting everypony’s attention. Well, beside Pinkie.

“And then I said, oatmeal, are you crazy…oh.” Pinkie stopped when she noticed the look I was giving her. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her head.

“It’s Twilight’s decision, and all of this arguing isn’t helping anyone.” I said.

“But…” Rarity pleaded, but I cut her off.

“No, how can Twilight decide if you all keep arguing in front of her.” I told them. Then we heard Twilight’s stomach grumble.

“Not to mention hunger. Now go on! Shoo!” Twilight said getting them to leave grumbling in disappointment. “And don’t worry! I’ll figure this out!” She said to them. “Somehow.” She added in worry.

I walked over to her and put my hoof on her shoulder. “You okay?” I asked. She nodded, smiling a little.

“Yeah, thanks for standing up for me.” Twilight said gratefully. For some reason, it warms my heart to see Twilight happy, like those other times I see my friends happy.

“Anytime Twilight, how about we head to a cafe nearby.” I offered. Twilight nodded and I offered Spike to ride on my back. He accepted, but had a smug look on his face. “What?” I asked.

“Oh…nothing.” Spike answered. I rolled my eyes and we proceeded to the cafe.

We arrived at a cafe and took out seats. While we were waiting for our waiter, Twilight was thinking who to give the extra ticket too.

“Aw, guys, What am I gonna do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the Gala. Applejack or Rainbow Dash…Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy…Rarity? Oh, who should go with me?” Twilight said in worry as she used her magic to pull off the petals of the flower on the table. Her stomach growled again and she just licked the petals into her mouth. She better be happy that they clean the tables.

I spotted the waiter walking to our table. “Have you made a decision?” He asked us.

“I CAN’T DECIDE!” Twilight yelled, getting everypony from the other tables attention.

“Twilight, he just wants to take your order.” Spike told her, pointing at his menu.

“Oh, I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich.” Twilight ordered.

“For you sir?” The waiter asked me. I looked at my menu and made my decision.

“I would like a iris sandwich.” I said.

"Do you have any rubies?” Spike asked, but waiter’s face just said no. “No? Okay… I’ll have the hay fries. Extra crispy!” He ordered.

“Well what do you think guys?” Twilight asked us.

“I think we have to try another restaurant, I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anypony to offer some gemstones?” Spike replied.

“She’s talking about the tickets Spike.” I told him.

“Oh…you’re still on that.” Spike said pinching his nose.

“Spike listen! How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies! What if I…” Twilight stopped when the waiter came by gave us our food.

“Ah, your food.” The waiter said before leaving.

“Oh, thank you. This looks so good.” Twilight said while Spike started eating away his hay fries. “I’m sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.” Twilight said lifting her sandwich with her magic.

“Well I wish I know what to tell you Twilight, but it’s not like we can ask Princess Celestia for more tickets.” I told her, figuring that since the Gala is a big deal, they wouldn’t just freely give away a bunch of tickets.

Before she could reply, the ponies from the other tables quickly ran inside the cafe.

“Um, are you all going to eat your food in the rain?” The waiter asked us. What rain?

Twilight dropped her sandwich. “It’s not raining.” She said. Suddenly, water droplets showered the area, except our exact spot.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked looking up. I looked up as well and saw a hole in the clouds.

“Hi, there, best friend forever I’ve ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?” Rainbow Dash said appearing out of the hole in the clouds.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Twilight asked annoyed.

“What do you mean? I just saw the smarts, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she can dine in peace.” Rainbow Dash explained. What about me and Spike? I couldn’t help but think see had ulterior motives.

“Rainbow, your not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing the extra special favors, are you?” Twilight accused.

“Me? No, no, no, of course not!” Rainbow replied innocently, or tried to at least.

“Uh huh…” Twilight said not buying it.

“Seriously! I’d do it for anypony!” Rainbow Dash said, trying to assure us. We looked around and saw other ponies getting into shelter from the rain. Rainbow Dash noticed this and giggled nervously.

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I’d appreciate it if you close up that cloud right now.” Twilight demanded.

“Ugh! Fine!” Rainbow reluctantly agreed.

“That’s better.” Twilight said as she levitated her sandwich. Wait a minute, if she close it now.

“No wait…” Before I could finish, we were drenched in water and our food was ruined. “Never mind.” I said. Twilight groans as Spike snickered a bit. I then heard hoof steps walking towards us. I turned around to see Rarity wearing a decorated umbrella saddle.

“Twilight! It’s raining” Rarity exclaimed. Again, what about me and Spike?

“No, really?” Twilight replied sarcastically.

“Come with me before you catch a cold!” Rarity said grabbing Twilight and took her to the boutique. Spike and I looked at each other and decided to follow.

When we arrived at the boutique, Twilight shook her hair and all the water scattered out. I was about to do the same, but noticed the water drenched Rarity. Twilight realized it too and laughed nervously. “Oops… sorry” She apologized. I took a step into the kitchen and found towel to dry myself up.

“Oh no! It’s quite alright! After all, we are the best of friends, are we not?” I heard Rarity said in the other room. Oh no. “And you know what the best of friends do?” She asked.

“Uh…” Twilight tried to guess but didn’t finished.

“Makeover!” Rarity said. I finished drying myself and quickly went the main room. I saw Rarity bring a dressing cover in front of Spike and me. We heard Twilight grunting by what ever Rarity was doing to her.

“Rarity! Ow! This really isn’t necessary. I mean, thank you but…Ooh! That’s too tight.” Twilight said struggling. When the cover was moved, Twilight was wearing a decorated dress.

“There! Oh, you’re simply darling” Rarity said to Twilight. Wow she looks pretty in that dress.

“Uh… yeah, it is kind of pretty, isn’t?” Twilight agreed.

Spike didn’t share her our opining and made a disgusted face, but Rarity went over to him. “And you. Oh, Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent.” Rarity said bringing the cover over. Spike tried to get away, but was captured. Sorry Spike, can’t help you here.

“Whoa! Ouch! Oh! Hey! Come on! Watch it! Whoa!” Spike said struggling. The cover was removed and Spike was in a blue outfit and blond wig.

“Oh, Spike.” Twilight said giggling, while I snickered a bit.

“Now you just need a hat!” Rarity said before she placed a sombrero on him.

“Ugh! I told you! I don’t want any part of this girl gala gunk! See you back at the library!” Spike said before he made a beeline for the exit, leaving his outfit behind.

Rarity laughed. “Oh who needs him anyway? This this is all about you. How fabulous you’ll look at the Grand Galloping Gala! Rarity said as Twilight was looking at a mirror admiring her dress. She stopped when Rarity mentioned the Gala. I knew it.

“Wait. The Grand…” Twilight didn’t finish when Rarity gasped.

“And, oh, my goodness. What a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T.” Rarity said showing us the same dress as Twilight on a mannequin. “We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know. The most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!” She said with stars in her eyes. Twilight and me were gave Rarity an annoyed look. Rarity noticed and giggled nervously. “And Twilight Sparkle, of course.” She said patting Twilight’s head. Seriously Rarity, I know you want to go to the Gala, but that doesn’t mean you should be use someone for your own gain.

Twilight also figured out Rarity’s game and was upset. “I see what’s going on. You’re just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket. Well, it’s not gonna work.” She said throwing the dress at Rarity. “You going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else.” She finished as she threw the accessories on Rarity’s horn.

“Now, if you excuse me, I’ve been trying all day just to get some lunch!” Twilight yelled.

Suddenly, Applejack came out of the front door. “Did somepony say lunch?” She asked before dragging Twilight out. I ran out and saw a cart full of apple treats.

“You’ve got to be kidding!” Twilight Complained.

“I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings apple crisp, apple crumbles, and apple brown betty!” Applejack said showing each of the apple treats in the cart. Uh, the dessert, not my auntie.” She finished holding the last treat on her head in front of Twilight. What do you say there, best friend?” she asked. I don’t believe Applejack would stope to this.

Twilight’s stomach grumbled again because of the food. “Is that a yes?” Applejack asked. I heard hoof steps coming out of the boutique and figured it was Rarities. I looked at Twilight and saw she was about to blow.

“No. No!” Twilight yelled, causing Applejack to drop the desert. “I don’t know who I’m giving the ticket to, and all these favors aren’t making it any easier to decide. In fact, I’m less sure now than I was this morning! Ugh!” She said running away.

“So, that’s a maybe?” Applejack asked.

I gave Applejack a disappointed look. “I can’t believe you Applejack! I know you and the girls want to go to the Gala, but that doesn’t mean you should force Twilight to pick you. She’s already stress enough as it is deciding who to give the ticket to without disappointing the others. I mean, how would you feel like picking only one of your siblings to appease?!” I told her. Applejack looked down in shame.

“And you Rarity!” I yelled, seeing Rarity in front of her boutique. “How would feel like picking between two of your most loyal customers?!” I told her. She shared Applejack’s expression. I didn’t wait for their reply and ran off to catch up to Twilight.

Twilight and I headed back to the library. Twilight sighed as we got to the door. “I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating.” She complained.

“I’m sorry about the girls Twilight, I’ve talked with…wait a minute.” I stopped when I started to hear beautiful singing in the library.

“What is it Crest?” Twilight asked me.

“I hear singing inside.” I told her. Twilight looked at the door and used her magic to open it. Inside, we saw Fluttershy singing and cleaning the library with her animal friends.

Twilight gasped at what she saw. “Fluttershy! Not you, too!” She said. I gotta say, didn’t expect Fluttershy to try and win over Twilight as well.

Fluttershy noticed us and stopped cleaning. “Oh! Well hello Twilight and Crest. I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little spring cleaning for you.” She said.

“It’s Summer.” Twilight deadpanned.

“Oh. well, better late than never, right? It was Angel’s idea.” She said. I looked at Angel making a salad with a carrot in it and gave us a salute.

“You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight asked annoyed.

“Oh, no! I’m doing this because you’re my very best friend. Right, Angel?” Fluttershy said flying down. Angel just gave her a deadpanned look. “Oh. Yes we are just doing this for the ticket.” She said. Well, at least she’s honest about it, even though I’m a little disappointed in her.

Angel ran over to Twilight and offered her the salad he made. Her stomach grumbled at the sight of it. “No! No! No!” Twilight yelled, causing Angel to drop the salad. She turned around to the door. “Well, this was very nice of you and Angel, but I’m not accepting any extra favors until I’ve made my final decision. So I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” She said opening the door with her magic. Just then, I noticed Spike came down stairs. I was about to ask him why he let Fluttershy clean the library, but I heard a bunch of hoofsteps outside.

“Surprise!” Suddenly, party horns sounded with confetti. Twilight was pulled out side and I quickly followed. Outside, I saw Pinkie throwing a party for Twilight. I’m betting she’s just doing this for the tickets too. She started singing as the other ponies lifted Twilight into the air.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhU61e8Zs8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhU61e8Zs8

“Yes, Twilight?” Pinkie asked, looking at Twilight on the ground.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket.” Twilight told her.

“Wait, what ticket? What Gala?” Asked some of the ponies in the crowd. Oh no, this can’t end well.

“Oh, you didn’t know? Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Pinkie told them before I could stop her.

“The Grand Galloping Gala?!” The yelled in union. I was right, this can’t end well. They all tried to get the ticket by offering favors to Twilight. Luckily, Spike ran by and grabbed Twilight. I followed with them but we were intercepted by a random pony. We tried to turn around but were cut off again. We were being surrounded by ponies trying to get
Twilight’s ticket.

“What are we gonna do?” Spike asked. I came up with a quick solution and looked at Twilight and Spike.

“I’ll get everyone’s attention, make a brake for it when you all see and opining.” I whispered and pushed past the crowd.

“Excuse me everyone, I have a matter concerning who to get’s the ticket!” I yelled when I was out of the crowd. They stopped and looked at me. Twilight and Spike took this opportunity to sneak away. I stayed silent while they disappeared behind one of the buildings.

“Well?” A pony from the crowed asked.

“Sorry, I only told you all that to get your attention.” I said to them. They all looked around and saw that Twilight and Spike disappeared.

“Where are they.” One of them asked me.

I shrugged. “Beats me, I didn’t asked them so I wouldn’t tell you.” I said. They looked at me annoyed and spread out to find Twilight. I noticed Pinkie was about to join them. “Pinkie!” I yelled. She stopped and turned to me.

“Pinkie listen, I know you want to go to the Gala, but Twilight is already under a lot of pressure trying to pick one of you. Let me some similar advice I gave Applejack and Rarity. How would you feel if you could only throw a party between two of your friends?” I asked. Pinkie dropped her smile and thought of what I told her.

I noticed Fluttershy stepping out of the library with Angel on her back. “And Fluttershy. How would you feel if you had to pick between your animal friends?” I asked. Fluttershy looked down in shame.

I heard hoofsteps coming near us and turned around. I saw Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash coming toward us. I really hope “Excuse us Crest dear, do you happen to know where Twilight is? We thought of what you said and wanted to apologize to her for our behavior.” Rarity said.

“Yeah, they told me how we were making Twilight feel and I admit it wasn’t cool.” Rainbow Dash said. Well I’m glad they learned their lesson.

I shook my head. “Sorry, she and Spike are hiding from a mob that wants her tickets. I think it’ll be a while before they return.” I told them. They looked at each other in worry.

“Um, shouldn’t we help them.” Applejack asked.

I looked down thought if we should or not. I made a decision and looked at them. “Believe me girls I want to help, but we go looking for them, there’s a good chance the mob will find them. Besides, Twilight knows a bunch of spells that can help her avoid them. The best thing we can do is wait for her inside.” I told them. They hesitantly nodded in agreement. We went on inside and I made some tea for them.

After an hour or two, the girls were waiting upstairs while I was cleaning the tea cups. It was getting dark and I started to worry where Twilight and Spike were. I hope their okay. Suddenly, a bright flash appeared behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Twilight with Spike standing next to her, who looked a little crisped. He groaned and looked like he was about to fall over.

“Warn me next time you’re gonna do that.” Spike said groaning.

“I didn’t even know it was gonna happen.” Twilight responded as spike cleaned himself up.

“Are you two ok?” I asked in concern. They turned around.

“Crest! Quick! Lock the doors.” Twilight demanded.

“But Twilight…” I tried to say but she interrupted me.

“Now Crest!” She yelled. I held my tongue and helped them lock all the doors and turned off the lights around the library. Twilight and Spike sat down and relaxed. I was about to tell them that the girls wanted to apologize but someone turned the lights back on. We looked and saw the girls on the upstairs reading area.

“YAH!” Twilight screamed and broke down. “I can’t decide! I just can’t decide! It’s important to all of you, and I just can’t stand to disappoint any of you. And giving me gifts and doing me favors won’t make any difference because you’re all my friends, and I want to make you all happy and I can’t! I just can’t! Twilight said dropping to the ground.

Applejack came and gently walked over to Twilight. “Twilight, sugar, Crest told us what we were doing to you and I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on you. And if it helps, I don’t want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won’t feel bad. I promise.” She said, resting her hoof on Twilight’s head.

“Me too.” Fluttershy said flying down. “I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.” She said.

“And me too! It’s no fun upsetting your friends.” Pinkie joined in.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did.” Rarity said.

“Yes! THAT MEANS THE TICKET IS MINE!” Rainbow Dash yelled in triumph while flying and laughed a little. “I’ve got the ticket, I’ve got the ticket.” Rainbow Dash chanted but stopped when she noticed the glares we were giving her. “You know, I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts, anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.” She said.

“We all got so hung ho about going to the Gala, that we couldn’t see how ungung ho we were making you feel until Crest talked to us.” Applejack confessed.

“We’re sorry, Twilight.” They apologized together. Twilight smiled and got up.

“Spike, take down a note.” She said. Spike got a quill and paper ready.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I’ve learned that one of the joys of Friendship is sharing your blessings. But when there’s not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Twilight said, levitating the tickets to the letter.

“What?!” The girls and I yelled.

“If my friends can’t all go, I don’t want to go either.” Twilight told us.

“Twilight, you don’t have to do that.” Applejack said to her.

“Nope, I’ve made up my mind. Spike you can send the letter now.” Twilight told him.

Spike went to the window and breathed fire on the letter. It turned to smoke and flowed out the window. Seriously, I need to ask him about that.

“Now you won’t get to go to the Gala, either.” Fluttershy said.

“It’s okay everyone. I couldn’t possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me.” Twilight told us.

They all got into a group hug, I tried to stay out of it, but Pinkie pulled me in with them. I blushed a little, but hugged them as well. “So I would rather not go at all.” Twilight finished. Spike just made a disgusted face, but he looked like he was about to throw up.

“Well, wallop my withers, Spike. Isn’t that just like a boy?” Applejack said.

“Hey, I resent that!” I interrupted, feeling a bit insulted. Applejack laughed a little.

“Um, beside you Crest. Spike, you can’t handle the least bit of sentiment.” She said to him. Spike burped something up.

“Whoa, nelly!” Applejack yelled, ducking under the smoke. The smoke formed into a letter.

“A letter from the Princess? That was fast.” Twilight said as Spike opened said letter.

“My faithful student Twilight, why didn’t you just say so in the first place?” Spike read the letter. Some letters popped out of the letter.

“Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!” Spike said holding up the tickets. The girls gasped at the sight of them.

“Now we can all go!” Twilight announced in joy.

We cheered before I realized something.

“Oh, I guess we could have just ask Mom for more tickets.” I said sheepishly.

Twilight giggled before her stomach grumbled and laughed nervously. Rarity walked over to Twilight. “Allow us to treat you to dinner.” She offered.

We walked outside with each ticket floating next to us. Twilight and Rarity used their magic to grab their tickets, but the rest just floated to us. Guess they were enchanted to follow the pony they were meant for. I was the last one out while Spike was walking away with the last ticket. The ticket yanked itself from Spike’s craw and floated next to me.

“How I don’t get a ticket to the Gala?” Spike said depresses. Guess he did want to go after all. I was about to ask Twilight for Spike’s ticket, but he burped out another letter.

“And one for you, Spike.” Spike said reading the letter and a ticket popped out. Spike giggled in excitement as he ran out the door with the ticket in his claw. He stopped when he noticed the smirks on me and Applejack’s faces.

“I mean, gross! I have to go, too?” Spike said pretending. Too late Spike. When he was a couple feet away, he zipped away giggling. Applejack and I laughed.

I noticed Spike left the door open and closed it for him. “Hey Crest.” Said Applejack.

I turned toward her. “Yeah, Applejack.” I respond.

“I just want to thank you for talking some sense to us. Ya a true friend.” Applejack said.

“Anytime, I’m glad we’re all going to the Gala.” I told her smiling.

Applejack returned the smile and ran off to catch up with the others. I started to walk towards them but turned around and watch Canterlot high up on the mountain.

“Now I just need to find a suit for the Gala.” I said to myself.

Chapter 5: Applebuck Season[Un-Edited]

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I woke up early this morning and prepared some breakfast for Twilight and Spike before I leave for my morning job at Sweet Apple Acre. Big Mac hurt his side yesterday so I told to him I would take his place today. Suddenly, I heard somepony nocking on the door. I turned the stove off and checked on who it could be. To my surprise, it was my martial art teacher Black Belt. Black Belt had a white coat with a short black mane and a black belt cutie mark. “Morning Crest, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He said.

“Not at all Mr. Black Belt, I was just making some breakfast. Would you like to come in?” I asked. He nodded and walked in.

“Crest, who’s here?” I heard Twilight ask. I turned my head and saw she and Spike walking down stairs.

“Twilight and Spike, this is Mr. Black Belt, my sensei at the dojo.” I explained.

“Oh, it’s nice to meet you Mr. Black Belt, I’m Twilight Sparkle, and this is Spike.” Twilight said, gesturing to Spike who waved.

“It’s nice to meet you both, but I unfortunately can’t stay long. I just came here to discuss something with Crest.” Black Belt said.

I looked at Twilight and Spike and wondered what Black Belt wanted to discuss. “Um… what’s that Mr. Black Belt?” I asked.

“Well Crest, a new Dojo in Manehattan opened up and since my family lives there, I was going to ask the Martial Art Association to let me teach there.” He told me. I was surprised he was moving out of Ponyville.

“Wow Mr. Black Belt that’s great, but who would teach the dojo here?” I asked.

“Well, I was thinking you could take over for me.” He said. My jaw dropped to the ground. Mr. Black Belt wanted me to take over for him.

“WHAT! Why?” I responded in shock.

“Crest, you remember when I was sick and you had to take over with teaching the classes for a week." I nodded. "I talked with the students you taught and they said you did a splendid job improving their martial art skills. So when I was thinking who would take over for me, you were the first to come to mind.” Mr. Black Belt told us.

I was surprise Mr. Blackbelt thought of me first. “Wow Mr. Blackbelt, I'm honored you thought of me running the dojo, but are you sure?” I asked.

Mr. Blackbelt nodded. “Yep, but I would like you to think it over before you decide. It could get in the way of some of your other job.” He told me.

He was right, if I do decide to run the dojo, I would have to leave some of my other part time job at Sweet Apple Acre.

“I understand Mr. Blackbelt, thank you.” I responded.

"I’ll be moving out in three days of the week, so I would appreciate if you tell me you decision before then." Black Belt said. He nodded and left the library.

“So Crest, what do you think? Are you gonna run the dojo?” Spike asked.

I sighed. “I don’t know, I mean, I’m honored to teach the dojo, but I can’t do that if I’m working on my other job in Sweet Apple Acre.” I told him. Just then, I realized what time it was. “Oh shot, I’m gonna be late at Applejack’s orchard!” I exclaimed as I ran out the door.

I jogged to the farm and found Big Mac with bandages around his waist heading to the barn. “I’m sorry I’m late Big Mac. I had to talk with Mr. Black Belt this morning.” I explained. I noticed Applejack wasn't around. “Um…where’s Applejack?” I asked. Brig Mac nudged his head toward the orchard. I assumed he was saying Applejack was working the field. “Ok thanks.” I said as I headed to the field.

After looking around the orchard, I found Applejack standing in front of one of the apple trees.

“Hey Applejack.” I said getting her attention. Applejack turned around in surprise.

“Oh! Howdy Crest. Um…how about you take the day off for today and I’ll take car of getting the apples today.” Applejack said.

I looked around to the hundreds of trees with apples still in them and thought she was crazy. “Um…Applejack, are you sure you can handle this yourself?” I asked questionably.

Applejack just glared at me. “Crest, I don’t need you telling me I can’t do it. Now I better get kicking. These Apples aren’t gonna shake themselves.” She said.

Suddenly, I started to feel the ground shaking and one of the apples fell from the tree next to her. “Oh no.” Applejack said in worry looking off to the distant. I followed her eyes and realized why she was worried.

We spotted stamped of cows stampeding straight to Ponyville. If they reach the town they’ll flatten it. “Applejack, we have to do something.” I told her.

“Come on Crest. let’s herd them cows. Winona you too.” Applejack yelled. Applejack’s pet brown dog came running and we made a break towards Ponyville.

After what felt like twenty minutes, we reach the front of the stampede.

“Yeehaw!” Applejack yelled when we reached the stampede. “Other side, Crest and Winona.” Applejack said. I nodded while Winona barked and we ran to the other side of the stampede.

“Put’em up, ya’ll!” Applejack yelled, encouraging us. I focused on keeping the herd in on place and Winona barked in response.

“Come on, little doggies! Turn!” Applejack yelled, pushing against on of the cows.

“You all have to turn right!” I yelled doing the same, but to no avail.

Applejack whistled. “Winona, put ‘em up. Crest, make sure no cows stray away.” Applejack yelled. Winona and Applejack jumped on the horde of cows. Winona made her way to the front of the stampede, while Applejack stood onto of the lead cow.

“Haha! Gotcha!” Applejack yelled in success with Winona leading the stampede. Applejack got out her lasso and roped the front cow. She got down to the ground and tugged the rope with all her might. I looked ahead and we were getting dangerously close to Ponyville.

Winona barked at the cow, getting her attention. Applejack and Winona lead the stampede to the right while I stopped and made sure no cows strayed away from the rest. I could here my friends cheering for me and Applejack as I stopped and made sure the cows were following the pack. Applejack slammed her hoofs to the ground and got the lead cow to stop. The rest followed suit and I ran up beside her.

“Now, what that was that about?” Applejack asked the lead cow.

“Moo.” The cow said before clearing her throat. “Oh, my. Begging your pardon, Applejack, but Mooriella here saw one of those nasty snakes.” She said looking over to the cow beside her and the rest of the cows gasped. “And it just gave us all the willies, don’t you know.” She told us. Considering my reaction when I first saw a snake, I can’t blame her.

“I completely understand. Just next time, try and steer clear of Ponyville.” Applejack told her which I nodded in agreement.

“We certainly will, Applejack. So long, Crest and Winona.” She said as the cow went back to the farm. I waved my hoof goodbye and Winona barked.

We walked over the hill and the crowed cheered for us. “Yeehaw!” Applejack yelled before galloping off. Winona and I went off with her.

We made it back to the orchard a short while later and Applejack was already bucking apples off the trees. I was about to help her, but she stopped me.

“Crest, I know you want to help, but I’m telling you. I can handle this.” Applejack told me.

I wanted to protest, but with the glare she was giving, I knew there was no talking with her. I sighed and turned around to the barn. I figured I would talk to Granny Smith about me running the dojo. After talking to her about it, we worked up a schedule so I could work both jobs without me being tired out by one of them.

When I walked out of the barn, I noticed the sun was about to go down. Right after we finished, Rainbow Dash came over and told us about the ceremony in a week being held for Applejack and I. After that, I said goodnight to the Apple family and headed back to the library.

1 Week Later...

It’s been a week since the stampede, and whenever I went over to the farm, I was turned away by Applejack from helping with the orchard every time. While the girls were finalizing the party, I noticed Applejack hasn’t shown up. I decided to head over to Apple Acres to make sure Applejack remembered the celebration at noon. When I arrived, I saw Apple Bloom in the barn.

“Hey Apple Bloom, have you seen your sister.” I asked.

Apple Bloom turned around with a worried look. “Yeah, she started working the orchard this morning.” She told me.

“Ok, thanks.” I said heading to the orchard. Though I wondered why Applebloom looked worried.

After looking around the orchard, I found Applejack trying to buck one of the trees. Thing was, she was kicking the air to the side of the tree. “Um…Applejack.” Said getting her attention.

“Oh… howdy Crest, what are ya doing here.” She asked tiredly. I wonder if she slept at all last night or week.

“I came here to make sure you remember about the celebration in half an hour.” I answered.

“Huh…oh yeah, come on.” She barely responded walking away.

“Applejack, Ponyville is this way.” I told her pointing my hoof to the opposite direction.

“Oh…right.” She responded turning around and I walked with her to the town. I wanted to ask how she’s feeling, but I knew that would just make her upset. I was quiet on the way to Ponyville, but Applejack looked like she was going to collapse sleeping.

We entered the town just as Twilight was beginning her speech with a stack of note cards. I helped Applejack over to the stage behind the curtain. When we reached there, Applejack snoozed off. I considered waking her up, but decided to let her sleep with the amount of work she’s been doing by herself. I just wished she’d let me help.

“Welcome everypony. Today, we are here to honor two ponies we can always count on to help in matters great and small… Ponies whose contribution to…” Twilight didn’t finish as Rainbow Dash interrupted. I peaked through the curtains and saw Rainbow Dash flew in and knocked the note cards over.

“Did you see Applejack’s slick moves out there? What an athlete!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, but it looked like Twilight was miffed about having her speech interrupted. “This week, she’s gonna help me with my new flying trick, and I know it’s gonna be awesome!” she said before Twilight pushed her out of the pedestal.

“Exactly, and…” Twilight was interrupted again, only by Pinkie this time.

“This week, I get to run sugercube corner for the first time!” Pinkie said in excitement.

“What does that have to do with Applejack?” Twilight asked her. Good question.

“Oh, Applejack, one of the best bakers ever, is gonna help me. Applejack makes everything great, so free samples for everypony!” Pinkie yelled in the end. Everypony else cheered for Pinkie and Applejack.

Twilight pushed her out of the pedestal looking annoyed and continued her speech. “Okay, that’s great. Now if I could make a point without being inter…” She didn’t finish as Fluttershy came up on stage.

“Twilight?” Fluttershy said.

“…Rutped.” Twilight finished as she stepped to the side of the pedestal. I was kinda surprised Fluttershy wanted to talk on stage in front of a crowd.

“Twilight, I’m so sorry, but I just wanted to mention that Applejack is also helping me this week with the official bunny census, where we count up all the new baby bunnies that were born this season. She’s gonna help gather them using her wonderful herding skills.” Fluttershy said, but noticed Twilight looking annoyed at her and stopped talking. I couldn’t believe Applejack decided to help others when her work is already overflowed.

“Anyone else? Anyone? No?” Twilight asked the crowd annoyed as Fluttershy stepped out of the stage. See that nopony was speaking up, Twilight levitated her note cards. “Well then, as I was trying to say…” She stopped when she noticed the Mayor giving her the look that said, 'wrap it up.' “Ugh, never mind.” Twilight said frustrated, tossing away her note card and walked off the stage.

Mayor Mare took her place on the pedestal and cleared her throat. “And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize pony of Ponyville award to our beloved guests of honor, two ponies of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity, Ponyville’s most capable and dependable friends, Applejack and Crest!” Mayor Mare said as she gestured her hooves to the curtains. When they opened, I nudged Applejack to wake up, but she wouldn’t. The crowd started cheering for us when the curtains opened up, but gasped when they saw her fast asleep.

“Way to go, Crest and Applejack! That was Awesome!” I mean…” Spike said before noticing Applejack asleep. I nudged her again but she wouldn’t wake up. There was an awkward silence in the crowd and Mayor Mare cleared her throat.

“Awkward.” Spike said stating the obvious.

I shook Applejack violently this time and she finally woke up.

“Huh…yawn…” Applejack said and walked over to the pedestal. “Miss Mayor, thank you kindly for this here, uh, award thingy.” She said as she walked over to the award and yawned. “It’s so bright and shiny, and ha I sure look funny.” She said looking at the distorted reflection of the mirror. “Whoo, whoo!” She said. Pinkie Pie found it funny and started to whoo with her.

Twilight got back on the stage next to me. “Okay. Well think you Crest and Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede and always being there for everypony.” Twilight said to us.

“Of course Twilight, I’m just glad nopony was hurt.” I said as Applejack just yawned.

“Yeah. I like helpin’ the pony folks, yawn, and stuff.” She said as she started to snooze off again. I walked beside Applejack and nudged her again. “Oh! Uh, Yeah! Uh, thanks!” She said and grabbed the award with her teeth and dragged across the stage. I quickly picked up the award and placed it on my back.

“At least let me carry this for you.” I told her.

“Yawn…fine.” She answered and we made our way past the crowd.

The reward was pretty heavy but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. We went back straight to the farm. I set the award in the living room of the Apple family’s house while Applejack immediately went back to the orchard.

I figured I would try one more time to convince Applejack to let me help. As I was looking for her, I noticed Twilight walking into the farm.

“Hey Twilight.” I said.

“Hello Crest, have you seen Applejack?” She asked me.

I looked around the orchard and saw Applejack trying to buck a tree.

“She’s over there.” I said pointing at Applejack. We then noticed she was trying to buck a tree she just shook down.

“What on earth is that pony doing?” Twilight asked.

“Let’s make sure she’s okay.” I told her, just as Applejack nocked over a bucket of apples.

“Hey, Applejack!” Twilight yelled as we were getting closer to her. Applejack just fell asleep standing.

“Applejack! Applejack!” Twilight yelled again, but Applejack continued snoring. Twilight looked frustrated and glowed her horn. Next thing I know, we teleported in front of Applejack I couldn’t think straight.

“APPLEJACK!” Twilight yelled in front of her while I was still shaking off the dizziness from her spell.

“Oh! bl-bl-bl!” Applejack said shaking her head rapidly. At least Applejack finally woke up. “Howdy, Twilight. Howdy, Crest.” She greeted us.

“What is all this?” Twilight asked as Applejack walked past us.

“It’s Applebuck Season.” Applejack answered and I followed her. Twilight teleported in front of Applejack again just as kicked another tree, knocking the apples down into the buckets.

“Apple-what Season?” Twilight asked.

I decided to answer in Applejack’s stead. “It’s when the Apple family harvest their orchards. They gather the apple and sell them.” I told her as I was walking with Applejack to the next tree. Twilight continuously teleported to keep up.

“But why are you doing it all alone and Crest, why aren’t you helping?” Twilight asked us.

“Cause Big Macintosh hurt himself and thinks I can’t do it by myself, So I’m gonna prove to him I can.”

“Wait. What about all those relatives I’ve met when I first came to Ponyville?” Twilight asked after she looked around.

Applejack sighed. “They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin’ their own orchards. And even so, I’m gonna prove that I could do it alone.”

Twilight teleported again in front of Applejack, but stood in her way. “Which means, I should really get back to work.” Applejack told her, but Twilight wouldn’t budge. “Ahem…hint hint? Get back to work.” Applejack tried to persuade her to move.

“Fine.” Twilight said moving out of the way.

“Could you step aside, Twilight?” Applejack asked. I grew more concern for her.

“I just did.” Twilight said as Applejack looked dizzy. “Applejack, you don’t look so good.” She said in concern.

“Yeah, maybe you should sit down and take a break.” I added.

“Eh, don’t any a’ you six worry none, I’m just fine and dandy.” She said before trying to kick another tree but missed and said, “Whoa.”

Twilight teleported again. “Do you want some help?” She asked.

“Help? No way, no how.” Applejack said in defiance.

“But there’s no way you can do it all on your own.” Twilight said to her as I nodded in agreement.

“Is that a challenge?” Applejack asked in anger and aggressively.

“Uhm…no?” Twilight answered.

“Well, I’m gonna prove t’ you that I can do it! Now if you’ll EXCUSE me, I’ve got apples to buck.” Applejack said before she walked away.

I sighed at Applejack’s stubbornness. “She’s been like that for the past week. Every time I try to work the orchard, she would turn me away. I don’t suppose you have any ideas Twilight? I asked her.

“I’m sorry Crest, but I don’t know what to do, I guess we’ll have to wait and hope Applejack can regain her senses.” Twilight told me.

I wished there was something I could to help, but Applejack would just yell at me if she see’s me applebucking trees. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in my head. “Wait a minute, Applejack is going to help some of our friends out today, right?” I said and Twilight nodded.

“Well, with Applejack out helping everypony else, I could work the farm and lessen her work load.” I told her, but she seemed unsure.

“Are you sure that’s a wise idea? I mean, you could get in trouble with Applejack if catches you applebucking the trees.” Twilight told me in worry.

“You’re right Twilight, that’s why I’m gonna ask Applebloom to keep an eye out for her sister while I work the farm.” I explained.

“Well, I guess that’s ok, just try not to push yourself Crest, I don’t want you to hurt your self.” Twilight said. I nodded and I headed to the farm while Twilight went back to the library.

After I reached the Apple family’s house, I found Applebloom playing with Winona. “Hey Applebloom and Winona.” I greeted them.

“Crest!” Applebloom yelled smiling as she and Winona ran up to me. “It’s so good to see ya, but what are ya doing her, I thought Applejack didn’t want anypony’s help.” She said to me.

“I wanted to talk to you about that. Applejack is going to help Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to day.” I said before Applejack gasping in shock.

“WHAT! But she’s already working so hard in the orchard.” Applebloom said in surprise.

“That’s why while Applejack is helping our friends, I’m gonna work the farm and so as much of it as I can before she comes back. I’m gonna need your help to keep an out out and warn me when you see Applejack.” I explained.

“Sure Crest.” Applebloom said smiling. I nodded and waited on the porch of the house for Applejack to help one of our friends.

While I was waiting for Applejack to leave, I helped Applebloom with some of her chores, such as squashing the berries and harvesting the carrots. After about an hour, I noticed Applejack leaving the front gate.

“Okay Applebloom, Applejack just left, so let’s get to work.” I told her. She nodded and went to the gate as I went to the other farm. I decided to work on the other end of the farm so Applejack wouldn’t notice.

Luckily it was a Sunday and I didn’t have to teach the dojo, so I could push my body to a certain limit. I quickly start kicking the trees one after the other. I worked for the past hour and I started to feel my muscles strain a little. I harvested at least forty five trees. I walked up to the next apple tree before I saw Applebloom coming my way.

“Crest! Applejack’s heading this way.” She warned me. I nodded tiredly. We picked up the bucket of apples and rushed over to the barn. We managed to put them with the other apples Applejack harvested. Applejack walked inside the barn and set a bucket on her back.

“Howdy ya’ll.” Applejack greeted us without noticing the increase in apples or me sweating.

When Applejack left, Applebloom and I sighed in relief. “That was close.” I said and Applebloom nodded in agreement. I waited on the house porch resting and drinking some apple juice. So far Applejack didn’t notice the trees I bucked.

After relaxing for a bit, I noticed Twilight walking through the front gate with a worried look. “Hey Twilight, something wrong.” I asked.

Twilight stopped and looked at me. “Hello Crest. I’m guessing Applejack is in the orchard? I need to talk to her.” She said. I nodded and wondered what the problem.

We headed to the orchard and found Applejack just as she hit her head on a tree branch.

“Applejack, can we talk?” Twilight asked but Applejack just rubbed her ear and narrowed her eyes at Twilight.

“CAN BEES SQUAWK?! I DON’T THINK SO.” Applejack said yelling. Oh no, that thick branch may have damaged her hearing, hopefully it’s just temporary.

“No. Can we TALK?” Twilight corrected.

“20 STALKS?! BEAN OR CELERY?” Applejack asked yelling again.

“NO! I need to TALK to YOU!” Twilight said, raising her voice a little.

“YOU NEED TO WALK TO THE ZOO? WELL, WHO’S STOPPIN’ YOU!?” Applejack yelled.

I cleared my voice a little. “SHE NEED TO TALK TO YOU!” I yelled higher that Twilight.

“OH! WELL WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY SO? WHAT YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT.” Applejack asked, finally understanding what we were saying.

“Rainbow Dash dropped in to see me today.” Twilight yelled.

“THAT’S QUITE NEIGHBORLY OF HER!” Applejack said.

“Yes, except that she crashed onto my balcony after you launched her into the air.” Twilight yelled. I looked at Twilight in worry. I hoped that Rainbow Dash wasn’t hurt.

“Oh, yeah. I wasn’t feeling quite myself this morning.” Applejack said lowering her head.

“Because you’re working Too Hard and YOU NEED HELP.” Twilight told her, emphasizing on the help and walked by her side.

“WHAT? KELP? I don’t need kelp. I don’t even like seaweed.” Applejack said, misunderstanding again.

“HELP! SHE SAID YOU NEED HELP!” I yelled.

“Nothin’ doin’, Twilight and Crest. I’m gonna prove to you, to everypony, that I can do this ON My OWN.” Applejack said walking away, but not before bumping her head on the branch again. “Ow! Now if you’ll EXCUSE me, I’ve gotta go help Pinkie Pie.” She finished, stumbling away.

“Ugh…” Twilight groaned in frustration and I gave her a sympathetic look.

“I’m sorry Twilight, Applejack can be very… stubborn at times, especially when she trying to prove something.” I told her.

Twilight sighed. “I know Crest, but what about you? Are you doing ok?” She asked.

“I’m fine, just a little sore.” I said rubbing my left leg. “At least Applejack can relax a little helping Pinkie Pie. By the way, is Rainbow Dash okay?” I asked.

Twilight nodded. “Yes thankfully, but are you sure you don’t want some help with the orchard.” She asked. I thought about it a bit.

“Thank’s Twilight, but I think I can handle this for now. If I feel like I’m overworking myself, I’ll let you know.” I told her.

Twilight nodded reluctantly and headed back into town. I called Applebloom to look out for her big sister, while I started bucking the trees.

It’s been a little over an hour and I’ve made more progress with over seventy five apples before Applebloom called my name. We rinse and repeat like last time with carrying the buckets of apples to the farm before Applejack noticed anything. Luckily she didn't notice anything again and walked to the orchard.

I was relaxing on the porch again and waited for Applejack to help Fluttershy out. I was actually impressed that Applejack kept bucking apples, but still felt worried that she refused anypony to help her.

While I was drinking my apple juice, I spotted Twilight walking through the gate. I really hoped Applejack didn’t caused trouble again. Twilight saw me as I walked up to her. “Crest, do you know where Applejack is? I’m afraid she cause some more trouble with her baking.” She told me. I wanted to ask what happened but figured we should talk to Applejack first. I gestured her to follow and we walked the the orchard.

We found Applejack just as she was turned upside down with a cart to load the apples into the bucket.

“Applejack, we need to talk.” Twilight said.

“What?! Huh?!” Applejack said waking up. At least it appeared her hearing has returned. “Oh, it’s you, Crest and Twilight. [Yawn] I know what you all are gonna say. But the answer is still no.” She told us stubbornly.

“Not to upset your apple cart, but you need help.” Twilight told her while I nodded in agreement.

Applejack sighed. “Hardy-har.” She said struggling to role her and the cart back over. “And, no, I don’t.” She said failing to fix her situation.

“Here. Let us help.” Twilight offered.

“Help? No thanks.” Applejack said continuing to struggle with the Apple cart. She pushed back and forward to realign the cart. I couldn’t resist not helping her, so as she pushed her weight forward, I quietly walked up and push the cart up and got her unstuck. “There. I’ll prove that this apple can handle these apples.” she said as she started kicking the tree next to her. “Come on apples. FALL OFF!” She yelled, but no apples came down.

When I noticed that no apples were falling, I looked up and saw the problem. “Applejack, I think that’s a dead tree your beating.” I told her. She looked up and notice the lack of leafs on it.

“I knew that.” She told us walked away from us. ‘Yeah right.’ I sarcastically thought as Twilight and I walked behind her.

“Actually, Applejack, I had something else to talk to you about. I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and…” Twilight said before being interrupted by Applejack.

“You know, I’m a little busy to get lectured right now, Twilight.” She said.

“If you’d just let us help…” Twilight Started to say but was interrupted again.

“Ugh! No! No! NO! How many times do I got to say it? I don’t need no help from nopony!” Applejack told us walking off.

“Ugh! That pony is stubborn as a mule!” Twilight told me before we heard a bray behind us.

“No offense.” Twilight told the mule.

“None Taken.” he replied. I’ve forgotten that he picks up the apples for Filthy Rich today.

We walked back to the barn and loaded some of today’s harvest into the cart for the mule with Twilight helping out. “I’m sorry that Applejack won’t listen, Twilight. When she sets her mind to something, almost nopony can talk her out of it.” I told her.

“I know Crest, I just hope she realize that her actions are effecting everypony else around her.” Twilight said. Speaking of which, I recall she mentioned about the Ponyville Urgent Care.

“By the way, didn’t you say you just came from the Ponyville Urgent? What happened?” I asked.

“I don’t know how it happened, but Applejack made terrible muffins with Pinkie Pie, and now several ponies have stomach sickness. Luckily it wasn’t anything too serious and they should make a full recovery.” Twilight told me. I was glad the ponies were going to be ok, but I’m gonna need to talk to Applejack later.

Twilight headed back to Ponyville as I went back to harvesting apples and told Applebloom to keep and eye out.

It’s been another hour and I’ve harvested half of the east portion of the orchard. I was pushing my body near it’s limit so I decided to harvest one more tree and call it a day. Unfortunately, before I could kick the next tree before I heard Applejack call my name.

“CREST SHIELD!” Applejack yelled angrily. I turned around to see her running to me. “What in tarnations do ya think your doing? Ya were about to harvest the apples, weren’t ya!” Applejack said, which sounded like she didn’t know that I already harvested a bunch of the trees in the orchard. I looked around and wondered where Applebloom was.

I sighed. “I’m sorry I went behind your back Applejack, but I didn’t want you to work yourself to death.” I told her, but Applejack got even angrier.

“I knew it! Your just like everypony else! Ya didn’t believe I could do it by myself!” Applejack yelled.

“Applejack, I know your angry, but your pride has started to harm everypony else, including you. I mean, isn’t family supposed to help each other.” I told her, hoping she would listen, but she looked even angrier.

“Well family is also supposed to have faith in each other, and YOU DIDN’T. It’s no wonder Princess Celestia gave up looking for you. No family wants a pony who can’t believe in them.” Applejack yelled. I was a little taken back by what she said.

“Applejack… what do you mean?” I asked in worry.

“Crest Shield… ya are no longer part of this FAMILY!” She yelled. My jaw dropped in shock.

“But… Applejack.” I said, but was interrupted.

“NO! I’m done listening. Ya not welcome here anymore Crest, so LEAVE before I kick ya out.” Applejack told me.

I was shock of what Applejack told me and saw no way to convince her. It was heart breaking for Applejack to kick me out of the Apple family, and I couldn’t help but shed a tear.

“Alright Applejack, if that’s what you want.” I said and walked away in gloom.

I was near the front gate where Applebloom came running to me.

“Crest… I’m so sorry I didn’t warn ya of Applejack came back. I saw some rabbits eating the carrots we harvested this morning and was busy getting rid of them.” Applebloom explained.

I sighed. “Don’t worry about it Applebloom. Unfortunately, I’m no longer welcome here.” I told her, refusing to look at her in the eye.

“What do ya mean?” Applebloom asked in confusion.

“Applejack was so angry with me, she fired me and made me leave the Apple family.” I sadly explained.

“WHAT!? SHE CAN’T DO THAT!” Applejack yelled in shock.

“I’m afraid she did. [Sigh] I should be heading back home.” I told her and left without looking back.

“But… this is your home too.” I heard Applebloom whispered, but I just continued back to Ponyville.

Along the way back, I couldn’t help think of what Applejack told me, about Celestia giving up on me. Is that why she didn’t find me.

“Crest.” I heard Twilight bringing me out of my thoughts.

I looked up and saw Twilight walking to me down the road.

“Crest, why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the farm?” She asked.

“I’m afraid Applejack found out that I was harvesting the apples behind her back. She was… less than happy about it.” I told her with a sad look. Twilight looked me with sympathy in her eyes.

“Oh, I’m so sorry Crest. What did she do?” Twilight asked.

“I’ll… tell you later Twilight. Right now, I think I just want to go home.” I said depressingly as I walked past her. Twilight protested but I just kept walking down the road.

I was halfway to Ponyville and I was still hurt of what Applejack said to me. I mean, I know I harvested the apples behind her back, but I only did it because I was worried about her. I wondered if Applejack would eventually forgive me.

“CREST!” I heard somepony calling. I turned around and saw Applejack running towards and skid to a stop. She looked up at me panting with tears running down her cheeks.

“Crest…I’m so sorry. I said all those terrible things to ya when you’ve done nothing but help me when I needed it the most. Applebloom and Big Mac showed me how much ya helped me.” Applejack told me.

[FLASHBACK]

Normal POV

When Crest Shield left the farm, Applejack immediately put a basket on her back and went back to harvesting the apples. Unfortunately she didn’t get started as she almost fell asleep next to a tree on a hill.

“Must keep buckin”. Just a few more. Must finish harvesting.” Applejack said to herself as she weakly kicked the tree. Twilight walked up the hill with a angry look on her face.

“All right, Applejack, your apple bucking hasn’t just caused you problems. It’s overpropelled pegasus, practically poisoned plenty of ponies, terrorized bushels of brand-new bouncing baby bunnies, and you got angry at Crest for helping you. I don’t know what you said to him, but YOU NEED HELP!” Twilight told her.

Applejack just kicked the tree again and the apples fell into her basket. “Ha! No, I don’t. Look, I did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres Without your help. How do you like them apple?” Applejack said in triumph, overlooking the trees she harvested. Her victory was short lived as Big Mac and Applebloom walked up the hill next to her.

“Oh, how do you like them apples.” Big Mac said looking to his right down the hill. Applejack and Twilight followed his eyes and saw about twenty apple trees unharvested.

“Oh… well… no problem, I can buck those apples by the end of the day.” Applejack told them. That’s when Applebloom got right into her big sister’s face.

“That’s because Crest did the rest of that part of the orchard!” Applebloom yelled, pointing to the at the many trees lacking apples. Applejack jaw dropped looking at how many tree’s Crest harvested.

“But…that’s impossible. It would have taken me half a day, and he did it in a few hours.” Applejack said unbelievably.

“That’s because Crest worked his tail off making sure you don’t overwork yourself. He was worried that you would get severely hurt, AND YOU MADE HIM LEAVE!” Applebloom yelled and anger.

Applejack was taken back by her sister and looked around one more time. “Oh my gosh, what...what have I done?” Applejack said to herself. Big Mac and Twilight looked at each other in confusion.

“Applejack, what does she mean?” Twilight asked.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but right now, I need to find Crest.” Applejack told them before running off.

[PRESENT]

CREST POV

After Applejack explained what happened, the waters in her eye’s didn’t stop.

“Crest Shield, I’m so sorry I said all those awful things to ya. Ya knew I needed help and I just turned ya away.” Applejack said as she continues to cry he eyes out.

I walked up to her and gave her a hug. “Applejack, thank you for apologizing.” I said to her. Applejack returned the hug and we stayed like that for what felt like a couple minutes.

“I’m glad you two made up.” I heard Twilight say. I looked behind Applejack saw Twilight waiting for us. Applejack and I let each other go and she turned towards Twilight.

“Ya were right Twilight, I did need help, and I could still use some.” Applejack told her. Twilight sighed in relief.

“Crest Shield, could you take Applejack back while I get our friends.” Twilight asked me. I nodded and we went our separate ways.

Later today, Twilight came back with our friends Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash kicked one of the trees and the apples came down into a cart Pinkie Pie was holding. Fluttershy and Rarity were carrying baskets full of apples while Twilight used her magic and levitated all the remains apples in the trees. They finished up harvesting the remaining trees while Applejack and I were resting. When everypony was near finished, Applejack and I brought out some apple juices on a table for everypony.

“Hey ya'll. Thank ya for finishing up the harvest. We got some fine apple juice waitin’ for ya!” Applejack said as I pushed the drinks on a table outside. Everypony walked over to us.

Applejack sighed. “Girls and Crest, I can’t thank you enough for this help.” She turned to me. “Especially you Crest. I was actin’ a bit stubborn.” Applejack said smiling.

“A bit?” Twilight and I replied.

“Okay. A might stubborn, and I’m awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you six as my friends.” Applejack told us and we took a sip of our drinks.

“Whew! That Applebucking sure made me hungry.” Rainbow Dash said.

Spike came walking over to us. “And I’ve got the perfect treat.” He said holding up a tray of the worse muffins I have ever seen.

“Ew! Spike, I threw those away! Where did you get them?” Pinkie asked in disgust. Wait a minute, are those the muffins that put a lot of ponies in the hospital. Spike must have a stomach of steel.

“From the trash!” Spike answered.

“EW!” We said and walked away from him.

“Just a nibble? Come on!” Spike asked following us.

“Ew! Gross! Gross Spike!” Everypony complained. I thought of a way to get rid of those muffins.

“Hey Spike, if you get rid of those muffins, I’ll bake you a few crystal cookies when we get back to the library.” I told him.

“DEAL!” Spike yelled before he ran behind the Apple family’s house. He ran right back with the tray emptied. Everypony else looked at me and mouthed the word ‘thank you.’

“Hey Twilight, could what happened today be a lesson for you to write to my Mom?” I asked.

“Just what I was thinking Crest, Spike take a letter.” Twilight told Spike put the muffins down and took out a letter and quell.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” She began. “My friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help any pony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said. Spike finished writing and blew green fire on it.

After we finished out drinks, we said our goodbyes to each other. Before me, Twilight and Spike left, Applejack called me over. “Crest, I want to apologize again for my rash behavior before. Especially after ya done so much. I… was hoping ya could be our honorary family member again.” Applejack asked me with pleading eyes. I smiled and gave her a hug.

“Of course Applejack, you and the others will always be family to me.” It told her. I heard Applejack sniffled a little and returned the hug. We stayed like that for a moment before we let each other go. We said goodbye to each other and went our separate ways.

“That was really beautiful Crest.” Twilight said smiling, but I could a sworn she looked bother by something.

“Thank you Twilight, shall we head home?” I asked. Twilight nodded while Spike jumped on my back and we started to walk back to Ponyville.

Chapter 6: Griffon the Brush-off[Un-Edited]

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It’s been a little over a week since Applejack and I made up. This morning, I was in the park with Twilight practicing my martial arts while Twilight read her book on a bench. While we were there, Pinkie Pie showed up and started talking about how amazing Rainbow Dash is.

“Hoof-fighting action overload! She was like a stunt superstar, flying higher and higher, and then Rainbow Dash swooped down, swoosh and right before she hit the ground. Shoom! She pulled up! Vroom!” Pinkie Pie told us, trying to imitate what she saw Rainbow Dash doing during one of her practice performances.

“Uh-huh.” Twilight responded, trying to read her book on a bench. I was practicing one of my Martial Art patterns, but I kept my attention on Pinkie Pie’s story.

“And Then she looked around and around, like Whoo! Whoo! Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!Whoo! Whoo!” Pinkie Pie said swaying her head around and falling on her back.

“Uh-huh.” Twilight said, keeping her eye’s on her book. I finished my pattern and returned to my ready stance. My ears picked up on something flying over me and I turned my head upwards.

“Huh, speaking of Rainbow Dash.” I commented, looking up and see her flying fast over us. Pinkie Pie saw her as well ran towards her.

“Whew!” I heard Twilight as she turned the page of her book. I looked of to the distance at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, though it looked like Rainbow Dash was trying to get away from her. Up ahead of them was a mountain and Rainbow Dash was still flying faster toward it.

“Oh no.” I muttered as I took off in a burst of speed after them. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me to warn Rainbow Dash before she crashed head first into the mountain. I shortly reached Pinkie Pie. “DASH! MOUNTAIN!” I yelled to the top of my lungs.

Rainbow Dash looked ahead with the mountain closing up to her face and pulled up at the last second. I skid to a stop at the base of the mountain and Pinkie Pie stood right beside me. Rainbow swooped down in front of us.

“Whew, thanks for the warning Crest. That could have ended badly.” Rainbow Dash said gratefully.

“But that’s what I was trying to tell you!” Pinkie Pie complained to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash groans. “Um, sorry Pinkie, but I need to practice my flying if I’m gonna make it into the Wonderbolts. So, see ya.” She said launching to the sky. I looked at Pinkie Pie who had a dejected look.

“Don’t worry Pinkie, you know how much Rainbow Dash wants to join the Wonderbolts. You could always hang out with her when she’s not practicing and do something you both like.” I told her, hoping to raise her mood. Which it did as it brought a smile to her face.

“Heh, your right Crest, Wait! I know what Rainbow Dash would like!” Pinkie Pie said before running off. I raised a eye brow and wondered what Pinkie had in mind. I shrugged it off and walked back to Twilight.

When I got back, Twilight was still on the bench reading her book. “Is everything alright? You kinda just took off in a rush.” Twilight asked me.

“Yeah. Rainbow Dash almost ran into that mountain without looking, so I went to warn her. She missed it at the last second.” I explained. Twilight sighed in relief.

“Well that’s good. Do you want to head on back to the library? I need to see if the book store have a chemistry book for an experiment I’m working on.” Twilight asked.

“I’ll go with you, I need to stop by the dojo and clean the place before tomorrow morning classes.” I said. Twilight closed her book and we went to the Ponyville marketplace.

When we reached the bookstore, I notice Pinkie Pie walking around asking ponies where Rainbow Dash is. As Twilight and I were nearing the book store, the shadow of the cloud moved on it’s own. Twilight noticed it as well and we looked up. It turned out that it was Rainbow Dash trying to hide inside the cloud like an ostrich. Pinkie Pie saw Twilight and I, so she bounced over to us.

“Twilight, Crest, have you two seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?” Pinkie asked us.

“Isn’t she right up there.” Twilight said, pointing her hoof to the cloud above us.

“RAINBOW DASH!” Pinkie Pie called out. Once she said that, Rainbow Dash took off at high speed away from us. Pinkie Pie followed her while bouncing. Twilight and I looked at each other and shrugged. Twilight went inside the book store while I headed to the dojo.

At the Dojo, I spent roughly half an hour vacuuming and dusting the counter. While I was cleaning the front window, I noticed Pinkie Pie in front of Town Hall telling Rainbow Dash where to place a cloud. With the cleaning done, I figured I’d see what my pink friend was up to.

“PINKIE PIE.” Rainbow Dash yelled in frustration over the cloud near the entrance to Town Hall.

“Uh, I mean, perfect. Now wait for my signal.” Pinkie Pie said before sneaking next to one of the Town Hall building windows.

What could they be up to? I walked over to them as the main door of Town Hall opened up, revealing Spike carrying a bunch of scrolls. Just as Spike exited the building, Pinkie Pie waved her hoof at Rainbow Dash, signaling her. Rainbow Dash kicked the cloud. Thunder roared from the cloud, scaring Spike and causing him to drop the scrolls out of his claws. Pinkie Pie ran next to Spike smiling as he started hiccuping.

“Hahaha. Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Spike into getting the hiccups!” Pinkie said to Rainbow Dash as they both started laughing. Spike chuckled at the prank. I chuckled in amusement at the prank.

“Good one, Pinkie [Hiccup] Pie. [Hiccup] You’re always pulling a fast on [hiccup] on me.” Spike said to her. Spike picked up a scroll but accidentally hiccup and blew fire on it, sending it away to Princess Celestia.

“Oh no, you’re not hurt, are you?” Pinkie Pie asked him worried.

“Nah. [Hiccup] Don’t be [Hiccup] silly. Dragons are [Hiccup] fireproof.” Spike explained to them.

“Oh, okay, good.” Pinkie replied, before she and Rainbow Dash started laughing again.

Spike picked up most of the scrolls that fell, but he accidentally hiccuped and sent them away.

“I wish the same thing [Hiccup] were true of scrolls.” Spike said before walking next to one of the scrolls.

That just made Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash laugh even harder.

“Hold it Spike. How about I carry the scrolls until your hiccups go away.” I suggested.

“Thanks [Hiccup] Crest.” Spike said. He started helping me put the scrolls on my back, while carefully not to breath fire on them, or me for that matter.

“Have you ever seen anything more hilarious?” Pinkie asked Rainbow Dash.

“I can think of one thing.” Rainbow Dash replied, before kicking the cloud again. This time, it scared Pinkie Pie, causing her to fall on her back. After a few seconds, Pinkie started to hiccup and laugh at the same time.

“I didn’t take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie.

“Are you [Hiccup] kidding? [Hiccup] I love to pull pranks. It’s all [Hiccup} in good fun, and Pinkie Pie lo- [Hiccup] -oves to have [Hiccup] fun!” Pinkie Pie told her while hiccuping.

“You know, Pinkie Pie, you’re not as annoying as I thought. You want to hang out?” Rainbow Dash asked her.

“[Hiccup] That’d be- [Hiccup] I’d really- [Hiccup] When do - [Hiccup] I mean [Hiccup] When would you [Hiccup].” Pinkie Pie tried to talk, but she was constantly bouncing around every time she hiccups.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and placed her hood on Pinkie Pie’s mouth. “A simple nod would do.” She said.

“Mm-hmm.” Pinkie Pie nodded and they went off somewhere. Spike and I finished placing the scrolls on my back, so we left back.

On the way back, we spotted Fluttershy walking out of the grocery store with a bag on her back. “Oh, hello Crest and Spike.” Fluttershy greeted us.

“Hello Fluttershy. Getting food for your animal friends at you cottage?” I asked. Fluttershy gently put the bag down on the ground and shook her head.

“Oh, not this time. I’m going to the river and feed the fishies. Also, um, I was wondering if you wanted to help.” Fluttershy ask me shyly.

“Of course Fluttershy, just let me get these to the library.” I said, gesturing to the scrolls on my back. Fluttershy smile and picked up the bag. We went our separate ways as Spike and I walked back to the library. On the way to the, Spike kept giving me a smug look.

After I gave Twilight the scrolls at the library, I headed to the river outside of town. I kinda wished I asked Fluttershy where at the river she was feeding the fishes. Luckily, I spotted her at an edge of the river.

“Hey, Fluttershy.” I called out. She turned around and smiled.

“Oh, hello Crest. Thank you for helping me. Would you mind feeding the fishies on this side?” She asked, looking on her left side.

“Sure thing.” I responded and grabbed some pieces of food. As I started tossing some into the river, a few fishes swam over and ate them. Feeling satisfied with my work, I turned around and saw Fluttershy feeding some fishes and a couple of turtles.

Wait a minute. One of the turtles looked strange. I walked beside Fluttershy, who noticed it as well.

“What is that.” Fluttershy asked. I got a closer look at the turtle and it was some kind of squeaky toy. There was a rope at the end of the fake turtle leading to the other side of the river. I looked across the river and saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie talking behind a bush. Maybe they were trying to prink us, but why didn’t they go through with it.

I sighed and and shook my head. “Looks like Rainbow Dash And Pinkie tried to pull a prank on us. Though they probably stopped when they saw us feeding the fishes.” I said.

“Oh… Well at least they stopped.” Fluttershy said.

We ignored the fake turtle and finished emptying the food bag just as the sun went down.

“Well, I better head back. Do you want me to walk you home.” I asked her.

Fluttershy blushed a little. “Oh…that’s okay. Thank you for helping today.” She replied.

I nodded and I headed back to the Library in the night.

The next day after teaching my morning classes at the dojo, I was helping Twilight with her notes on her experiment yesterday. Unfortunately it went wrong thanks to Pinkie Pie’s and Rainbow Dash’s prank. They swapped her ink with disappearing ink. Twilight knew they were just having fun, but it still annoyed her that she had to start over. Spike was currently sitting on the stair case reading a book.

A little while later, Pinkie Pie came storming in telling us how mean Rainbow Dash’s friend, Gilda, is. Whom is apparently a griffon. From what I know about them, griffons live in mountain range of Griffonstone, which is located East of Equestria.

“So, Pinkie Pie, are you sure that this friend of Rainbow Dash is really so mean?” Twilight asked as she flipped the pages of her book with her magic.

“Um, YEAH! She keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she popped my balloons, and she told me to buzz off! I never met a griffon this mean. Well, actually, I’ve never met a griffon at all. But I bet if I had, she wouldn’t have been as mean and grumpy as Gilda!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“You know what I think Pinkie Pie?” Twilight asked.

“Hmm?” Hummed Pinkie Pie as she stood next to her.

“Well, I think… you’re jealous.” Twilight answered.

“JEALOUS.” Pinkie Pie yelled.

“Green with envy. Well, in your case, Pink with envy.” Spike add.

“Well, yes, jealous.” Twilight continued. She stopped reading the book and faced Pinkie Pie. “Listen Pinkie, I don’t want to upset you, but just because Rainbow Dash has another friend doesn’t make Gilda a grump. I mean, perhaps it’s you, Pinkie, who needs to improve her attitude.” She suggested.

“Improve MY attitude? But I… but it’s Gilda that… are you serious.” Pinkie shrieks in anger and walked past Twilight to the door.

“You know Twilight, maybe Pinkie Pie was telling the truth. I mean, think about it. She wouldn’t have accused Gilda without at least some justification.” I explained. Pinkie Pie can be over exaggerating sometimes, but I can’t remember the last time she called somepony mean.

“Well, I guess you have a point.” Twilight said putting her hoof over her chin, though she looked a little unsure.

“I’m gonna go check on Pinkie Pie. I’ll see you two later.” I told her before walking outside. It didn’t take me long to find Pinkie Pie walking away from the library. I quickly ran up beside her.

“Hey Pinkie, how are you doing?” I asked.

“I’m fine Crest.” Pinkie Pie respond but paused a moment. “Do you think I’m jealous?”

“It sounded like you were jealous, but I wasn’t there when you met this Gilda. So you would know better than me.” I answered.

“Maybe Twilight is right. Maybe Gilda isn’t a big mean, grumpy, mean, meany pants. Maybe I’m just a big, jealous, judgmental, jealous, jealousy pants.” Pinkie Pie said with a sigh. It hurt’s see Pinkie Pie this sad.

“Pinkie, how about we go to Sugercube Corner, and I get us some milkshakes.” I suggested, hoping to make her feel better.

“Yeah okay.” Pinkie said while still frowning. I sighed, hoping for a better response than that.

When we got to Sugercube Corner, I bought a couple of milkshakes for Pinkie Pie and I. We were outside the shop, sitting at a table with a umbrella over our heads. Even though Pinkie was slurping her milkshake, she was still upset. All of a sudden, Pinkie and I heard laughing over us. I recognized one of the laughters belonging to Rainbow Dash, but I didn’t know who the second one belongs to. Pinkie immediately hid under the table, while was looking in the sky. I spotted Rainbow Dash flying with what I assumed was a griffon. The griffon had a body of a lion and a head of a eagle.

“That was sweet! I got to take care of a few weather jobs around here. Shouldn’t take long. Just, uh, hang out in town, and I’ll come find you.” I heard Rainbow Dash say as they land. Thank you sensitive hearing.

“That’s cool, I guess. I’m gonna go chow down!” The griffon told her

“Later!” Rainbow Dash said before taking off. I looked at Pinkie who was still under the table.

“Gilda, I assume?” I asked Pinkie Pie. She just nodded to my question.

Gilda looked around and went behind a food stall. I noticed Granny Smith walking to the stall Gilda hid behind. She was sniffing the fruit on the stall when Gilda’s tail poked out in front Granny Smith.

“Ahh! A rattler! A rattler!” Granny Smith yelled, pointing at Gilda’s tail. “Run for the hills! Everybody, run! Save yourselves!” She yelled, running away from the fruit stand, or at least running away at granny speed.

Gilda came up from behind the stall laughing a little. She looked at the owner of the fruit stand and inspected a tomato with her tail.

“This stuff ain’t fresh, dude.” Gilda told her before walking away.

“Aw, poor Granny Smith! She didn’t know it was a joke! How mean! No, no. I can’t misjudge her. It was kind of a funny prank, I guess” Pinkie Pie said. I wanted to say something about that, but we saw Gilda use her tail to grab an apple from somepony’s basket and ate it.

Pinkie Pie gasped. “I did misjudge her! She’s not only a meany, mean pants, she’s also a thief!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. I nodded in agreement. Why is Rainbow Dash friends with someone like her. “No, no, no, no. She might give it back.” She said.

“You sure? Give it back from her stomach?” I questioned. Just then, we saw Fluttershy walking backwards and leading a family of ducks following her across the road.

“All right, little ones, this way, this way. Mama duck, you’re free and clear.” She said. She accidentally bumped into Gilda.

“Hey.” Gilda exclaimed.

“Please excuse me.” Fluttershy asked politely.

“I’M WALKIN’ HERE!” Gilda yelled in Fluttershy’s face. I felt my eye twitch and blood began to boil.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry. I-I-I was just trying to…” Fluttershy tried to apologies while slowly backing away from the angry griffon.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Gilda mocked her. “Why don’t you just watch where you’re going, doofus?” She told her. Okay, that crosses the line.

“Crest?” Pinkie asked as I left the table, but ignored her. As Gilda began walking towards Fluttershy through the ducks, I quickly stood in between them.

“MOVE LAME-O.” Gilda yelled.

“No.” I simply said. This enraged Gilda and made a lion like roared at my face, while Fluttershy hid behind me.

“You probably don’t know this, but I stood up against Nightmare Moon. It’s gonna take more than a roar to scare me.” I told her unmoved.

Gilda just growled at my response. “All these lame ponies are driving me buggy.” She said to no one in particular and took off flying. At least a fight didn’t break out between us. I turned around and saw something that hurt my heart. Fluttershy is sobbing.

“It’s okay Fluttershy, she’s gone now. She won’t hurt you.” I said to her gently.

“Th-thank you Crest. Thank you for standing up for me.” Fluttershy said as I wiped away her tears. I help her gather all the ducks and I went to to the table Pinkie Pie was at. She just as angry at Gilda as I was

“She’s a grump and a thief and a bully. The meanest kind of mean, meany pants there is! I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy like that! No one!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in anger.

“I agree Pinkie, I think I’m gonna have a talk with Rainbow Dash about Gilda’s behavior.” I suggested.

“Hold on Crest, I have a better idea. One that calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style!” Pinkie Pie said with confidence.

I wasn’t sure what Pinkie had in mind, but I decided to go with it. A few hours later, we threw a party to welcome Gilda in Sugercube Corner. I questioned Pinkie Pie about it and she said it would brighten Gilda’s mood. Our friends were already here minus Rainbow Dash and her friend Gilda. I was drinking some punch with Fluttershy when Twilight walked over to us.

“You two have met Gilda right? What’ she like?” Twilight asked us. I wonder where she heard that.

“Oh, um, well… I’ll tell you later, Twilight.” Fluttershy said before walking away toward Pinkie Pie, whom was greeting the guests. Twilight waited for my response.

“Let’s just say Pinkie Pie wasn’t exaggerating about Gilda.” I told her as I walked away as well.

Fluttershy and I walked to Pinkie Pie as she greeted the new guests. “Um, Pinkie Pie, about this party for Gilda. Um, do you really think it’s a good idea?” Fluttershy tried to ask, but was interrupted by Pinkie Pie.

“Don’t worry your pretty, little head about mean, old Gilda. You’re auntie Pinkie Pie’s got it all taken care of.” Pinkie Pie assured Fluttershy as she patted her head.

“I’m a year older than you.” Fluttershy stated a little angry for being put off by Pinkie Pie. I wanted to say something, but I noticed a familiar griffon at the front door.

“GILDA! I’m so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties, and I really, truly, sincerely hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony folk.” Pinkie Pie said to her as she held her hoof out. Gilda hesitated a little, but grabbed it nonetheless. She was instantly shocked. Pinkie Pie laughed along with everypony in the room.

“Oh, Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer! You are a SCREAM.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Yeah…” Gilda chuckled nervously. “Good one, Pinkie Pie.”

“Come on G, I’ll introduce you to some of my other friends.” Rainbow Dash said walking away.

“Right behind you, Dash!” Gilda replied, but quickly turned towards Pinkie Pie. “I know what you’re up to.” She told her.

“Great!” Pinkie replied.

Gilda groan at Pinkie’s obliviousness. “I know what you’re planning.” She said.

Pinkie Pie just laughed in response. “Well, I hope so. This wasn’t supposed to be a surprise party.” She said.

“I mean, I’ve got my eye on you.” Gilda tried to clarify.

“And I…got my eye on you!” Pinkie Pie said as she got in Gilda’s face. I could have sworn I saw Pinkie’s eye’s bulge out a little. “Everyone, I’d like you all to meet Gilda, a longtime, dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let’s honor her and welcome her to Ponyville.” Pinkie addressed the room while hugging Gilda.

Most of the ponies cheered, beside Fluttershy and myself.

“Please help yourself.” Pinkie Pie offered Gilda some snack on a table.

Gilda walked over to the snack table. “Vanilla Lemon drops. Don’t mind if I do.” She said before she tossed one into her mouth and began to chew. A moment later, she made a sower face and roared out fire. Pinkie Pie just roasted marshmallow on a stick with the fire. “Hot.” Gilda cried out.

“G, the punch!” Rainbow Dash yelled out to Gilda, who had smokes coming out of her mouth.

Gilda sprinted over to the punch bowl and grabbed a glass. However, the glass turned out to be a dribble glass and the punch spilled on Gilda’s feathers.

“Well, what do you know? Pepper in the vanilla lemon drops and the punch served in a dribble glass!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Ha! Priceless! Priceless!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Gilda raced over to another drink, chugged it down and gulped. “Yeah, Hilarious.” She said sarcastically.

“Hey, G, look. Presents!” Rainbow Dash said, pointing her hoof at several presents on a table. Gilda immediately ran over in excitement. She grabbed a cylinder present and undid the ribbon with her beak. However, several fake snakes popped out of the present and surprised her.

The ponies and I all laughed at the prank.

“Spittin’ snakes.” Applejack chuckled. “Somepony pulled that prank on me last month.” She told Rarity. Wait, last month. Didn’t Mooriella see a snake that caused her and the other cows to stamped.

“Ha, Ha. I bet I know who that was!” Gilda said, glaring at Pinkie Pie.

“You do?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently.

I was beginning to wonder if Pinkie Pie was the one pulling all those pranks.

A little while later, Fluttershy was directing the birds’ song. I was thinking about who was pulling those pranks on Gilda. It couldn’t have been Pinkie Pie, since she’s trying to raise Gilda’s mood. Well, minus the hoof-shake buzzer. Then I realized something, Rainbow Dash had been the one directing Gilda to those pranks.

“Cake time, everypony!” Pinkie Pie called out, binging me out of my thoughts. She brought out a large cake with some candles on it.

“Hey, can I blow out the candles?” Spike asked.

“Why don’t we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike? She is the guest of honor, after all.” Twilight suggested.

Gilda ran over and pushed Spike over, enraging me even further. “Exactly!” She said. I walked over to make sure Spike was okay, while Gilda inhaled deeply. She blew out the candles, but the flames appeared again. She tried to plow them out again, but they turned on anyway.

Everypony was laughing at the prank. Gilda continuously tried put out the flames, but failed every time.

Spike laughed next to me. “Relighting birthday candles, I love that prank! What a classic.” Spike said.

“Now, I wonder who could have done that?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Yeah. I wonder.” Gilda replied, glaring again at Pinkie Pie.

I heard Spike digging through the cake, literally. “Who cares? This cake is amazing!” He said as he popped out on top of the cake.

“SPIKE!” Twilight scolded.

“What? It’s great. Try some.” Spike replied.

“Then save some for us.” I told him.

“Hey, G, you’re not upset about some silly candles are you?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No way, Dash. Like I said, I’m down with a good prank.” Gilda replied, trying to keep her cool, or latest what she considered as cool.

“Come on, then. Let’s have some cake.” Rainbow Dash said before she ran over to the cake.

I was about to get a slice of the cake, but I noticed Gilda’s talon grabbed Pinkie’s neck and bulled her behind the cake. I gave my slice to Spike and walked over to them as calmly as I possibly could.

“Hey. I’m watching you like a hawk.” Gilda warned Pinkie Pie.

“Why? Can’t you watch me like a griffon?” Pinkie asked.

“Is there a problem over here?” I asked in a angry tone.

Gilda was about to respond, but Applejack spoke up. “Hey, y’all. It’s pin the tail on the pony. Let’s play.” Applejack announced, while Gilda tried to pretend everything was alright.

“Oh, my favorite game! Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?” Rarity asked as she was about to grab it. Unfortunately, Gilda snatched with her talon at the last second.

“Well, I am the guest of honor, and I’ll have the purple tail.” Gilda said, behaving like a brat. That griffon is starting to really push my buttons. I looked around the room and some most of the other ponies disliking her just as much as I was. Maybe I should have talked to Rainbow Dash about her friend after all.

“Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first. Let’s get you blindfolded.” Pinkie said as Spike took out a blindfold an walked toward Gilda.

“Hey, wh-what are you doing?!” Gilda asked angrily as Spike quickly blindfolded her. Pinkie Pie then spun Gilda rapidly.

“We’re spinning you around and around, and then you can pin the tail on the pony.” Pinkie Pie said as she directed Gilda to the poster with a drawing of a pony that’s lacking a tail. “Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.” She said.

“Now, just straight ahead and pin the tail.” Gilda mocked. “Hmph! Yeah, right. This is another prank, isn’t it? I’m going this way.” She said, turning around and walked away from the poster.

“Wait! The poster is this…” Pinkie tried to warn her, but Gilda slipped on some cake icing and crashed into the kitchen. She came out with some cake icing on her body and the tail was on her beak.

“Uh, Gilda? You pinned the tail on the wrong end.” Pinkie told her.

“At least we know what a griffon with a mustache looks like.” I commented.

All of us laughed at Gilda. Said griffon finally lost her cool and roared out in anger.

“This is your idea of a good time?! I’ve never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie…You…You are queen lam-o with your weak, little party pranks! Did you really think you could make me lose my cool?! Well, Dash and I have 10 times as much cool as the rest of you put together! Come on, Dash, we’re bailing on on this pathetic scene.” Gilda said as she began walking to the front door. Rainbow Dash however didn’t move. In fact, she looked very displeased. “COME ON, Rainbow Dash! I SAID we’re leaving!” She yelled.

“You know, Gilda… I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.” Rainbow Dash told her. Huh, guess I was right.

Gilda gasped. “WHAT?!” She said as she looked at Pinkie Pie

“Ooh.” Pinkie Pie said.

Rainbow Dash got between Gilda and Pinkie Pie. “So I guess I’M queen Lame-o.” She continued.

“Come on, Dash, you’re joshing me.” Gilda responded, trying to think it was a joke.

“They weren’t all meant for you specifically. It was just dumb luck that you see them all off.” Rainbow Dash told her.

“I should’ve known. That dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.” Pinkie Pie said to Spike, who was standing next to her.

“No way! I-It was Pinkie Pie! She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me!” Gilda accused.

“Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.” Pinkie Pie said, turning her head upside down. Seriously, how does she do that.

“And you sure didn’t need any help making a fool of yourself. You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my new friends. If being cool is all you care about, maybe you should find some new cool friends someplace else.” Rainbow Dash told her.

Gilda growls at her. “Yeah? Well, you…you… you are such a, um, flip-flop, cool one minute and lame the next!” She yelled.

“The door’s behind you Gilda, don’t let it hit you on your way out.” I told her.

Gilda growled at me and pulled her talon back to punch me. The ponies gasped as my combat instinct kicked in. Right when Gilda threw her punch, I got on my back two hooves, grabbed her talon, and prepared a takedown move. I threw Gilda over my shoulder, spun my body in a 360 degree angle, slammed her on the wooden floor. Some of the ponies made a painful expression on their faces when Gilda hit the ground.

After a moment, Gilda rolled over and slowly got back up.

“Leave Gilda.” I warned her.

She growled at me and turned her sight to Rainbow Dash. “When you decide no to be lame anymore, give me a call.” She said as she walked out the front door and slammed it close. We could hear her shriek like an eagle when she flew off.

“Not cool.” Rainbow Dash said to Gilda's behavior.

“Wow, talk about a party pooper.” Spike said, pointing his claw at the door. Everypony began to talked about awkward that was.

“I’m sorry, everypony, for bringing Gilda here. I didn’t know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie, I’m really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her.” Rainbow Dash apologized.

“Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that’s your business.” Pinkie Pie replied cheerfully.

“I’d rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?” Rainbow asked, offering a hoof shake.

“No hard feelings.” Pinkie said, grabbing Rainbow Dash’s hoof. They both shocked each other and laughed. They both revealed they had hoof-shake buzzer on their hooves. Everypony began laughing with them. Twilight walked up to Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, Pinkie, sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks like I’m the one who misjudged you.” Twilight said to her.

“It’s okay, Twilight. Even you can’t be a super smart, smarty smart pants all the time.” Pinkie said, giving her a hug and accepting her apology. “Come on everypony, there’s still a whole lot of party to finish.” She announce while jumping. Everypony began laughing.

Rainbow Dash looked at me. “I’m also sorry Crest that Gilda attacked you. I didn’t think she would attack you like that.” She apologized.

“Don’t worry about it Rainbow Dash, you didn’t know. Though I admit, I probably provoked her." I told Rainbow Dash, feeling a bit guilty for potentially starting the fight. "Also, before I forget, thanks for not going through with that prank at the river yesterday.” I thanked Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.

“Wait, you knew it was us?” Pinkie asked in surprise.

“Yeah, I saw you two across the river. I figured since you two saw us feeding the fishes, you both didn’t want to interrupt. So, thanks.” I told them.

“Um, yeah. That’s exactly why we didn’t prank you two.” Pinkie Pie said as she and Rainbow Dash laughed nervously. I raised and eyebrow, but decided to shrug it off.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Pinkie, remember the plan yesterday?” Rainbow Dash asked. Pinkie smiled and over to the counter. What are they planning? “So Crest, it was pretty cool how you took down Gilda.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Of course Dash, one of the main reasons I practice fighting is to protect my friends.” I told her.

“Aww that’s so sweet of you Crest.” Twilight said next to me. Suddenly, her eyes went wide as she looked behind me.

My ear’s picked up something flying towards my head. I turned my head at the last second to see a flying pie flying to my face. I wanted to move, but Twilight would get hit. In the end, my face met the pie head on.

“HA! Pie in the face, classic!” Rainbow Dash and everypony laughed.

I licked the pie on my face. “Mm, apple.” I said, laughing with everypony else.

The party continued for a couple hours. After it was over, the girls and I helped Pinkie Pie clean the place up. It just turned night and we said our goodbyes. Twilight, Spike and I returned the the library.

“Spike, a letter please.” Twilight asked when we entered the library. Spike took out a quill and piece of paper.

“Dearest Princess Celestia, today, I learned that it’s hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who’s not so nice. Though it’s impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who is true will surely come to light. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said. Spike finished writing and sent the letter.

We walked upstairs and went to our rooms. “Goodnight Twilight and Spike.” I said to them as I opened my room door.

“Goodnight Crest.” Twilight and Spike said. I closed the door and went straight to sleep.

Chapter 7: Boast Busters

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“Come on, Twilight. You can do it. Spike said as he waited in anticipation.

Twilight was practicing some new spell, so Spike and I volunteered to help her. She casted a mustache spell on me, but it just felt weird. Then we wondered if it worked on a dragon. Spike was eagerly waiting for Twilight to cast her spell.

“Okay. Here goes.” Twilight said as her horn started glowing purple. Spike stuck his neck out and the same purple light appeared right beneath his nose, creating a black mustache.

“Ha ha! You did it!” Spike exclaimed. I grabbed the marker with my teeth and checked off the last spell on the list. “Growing Magic, that’s number 25.” He said looking at the list. “25 different types of tricks and counting.” He said, causing Twilight to blush at the compliment. “And I think this is the best Trick so far.” He said, admiring his the mustache from the mirror. “Hello, Rarity. What’s that? Oh, it’s nothing… just my awesome mustache.” He said chuckling. I rolled my eyes at Spike’s antics.

“Sorry, Romeo. As attractive and enticing as you look, it’s just for practice, and it’s got to go.” Twilight said as her horn glowed purpled again.

“WAIT!” Spike yelled as he covered his mustache, but it still disappeared. “Aw. Rats.” He said in disappointment. Twilight and I chuckled at his dismay.

“Don’t worry Spike, I’m sure there are other ways to impress Rarity.” I said with a sly smirk.

“HUH! Um… I have no idea what you mean!” Spike blushing madly, pretending to be oblivious.

“Sure you don’t.” I playfully said. I glanced over at the clock and noticed it was almost noon. “Hey, how about all of us go out to lunch and celebrate your achievements, Twilight?” I asked her.

“Sure, Crest, that sounds nice.” Twilight said smiling.

We locked up the library and headed to a cafe for lunch.

“25, Twilight. 25 different kinds of tricks and counting.” Spike said, complementing her. Which she proudly smiled. “I thought unicorns were only supposed to have a little magic that matches their special talents.” He said.

“True… for ponies whose talents are for things like cooking or singing or math, but what if a unicorn’s special talent is magic?” Twilight said.

“Like you, Twilight, and you know a ton of magic.” Spike said, pointing his claw at her.

“Oh, Spike, stop. I’m sure there are lots of ponies right here in Ponyville that know just as much magic as me.” Twilight said.

“I don’t no Twilight. I’ve been living in Ponyville for years, and I’ve never heard of another pony as talented in magic as you.” I told Twilight, whom blushed a little.

“Yeah, I don’t think there’s another Unicorn in all of Equestria with your kind of ability Twilight.” Spike complemented.

Suddenly, I saw Snips and Snails, two young unicorn colts who sometimes come to my dojo, running towards us. Snips had grey fur with orange mane and his cutie mark was scissors. Snails was about halfway taller than Snips, he had orange fur with a grey mane and his cutie mark was… well a snail. They’re pretty much Ponyville’s goof balls.

“GANGWAY! COMING THOUGH!” Snails yelled as he and Snips ran. Twilight and I moved out of the way, but Spike was caught of guard.

“Ugh!” Spike yelped a he was hit by Snips and carried off. Twilight and I immediately ran after him.

“Snips, Snails, wh…what’s going on?” I heard Spike ask. Both unicorn colts came to a screeching halt, and sent Spike flying.

“Well, haven’t you heard? There is a new Unicorn in town!” Snails answered.

“Yeah! They say that she’s got more magical powers than any other Unicorn ever!” Snips added.

“Really?” Twilight asked worryingly, as Spike walked back to us while rubbing his head.

“Aw, no way.” Spike denied. “That honor goes to Twilight here.” He gestured to Twilight.

“Where is this Unicorn?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, she’s in the Town Square. Come on!” Snails said before he jumps over Spike and runs off.

“Yeah! Come on!” Snips said before taking off as well. Spike jumped over Snips before he bumped into him. Twilight, Spike, and I ran towards the Town Square to see who this unicorn is.

When we got to the Town Square, there was already a crowd of ponies in front of a yellow caravan with a red roof. We gently pushed past the crowd to get to the front of the stage, where our other friends were at, well beside Fluttershy. She was probably taking care of her animals.

“COME ONE! COME ALL!” A female voice announced. “COME AND WITNESS THE AMAZING MAGIC OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” The caravan collapsed into a stage, revealing a mare unicorn, Trixie. Trixie had blue fur and a blue and silver mane. She wore a purple cloak and wizard’s hat patterned with stars all over the clothings. I noticed her cutie mark was a star tipped wand with a blue crescent moon behind it. “Watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats of magic ever witness by pony eyes!” She said.

Fireworks shot out of the stage around her, entrancing the audience. Looks like she’s a traveling magician, would explain why she’s referring to herself in third person.

“My, my, my. What boasting.” Rarity said, disapproving Trixie’s behavior. Maybe Trixie is boasting a little too much, but isn’t that part of her job.

“Come on. No pony’s as magical as Twi…Twi…Twi…Ohh!” I heard Spike say, then cleared his voice. “H-hey, Rarity, I, uh…MUSTACHE!” He said before sprinting off. Oh Spike.

“There’s nothing wrong with being talented, is there? Twilight asked. I noticed she sounded worried.

“Nothing at all, excepting when someone goes around showing it off like a school filly with new ribbons.” Applejack said as Trixie summoned a bouquet of flowers.

I’m not sure wether or not I agree with her. On one hoof it’s probably her job to entice her audience. On the other hoof, it does appear that Trixie is enjoying the attention a little too much.

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” Rarity agreed.

“Especially when you got me around being better than the rest of us.” Rainbow Dash said. Applejack and I glared at her. Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously. “Uh, I mean… yeah! Uh, magic schmagic! Boo!”

Trixie stopped her performance and overheard our. “Well, well, well. It seems we have some naysayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they’re in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?!” She asked. Okay, I’m leaning on the latter, she’s an attention seeker. Especially when she's lying to the audience.

Rarity blew a raspberry. “Pbht. Just who does she is?”

Spike barged in between Twilight and Rarity.“Yeah! Since we all know that Twilight here is…”

“Spike, shhh!” Twilight interrupted him before he could finish and took him away from the crowd. I decided to go with them.

“What? What’s wrong? Spike asked.

“You see the way they reacted to Trixie? I don’t want them thinking I’m a show off.” Twilight said.

“Twilight, no one would think your a show off. Unlike Trixie, you practice magic because it makes you happy. While she only use magic to draw attention to herself.” I tried to comfort her.

“Thank you Crest, but I don’t know if everyone else will see it that way.” Twilight replied with a worried face.

Before I could speak again we heard wrestling. We looked towards Trixie’s stage, and saw fireworks going off. Rainbow Dash had enough and flew up to Trixie’s stage.

“So, Great and Powerful Trixie, what makes you think you’re so awesome, anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Trixie just giggled. “Why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to VANQUISH THE DREADED URSA MAJOR!” She told us. The fireworks shot out again and exploded in a shape of a bear.

Most of the audience gasped in aw, especially Snips and Snails.

“When all hope was lost, the ponies of Puffington had no one to turn to, but the Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in and, with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave deep within the Everfree Forest!” She told us.

Okay, I don’t need to be the element of honesty to know she’s lying. An Ursa Major is one of, if not, the most dangerous creature from the Everfree Forest, and I highly doubt that Trixie possesses the magical ability to pull off such feat. Not only that, What would it have been doing there in the first place.

Unfortunately, two certain goof balls don’t share my opinion.

“That settles it.” Snips said.

“Trixie truly is the most talented, most magical, most awesome unicorn in Ponyville.” Snails walked up to her stage and boasted her ego.

“No! In all of Equestria!” Snips added, which only increased it.

“How do you know? You didn’t see it.” Spike yelled. At least he isn’t gullible. “And besides, Twi…” Twilight quickly used her magic and zipped Spikes mouth before he could finish, literally.

Trixie only laughed. “It’s true, my enthusiastic little admirers. Trixie is most certainly the best in Ponyville.” She arrogantly said.

There was only silence and crickets chirping.

“Don’t believe the Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie said before giggling. “Well, then, I hereby challenge you, Ponyvillians… anything you can do, I can do better. Any Takers? Anyone? Hmm? Or is Trixie destined to be the greatest Equine who ever lived!” She said and the fireworks where shot out again.

Spike unzipped his mouth. “Please! She’s unbearable! You got to show her you just got to!” He begged Twilight.

“There’s no way I’m gonna use my magic now, Spike, Especially since…” Twilight told him, but was interrupted by Trixie.

“Hmm. How about…you?” Trixie said, pointing her hoof at Twilight. Twilight gulped nervously. “Well, how about it, hmm? Is there anything you can do that the Great and Powerful Trixie can’t do?” She asked, confident that Twilight can’t outdo her.

“I…I…” Twilight stuttered.

“Well, little hayseed?” Trixie mocked Applejack. Okay, as much as I want to slap her on the face. I can tell she’s just taunting us. I tried to tell Applejack to ignore her, but was too late.

“That’s it. I can’t stand for no more of this.” Applejack broke.

“You show her, A.J.!” Spike encouraged her.

Applejack got on the stage. “Can your magical powers do this?" Applejack asked, before she began whirling her lasso. She did a few tricks with it and tossed it to grab an apple off a tree, bringing the fruit back into her mouth and ate it. Everyone cheered for Applejacks performance. “Top that, Missy!” She told Trixie.

“Oh, ye a little talent, watch and be amazed at the magic of Trixie!” Trixie said, her hat levitated off her head as her horn glowed. She used her magic to grab Applejack’s rope and hypnotized her like a snake. Trixie used the other end of the rope to grab an apple from the same tree. The other end that Applejack was distracted by tied her legs together and placed the apple in her mouth. The audience cheered and laughed at Trixie’s performance.

“Once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie prevails.” Trixie announced as Applejack hopped to the end of the stage. I rush over to her and untied the ropes and removed the apple in her mouth.

“Thank’s Crest.” Applejack thanked me before we gave Trixie a glare. We both went back to the audience.

“There’s no need to go strutting around and showing off like that.” Rainbow Dash challenged her.

“Oh?” Trixie replied.

“That’s my job.” Rainbow Dash said before she immediately flew to the windmill, flew with around the rotor a couple times and shot off to the sky like a rocket. She penetrated through a bunch clouds and stopped in front of the sun. She repeated her pathway, carrying water droplets from the clouds. When Rainbow Dash returned to a screeching stop on the stage, she let the water droplets hit her back and they formed a rainbow on top of her. “They don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’ for nothing.” She said. Everyone, including me and my friends, cheered.

“When Trixie is through, the only thing they’ll call you is ‘loser’.” Trixie said before she started using her magic again. She shot a beam at the rainbow over Rainbow Dash and wrapped it around her. Trixie spun the rainbow around, creating a tornado that Rainbow Dash was trapped in. The rainbow tornado flew through the sky for a seconds before it stopped when it reached the ground. I went to check on Rainbow Dash, who was a little dazed from being trapped by the tornado.

“I think I’m… gonna be sick.” Rainbow Dash said as her eyes were rolling around.

“Seems like anypony with a DASH of a good sense would think twice before tussling with the Great Trixie.” Trixie said before she summoned a thunder cloud behind Rainbow Dash.

“Look out!” I said before jumping between Rainbow Dash and the thunder cloud. Lighting came out of the cloud and hit the side of my body. It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would, but I could feel my mane sticking up under my hood. Everyone started to laugh at me. I turned around and saw my tail was sticking out from the zap and a burn mark on my jacket.

This laughter, it was like the time when the towns folk made fun of me because I was different than them. I quickly ignored that thought and straightened my tail.

“What we need is another unicorn to challenge her, someone with some magic of her own.” Spike said nudging Twilight with his elbow.

“Yeah! A unicorn to show this unicorn who’s boss.” Rainbow Dash agreed.

“A real unicorn to unicorn tussle.” Applejack added.

“Uh…” Twilight tried to say something but never finished.

“Enough, enough, all of you. I take your hint, but Rarity is above such nonsense. Rainbow Dash and Applejack may behave like ruffians, but Rarity conducts herself with beauty and grace.” Rarity told them, completely missing that they were hinting at Twilight, not her. Though I do agree with her about not falling for Trixie’s taunts.

“Ooo! What’s the matter? Afraid you’ll get a hair out of place in that’s rat’s nest you call a mane?” Trixie insulted.

“Oh… it… is… on.” Rarity said, taking Trixie’s bait. “You may think you’re tough, with all your so-called powers, but there is more to magic than your brutish ways. A unicorn needs to be more than just muscle.” She said, before using her magic to grab Trixie’s blue curtains. “A unicorn needs to have style.” The curtains wrapped around her, and she created a dress with it. “A unicorn’s not a unicorn without grace and beauty.” She said, showing off her dress to the audience.

Unfortunately, I saw Trixie grow a grin as her horn glowed.

“Rarity won’t let Trixie get the best of her. She’s strong. She’s beautiful. She’s…” Spike said, but stopped when Trixie changed Rarity. All of us gasped in shock.

“QUICK! I NEED A MIRROR! GET ME A MIRROR! What did she do to my hair?! I know she did something to my hair!” Rarity asked in panic with a high pitch voice.

“Nothing.” Twilight lied.

“It’s fine.” Rainbow Dash lied.

“It’s good.” I lied.

“It’s gorgeous.” Applejack lied, which doesn’t happen often.

“It’s green.” Spike told the truth, which all of us looked over to him in anger. “What?” He asked.

“No. Green?! Not green hair!” Rarity cried. Her was green, which looked like got turned into grass. She ran off the stage and through the crowd. “Such an awful, awful color! AAH!” She said as she ran pass a mare with green hair.

“Well! I never.” The mare exclaimed angrily.

Spike turned to me. “How about you Crest? Show Trixie those kung fu moves.” Spike said, pretending to do a karate chop.

“I can’t Spike, I made an oath to only fight in self defense, not to show off.” I told him. It was true, I did make an oath when I started practicing martial art. My other reason was not giving Trixie the satisfaction.

“Well, Twilight, guess it’s up to you. Come on. Show her what you’re made of.” Spike insisted, while Trixie was rubbing the gem on her cloak.

“What do you mean? I’m nothing special.” Twilight replied.

“Yes, you are. You’re better than her.” Spike continued.

“I’m not better than anyone.” Twilight told him.

“Ha! You think you’re better than the Great and Powerful Trixie? You think you have more magical talent? Well, come on. Show Trixie what you’ve got. Show us all.” Trixie challenged Twilight.

“Who, me? I’m just run of the mill citizen of Ponyville. No powerful magic here. I, uh… I think I hear my laundry calling. Sorry. Got to go.” Twilight declined and rush back to the library.

“Twilight?” Spike said as she ran off.

“Ha. once again, the Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing, unicorn all of Equestria.” Trixie proclaimed. “Unh. Was there ever any doubt?” She said before walked off stage. The crowd died down, and I decided to have a word with Trixie. Before that though, I wanted to make sure my friends were alright.

“You girls alright?” I asked them.

“Yeah, but Crest, why didn’t you bring the beat down on her? Nopony in Ponyville is better than you at martial arts. Not even me.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Rainbow Dash, you know why I can’t. I made an oath to only fight in self defense. Besides, if the Martial Art Association finds out I started a fight, it could cause me my job teaching the dojo.” I explained.

Rainbow Dash sighed but understood. She and Applejack while Spike and I stayed. Trixie’s stage transformed back into a caravan.

I walked up behind Trixie as she was combing her hair in front of a mirror. I noticed Snips and snails walking toward Trixie while carrying a plastic cup.

“Here’s the oat smoothie you asked for with extra hay, just how you like it.” Snips said. offering the straw drink onto of a tray to her.

“Mmm. Hay.” Snails drooled.

Trixie levitated the plastic cup and slurped through the straw. “Yes?” Trixie asked them, who seemed to be waiting for something.

“Oh, tell us another story, Great and Powerful Trixie.” Snips asked.

“Yeah, tell us about how you vanquished the use major.” Snails asked.

“Later you two.” I said. Trixie wasn’t aware I was behind her, and got spooked.

“Sweet Celestia! Wear a bell!” Trixie yelled. It wasn’t the first time someone told me that. I guess it’s part of being a thestral.

“Sorry about that. Snips, Snails, mind if I talk to Trixie in private.” I asked them.

“Oh, sure Sensei.” Snips said before they left. Ever since Blackbelt left the dojo in my care, these two started calling me Sensei.

“What do you want?” Trixie asked, looking annoyed.

“Well for starters, I know you lied about the Ursa Major.” I told her.

“Oh? And what makes you think that?” She asked, irritated.

“Because from what I’ve seen today, it would have taken more than just a few magic tricks to take down a Ursa Major.” I explained to her.

Trixie just scoffed at my accusation. “Well, that just shows how poor sighted you are, compared to the Great and Powerful.” She said.

I sighed and should have known she wouldn’t listen. “Fine, don’t listen to me. Just remember Trixie, that your lies will eventually come back and bite you.” I told her, but she just walked into her caravan and slammed the door shut.

I turned around and saw Snips and Snails furiously walking away from Spike. “What was that about?” I asked Spike.

“I was trying to tell them that Trixie was nothing but a show off.” Spike said with a sigh. Great, those two are even bigger morons than I give them credit for.

“Come on Spike, let’s head home.” I said. Spike jumped on my back and we headed back to the library.

When we reached the library, we found Twilight reading a book on the main floor.

“Twilight, would you put down that book and just listen to me.” Spike tried to convince her.

“Didn’t you see how they hated Trixie’s bragging, Spike? If I go out there and show off my magic, I run the risk of losing them as friends.” Twilight said.

“It’s not the same thing, Twilight. You’d be using your Magic to stand up for your friends.” Spike pursued.

“No, Spike, it’s exactly the same.” Twilight countered.

“Come on, Twilight. Any one of these tricks, even the teeniest, would be enough to show up Trixie.” Spike continued to insist

“I don’t want to be seen as a bragger like Trixie.” Twilight said, before using her magic to summon a blue door in front of Spike.

Spike just opened the door. “Unh! But you’re the best!”

“Ugh! Please, Spike. I said no.” Twilight exclaimed.

I decided to speak up. “While I don’t agree with Twilight’s reasons, Spike, we don’t need to stope to Trixie’s level, we’re better than that. If we ignore her, she’ll eventually grow tired, and leave Ponyville.” I tried to explain to him.

Spike however didn’t seem satisfied with that answer and sighed. “If that’s the way you two want to be, then fine.” He said, slamming the door.

“Uh, Spike?” Twilight and I deadpanned, seeing that the door was just standing in the middle of the room. Spike opened the door and left with an angry face. I turned to Twilight.

“Now Twilight, our friends won’t hate just because you talented. I know what it’s like to be hated, and believe me, our friends won’t hate you.” I told her. Twilight seemed to be contemplating my words, but seemed unsure.

“I… don’t know Crest. Can I think about later?” Twilight replied. At least I made some progress.

“Sure, Twilight. By the way, what book are you reading?” I asked her as I was looking at the book.

“Oh, it’s about the Ursa Major. I was curious of Trixie’s story about the Ursa Major, so I decided to do some research.” Twilight told me. I remember that book, it’s where I first knew about Ursa Majors, though it’s been couple years since I read it.

“That’s cool, I’ll head upstairs and prepare my schedule for next weeks martial arts class.” I told her before walking upstairs.

After I finished my schedule for next week, I decided practicing my martial art patterns for a couple hours. When I finished I noticed it got dark outside. Well, better prepare dinner.

As I got downstairs, I saw that Twilight was still reading the book about the Ursa Major in the main floor. I headed to the kitchen, but I noticed Spike wasn’t here. “Hey, Twilight. Has Spike come back yet?” I asked her.

Twilight took her eye’s off her book. “Actually, now that you mention, he hasn’t yet. He’s probably still upset about us not showing Trixie up.” Twilight said, returning to her book. I know he was angry, but I’m starting to get a little worried about him.

“I’m gonna go out and look him. I’ll be back in a bit.” I told her. Since it was night, I took off my prescription glasses and set them on the nearby table. When I got outside, I lifted my hood off my head. Hopefully I can use my sensitive hearing to help me find him.

I walked to the center of Ponyville in search of Spike. So far I had no luck, that was until my ears picked something up in the distance. I focused my hearing, and it sounded like screaming.

I ran as fast as I could toward the screaming and saw Spike, Snips, and Snails running towards me. “Spike, what’s going on?” I asked as Snips and Snails ran past us.

“Can’t talk! Ursa Major!” Spike yelled, running for his life. I looked to the edge of the Everfree and saw something that made my blood freeze. It was an Ursa Minor. It was a huge blue transparent bear from the Everfree. It may have bee one sixth the size of a Ursa Major, but it could still cause damage Ponyville if it gets too close.

I turned around and ran next to Spike. “Spike, warn Twilight. I’ll see if I can lure it back to the Everfree Forest.” I told him. Spike nodded and ran towards the library. I looked back and saw that the Ursa Minor wasn’t following me, it was following Snips and Snails. What did they do, woke it from it’s nap.

Snips and Snails went to Trixie’s caravan and started pounding on the door. “TRIXIE! TRIXIE!” They yelled. I sprinted to the caravan to get the magician out before the Ursa Minor gets to them. Trixie poked her head out of an opening at the door.

“Trixie thought she said the Great and Powerful Trixie did not want to be disturbed.” She told them.

“Get out of there you three!” I yelled as I was running to them. The Ursa Minor was trying to get through some trees.

Trixie looked up and saw the Ursa Minor push down some trees in it’s path. It looked at her caravan and roared angrily.

“AAAAAAH!” They scream before running away. I joined them right before the Ursa Minor smashed Trixie’s caravan. It saw us running away and roared. We kept running until we reached a dead end. When we turned around and Ursa Minor was right in front of us. Oh where's Fluttershy when I need her.

“Great and Powerful Trixie, you’ve got to vanquish the Ursa.” Snips told her.

“Yeah! Vanquish so we can watch.” Snails encouraged.

“It took a lot of trouble to get that thing here.” Snips said. I’m sorry, WHAT!

“Wait. you brought this here?” Trixie gasped "Are you out of your little pony minds?!” Trixie said, sharing my exact thought. Well, at least they didn't know the difference between a Ursa Minor and Ursa Major.

“But you’re the Great and Powerful Trixie.” Snips excused.

“Yeah. Remember? You defeated an Ursa Major.” Snails said. The Ursa Minor heard him and roared at her. Ok, when I was the Trixie’s lying will come back and bite her, I didn’t mean it literally.

“Uh, okay.” Trixie gulped. “Stand back.” Trixie’s horn glowed and levitated a rope out of a vase. The rope floated to the Ursa’s left paw and tied two of it’s fingers together. “Ahh. Piece of cake.” She said. Seriously, what makes you think that’s gonna work.

The Ursa growled and snapped the rope off. I'm pretty sure I saw it smirk at Trixie. I need to think of a way to lure it out of Ponyville.

“Aw, come on, Trixie.” Snips said.

“Stop goofing around and vanquish it, eh?” Snails add. If we survive this, those two are in so much trouble.

Trixie gulped and her horn glowed again. This time, she summoned a thunder cloud right over the Ursa Minor’s back. Why do I have a very bad feeling about this?

“Well, that was a dud.” Snails said, unimpressed.

“Yeah, Pbht! Come on! Where’s all the cool explosions and smoke and stuff like earlier, you know.” Snips asked frustrated.

Lightning came out of the thunder cloud and struck the Ursa Minor in the hind. It didn’t do anything beside aggravated it even more.

“Uh oh.” Trixie said, knowing that we’re in trouble. The Ursa Minor roared in absolute anger. Trixie and the kids screamed and we ran underneath it. As we were running, I looked at the destroyed caravan, and saw some of Trixie’s fireworks.

A plan formed in my head and I ran to the remains Trixie’s destroyed caravan. The Ursa Minor ignored me and ran after Trixie and the rest. I quickly scoured the wreckage and found a smoke bomb and a firework still intact. As the Ursa Minor was looking away, I put the smoke bomb in my hoodie and prepped a firework. I didn’t want to run the risk of the Ursa Minor calling it’s mother, so I shot the firework past it’s head to just get it’s attention. Luckily it worked, and the Ursa Minor's angry at me.

“What’s wrong bear!? Can’t get me!?” I yelled before sprinting to the Everfree Forest. I dared not look back as the Ursa Minor roared in anger. As I was running, I could feel the ground shaking as the Ursa was running to me.

I made it just out of Ponyville and The Ursa was nearly on me. I followed the path that had some boulders along the way. When the Ursa Minor was close enough, it swung it’s paw down at me. I saw the attack coming and I threw the smoke bomb to the ground. The bomb exploded and surrounded me with a smokescreen. The paw barely missed me thanks to the smoke.

The Ursa Minor lost sight of me, and I ran behind a nearby boulder. This was bad. That was the only smoke bomb I had and I don’t think I could outrun it all the way to the forest. I hear the Ursa Minor started to sniff and got closer to the boulder I was hiding behind. With no other way, I got ready to run for my life to the Everfree Forest.

Suddenly, I hear a gentle lullaby in the wind. I slowly stuck my head out, and saw that the Ursa Minor was entranced by the soothing music. A purple light was shining from the edge of Ponyville. It was Twilight using her magic.

Twilight levitated a water tower and unscrewed the top of it. She dumped the water inside and floated it inside a barn filled with cows. When it came out, the tower was filled with the cow’s milk. She screwed the top back on and floated it to the Ursa Minor.

I saw the town ponies, including most of my friends, observe Twilight as she levitated the water tower. The Ursa Minor almost fell over, but Twilight levitated it in the air. She floated the milk filled water tower toward the Ursa Minor, who started sucking on it like a baby.

With that done, she levitated the Ursa Minor back into the Everfree Forest. I sighed in relief and ran back to Ponyville. As I got back, I saw that Twilight was exhausted from using so much magic.

“Are you okay Twilight?” I asked worryingly.

“Yes Crest… I’m okay.” Twilight responded while panting.

Everypony started cheering for Twilight.

“Heavens to Betsy! We knew you had ability, but not that much.” Applejack exclaimed. Rainbow Dash stood next to her, nodding in agreement.

“I’m sorry.” Twilight apologized. “Please, please don’t hate me.” She asked them.

“Hate you?!” Our friends asked.

“Why, whatever do you mean, darling?” Rarity asked.

“Well, I know how much you all hated Trixie’s showing off with her magic tricks, and I just thought…” Twilight tried to explain, but Rainbow Dash stopped her right there.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Magic’s got nothing to do with it. Trixie’s just a loudmouth.” Rainbow Dash told her.

“Most unpleasant.” Rarity added.

“All hat and no cattle.” Applejack said.

“So… you don’t mind my magic tricks?” Twilight asked.

“Your magic is a part of who you are, super cube, and we like who you are. We’re proud to have such a powerful, talented unicorn as our friend.” Applejack told her.

“And after whupping that Ursa’s hindquarters, we’re even prouder.” Rainbow Dash said.

“You are?” Twilight asked in excitement.

“Told you they wouldn’t hate you.” I told Twilight with a smirk. She gave a warm smile.

“Wow, Twilight! How’d you know what to do with that Ursa Major?” Spike asked. Looks like he doesn’t know that it was only a Minor.

“That’s what I was doing when you and Crest came looking for me. I was so intrigued by Trixie’s bragging that I was compelled to do a little reading up on them.” Twilight explained.

“So, it is possible to Vanquish and Ursa Major.” Spike asked

“I think you mean Minor, Spike. That was only a baby.” I said. Surprising Spike and the crowd.

“That was just a baby?” Trixie asked, who was standing in the crowd. Pinkie Pie was also next to her.

“And it wasn’t rampaging. It was just Cranky because someone woke it up.” Twilight said, glaring at Snips and Snails. The rest of the crowd shared our look at them.

“Ohh.” Snips and Snails said in shame.

“And since it was only a baby, I didn’t want to run the risk of it calling it’s mother. So I tried to have it chase me without hurting it.” I explained.

“Well, if that was an Ursa Minor, then what’s and Ursa Major like.” Spike asked in fear.

“Um… I’d say about five or six times the size of a Ursa Minor.” I answered. Twilight gave me a deadpan look. “What.” I asked. She pointed her hoof at Spike, who was shaking like a leaf. “Sorry about that.” I apologized.

Trixie walked up to Twilight. “Ha! You may have Vanquished and Ursa Minor, but you will never have the amazing, showstopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” She said, popping and smokescreen. Once it disappeared however, we saw Trixie running out of Ponyville.

“Why, that little…” Rainbow Dash said, taking off into the air, but Twilight stopped her.

“Just let her go. Maybe someday she’ll learn her lesson.” Twilight told her. One can only hope Twilight.

I noticed a certain two trouble makers trying to sneak away. “Snips. Snails.” I said in a harsh tone. Both of them stopped nervously.

“Uh… we’re sorry that we woke up the Ursa Minor.” Snips apologized.

“We just wanted to see some awesome magic.” Snails explained.

“Yeah! and way you vanquish that Ursa Minor was awesome!” Snips told us, trying to butter us up. We gave them a disappointing look. “Um… and seeing Crest bravely had the the Ursa Minor was really cool.” He added nervously, but our looks didn’t change.

Both of them gave up. “We deserve whatever punishment you gave.” Snails said.

“For starters, you can clean up this mess.” Twilight said, looking at the remains of Trixie’s wagon.

“Which I will be there to sure you two don't slack off.” I added.

“And… what do you think, Spike? Should I give them number 25?” Twilight asked him. I smirked at the idea she had.

“Oh, 25? Yes. And I think I deserve it, too.” Spike said. I looked at him questionably.

“Why? It’s not like you gave them the idea of bringing the Ursa Minor to town.” I said.

“Um, actually… I kinda did.” Spike admitted sheepishly.

“Oh, In that case. Twilight, think he deserves it?” I asked her.

“Huh?!” The two kids wondered what we were talking about.

“I think your right.” Twilight said before her horn started glowing.

Snips and Snails cowered in fear as Spike awaited in anticipation. All three of them free mustaches on their face.

“SWEET!” The exclaimed.

After Twilight gave them mustaches, everypony went back home to sleep. The next morning, Spike went over to Rarity’s house to show off his mustache to her. He came back just as I got breakfast ready and judging bay the look on his face it didn't go well. He and I went upstair to tell Twilight breakfast was ready, but we heard her writing to my Mom.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I have learned a very valuable lesson about friendship. I was so afraid of being thought of as a show-off that I was hiding a part of who I am. My friends helped me realize that it’s okay to be proud of your talents and there are times when it’s appropriate to show them off, especially when you’re standing up for you friends.” Twilight said, finishing the letter.

“That was very heartwarming Twilight.” I said. Twilight blushed a little.

“So, you finally admit that you’re the most talented unicorn in all of Ponyville?” Spike asked.

“Well… yeah. But it’s nothing to brag about. So, uh, how did it go with Rarity?” She asked him.

“Eh, she didn’t go for the mustache.” Spike responded, disappointed. I wasn’t really surprised that Rarity didn’t like his mustache.

“You know, Spike, that mustache has nothing to do with who you really are. Maybe you should just try being yourself.” Twilight told him. I nodded in agreement.

“Or… maybe the mustache wasn’t enough. Maybe if I had a mustache and a beard.” Spike said. I faced hoof myself. Seriously Spike.

“Oh, not this again.” Twilight sighed.

“Okay, imagine me with a nice long fu Manchu-type beard or maybe a goatee. Oh, no. A soul patch…” Spike told us.

“Um… maybe we can continue this conversation after breakfast.” I suggested. Twilight and Spike agreed.

“Sure Crest, but first, I need to ask you something.” Twilight said with a concerned look.

“What is it, Twilight?” I asked, wondering what she wanted to talk about.

“It’s about yesterday, you said you knew what it was like being hated. What did mean by that?” Twilight asked me worryingly. Spike stopped at the door and looked at me with the same concern.

I sighed in depress. I didn’t want to talk about it, but figured they'll find out sooner or later. “When I was growing up for the past seven years. I was constantly feared and despised by a lot of traveling ponies just because I was a thestral. They would call me names like freak and abomination. Sometimes, they would actually throw rotten fruit at me. It’s the reason why I started wearing my hoodie, so no one would know I’m a thestral.” I told them. Both Twilight’s and Spike’s eye’s started to water.

“Oh Crest, I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” Twilight said.

“Don’t worry about it Twilight, our friends always had a way of cheering me up. Heh, especially Pinkie Pie.” I told her, remembering that Pinkie would always give me a delicious cupcake whenever something like that happened.

Suddenly, our stomachs started growling. “Well, you heard our stomachs. We better get breakfast.” I joked a little.

Twilight and Spike chuckled at my joke and we went downstairs for breakfast. Twilight and Spike didn’t pursue our conversation and I was glad. Talking about it has always hurt me.

Chapter 8: Dragonshy

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I woke up early today and made breakfast for Twilight and Spike. Fluttershy came by yesterday afternoon and asked me to help feed her animals this morning. Twilight and Spike came down stairs right as I finished the pancakes.

“Good morning, Twilight and Spike.” I greeted.

“Good morning, Crest. Are you going over to Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as Spike dug into his plate of pancakes.

“Yeah, I’ll be back in a couple hours.” I told her before leaving through the door.

I left the library and headed toward Fluttershy’s cottage. When I got there, Fluttershy was already getting out the food for her animals. Some squirrels, bunnies and birds are already out to get some food.

“Good morning, Fluttershy.” I greeted. Fluttershy looked up and saw me coming to her.

“Good morning, Crest. Thank you for helping me feed the animals this morning.” Fluttershy thanked me.

“No problem, Fluttershy. So, where do you want me to start first?” I asked her.

“Well, you could feed the chickens and ferrets.” Fluttershy suggested.

I nodded went over to the chicken pen. There was a basket full of grains and I scattered a hoof full across the pen. There were five chickens in the pen and they pecked the grains on the ground. After that was done, I walked back to the bridge and grabbed a couple of fish in my mouth from the basket Fluttershy had earlier. I jumped into the stream and saw a small dock with two ferrets under the bridge. I tossed the fishes in front of the ferrets and they started eating the fish happily. I walked out of the river and saw Fluttershy flying up to a tree.

Fluttershy was carrying a trio of worms in her mouth to some birds in the tree. She spit the worms out and the birds gobbled them up. She came down in front of her pet bunny’s home as he was eating his carrot.

“Not too fast, now, Angel bunny. You don’t want to get a tummy ache.” Fluttershy gently told him.

Angel bit off the top of his carrot and swallowed it. He looked at Fluttershy angry and dropped his carrot. Angle crossed his arms and looked away. Fluttershy just giggled.

“You really should eat more than that. Don’t you think.” Fluttershy told him. Angel just jumped of his home and hopped away from Fluttershy. Fluttershy picked up the partly eaten carrot with her mouth. “It’s not playtime yet.” She said, flying over to catch up with Angel. I shook my hooves to get the water out of my fur and ran to catch up with them.

Fluttershy fly over Angel and landed in front of him, causing him to come to a screeching halt. I came up right next to Angel “I know you want to run, but just tree more bites.” Fluttershy asked him after she dropped the carrot in front of him. Angel turned his back toward Fluttershy and shook his head. “Two more bites?” she asked. Angel shook his head again. “One more bite? Pretty please.” She asked again, scooting the carrot towards him. Angel just kicked the carrot away and hopped away from us, causing Fluttershy to sigh.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy. Angel’s just being stubborn today.” I said, hoping to lift her mood. Before Fluttershy could respond, Angel suddenly started coughing.

“Oh, goodness. Are you okay.” Fluttershy asked him. Angel continued to cough while looking up.

“Are you coughing because there’s a carrot stuck in your throat?” Fluttershy guessed.

Angel replied with more coughs, but looked a little annoyed. I wonder what he’s looking at.

“Because you need some water?” Fluttershy continued to ask.

Angel emphasized his coughing. I looked up into the skies, and kinda wish I didn’t.

“Um… I’m pretty sure he’s coughing because of that.” I said pointy my hoof in the sky.

Fluttershy looked up and saw what I was seeing. There was a large trail of smoke pouring out of the mountain in the distance. She gasped.

“Because of that giant cloud of scary, black smoke?” Fluttershy asked, see the smoke trail heading straight to Ponyville. Angel threw the carrot at Fluttershy. “I’ll take that as a… yes.” She said. Sometime I wonder why Fluttershy would named her bunny, Angel.

“Come on Fluttershy, we have to warn the town.” I told her. Fluttershy nodded and we ran straight to Ponyville. We started off in the park.

“Help! Help! Please? Help!” Fluttershy tried to shout, but her voice was too soft for anyone but me to hear. “There’s… There’s a horrible cloud of smoke. It’s heading this way and…AAH!” She said, before she ducked under a bouncy ball. Rainbow Dash zoomed out of nowhere and bounced the ball on her head.”

“Are you okay, Fluttershy?” I asked in concern. Fluttershy nodded.

“Don’t be such a scaredy-pony. It’s just me, future Equestria ball-bouncing record holder. 146, 147…” Rainbow Dash counted, continuing to bounce the ball on her head.

“This calls for a celebration!” Pinkie Pie said, observing Rainbow Dash bounce the ball.

“Oh, no, Pinkie Pie. This is no time for celebration. This is a time for panic, for…” Fluttershy didn’t finish as Pinkie Pie interrupted her.

“Ooh! I’m gonna need balloons! One for everypony in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie said, jumping away.

Fluttershy and I ran to catch up to Pinkie Pie. “There’s… there’s smoke, and where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and…” Fluttershy was interrupted again when Pinkie suddenly stopped in front of her.

“Let’s see! That’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…” Pinkie Pie counted everypony in the park.

“154, 155… No, wait.” Rainbow Dash said, losing her count.

“7…” Pinkie Pie said, pointing her hoof at Rainbow Dash. This caused Rainbow Dash miss the ball and she had to catch it with her wing.

“Pinkie Pie! Now I have to start over.” Rainbow Dash told her angrily. I came in between them.

“Rainbow Dash, I’m sorry about your record, but we have bigger problems.” I told them, pointing my hoof to the black smoke in the sky. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie followed where I was pointing at and gasped.

“Where’d that smoke come from?” Rainbow Dash asked in shock.

“I don’t know Rainbow Dash. At first, I thought there was a forest fire, but the smoke is coming from the top of the mountain.” I told her.

“LISTEN UP!” I heard Twilight yelled. Everypony turned our attention to Twilight, who was standing on the bridge with Spike sitting on her back. “Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria.” She told us.

Everypony began to panic from the news and looked up to the smoke spreading.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to…” Fluttershy tried to talk.

“But don’t worry. I’ve just received a letter from Princess Celestia informing me that it is not coming from a fire.” Twilight told us.

“Oh, thank goodness.” Fluttershy sighed. Wait, then where the fire coming from?

“It’s coming from a dragon.” Twilight finished.

Everypony gasped, especially Fluttershy next to me.

“A…d-d-dragon?” Fluttershy asked in fear.

“Crest, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash. I need you two to come with me.” Twilight asked us. We nodded and followed Twilight to the Library.

A little while later, we met up in the library with Applejack and Rarity.

“What in the name of all things cinnamon swirl is a full grown dragon doing in Equestria?” Applejack asked as Twilight was quickly reading one of the books.

“Sleeping.” Twilight answered as she puts the book down.

“Huh?” We said in confusion.

“According to Princess Celestia, he’s taking a nap. His snoring is what’s causing all this smoke.” Twilight explained as she was loading the books in her saddlebag.

“He should really see a doctor. That doesn’t sound healthy at all.” Pinkie said.

“Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s normal for an adult dragon.” I said. Wonder if Spike would eventually snore smoke when he gets older.

“Well, at least he’s not snoring fire.” Rarity added. “What are we meant to do about it?” Rarity asked Twilight.

“I’ll tell you what we’re meant to do. Give him the boot! Take that!” Rainbow Dash said before she kicked the wooden statue head in the middle of the room. Twilight quickly grabbed it with her magic. “And that!” Rainbow Dash said, flying to the statue head again. Twilight levitated it up, causing Rainbow Dash to fly under it and crash in the bookshelf.

“We need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else.” Twilight said, specifically toward Rainbow Dash. “Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail. If we do, Equestria will be covered in smoke for the next 100 years.” Twilight explains. Fluttershy gasped.

Rarity scoffed. “Talk about getting your beauty sleep.” She said.

“All right, everypony, I need you to gather supplies quickly. We’ve got a long journey ahead of us. Let’s meet back here in less than an hour.” Twilight told us as she levitated the saddlebag onto her back.

“Okay, girls and Crest, you heard her! The fate of Equestria is in our hooves. Do we have what it takes?” Rainbow Dash asked us. We agreed confidently as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, left the door. All except Fluttershy.

“Um…actually…” Fluttershy softly said.

“Fluttershy, are you okay.” I asked. She's probably afraid of the dragon.

Fluttershy hesitated for a moment. “Um… I’m okay, Crest. Twilight might need me.” She told me and left. I could tell something’s bothering her, but I agreed that she may help us with the dragon. I’ll need to talk to her later.

Thinking of what I could use against the dragon, I went to the downstairs to basement. After Trixie left Ponyville a while ago, I kept some of her magics tricks that survived the Ursa minor crushing it. I was planning on returning them to her incase she ever came back to Ponyville. Since the future of Equestria is a stake, I’m pretty sure Trixie wouldn’t mind if I borrow some of them. I opened the chest with the tricks inside and took out a hoof full of smoke bombs. I went back up stairs and went to the supply cabinet. I took out a first aid kit and placed it in my bag incase one of my friends or I get hurt.

Half an hour later, we met back up at the library. Applejack brought some apples in her saddlebag and Pinkie Pie brought some party equipment.

We lined up side by side as Twilight briefed us for the mission.

“Alright everypony, listen up. I’m mapping out the fastest route, but we all got to keep a good pace if we expect to make it up the mountain by nightfall.” Twilight told us.

“M-mountain?” Fluttershy shivered.

“The dragon is in that cave at the very top.” Twilight said, pointing her hoof at the top of the mountain in the distance.

“Looks pretty cold up there.” Applejack said.

“You bet it is. The higher you go, the chillier it gets.” Rainbow Dash acknowledge.

“Good thing I brought my scarf.” Rarity said, getting out her light pink scarf.

“Ooh! Pretty!” Pinkie Pie said, admiring the scarf before Rarity put it on.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Oh, yeah. That’ll keep you nice and cozy.” She said.

I heard Fluttershy gulped. I turned my head and saw her walking towards Twilight as she was reading the map.

“Um, excuse me. Twilight? I know you’re busy, but…” Fluttershy tried to say, but Twilight kept her attention to the map.

“Uh huh. Well, we could go this way.” Twilight said as she read the map.

“But if I could just have a second…” Fluttershy continued, but Twilight kept her eyes on the map.

“Uh huh. No, we want to avoid that.” Twilight said, focusing her eye’s on a specific part of the map.

“So, um, I… I was thinking that, um, maybe I should just stay here in Ponyville.” Fluttershy suggested.

“Uh huh.” Twilight responded, oblivious to Fluttershy’s question.

“Oh, good!” Fluttershy said, relieved. “I’ll stay here and…” She didn’t finish as Twilight realized what Fluttershy asked.

“Wait!” You have to come. Your way with wild animals will surely come in handy.” Twilight explained.

“I don’t think I…” Fluttershy tried to say but didn’t finish.

“Oh, and don’t worry about your little friends in the meadow. Spike’s got it covered while you’re gone.” Twilight told her.

Spike came over an with a baby squirrel and two birds in his arms. “You can count on me.” He said. Angel came up on Spike's head and started kicking him rapidly, causing the animals to scatter. Seriously, why would Fluttershy name that rabbit Angel. “Hey! Hey! Wait!” Spike said, chasing after the animals.

“I don’t really think he’s up to the task. Maybe…But…But…” Fluttershy tried to tell Twilight, but she just walked away. Fluttershy looked down and closed her eyes.

I walked next to Fluttershy and comforted her. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, we’ll be right by you side.” I said, trying to comfort her.

Fluttershy opened her eyes to respond, but saw her shadow. She screamed and jumped into the bush.

“Um… Fluttershy. It’s just your shadow.” I told her. Fluttershy looked around and came out of the bush.

“All right, everypony. Move out.” Twilight told us. My friends followed behind her and were heading towards Fluttershy.

“But… but…” Fluttershy tried to talk, but was carried off by everypony else. I ran to catch up to them as Fluttershy squealed.

After a while, we finally reached the base of the mountain where the dragon is sleeping. We heard the dragon snoring loudly from the top of the mountain. Fluttershy got scared and hid behind me.

“Whoa! What was that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores.” Twilight answered.

“It’s… It’s so… high.” Fluttershy said behind.

“Well, it is a mountain.” Rainbow Dash told her. "I’m gonna fly up there and check it out!” She was about the fly up there, but Applejack grabbed her tail and pulled her back down.

“Hold on, now. I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all.” Applejack voice her opinion. We nodded our heads in agreement while Fluttershy stared at the mountain.

“Oh, all right.” Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed.

We began walking up the steep mountain while Rainbow Dash was flying near us.

"I hear the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon’s scales are the jewels they use to build their nests. Ohh! If I play my cards right, I might be able to convince him to part with a few.” Rarity told us.

“Rarity, I know you want one of those jewels, but we need to get him to move somewhere else first.” I told her, causing Rarity to pout.

“Welcome to my cave, Rarity. Care for a diamond? RRARRR!” Pinkie Pie said, trying to imitate the dragon’s voice. Most of us laughed at Pinkie’s antics.

“Everypony! This is no laughing matter.” Twilight told us. She was right, we needed to focus on the mission. “Fluttershy, you’re the expert on wild creatures. What do you think the dragon will be like?” She asked Fluttershy. I turned around to see Fluttershy’s response, but I noticed that she was still at the base of the mountain hiding behind a bush.

“Uh, Twilight.” I said to get her attention. Twilight and the girls turned turned around and saw Fluttershy still on the ground.

“Hey, what are you waiting for? An invitation?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy in annoyance.

“Ohh! I think I have one in my bag.” Pinkie Pie said. Confetti came out of her bag as she grabbed the invitation. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in her head.

“I…it’s so…so…steep.” Fluttershy told us. The dragon must be scaring more than I thought.

“Well, it is a cliff. You could just…oh, I don’t know…fly up here.” Rainbow Dash told her.

“Actually it’s just a slabby hill. Cliffs are vertical steep hills.” I told her. Rainbow Dash gave me a weird look. “What? I live in a library.” I said.

“Come on, Fluttershy, you can do it! Flap those wings.” Pinkie Pie encouraged her.

“Uh…okay.” Fluttershy said. She flapped her wings and started flying off the ground. Suddenly, the dragon snored loudly again, scaring Fluttershy. Her wings locked up and fell on the bush she was hiding behind earlier.

“Fluttershy!” I yelled, worried that she might have gotten hurt. She walked out of the bush unharmed and I sighed in relief.

Fluttershy tried to open her wings again, but they appeared to be shut tight.

Twilight sighed. “We don’t have time for this.” She said in annoyance. Applejack looked at the male hanging from Twilight’s bag and grabbed it with her mouth. “What are you doing?” Twilight asked Applejack.

“I’ll need this if I’m gonna take her around the mountain another way.” Applejack told her.

“Ohh! Around the mountain?” Rainbow Dash groaned. Applejack jumped down and slid to the bottom. “That’s gonna take them forever.” She complained.

“I’ll go with them.” I told them before sliding down as well.

As I was sliding down, the dragon snored loudly again, causing Fluttershy fall on her back, petrified with fear.

“Don’t worry, Twi. We’ll be there lickety-split.” Applejack told her as I reached the bottom.

“Can you help me place Fluttershy on my back, Applejack?” I asked.

“Sure, Crest.” Applejack said, before she picked Fluttershy and placed her on my back.

Applejack memorized the path we’re suppose to take and we headed around the mountain. I didn’t want to sound rude, but I started to get tired of carrying Fluttershy after a while. Luckily, we reached the others that were waiting for us. I noticed a lot of tic tack toes around the ground.

“We made it.” Applejack said.

“Told you it was gonna take them forever.” I heard Rainbow Dash whisper to Twilight.

I laid Fluttershy down gently and rested for a second before I had to carry her again. Luckily, Fluttershy started to wake up.

“Oh…what happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“I had to carry you part of the way up the mountain.” I told her.

Fluttershy looked away in shame. “I…I’m sorry Crest.” Fluttershy said as she looked like she was about to cry. I lifted her chin with my hoof.

“Fluttershy, I know your scared of the dragon, heck all of us are scared of it.” I gently told her.

“Really.” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, but even so, I’m a whole lot braver when my friends are with me.” I told her.

Fluttershy was about to respond but Rainbow Dash interrupted her. “Hey! Are you two coming or what!?” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“We’re coming.” I responded and turned back to Fluttershy. “Just remember Fluttershy, our friends and I are here to help you. As long as we're here with you, there's no reason to be scared.” I told her.

Fluttershy smiled a bit. “Okay, I’ll try and be a little braver.” She said.

We continued with everyone else up the mountain until we reached a break in the path. Rainbow Dash was the first to run up and jump to the other side. We reached jumped across it one at a time with Fluttershy being the last one. She got scared again hugged a near by boulder.

“Your turn, Fluttershy.” Twilight told her.

“But it’s so wide.” Fluttershy responded. I looked down and honestly the path isn’t that wide in my opinion.

“Come on, Fluttershy. We should be much farther along by now.” Twilight told her. I hate it, but I have to agree with her.

“You could just leap on over.” Applejack suggested.

“I…” She didn’t finished as the dragon snored loudly again. “I don’t know.” She curled up into a ball in fear. I jumped back over the other side.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I know you can do this. I'll be right here and help you.” I encouraged her. She looked up at me for a moment and smiled.

“Yeah! There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Pinkie Pie said. “It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump! See?” Pinkie Pie said after she jumped back over and started to sing. “It's not very far. Just move your little rump. You can make it if you try with a hop, skip and jump!”

“We don’t have time for this.” Twilight said.

“A hop, skip and a jump. Just move your little rump. A hop, skip and jump. A hop, skip, and jump, A hop, skip and jump, a hop, skip, and jump, a hop, skip, and jump!” Pinkie Pie finished.

“Okay. Here I go.” Fluttershy said as she walked to the edge. Our friends and I cheered her on. “A hop…skip.” She said before she jumped.

“Just don’t look down.” Twilight told her.

‘WHY WOULD YOU TELL HER THAT!!!’ I thought. Of course, Fluttershy looked down and saw how high she is.

“Aah!” she yelped, but her front hoofs caught the of the jump.

I went behind her and gave her a push while Pinkie Pie and Rarity pulled her across.

“I guess I forgot to jump.” Fluttershy told us.

“Don’t worry about it Fluttershy. And Twilight, I don’t want to critical, but when you tell somepony to look down, they usually look down.” I told her.

“Sorry.” Twilight apologized with a sheepish smile.

We continued on the path until we came across some trees growing out of the mountain.

“Let’s keep it down. According to my map, we’re entering an avalanche zone. The smallest peep could cause a huge rockslide.” Twilight warned us.

“An…an ava…ava.” Fluttershy tried to say.

“Shh!” Twilight shushed her.

We walked as quietly as we could on the path. I heard some leaves rustle in the tree above us and saw that it was Rainbow Dash. Wish she could be a little more carful. Before I looked away, I saw a falling leaf land on Fluttershy

“AVA…” She yelled, but I quickly covered her mouth my hoof. We could hear the echo of Fluttershy around the mountain side and feared the worse. Nothing happened and we all sighed. Unfortunately, we could feel the ground shake and see some rocks falling down the cliff above us.

“AVALANCHE!” We panicked as boulders started to fall down. We all tried to move out of the way from the huge boulders, but they were coming down around us. I saw some boulders head toward Twilight. Applejack managed to tackle Twilight out of the way in time.

While I was looking away, a stray large rock hit the side of my back right leg hard. I fell over just as the rockslide ended. Everyone was coughing from the dust caused by the rockslide.

“Everypony okay?” Applejack asked.

“Thanks to you, I am.” Twilight thanked Applejack.

I saw Fluttershy pope out of a pile of dirt, and Rarity was covered in dirt next to. She shook it off her coat and onto Pinkie Pie’s.

“Whoo-hoo! Let’s do it again!” Pinkie Pie said excitedly.

“This is why a girl always pack extra accessories.” Rarity said before she replaced her previous scarf with one from her bag. “Oh, please tell me I brought the tiara that that goes with this.” She said.

Rainbow Dash flew down to Rarity. “Uh, I think we got bigger problems than making sure our hair bows match our horseshoes.” She told her, gesturing to the large pile of dirt blocking our way.

I tried to stand up, but I could feel my leg slightly hurt. I looked over it and saw my leg was scraped and slightly bleeding from the rock.

“Uh. Girls.” I said, getting their attention. The girls look at me and noticed my bleeding leg.

“Crest!” The girl’s yelled and ran to my side. Rainbow Dash glared at Fluttershy.

“Now look what you did Fluttershy! Crest got hurt because of you!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her. I looked at Rainbow Dash with a stern look.

“That’s enough Rainbow Dash.” I told her.

“But…” Rainbow Dash tried to interject, but I stopped her.

“No. What happened, happened. Getting on to Fluttershy isn’t gonna change that.” I told her, before I took the first aid kit from my bag. “Fluttershy, can you help me with my leg.” I asked her.

She nodded with out hesitation. She opened my first aid kit and bandaged my wound up. I stood back up, and I can feel my leg hurt a little.

“Do you think you can continue Crest.” Twilight asked me.

“Yeah, though I'll have to be careful when we reach the dragon.” I told her.

“Alright Crest, now all we have to do…” Twilight sighs. “climb over.” She said looking at the huge pile of dirt.

We began to climb as Rainbow Dash flew over us. Applejack was next to me incase I needed help climbing with my injured leg. Those of us walking started grunting over the difficulty of climbing up. It became even more difficult on the way down. Twilight was the first to reach the ground. My ears picked up something sliding down behind me and I looked over my shoulder. I saw Fluttershy and Rarity sliding down fast.

“Applejack, brace behind us.” I told her as I dug my to the ground. Applejack turned her head around and did the same thing. When Rarity and Fluttershy ran into us, we managed to slow them down before we reach the bottom. Rainbow Dash flew over and helped Rarity stand.

“My apologies.” Rarity said.

“Not your fault.” Rainbow Dash sarcastically told her while staring at Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked down in guilt. I stared at Rainbow Dash in frustration, but I help my mouth.

We continued on the path to the dragon’s cave on the summit. Rainbow Dash flew next to Twilight.

“Still think it was a good idea to bring Fluttershy along?” Rainbow Dash asked her.

“We’re about to find out. We're here.” Twilight told her as we arrived at the dragon’s cave. The cave entrance was huge and the large black smoke was coming out of it. Twilight turned around toward us.

“Rainbow Dash, you’ll use your wings to clear the smoke.” Twilight told her. Rainbow Dash flew up and started clearing the smoke.

“Rarity and Pinkie Pie, you create a diversion to distract the dragon if things get a little hairy in there.” Twilight told them. Pinkie Pie got out a rubber chicken with her mouth and started swinging it around. Rarity looked confused at Pinkie Pie’s antic, as did Twilight and I.

I took out the smoke bombs from my bag. "Here you go. These should help you distract the dragon." I said as I gave the smoke bombs to Rarity and Pinkie Pie.

“Applejack, you’re ready with the apples in case he decides to attack.” Twilight told her. Applejack grabbed a couple of apple with her mouth and tossed them in the air. When they came back down, she kicked them at the tree and they splatted to pieces.

“Crest, do you think you can help either Applejack or Pinkie and Rarity should something go wrong.” Twilight asked me.

I looked at my injured leg and back at her. “I’ll manage.” I told Twilight.

“Okay Crest, but it the dragon shouldn’t attack because Fluttershy will do what she needs to do to wake him up. And between the two of us, we should be able to get him to understand why he needs to go. Is everypony ready?” Twilight asked us.

All of us nodded excitedly besides Fluttershy.

“Okay, then. We’re going in.” Twilight said before she went into the cave. Fluttershy didn’t move a muscle as Twilight went inside.

“Twilight, wait.” I called out. Twilight turned around and saw Fluttershy bury her head into the ground. She sighs in annoyance and comes back.

“Come on!” Twilight said before she pulled on Fluttershy’s wings. “We have to do this.” She tried to pushed push Fluttershy but she wouldn’t budge.

“Twilight, I think there’s something Fluttershy needs to tell you.” I told her and she stopped pushing.

“I…I…I can’t go in the cave.” Fluttershy said, causing everypony to groan.

“Oh, great! She’s scared of caves now, too.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I’m not scared of caves. I’m scared of dr…” Fluttershy tried to say, but couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

“What’s that sugar cube?” Applejack asked.

“I’m scared of Drag…” Fluttershy tried to say again.

“What?” Twilight asked.”

“I’m scared of dragons!” Fluttershy admitted right before the dragon snored loudly again and spread smoke around us. We all coughed as the smoke subsided and I noticed Fluttershy was hiding behind me.

“But, Fluttershy, you have a wonderful talent dealing with all kinds of animals.” Twilight said.

“Yes, because they’re not dragons.” Fluttershy told Twilight.

“Oh, come on! We’ve seen you walk right up to a horrible manticore like it was nothing.” Rainbow Dash said. She has a point.

“Yes, because he wasn’t a dragon.” Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash.

“Spike is a dragon. You’re not scared of him.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Yes, because he’s not a huge, gigantic, terrifying, enormous, teeth-gnashing, shark-scale-having, horn-wearing, smoke-snoring, could-eat-a-pony-in-one-bite, totally all grown up dragon.” Fluttershy said before said dragon snored loudly. Fluttershy got scared again and hugged the ground.

“But if you’re so afraid of dragons, why didn’t you say something before we came all the way up here? And Crest, why didn’t you tell us.” Twilight asked us.

“I was afraid to.” Fluttershy answered.

“I was trying to help Fluttershy overcome her fear of the dragon without forcing her to do it. Also, in my defense, it was pretty obvious that Fluttershy was scared, and none of you noticed.” I excused. Rainbow Dash groaned at our answer.

Applejack walked over to Fluttershy and nudged her up. “All of us are scared of that dragon." She told Fluttershy.

“I’m not!” Rainbow Dash gloated.

“Not helping Rainbow Dash.” I commented.

“Almost all of us are scared of that dragon, but we’ve got a job to do. So get in there with Twilight and show her what you’re made of.” Applejack tried to convince her.

“I…I…I just…can’t.” Fluttershy told us before she walked away.

“Oh, Fluttershy.” Twilight said.

I turned to Twilight. “I’ll go and try to talk with Fluttershy, Twilight.” I told her before I walked over to Fluttershy. Twilight and the rest of my friends tried to persuade the dragon. “Fluttershy, wait up.” I called out.

Fluttershy turned around and saw me. “Crest?” Fluttershy said.

I looked at a nearby rock near the entrance of the cave. “Mind if we sit down?” I asked.

“Um…Okay.” Fluttershy agreed and we sat behind the rock, away from the others. This way, Fluttershy wouldn't be distracted. “I’m sorry Crest. I’m just not brave like the rest of you.” She said as she started to whimper. I took my hoodie off.

“Fluttershy, what do you think being brave means?” I asked her.

“It’s not having fear, right?” Fluttershy said.

I shook my head. “Not really. Bravery is facing fear despite how scare you are.” I answered. Fluttershy still looked unsure. I noticed more smoke over us and heard our friends talking, though I wasn’t focused on them. “And if it makes you feel better, did I ever tell you my worst fear?” I asked her. Fluttershy shook her head. “My worst fear is seeing you and our friends get hurt. Ever since I woke up in the Ponyville Hospital, you and the girls where some of the first ponies who accepted who I am without judging me. That’s why no matter how scare I am, I will always be there you and our friends.” I told her smiling.

“But what if I mess up? I’ve been nothing but a burden since we came up here.” Fluttershy said as she began to cry.

“Fluttershy, please don’t ever say your a burden.” I said as I wiped her tears. “Your one of the most amazing ponies I know. Your kind, gentle, and caring. I don’t think you see how amazing you really are. I believe in you Fluttershy, and so do our friends.” I told her.

Fluttershy stopped crying a little. “R…Really?” She asked. I was about to respond, but before I could respond, I heard Rainbow Dash’s voice behind the rock.

“All right! That’s it! We tried persuasion, charm, whatever it is Pinkie Pie does. It’s time to stop wasting time! I’m going in!” I heard Rainbow yell.

“RAINBOW DASH, NO!” I yelled as I quickly walk beside the rock, feeling the pain of my injured leg.

“GET OUT!” I heard her yell from the cave. I don’t know what happened after a couple moments, but the dragon let out a terrifying roar in absolute anger. I saw Rainbow Dash being blown out of the cave and knocking our friends down like bowling balls. The girls got up and ran away from the cave as the dragon poked his head out of it. The dragon was completely huge. Unlike Spike, he had red scales and razor sharp dark green spikes. My friend gathered together, hugging each other in fear as the dragon crawled out of the cave. The dragon road out black smoke at the girls and sent them flying toward the rock Fluttershy was behind. I quickly got in between them to soften the blow for them. I tried to stand my ground, but I got blown as well.

“AHHH!” I yelled in pain as I was rammed against the rock. I'm gonna be feeling that in the morning. We fell to the ground, dazed from the impact. We got rammed into the rock so hard, it started to crack and shattered to bits, revealing Fluttershy hiding behind it.

I slowly stood up, but I could feel my body ache from the impact. The dragon looked at me, and prepared to attack us again.

“How dare you?” Fluttershy said, though it sounded like she was angry. I looked over my shoulder and I never saw Fluttershy look angry before now. “HOW DARE YOU!” She yelled before she flew up to the dragons face. “Listen her, mister! Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you get to be a bully! You may have huge teeth and sharp scales and snore smoke and breathe fire, but you do not, I repeat, YOU DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS!! You got that?” Fluttershy told the dragon. The dragon coward away from her and I thought I heard it whimper. “Well?” She asked him.

“But that rainbow one kicked me.” The dragon told her, pointing his claw at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash nodded proudly, but I gave her a disapproving look. If a pony kicked me in the face while I was sleeping, I would be angry too.

“And I am very sorry about that. But you’re bigger than she is, and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can become a health hazard to other creatures.” Fluttershy told him.

“But I…” The dragon tried to say, but Fluttershy interrupted him.

“Don’t you 'but I' me, mister. Now, what do you have to say for yourself?” Fluttershy asked him in an authoritative voice, but the dragon didn’t respond. “I said, what do you have to say for yourself.” She asked again. The dragon started sobbing with his tears falling all around me and the girls.

“Nice work Fluttershy.” I proudly said.

“There, there. No need to cry. You’re not a bad dragon. You just mad a bad decision. Now, go pack your things. You just need to find a new place to sleep. That’s all.” Fluttershy said as she flew back down to us.

My friends and I gathered around Fluttershy and cheered for her. The dragon returned to his cave and began packing his treasure.

“You did it. I knew you could do it.” Twilight joyfully told Fluttershy.

“She not the only one.” I said smiling.

The dragon came back out of the cave and flew away. Something moved in the corner of my eye and quickly disappeared. I turned to see what it was, but I couldn’t find it.

“Is something wrong, Crest?” Twilight asked me.

I tried to listen for anything moving beside the girls and I, but I couldn’t hear anything. “It’s nothing, I just thought I saw something.” I told her, before I felt my leg hurt again. “How about we go home?” I suggested. All of them nodded in agreement.

By the time we returned to Ponyville, we saw many pegasi ponies clearing up the smoke above the town. Twilight and I went back to the library while Rainbow Dash worked on breaking her world record.

When we opened the front door, we heard a commotion from upstairs. We quickly walked upstairs to Twilight’s room and saw that Spike was having a tough time with the animals. He was chasing Angel across Twilight's room.

“I said, come back!” Spike said before he ran into the book shelf. Angel was trying to climb up it, but Spike grabbed his leg and pulled him back down. “How does Fluttershy put up with you furry little things?” He said as Angel tried to get free. Guess Spike bit of more than he could chew.

“Spike?” Twilight said, getting Spike’s attention. “Take a letter.” She said.

“With Pleasure.” Spike said as he dropped Angel. He took out a letter and quill.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I am happy to report that the dragon has departed our fair country and that it was my good friend Fluttershy who convinced him to go. This adventure has taught me to never lose faith in your friends. They can be an amazing source of strength and can help you overcome even your greatest fears. Always your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight said.

“Twilight, Crest, ya’ll got to come see this!” We heard Applejack call out. We looked out eh balcony and saw our friends watching Rainbow Dash bounce the ball on her head. “She’s just five away from a new pony record.” She told us.

“347, 348…” Rainbow Dash counted. Suddenly, we heard somepony mimic the sound of the dragon. I didn’t by it, but Rainbow Dash sure did. “DRAGON!” Rainbow Dash yelled in fear before she fell on her back.

We all laughed at the scare prank.

“Why are you laughing? That awful dragon is back!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“RRARRR!” Pinkie Pie roared in front of Rainbow Dash, revealing that it was her roaring like a dragon. As funny as it was, Pinkie could have waited until after Rainbow broke the record.

“Pinkie Pie, you scared me!” Rainbow Dash told her before she realized what she said. “I mean, uh…you broke my concentration. ” She tried to say.

Fluttershy flew down next to Rainbow Dash. “It’s okay, Rainbow Dash. Not everypony can be as brave as me.” Fluttershy told her.

A leaf floated down to Rainbow Dash’s head and she blew it back up. The leaf ended up on Fluttershy’s back. Fluttershy screamed in fear and fell on her back. Everypony laughed while Twilight shook her head and I chuckled.

While I’m glad it all worked out, there was one thing that was bothering me. What was it that moved after Fluttershy convinced the dragon to leave.

Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep

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It started out bright and sunny this morning, but the pegasi ponies were covering the sky with dark clouds. The pegasi weather ponies forgot to make a storm last week so they’re making up for it today. Applejack and I were helping out knocking the dead branches so they wouldn’t hurt anypony when the storm blows them off and lightning doesn’t hit it.

Rarity came to help out as well, though differently. Instead of taking the branches down, I saw her mending them back on the trees. Not only that, she used her magic to form the leaves into art forms of ponies.

“Perfect.” Rarity said, admiring her work. I admit I’m impressed how Rarity can turn anything into a form of art, but she really needs to know that now isn’t the time for that.

Applejack seems to share my opinion. She threw her lasso on the branch and took it down in front of Rarity. She spit her lasso out and looked at Rarity. “Just take the broken limbs down, Rarity. Don’t ya’ll care about other than prettifyin’?” She told her.

“Somepony has to. You are making an absolute mess of the town square, Applejack.” Rarity argued as she looked at all the fallen branches on the ground.

“Yeah, well, the storm’s gonna make an even bigger mess if we don’t prune all these branches so they don’t tumble down on anypony.” Applejack told her.

“I simply cannot image why the Pegasus ponies would schedule a dreadful downpour this evening and ruin what could have been a glorious sunny day.” Rarity said.

Applejack scoffs. “Think more practical like, will ya? They accidentally skipped a schedule last week, so we need a doozy of a downpour to make up for it, is all.” Applejack explained to her, while I kicked the tree, causing the leaves and branches to fall to the ground. Unfortunately, it started raining before we could finish with the trees.

“Oh no! My wonderful styled mane shall be ruined!” Rarity cried out.

“Ya should have hurried up and finished the job already!” Applejack argued.

“Oh! Ah! Oh! It’s coming down too fast! Aah! Oh! Oh! Aah! Help me!” Rarity said as she began running around to avoid the rain droplets.

Applejack looked around for shelter. She spotted a table nearby. “Uh…there. Hunker down to your heart’s content whilst Crest and I finish this.” Applejack told Rarity.

Rarity galloped to the table, but stopped after she saw how muddy it is underneath the table. “Oh, no, no, no!” She cried.

“What now?” Applejack asked, annoyed. I just continue kicking the trees before the storm hits. I didn’t want be in the middle of their arguing.

“I’d prefer not to get my hooves muddy.” Rarity told her, gesturing to the wet mud underneath the table.

I took my hoodie off and put it over Rarity’s mane. “Here you go, Rarity.” I said. Before Rarity could reply, Applejack spoke up.

Applejack sighed. “There is just no pleasin’ you, is there? Everything got to be just so.” She said.

“Oh, well, and how does muddying my hooves serve any useful purpose?” Rarity argued.

“Y’all wouldn’t know useful if it came up and bit you.” Applejack argued back.

“That doesn’t even make any sense.” Rarity continued. Okay, this is starting to get out of hoof.

"Does so.”

"Does not.”

"Does so.”

"Does not.”

"Does so.”

"Does not.”

I sighed. “Girls.” I tried to interrupt.

“Does so Infinity. Ha!” Applejack continued.

“Does not infinity plus one. Ha!” Rarity countered.

Rarity said before she and Applejack glared back at each other. “What say we go our separate ways before one of us says something she will regret?” Rarity suggested.

“I reckon y’all are gonna say something you’ll regret first.” Applejack told her.

“On the contrary, I believe it shall most certainly be you who says something you will regret first.”

“I’m not sayin’ anything!” Applejack argued.

“Nor am I!” Rarity said.

“Y’all just be on your way, then.” Applejack continued

“After you!” Rarity continued.

“GIRLS!” I raised my voice, getting Applejack’s and Rarity’s attention. “I know you two have your differences, but arguing isn’t helping anypony right now.” I told them. Suddenly lightning stuck they sky, scaring us. Both Applejack and Rarity hugged each.

“Perhaps we should stick together for now and find some shelter.” Rarity suggested.

“Uh-huh, perhaps we should…and fast.” Applejack agreed. Well, at least they agree on something.

Applejack went over to the table and got underneath it for shelter. “Nice and dry under here…sort of.” She said, looking at the mud covering her hooves.

Rarity looked at Applejack’s hooves. “Oh! unacceptable.” She complained.

“Crest! Applejack! Rarity!” I heard Twilight call out. We looked at the library and saw Twilight at the front door of the library. “Crest! Applejack! Rarity!” She called out again.

“Twilight?” We said.

“Come inside, everypony. Quick.” Twilight said, gesturing us to come inside the library. We galloped to the library. Rarity and I went inside, but Applejack came to a screeching stop.

“Whoa, nelly. Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?” Applejack asked.

“It is if you have a magical lightning rod protecting your home like I do.” Twilight answered. We can think the previous librarian before me for that. “Come on in.” She welcomed our friends.

Rarity sighed in gratitude. “We are most grateful for your invitation.” Rarity said as she bowed a little.

“Thank you kindly for the hospitality.” Applejack said as she walked in.

“Of course girls. Our friends are always welcome here.” I told them.

Rarity raised her hoof in front of Applejack and pointed at her muddy hooves. “Uh, do be a polite houseguest and go wash up, please, won’t you.” She told Applejack.

Applejack groaned. “If I got to spend one more second with that fussbudget Rarity today, I can’t be held responsible for what I’m gonna do.” I heard Applejack muttered.

“I’ll help you out, Applejack.” I said as I followed her outside.

We went to the side of the library where the hose was. I grabbed the end of the nozzle and pointed it at applejack’s hooves.

“I’m sorry about Rarity, Applejack. You know how she is when it comes to perfecting everything.” I said as I spread the host on her hooves.

“I know Crest. I just wish Rarity wasn’t so obsessed with making everything pretty.” Applejack said, frustrated. I finished cleaning Applejack hooves and we went back inside the library.

“What in tarnations?!” Applejack said in surprise. We saw Rarity and Twilight giving each other mud masks for some reason. “Now wait just a golden minute! You make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it’s okay for y’all to have mud all over your faces?” She asked.

“Silly. This is called a mud mask. It’s to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.” Rarity told her.

“We’re giving each other makeovers!” Twilight added excitedly. “We have to do it. It says so in the book.” She said as she levitated a book to us.

Applejack began reading it. “Slumber 101: Everything you…” She stopped when she realized what the book was about. Huh? I didn’t think Twilight would want a slumber party. “Oh, hey would you look at the time? I got to skedaddle on home quick. I’m powerful late for,…for something. Uh, good night.” Applejack said as she headed toward the front door.

“Applejack, wait. The storm.” I warned her. As if on cue, thunder crashed nearby. Applejack zipped back over to us.

“Or maybe I’ll sit here for a spell.” Applejack said.

“Hooray, slumber party!” Twilight exclaimed excitedly while clapping her hooves.

Rarity threw mud on Applejack’s face and began rubbing it in. She finished by placing a pair of eye pads fruit over Applejack’s eyes. “What in the world is this for?” Applejack asked.

Rarity sighed. “To reduce the puffiness around one’s eyes, of course.” Rarity told her.

“Puffiness, Shmuffiness!” Applejack said before she ate them. “That’s good eatin’.”

I heard Twilight giggling. “Isn’t this exciting? We’ll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun.” She said as she was reading said book.

“Did you hear that, Applejack? You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight’s very first slumber party, would you?” Rarity told Applejack, not bothering to be subtle.

“Of course not, and you wouldn’t, either, I reckon.” Applejack said.

“So, do we have an agreement?” Rarity asked.

“You betcha.” Applejack said before she spit on her hoof for the agreement.

“Oh, gross! You know, there’s messy, and there’s just plain rude.” Rarity said in disgust.

“You know, there’s fussy, and there’s just plain getting on my nerves.” Applejack told her.

“Fortunately, I can get along with anypony, no matter how difficult she may be.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, I’m the get-alongingest pony you’re ever gonna meet.” Applejack said.

“That’s not even a word.” Rarity told her.

“This is gonna be the bestest slumber party ever! Yay!” Twilight said in the middle of their argument.

“Yay.” Applejack and Rarity reluctantly said.

I looked around for my hoodie and saw it was folded up next to the stair case. “Well, I hope you girls have fun.” I said before I place my wet hoodie and started walking up the stairs.

“Crest, wait.” Twilight called out. I stopped at the bottom of the stair case and turned around. “Don’t you…” She stopped as her eye’s stared at my back. I looked at my back, and guessed what she was looking at.

“It’s my scars, isn’t it? Where my wings used to be.” I said.

Twilight nodded. “I’m sorry Crest. It’s just that I never saw you without your hoodie.” She said frowning.

“It’s okay Twilight. So, what was it you wanted to say?” I asked

“I was going to ask if you want to stay? You don’t have to do the girly stuff.” She said. It looked like she really wanted me to stay.

“Um…sure, Twilight. Just let want to change the sheets for everypony.” I told her.

“Oh. Okay, Crest.” Twilight said before she turned toward Applejack and Rarity. “So girls, the first on the list is hair braiding.” She said.

I went back upstair and changed the sheets. Since Applejack and Rarity would be taking my bed for tonight, I took out a spare mattress and put it in Twilight room next to her bed. I figured I would let Twilight teleport the bed to her room. I placed the old sheets and my hoodie in the laundry room and headed back down stairs.

As I came down the steps, I saw that the girls were just finishing up braiding each others manes.

“So. How are you getting along over there, Applejack?” Rarity asked with a smirk on her face.

“Just fine, Rarity.” Applejack responded, annoyed.

“This is so awesome!” Twilight giggled. “Makeovers, check.” She said as she used her magic to check the book. She teleported the curly liners off their manes. For some reason, their manes went back to normal instead of being curled up. “Ooh! It says here we have to tell ghost stories. Who wants to go first?” She asked.

“Me!” Applejack volunteered. “I’d like to tell y’all the terrifying tale of the prissy ghost who drove everypony crazy with their unnecessary neatness. Ooooh. I’m sure y’all are familiar with that one.” She told Rarity, lacking any subtly.

“Never heard of it. But I have a much better one.” Rarity responded. “It’s the horrifying story of the messy, inconsiderate ghost who irritated everypony within 100 miles! Ooooh!” Rarity said, also lacking subtly.

“”That’s not a real story! You made it up!” Applejack told her. Like your one to talk Applejack.

“It is a ghost story, They’re all made up.” Rarity told her.

Suddenly, thunder crashed and the light’s turned off, scaring both Applejack and Rarity.

“I’ve got one.” Twilight said, holding a flashlight at her face. “This story is called The legend of the headless horse. It was a dark and stormy night. Just like this one, and four ponies were having a slumber party just…like…this one.” She told us. “And just when the last pony thought she was safe, there, standing right behind her, just inches away, was…THE HEADLESS HORSE!” She yelled. Lighting struck again and Twilight threw over a blanket over her head, giving us and illusion that she didn’t have a head. Rarity and Applejack got so scared, they both hugged me from each side.

“Um…girls?” I said in embarrassment.

Both girls opened their eyes and quickly let go while blushing.

Twilight lifted the blanket off her head and put it away. “Your turn, Crest.” She told me.

“Well, this story is about the legend of the Pony of Vengeance. Long ago, before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna became the rulers of Equestria. There was once a Earth Pony General by the name of Sword Strike. Legend says that Sword Strike was a great warrior, a revered leader in a vast army. During an attack by a dragon horde, his cowardly Commanders abandoned him. Sword Strike fought to his last breath against the dragon horde. But his story did not end there. For Sword Strike’s hatred against his Commanders were so strong, he returned to the land of the living as a vengeful spirit, a ghostly, black armored pony who would hunt down and spread misery to those who had wronged him. To this day, many guard ponies remember the legend of Sword Strike. This legend reminds them to always look after their subordinates, or risk the Pony of Vengeance returning from the dead to avenge their selfish mistakes.” I told them.

“Wow, Crest.” They said in interest.

Twilight went over to the book. “Ghost story, check.” She said as she check off the book. She walked back to us. “Now, who wants s’mores?” She asked.

We lit the fire place up and got out the marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate. Applejack and I were roasting marshmallows over the fire, while Twilight and Rarity were making s’mores.

“Then you place one marshmallow on the top of the chocolate. And be sure it’s centered. That’s critical. And then carefully put another perfectly square graham cracker on the top. And…done. Ta da.” Rarity said after instructing Twilight how to make a perfect s’more.

“Ooh!” Twilight said, admiring the s’more Rarity made.

“Nah, you just eat ‘em.” Applejack said before she munched on Rarity’s s’more, much to Rarity’s annoyance. She belched after eating the s’more. Okay, that was just rude.

Rarity scoffed at Applejack’s behavior. “You could at least say, excuse me.” She told Applejack.

“Oh, I was just about to, but you interrupted me.” Applejack told her. “Pardon.”

“S’mores…check.” Twilight said, checking off her book. “Now the next item of fun we have to do is Truth or Dare.” She said. Why do I have a bad feeling right now.

“I dare Applejack to do something and neatly for a change.” Rarity said.

“Oh, yeah? Well, I dare Rarity to lighten up and stop obsessin’ over every last little detail for a change.” Applejack responded.

“I think the truth of the matter is that somepony could stand to pay a little more attention to detail.” Rarity said.

“And I think the truth is somepony ought to quit with her fussin’ so the rest of us can get things done.” Applejack told Rarity.

“Um, I don’t think this is how the game’s supposed to work. You have to give an honest answer to any question or do whatever anypony dares you to do.” Twilight told us.

“I dares you to step outside and let your precious tidy mane get ruined again.” Applejack dared her. Seriously, Applejack? That’s a little uncalled for. What if she catches a cold out there.

Rarity gasped at Applejack’s dare.

“You have to. It’s the rule.” Twilight told Rarity.

“HA!” Applejack yelled in triumph.

“Fine!” Rarity said before she slowly walked out the front door. She came back a couple second later completely drenched and shaking. Applejack snickered at Rarity’s dismay. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a towel for Rarity.

“Here you go Rarity.” I said, offering the towel. Rarity grabbed it with her magic.

“Thank you, Crest. At least your considerate, unlike somepony.” Rarity said as she glared at Applejack. She placed the towel over her mane and walked toward Applejack. “Okay, I dare Applejack to play dress-up in a froufrou, glittery, lacy outfit.” Rarity dared Applejack.

Applejack gasped at her dare. She glared at Rarity and walked to the basement. She came back wearing what looked like a outfit princess. I wonder how she got dressed that fast.

“Happy?” Applejack grudgingly asked.

“Very.” Rarity responded with a smirk.

“Um, do I ever get a turn?” Twilight asked.

“I dare you to enter the next rodeo when it comes to town.” Applejack continued.

“I dare you not to enter the next rodeo that comes to town.” Rarity responded.

“I dare ya to not comb your mane a hundred times before bed.” Applejack continued.

“And I dare you to comb yours just once.” Rarity continued.

Okay that’s it. I’m putting a stop to this. “I dare you two to stop fighting!” I yelled. Everypony looked at me in surprise. Now I’m feeling regretful yelling at them. “I’m sorry. Twilight, maybe we should try something else.” I suggested.

“Um, yeah. Maybe we should check off truth or dare and move on.” Twilight said before she looked back at the book. “Let’s see what our next fun, fun, fun thing is, shall we?” She looked at the next thing on the list. “Hmm, what does this mean? Pillow fight?” She said. Oh no.

“Oh, please. I am not at all interested in participating in something so crude.” Rarity said before a pillow was thrown at her face. She spit out the feathers that got in her mouth. “Oh! It…is…on!” She said before she threw the pillow back at Applejack.

“Twilight, I think we get out of way.” I said to her before Applejack got hit in the face by the pillow.

Twilight and I got out of the way before Applejack started bucking some pillows at Rarity. Rarity got hit by them in the face and she kicked the pillows back at Applejack.

Rarity’s shots missed as Applejack lassoed three pillows together and whirled them at Rarity.

Rarity used her magic and levitated the pillows. They each through the pillows at one another while

“Oh, I get it. Pillow…fight. Fun!” Twilight said before she got caught in the crossfire. I got in between Rarity and Twilight, and took some shots.

“Uh, girls. Maybe we should take it down a notch.” Twilight asked a little dazed from the hits.

“I will if she will.” Applejack told Twilight.

“She started it.” Rarity retorted.

Twilight and I continued to get hit in the crossfire as pillows started getting covered in pillows. Twilight and I popped out of the pile of pillows. She had some feathers in her mouth and she spit them out.

“Maybe we should just call to a night and get some sleep.” Twilight suggested. To which I nodded in agreement.

Twilight teleported my bed to her room. Since their were only three beds, Applejack and Rarity had to share my bed. I was hoping everypony could at least get some sleep. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem likely thanks to Applejack’s and Rarity’s bickering. Especially for somepony with sensitive hearing.

“Keep your muddy hooves on your side of the bed.” I heard Rarity said.

“My hooves ain’t muddy.” Applejack replied.

“They were. There might still be a little on them.” Rarity told her.

“There ain’t. See?” Applejack said. I put my pillow over my head to block out the noise.

“Ew!” Rarity said in disgust. The pillow didn’t work.

“Now who’s bein’ inconsiderate.” Applejack said. I took my pillow off my head and saw Rarity hogging the blanket. Applejack took the blanket from Rarity and wrapped herself in it. Rarity got off from the bed.

“I have to make the bed again so the blanket will be right. Get up.” Rarity said before she pushed Applejack off the bed.

“Just go to bed. Please.” I mumbled.

“Hey!” Applejack said.

Rarity used her magic to fold the blanket on the bed neatly. Applejack was about to get back in bed by lifting the blanket up. “Unh-unh-unh. You’ll ruin it. You have to do it like this.” Rarity said before she slid in better the cover.

“Yeah. That’s not gonna happen. GERONIMO!” Applejack yelled before she jumped on the bed. This caused Rarity to bounce off the bed.

“Hey!” Rarity said as she was launched off the bed. “You did that on purpose.” Rarity told Applejack.

“Um, yeah.” Applejack admitted.

“Get up so I can fix it again.” Rarity ordered.

“Can’t hear you. I’m asleep.” Applejack said before she started making imitated snoring.

Rarity got fed up and pulled the blanket off Applejack with her mouth.

“I ain’t budgin’.” Applejack told her.

“You will if you want any blanket!” Rarity said while holding the end of the blanket with her mouth. Applejack got up from the other side of the bed and started tugging the other end of the blanket.

That’s it. I can’t take it anymore. I tried to be patient with them, but enough is enough.

“OKAY, SHUT IT!” I snapped. Both Rarity and Applejack stopped tugging the blanket. “I know you two are different from one another, but that’s no reason to be at each other’s throats. Your both grown mares, so start acting like it.” I told them.

Twilight woke up as well. “Not only that, it says right here that the number-one thing you’re supposed to do at a slumber party is have fun. And thanks to you two, I can’t check that off.” Twilight told them while holding the book and quill with her magic.

“I’ve been tryin’ my darnest to get along.” Applejack told her.

“No, it is I who have been trying my best.” Rarity countered.

“No, it was me.” Applejack said.

“No, it was I.” Rarity.

“Me!”

“I!”

The two of them started butting heads again, literally this time.

“I hope you're happy, both of you. You’ve ruined my very first slumber party. The makeover, the s’mores, truth or dare, the pillow fight! I mean, is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?!” Twilight asked in frustration.

Before I could warn her on saying that last part, lightning stuck again on the top trunk of a tree near the library. The one Applejack and I didn’t get to in time earlier.

“Sorry I asked.” Twilight said.

I quickly turned the lights on and we looked out the window. We gasped when we saw that the top of the tree was limping toward a house, indicating that it was about to fall.

Applejack turned toward Rarity. “You see?” That’s why we need to take down all those loose branches in town, not spiffy ‘em up.” She told her. I nodded in agreement.

“But I…” Rarity tried to say, but Applejack interrupted her.

“Out of my way, missy! Time’s a wastin’.” Applejack said before she head to the window. She opened the window and took out her lasso. She started whirling her lasso.

“Wait! Stop! Don’t!” Rarity tried to warn Applejack. I raised an eyebrow what Rarity was warning her about.

“No waitin’! No stoppin’. Doin’.” Applejack said before she threw her lasso at the tree. She manage to grab hold of the tree before it fell.

“Good job, Applejack.” I said.

“Thank ya kindly, Crest. And that, my friends, is what we call getting her done.” Applejack said before she grabbed the rope again. I quickly realized what she was about to do.

“No! Don’t pul…” I didn’t get the chance to warn her as Applejack pulled her rope. Suddenly, the tree came down at us fast. I pushed Applejack out of the way, but the tree hit me hard. I was pushed of the top floor of the room and I fell on the ground floor. I got up and saw Applejack hanging from her rope. She slowly climbs back up using the tree while I took the stair case.

I could hear Rarity whimpering up top. “I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here!” Rarity told Applejack.

“Well, you should have tried harder!” Applejack replied as I reached the bed floor. She looked at Twilight in guilt. “I’m mighty sorry, Twilight.” She apologized.

“It’s…well, its not okay. There’s a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom! And the book doesn’t say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party, or at least I haven’t found that entry yet.” Twilight said as she started flipping through the pages.

“What in tarnation are y’all doin’ over there?!” Applejack asked Rarity, who was placing books back on the shelf.

“Cleaning up this mess somepony made! Who was that again? Oh, right…that’s you!” Rarity yelled at applejack.

Applejack went back to twilight, but she was still looking through the book. “Baking, BFFs, brothers. There’s nothing in here about branches.” She told us. I really need to tell Twilight that she can’t get all the answers from books one of these days.

Applejack and I tried pulling, kicking, and bouncing of the tree, but it did nothing. “Rarity, for pony’s sake, stop sweatin’ the small stuff and help us get rid of this thing!” She yelled as Rarity was still trying to put the books on the shelf. Rarity just ignored her. “I said hustle over here and help us!” Applejack continued before a strong wind came through the window. “Look…I’m sorry, all right?” She said. I stopped and listened.

“What was that?” Rarity asked.

“I said I’m sorry! I should have listened to you when you noticed where this here branch would end up. Your annoyin’ attention to detail would have saved us from this whole mess. But right now, you need to stop bein’ so dang fuzzy, pickin’ up all those little things, and help me move the one big thing in here that actually matters! Please!” Applejack yelled.

Rarity finally looked over at us, but stopped when she looked bothered by something. “Uh, uh, but I’ll get all icky.

“Rarity, sometimes you have to get dirty doing hard work, but that isn’t what’s important right now. What is important is overcoming it. Please, we need your help.” I told Rarity.

Rarity hesitated a moment, but finally looked at Applejack and me. “Oh. Let’s do this!” She said in determination.

“Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties. Is that what we’re doing right know? Does this count as camping?” I heard Twilight ask.

Rarity, Applejack and I came up with a plan to get rid of the branch. Rarity started using her magic to turn the huge branch into a bunch of ornaments. Applejack was about to kick the bottom of the tree out the window, but she noticed the look Rarity and I were giving her. She placed her hooves back down and grabbed the stump instead with her jaw. She threw it out the window and closed the window. I only wish there was more I could have helped with.

Rarity looked at her self, and she was covered in mud and leaves. “Ohh. I look awful.” Rarity said

Applejack put her hoof to her chin and came up with an idea. She walked over to Rarity and placed some of the eye pads from earlier on her eyes. “Better?” She asked.

Rarity smiled and chuckled. “Thanks.” She said. Both of them hugged each other.

“Ooh, pretty. Where did these come from? They’re not in the book, either.” Twilight said, finally noticing the ornaments Rarity made.

I chuckled a bit how focus she was on that book. “I’ll get some towels.” I said before I walked down the stair case. “But Rarity, I don’t think you or our friends can ever look awful.” I said before I left the room.

I came back with a bunch of towels on my back. We cleaned the room up from the rain and placed the ornaments on the shelfs. After we finished, we went back to bed for a while.

When morning came, we were playing a 20 questions. We were trying to guess what item Twilight was thinking off. Rarity and and Twilight braided their hairs again.

“Is it bigger than a barn?” Applejack asked.

Twilight chuckled. “Nope.”

“Is it smaller than a saddle?” Rarity asked.

Twilight chuckled again. “No. only 3 of your 20 questions left.” Well there goes the book idea.

“We’re never gonna guess what you’re thinkin’ of. It could be anything.” Applejack said.

“Are we getting warmer.” Rarity asked.

“Why? Is it too cold in here for you? I can turn up the heat.” Twilight said, not getting what Rarity was saying.

“She means, are we gettin’ any closer with our guesses.” Applejack clarified.

“Oh! No. And that technically counted as a question, so only two more left.” Twilight said.

“Is it…A 6-legged pony with a purple, polka-dotted mane and shootin’ stars comin’ out of it’s eyes…” Applejack guessed.

“Who flies through the air all over the world to hide magic sparkly eggs?” Rarity finished. Where in Equestria did they get that idea from.

“That’s it” Twilight answered.

“It is?” Applejack, Rarity, and I said. Though I was more surprise that it was.

“No.” Twilight said before chuckling. “Just one more question. Do you have an idea Crest?” She asked me.

I thought of all the questions we asked Twilight and I looked around the room. I was trying to see something that Twilight was interested in. When my eyes fell on the telescope, I thought it was worth a shot. “Is it a telescope?” I asked.

“YES! That’s exactly what I’m thinking of.” Twilight said before she looked at Rarity and Applejack. “It was just so nice to see you two finally getting along, I wanted you to be able to win together.” She told them. Rarity and Applejack started laughing together. “See? We could have been having fun like this all along.”

“If only somepony hadn’t been so persnickety.” Applejack playfully said while looking at Rarity.

“Well, maybe she wouldn’t have been if somepony else hadn’t been so sloppy.” Rarity playfully said back.

They looked at each other before smiling.

“Sorry for bein’ such a pain in the patootie.” Applejack apologized.

“Oh, no. I’m sure I was much worse.” Rarity responded.

“That’s kind of you to say, but I’m the one who’s sorry.” Applejack responded back.

“Oh, I’m much more sorry than you are.” Rarity continued.

Applejack scoffs. “Are not.”

“Are too.”

“Are not.”

“Are too.”

“Are not.”

“Are too.” Rarity finished before they both started to laugh.

My smile dropped as I looked at them. “Rarity, Applejack, I’m sorry I snapped. I just didn’t want two of my best friend to fight.” I said to them.

“No, Crest. Ya were right to be angry with us. We were behaving like foals.” Applejack said.

“Indeed. I should haven’t argued with Applejack in the first place.” Rarity said.

“So…still friends?” I asked.

“Of course!” They said before they gave me a hug. Twilight came in between us after we broke.

“I declare my first slumber party a success.” Twilight announced.

Applejack, Rarity, and I cheered and clapped our hooves. Twilight levitated the book to her and wrote in it. “Have fun, check!”

We then set up another game in the room. One of us would be blindfolded while the others would direct that pony through some obstacles. Applejack volunteered to be blindfolded. We used eye pads as blindfolds for her.

“Now take two steps to your left. Uh, no my left.” Rarity said, trying to instruct Applejack.

“Well, which is it? WHOA!” Applejack said before she tripped over a pile of books. She quickly got up with a pillow laying on her head. “That mess is your fault, Not mine.” She said before laughing.

“Sorry.” Rarity laughed as well.

I noticed Twilight was writing a letter she uses to send messages to my Mom and I looked at what she writing.

“Dear Princess Celestia, it’s hard to believe that two ponies who seem to have so little in common could ever get along. But I found out that if you embrace each other’s differences, you just might be surprised to discover a way to be friends after all.” Twilight finished before she looked back at us. “So…who’s up for another slumber party tomorrow night?” She asked us.

Applejack and Rarity looked at each other and grind. They threw a couple of pillows to her face. “How about a week from Thursday? Ooh, how about two weeks from Saturday.” Twilight asked again. The girls and I continued to laugh.

“A month from now?” Twilight continued.

I heard birds chirping out side and the Celestia’s sun finally showed through the clouds. I looked back at the girls and was glad I had such amazing friends.

Chapter 10: Bridle Gossip

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“Wow. What a gorgeous day.” Twilight said while carrying Spike. We were heading to lunch in Ponyville this afternoon.

“Rainbow Dash must have gotten up early for once and cleared all the could away.” Spike guessed. I nodded in agreement.

“I bet all of Ponyville is gonna be out enjoying the sunshine.” Twilight said, but we noticed nopony but us were outside.

“Where is everypony?” I asked no one in particular.

We looked around us and all we saw is company closing their house window, a tumbleweed, and a mare bulling her child inside.

“Is it some sort of pony holiday?” Spike asked.

“Not that I know of.” Twilight responded as we continue walking through town.

“Does my breath stink?” Spike asked before he blew fire and smelled it.

“I’m pretty sure your breath’s fine, Spike.” I responded.

“Is it… zombies?!” Spike asked, being scared.

“Uh, not very likely.” Twilight told him.

“Thank goodness for that.” I commented. I wonder why everypony was hiding.

“Not likely, but possible?” Spike said.

“Psst?” We heard somepony as we came up to Sugercube Corner. We turned toward the source of the voice and saw Pinkie Pie inside. “Twilight! Crest! Spike! Come here! Come here! Hurry! Before she gets you!” Pinkie whispered to us.

Who is she talking about. I thought for a moment before I realized who she was referring too.

Twilight, Spike and I quickly entered the bakery and all the lights were out. Pinkie Pie shined a flashlight at us. Twilight and I had to cover our eyes. Even with my sunglasses, if I stare at a single bright light in a pitch black room, it would hurt my eyes.

“Who? The zombie pony?” Spike asked as he hugged Twilight.

Pinkie Pie brought the flashlight to her face. “Z-Zombie pony?” She said in a horrified voice. This caused Spike to tighten his hug.

“Spike, there are no zombie ponies.” Twilight told him, causing him to get off. “Pinkie, what are you doing here alone in the dark?” She asked her.

I lifted up my sunglasses and saw my friends and Apple Bloom with us as well. “She’s not alone, Twilight.” I told her. Pinkie lifted the curtains up, allowing Twilight and Spike to see our friends. Twilight gasped in surprise.

“Okay, then, what are you all doing in the dark?” Twilight asked.

“We’re hiding from her.” Applejack said, pointing out the window. My friends and I gathered to the window and saw someone alone in the middle of town wearing a brown hooded cloak. The figure appeared to be digging for something with her hoof.The cloaked figure turned around and looked at us with green glowing eyes, causing most of my friends to become scare.

“Did you see her Twilight? Did you see… Zecora?” Apple Bloom asked Twilight.

“Apple Bloom, I told you never to say that name.” Applejack told her little sister.

“Well, I saw her glance this way.” Twilight answered.

“Glance e-e-evilly this way.” Pinkie Pie added.

“And then a bunch of you flip out for no good reason.” Twilight told them.

“No good reason?!” Applejack exclaimed. “You call protecting your kin no good reason? Why, as soon as my sister saw Zecora riding into town, she started shaking in her little horseshoes.” She said as she hugged Apple Bloom and started shaking her.

“Did not.” Apple Bloom said otherwise.

“So I swept her up and brought her here.” Applejack finished after she scooped her little sister on her back.

“I walked here myself.” Apple Bloom said.

“For safekeeping.” Applejack told her.

“Applejack, I’m not a little baby. I can take care of myself!” Apple Bloom told her.

“Not from that creepy Zecora.” Applejack responded.

“She’s mysterious…” Fluttershy said.

“Sinister…” Rainbow Dash added.

“And spooooky.” Pinkie Pie finished.

Twilight and I were annoyed by their accusations and looked back outside. Everypony else squished in behind us to look outside as well. Zecora pulled back her cloak’s hood and revealed her face. Her coat and mane were black and white in a strip pattern, and her mane was a mohawk. She wore golden earrings and several more gold rings around her neck. I think they’re a tribal fashion from where she’s from. My friends beside Twilight and Spike gasped at her appearance.

“Will you cut that out?” Twilight told them

“Just look at those stripes. So Garish.” Rarity exclaimed.

“She’s a zebra.” Twilight told her.

“A what?!” Our friends asked.

“A zebra.” I continued for Twilight. “Zebras are born with stripes, Rarity. And honestly, I don’t see what’s bad about them.” I told them. Rarity fainted at the thought of born with stripes.

“Born where? I never seen a pony like that in these parts, except… her?” Applejack asked.

“My books say that zebras come from a faraway land. But I’ve never seen her in Ponyville. Where does she live?” Twilight asked.

“That’s just it. She lives in… The Everfree Forest.” Applejack answered. Suddenly, there was a large crash in the kitchen.

“Spike!” Twilight yelled. I looked at the kitchen and saw Spike with a candy cane and a cupcake in his claws with a couple of frying pan around him.

“Uh, sorry.” Spike apologized.

“The Everfree Forest just ain’t natural. The plant grow… animals care for themselves…and the clouds move… all on their own.” Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash said. Rarity fainted again at the thought of living in the Everfree Forest.

“And that wicked enchantress Zecora lives there, doing her evil…stuff! Why, she’s so evil, I even wrote a song about her.” Pinkie Pie said before she began singing.

“Here we go.” Rainbow Dash groaned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mlcVxGdFw4&list=PLFLmrnG0qm50lXzV1BPCMIeZl8YIouV0q&index=7]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mlcVxGdFw4&list=PLFLmrnG0qm50lXzV1BPCMIeZl8YIouV0q&index=7

“Wow. Catchy.” Twilight gave her opinion of the song.

“It’s a work in progress.” Pinkie said happily.

“This is all just a lot of gossip and rumors.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, it’s not like anypony actually saw her doing things evilly.” I backed up Twilight’s claim.

“Yeah, well…once a month, she comes into Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Ooh!” Twilight sarcastically said.

“Then…she lurks by the stores.” Rarity said.

“Oh, my.” Twilight sarcastically continued.

“And then she digs at the ground.” Fluttershy said.

“Good gracious!” Twilight said sarcastically again. At least I’m not the only one who thinks this is ridiculous. “Okay, I’m sorry, but how is any of this bad? Maybe she come to town to visit.” She said.

“Yeah. Maybe she’s just trying to be neighborly.” Apple Bloom said.

“And maybe she’s not lurking by the stores. Maybe she’s going to them, lurk-free, to do some shopping.” Twilight said.

“Yeah. everypony like to shop. You know what ” Apple Bloom asked.

“Apple Bloom, hush and let the big ponies talk.” Applejack told her.

“Even though she’s being more mature than her big sister.” I muttered.

“What?” Applejack asked.

I sighed. “ I said all of you are jumping to conclusions.”

“What about digging at the ground? You’ve got to admit that’s weird.” Rainbow Dash said.

“What if she’s digging for innocent creatures?” Fluttershy added worried.

“I am sure there’s an explanation for everything Zecora does. And if anypony here were actually brave enough to approach her, she would find out the truth.” Twilight told them.

“I actually tried to talk to her once, but some ponies stopped me.” I told Twilight, while eyeing my friends.

“You ponies are being ridiculous!” Twilight continued.

“Well, I heard that Zecora eats hay.” Pinkie Pie said. Seriously Pinkie, your arguing with that.

“Pinkie, I eat hay. You eat hay.” Twilight pointed at her.

“Yeah, but I heard it’s the e-e-vile way she eats hay.” Pinkie countered.

“Hey! Where’s Apple Bloom?” Applejack exclaimed. We looked around the room and Apple Bloom was no where in sight. Did she go in the kitchen?

“The door’s open.” I heard Fluttershy point out.

“She went outside!” Rarity cried out.

“And Zecora’s still out there.” Rainbow Dash assed in fear.

“That silly little filly. I told her to stay put.” Applejack said before we started ran out the door.

“Spike, you stay here in case Apple Bloom comes back.” I heard Twilight say behind me.

“Will do!” Spike saluted.

We galloped to the Everfree Forest. Knowing Apple Bloom, she probably followed Zecora. While I don’t know wether Zecora would harm Apple Bloom or not, I’m certain that the predators of the Everfree Forest will. When we arrived at the forest, we found Apple Bloom following Zecora through a patch of blue flowers.

“Apple Bloom?!” Applejack called out. Apple Bloom stopped and turned her head around. “You get back here right now!” She shouted.

“Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those leaves of blue are not a joke!” Zecora exclaimed!

“Y-you keep your mumbo jumbo yourself, you hear!” Applejack yelled as she scooped up Apple Bloom on her back. Everypony beside Twilight and I agreed with Applejack.

“Oh, brother.” Twilight sighed.

“Beware! Beware!” Zecora warned us before she disappeared into the mist.

“Yeah! Back at you, Zecora! You and your lame curse are the ones who’d better beware!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“And you!” Applejack why couldn’t you just listen to your big sister?” Applejack asked Apple Bloom.

“I-I…” Apple Bloom tried to say something.

“Who knows what kind of Nasty curse Zecora could have just put on you?” Applejack said. I don’t know Applejack, that sounded more like a warning to me.

“Just like in my song.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed before singing her song again.

“You guys, there’s no such thing as curses.” Twilight told them.

“Well, that’s interesting to hear coming from Miss Magic Pants herself.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew to Twilight through the blue flowers.

“My magic, real magic, comes from within. It’s a skill you’re born with. Curses are artificial, fake magic. It’s conjured with portions and incantations, all smoke and mirrors meant to scare. But curses have no real power. They’re just an old pony tale.

“Just you wait, Twilight. You’re gonna learn that some pony tales really are true.” Applejack said as everyone else was leaving.

“Okay, that’s it!” I yelled in frustration, gaining everypony’s attention. “Ever since Zecora started coming into town, you all have been treating Zecora like she was the plague.” I told them.

“Crest, how could you defend Zecora?” Rarity asked.

“Because I know what’s it like to be feared by others. Because I’m a THESTRAL!” I yelled at them in anger. My friends went wide eye from my outburst. “One of the reasons I stayed in Ponyville at all was because you all weren’t afraid of thestrals to begin with.” I said, but most of my friends looked at each other in guilt. “Um…right?” I asked in concern.

“Well Crest, you see…” Rainbow Dash tried to say something.

“We heard some scary legends about the thestrals from other ponies. So we assumed all of them were bad. But that was before you save ma when we were fillies.” Applejack explained.

I couldn’t believe most of my best friends were afraid of thestrals. As much of it hurts, I guess I could understand from their perspective. Though that didn’t help with me feeling depressed.

“Alright.” I simply said, before walking past my friends.

“Crest, where are you going?” Fluttershy asked me.

“Home.” I responded as I walked away from them.

I walked ahead of everypony else and went back to the library. Everypony in Ponyville eventually came back outside after Zecora left. I went to my room in the library and laid down on my bed.

The next morning, I woke up feeling I should apologize for my behavior yesterday to my friends. I noticed for some reason everything was out of color, almost blurry. I rubbed my eyes with my paw…

…

Paw?

I looked at my leg and saw that my hoof was turned into a dog’s paw. I quickly started to panic and ran for my mirror. My mouth dropped in shock at my reflection. All of my hoofs became dog paws, my fur became a bit longer, my ears became slightly pointier, my eyes were no longer sharp but round. and my mane became shaggier. It’s almost as if I turned into some sort of pony dog.

“What in Equestria?!” I yelled at my reflection I ran out of my room and found Twilight in the main floor of the library. She was changed as well, only her horn was limp and covered with spots.

“Twilight, what happened?” I asked. Twilight and Spike turned around and were shock at my appearance.

“I…I don’t know. This morning, I was brushing my mane and I found my horn like this. I was looking through the books, but none of them have a cure.” Twilight told me, before she groaned. “There has to be a real reason for this! An illness? An allergy?” Twilight guessed.

“A curse!” Spike told her while holding a book in his claws.

“I said a real reason. Something that points to something real.” Twilight said.

“How about this one.” Spike said, showing her the book.

“Supernaturals?” Twilight read the title. “Spike, the word supernatural refers to things like ghosts and spirits and zombies, which are as make-believe as curses. This book is just a bunch of hooey.” She said, pointing at the book.

“But what if you’re wrong, Twilight? What if this really is a…” Spike didn’t finished as Pinkie came in. What ever happened to us, happened to her as well. Pinkie’s tongue was severely swelled and covered with blue spots as well.

“A purse!” Pinkie said. All that swelling prevented her from speaking clearly.

“A purse? How could it be a purse?” Spike asked.

“Pinkie! What happened?” Twilight asked her.

“Pee pah pah pfurse pah! Pee pah pah pfurse pah pah!” Pinkie Pie tried to say as she was spiting. Spike was standing in the spits path.

“Hey, say it, don’t spray it, Pinkie!” He said.

Suddenly, there was a loud thud from the window. We looked towards and we saw Rainbow Dash trying to get in.

“She’s…trying to say…ow! Zecora…oh. She slapped us all with a…ow. Curse!” Rainbow Dash said as she was trying to fly in. She crashed through the door and got stuck in the ladder. Her wings were on her belly instead of on her back.

“I’m afraid I have to agree.” We heard Rarity. We turned around and saw Rarity’s mane and fur were all frizzled up and soggy.

“I hate to say I told joy so, Twilight, but I told you so!” We heard Applejack in a squeaky voice. We turned to the source of the voice. We found Applejack was reduced to the size of our hooves and was on the back of her little sister. I couldn’t help but think that’s a little ironic, bad pun attended. “It’s a curse, I tells ya!” She said.

“But Fluttershy seems just fine.” Twilight exclaimed. She’s right, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with Fluttershy.

“Yes. There doesn’t seem to be a thing wrong with her.” Rarity added.

“Fluttershy? Are you okay?” Twilight asked her.

Fluttershy frowned and looked away.

“Is there something wrong with you?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded again while looking worried. “Would you care to tell us?” Twilight asked, a little irritated. Fluttershy looked away again. “So…you’re not gonna tell us?” Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, you’re not, or yes, you will?”

Applejack ran over to Fluttershy on the table. “Good gravy, girl! what’s wrong with you?!” She asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Fluttershy said in a deep male voice. We gasped beyond belief.

Spike snorted before bursting out laughing. “This is hilarious! Look at all of you! We got hair-ity , Rainbow Crash, Spitty Pie, Apple-tini, flutterguy, doggy shield, and… uh…I got nothing. Twilight Sparkle. I mean, seriously, I can’t even work with that.” Spike complained.

“Ah-ha-ha-ha.” Twilight said sarcastically. “This is no joke, Spike. Now, start looking for more books so I can find a cure.” She told him. Spike was holding his laughter as Twilight’s horn was wobbling.

Spike groaned as Rainbow Dash was trying the pull herself out of a ladder. I walked over to help. I held the ladder down as Rainbow Dash squeezed out of it.

“I think we’ll find a cure to this curse at Zecora’s place!” Rainbow Dash said while flying unbalanced.

“It’s not a curse!” Twilight told her before Rainbow Dash flew into the shelf.

“I agree with Dash. We’ll go to Zakora’s and force her to remove this hex.” Applejack proclaimed.

“It’s not a hex either!” Twilight yelled.

Everyone started arguing whether Zecora cursed us or not. If she did curse us, it would have been when we went into the Everfree Forest. Wait a minute, why hasn’t Apple Bloom changed as well? She was with us when we encountered Zecora.

“It’s time to pony up and confront Zecora. Come on, everypony; are you with me?” Rainbow Dash asked us.

“Wait a second.” I said. “Why didn’t Apple Bloom change like us? She was with us yesterday.” I asked them. They looked at each other and realized it a well.

“Well, maybe that’s because Apple Bloom was on Applejack’s back. What do you think, Applejack? Applejack” Rainbow Dash asked, but Applejack was nowhere to be seen.

“Pf she’s gone pft!” Pinkie Pie spat.

“Aah! Somepony stepped on her!” Rarity exclaimed as she checked her back hoof. All of us checked our hoofs as well. Well, I checked my paw.

“Or sat on her.” Twilight added. We checked there as well.

“Rarity’s hair!” Rainbow Dash suggested.

Pinkie Pie began searching through Rarity’s hair. “Oh! Oh! Pinkie, what are you doing?” Rarity gasped. “Really, ow! Ever hear of personal space?!”

“Nope.” Pinkie Pie replied, shaking her head.

“Apple Bloom is gone too!” Twilight exclaimed.

“I bet they went after Zecora.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Well, we’d better go find them.” Twilight said as she began walking out. “Come on everypony. Let’s go.”

Rarity tried to move, but was stopped because Pinkie Pie was stepping on her hair. “Oh, dear. Oh, this is so unseemly. Aah!” Rarity broke free before running out.

“Hey, a little help here?” Rainbow Dash asked flying upside down on the floor.

“Oopsie. Sorry.” Fluttershy said. She and I went over to her and helped her up. Which only caused her to crash again. I was going to suggest she stops flying, but she already flew out the door.

“Uh, S-Spike? A-are you coming?” Fluttershy asked.

“Nope. Uh… Got to stay here and look for a cure.” Spike said before he gasped. “Twilight Flopple!”

I shook my head and ran ran to the others. When I went outside, I stopped and realized I didn’t have my sunglasses on. I admit, I’m a bit happy I was looking outside on a bright day, even though it’s from a dog’s eyes perspective.

“pest, eeme em!” I heard Pinkie Pie. I shook my head and ran to catch up with the others.

We galloped into the forest as quick as possible.

“Come on, everypony. We’ve got to get to Zecora’s.” Twilight announced.

Unfortunately, Rarity tripped on her loose strands of hair. “Easier said than done.” She said, after she got some leafs and dirt in her hair.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Rainbow Dash reeled before she crashed into a bush. She lost control and landed on a thick bush.

“Rainbow Dash!” I yelled as I ran over to her. Suddenly, Applejack popped her mouth.

“Applejack?! I said in shock.

“Crest! Rainbow! Thank Celestia! There’s no time to lose!” Applejack said as she got out of Rainbow Dash’s mouth.

Applejack made a make shift halter from a stick and vine, and placed it on Rainbow Dash’s muzzle. “I need to get to Zecora’s pronto! Giddy up pony!” She said as she got onto Rainbow Dash.

“Excuse me?!” Rainbow Dash said irritated.

“Yee haw!” Applejack yelled before she kicked Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash instantly started flying after that. “What the…” I heard Rainbow Dash, before she flew away.

“No, Rainbow Dash! Other Way!” I heard Applejack yell before Rainbow Dash changed course.

I ran behind them and we caught up with the rest of the group. We stopped when we found multiple paths.

“Does anypony know which way to Zecora’s?” Twilight asked us. All of us shook our heads.

Surprisingly, I started smelling the scent of apples on one path. My eye’s opened in realization and I looked at everypony else.

“Girls, I think I smell Apple Bloom.” I told them.

“What? How?” Twilight asked.

“I think me being a dog pony enhanced my sense of smell. I can smell apples heading that way.” I told them, pointing my paw at the left path.

“Great! Lead the way, Crest.” Applejack said. I nodded and ran ahead of the group. The smell of apples were getting stronger as we ran. We eventually found Zecora’s hut. The hut was built inside a tree that was surrounded by masks. The smell of apples led to the door, but it was then leading away from it.

“Girls, I think Apple Bloom was here, but the smell is leading away from the hut.” I told them.

“We should at least check what is inside and see what Zecora’s doing.” Twilight suggested. I nodded in agreement. Maybe we can find something that proves Zecora didn’t curse us.

“Oh! I look horrible!” Rarity exclaimed, having leaves, twigs, and mud in her hair.

Pinkie Pie lifted Rarity’s hair to see Zecora’s hut. “Plis place plooks horrible!”

“Oh, my. That place really does look horrible.” Rarity said.

We snuck to the window and looked inside. There were many tribal masks and bowl in the room.

“Nice decorations; if you like creepy!” Rarity said, looking at the decorations.

Zecora walked in, carrying a bowl. We hid our head back so Zecora wouldn’t see us. She purred what looked like purple beads in a cauldron and started chanting in her native language.

“Pfhe whole my psung! She split mm mm!” Pinkie Pie spat angrily.

“She stole your song?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, Pinkie. It doesn’t sound anything like your song.” Twilight responded.

Pinkie Pie nodded in anger at her before looking over at Fluttershy. She ran over to Fluttershy and begged her. Even going so far as using the puppy dog eyes on her.

Fluttershy sighed in annoyance and began to sing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1Gk20fdzQA

I have to say, I kinda liked the song in Fluttershy’s guy voice.

“You saw those terrible things. Now do you believe us, Crest, Twilight?” Rarity asked us.

“Scary looking masks, confusing incantations, and a great, big bubbling cauldron?” Twilight sighed. “Oh everything is pointing to zecora being… bad. Or…What is Zecora just making soup.” Twilight suggested.

I didn’t want to assume Zecora was evil, so I started think of another explanation of our changes beside a curse. The last time we saw Zecora was when we headed into the Everfree Forest for Apple Bloom. Then she started rhyming about the blue plants. Wait a minute, all of us touched those plants beside Apple Bloom, because she was on Applejack’s back.

“The perfect temperature for ponies, I presume. Now, where is that little Apple Bloom?” I heard Zecora asked herself.

“Or…what if she’s making Apple Bloom soup?” Twilight exclaimed, causing everypony to scream.

Suddenly, I saw Rainbow Dash fly through Zecora’s front door. Rainbow Dash was crashing into almost everything. Zecora was speaking The girls and I quickly barged in.

“What have you done with Apple Bloom?!” Twilight demanded.

I saw Applejack with her tiny lasso and threw it a Zecora’s ear. She jumped on her head and wrestled her ear. Zecora just looked at her in confusion. I pounced Rainbow Dash to stop her crashing into things. We ended up crashing into the large pot, causing it to spill over.

“Ow.” I said, feeling the bruise on my back.

“No! You know not what you do! You’ve gone and spilled my precious brew!” Zecora exclaimed.

“We’re onto you, Zacora. I didn’t want to believe that you cursed us, but the evidence is overwhelming.” Twilight told her. I got up and tried to get some of the green liquid off me.

“You made me look ridiculous.” Rarity accused.

“You made me sound ridiculous!” Fluttershy accused.

“Pee pfuh pfuh found put plug psi plus!” Pinkie accused.

“You ruined my horn!” Twilight accused.

“How dare you! You destroy my home, destroy my work, then rudely accuse me of being a jerk?!” Zecora defended in anger.

“You put this curse on us, now you’re gonna un-curse us!” Rainbow Dash demanded.

“Zecora didn’t do any of those thing, girls.” I told them, defending Zecora. The girls looked at me surprised.

“What! Crest, how could you say that? After everything we’ve seen.” Twilight asked.

“Because I figured out what made us ridiculous.” I told them. Before I could explain however, I started smiling the scent of apples from the front door.

“Zecora, I think I found all the things You asked for.” We heard Apple Bloom as she came in the front door and noticed the situation. “What in Ponyville is going on here?” She asked.

Applejack gasped. “Apple Bloom! You’re okay!” She exclaimed, still holding onto Zecora’s ear.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Apple Bloom asked smiling.

“Because Zecora is an evil enchantress who cursed us and was gonna cook you up into soup.” Twilight said after she jumped in front of Apple Bloom.

Zecora and Apple Bloom started laughing at Twilight’s accusation.

“Oh, Twilight. Did those silly fillies get in your head? You know there’s no such thing as a curse.” Apple Bloom said.

“Apple Bloom, sweetie. You can’t just stand there and tell me this isn’t a curse.” Twilight said, gesturing to our changes.

“This isn’t a curse.” Apple Bloom walked by and saying it.

“Girls, remember when Zecora was rhyming about the blue plant. She wasn’t cursing us, she was warning us about it.” I explained to them.

“That plant is called poison joke.” Apple Bloom told us.

“That plant is much like poison oak, but its result are like a joke.” Zecora added.

“What in the hay does that mean?” Applejack asked, still standing on Zecora’s head.

“It means this plant does not breed wrath. Instead, this plant just wants a laugh.” Zecora tried to explained.

Applejack paused for a moment, trying to understand what Zecora just said. “Will somepony please talk normal?” She said.

“I think what she’s saying is that when we ran in to save Apple Bloom, we ran into the poison joke. All our problems are just little jokes it played on us.” Twilight responded.

“Little joke?! Very funny.” Applejack said sarcastically.

“Okay. Fine. But what about the cauldron?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“And the Chanting?” Fluttershy asked.

“And the creepy decor?” Rarity asked.

“Treasures of the native land where I am from.” Zecora said as she looked over at a couple of masks leaning against the wall. “This one speaks hello, and this welcome.”

“Not welcome at all, if you ask me.” Rarity said, looking a another tribal mask.

“The words I chanted were from olden times. Something you call a nursery rhyme.” Zecora explained.

“But the cauldron, the Apple Bloom soup?” Twilight questioned.

“Looky here, Twilight, that pot of water wasn’t for me. It was for all of these herbal ingredients. The cure for poison joke is a simple old natural remedy.” Apple Bloom explained as Twilight walked over to the book Apple Bloom gestured to. “You just got to take a bubble bath.” Apple Bloom finished as she picked Applejack up with her hoof.

“But I tried to find a cure in all my books and couldn’t find anything. What book has this natural remedy?” Twilight asked.

Zecora walked over to the book. “Here is the book. You see? Sad that you lack it in your library.” Zecora said as she showed Twilight the cover of the book. It was the same book Twilight thought was hocus.

Twilight realized this and looked disappointed. “Actually, I do have this book. But I didn’t look inside because the title was so…weird.” Zecora opened the book again, showing Twilight a page. “Supernaturals: Natural remedies and cure-alls that are simply super.” Twilight read out loud. “I…I… I’m so sorry, Zecora. I had the answer the whole time, if only I’d bothered to look inside.” Twilight admitted.

Zecora laughed. “Maybe next time you will take a second look and not judge the cover of the book.” Zecora told them, making them feel disappointed for their behavior.

I nodded in agreement.

Applebloom laughed.

“Zecora, would you be kind enough to mix up another batch of the herbal bath?” Twilight requested.

“Mix it up, I certainly will. Yes I am missing an herb from Ponyville.” Zecora said.

“But whenever Zecora comes to town, all the shops are mysteriously closed.” Apple Bloom explained.

“Oh, well, I think we can help you with that.” Twilight said.

“We walked back to Ponyville. It wasn’t a surprise everypony started running away in fear when they saw our change. Everypony ran for their houses and shops to hide. Twilight walked up to the flower shop and knocked on the door. The door opened up slightly showing Daisy, one of the owners.

“Daisy, we need to talk.” Twilight said.

She explained the situation and how everypony misjudged Zecora. The shop ponies sold us the ingredients and we made our way to the spa. The spa ponies let Zecora make a bubble bath after we explained what happened.

Zecora and Apple Bloom made the bubble bath and we jumped in there. As we were relaxing in the water, I started to change back into my old self. Unfortunately, that also meant my eyes went back to normal.

“Ow.” I said. My eyes started hurting from the light in the room.

“Crest? are you alright?” Twilight asked me.

“Yeah, I forgot I left my sunglasses at home. I may need your help when we head back, Twilight.” I asked.

“Okay.” Twilight responded before pausing for a moment. “Dear Princess Celestia, my friends and I learned an important lesson this week. ‘never judge a book by its cover’. Someone may look unusual or funny or scary, but you have to look past that and learn who they are inside. real friends don’t care what your cover is. It’s the contents of a pony that count. And a good friend, like a good book, is something that will last forever. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” She wrote out out loud.

“Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath. It’s simply luxurious.” I heard one of the spa ponies say.

“Applejack! Hey! Where’s Applejack?!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

We gasped and screamed as we searched for Applejack in the bath. Without my eyesight, I wasn’t much help.

“I’m right here, little sis. I ain’t tiny no more.” Applejack announced. I slightly open my eyes to see her laying backward on a large cup.

“Oh! I have never felt so lovely in all my life.” Rarity said.

Pinkie Pie suddenly came out of the water next to Rarity. “Oh, my gosh! I never realized how horrible it is not to be able to talk! I mean, I love talking so much, and when I couldn’t talk anymore, my tongue was all…aaaah” She exclaimed sticking her tongue out. “It was the worst! Don’t you agree, Fluttershy?” She asked her.

For a moment, there was a pause. “Yes.” Fluttershy answered in her sweet voice.

All of us laughed.

“Crest, we owe you apology.” Rarity said, making me raise an eyebrow. “We should have known better than to judge others different than us. Especially when we first met you.” Rarity explained. My friends apologized to me.

“Don’t worry about it girls. Sometimes we need a reminder of the lesson’s we’ve learned. Also, I want to apologize how I behaved when I found out you all were afraid of thestrals, but all of you used be afraid of thestrals, not anymore. So it’s alright.” I told them with my eye’s slightly opened.

My friends smiled at me and we enjoyed our time in the bubble bath.

Chapter 11: Swarm of the Century

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I woke up early this morning to start cleaning my room. My mom was coming to Ponyville for a visit tomorrow. Even though it was a casual visit, Twilight wanted to make the visit perfect.

“Oh, hurry up, Spike and Crest. This place isn’t gonna clean itself.” Twilight told us as we were picking the books off the ground. Twilight was cleaning the desk with a pink duster.

“It also didn’t mess itself up.” I heard Spike mumble as he carried a stack of books.

“Princess Celestia will be here tomorrow!” Twilight urged us as she continued dusting.

“Twilight, you do realize this is a informal visit, right?” I told her as I place a couple of books on the shelf.

“Are you kidding! There’s nothing informal about a visit from royalty! I want this place to be spotless, and Spike barely made a dent in the clutter!” Twilight told frantically.

“Maybe you should…start reading them…one at a time!” Spike retorted as he was climbing a ladder with a stack of books. I noticed he was losing his grip on the ladder from carrying those books. “Whoa!” Spike yelled as he fell off. I quickly got beneath Spike and caught him on my back. “Thank’s Crest.” Spike said as he got down.

Twilight walked over to us. “Everything’s got to be perfect. No time for fooling around!” Twilight told us.

I wanted to tell her to relax, but I figured it would be best to get everything sorted out first.

“You know, this would be an awful lot easier if there weren’t three of us here getting under each other’s feet.” Spike told us.

“Great idea. You clean. Crest and I will go and see how everyone else’s preparations are coming.” Twilight said before she gave Spike the duster and walked away.

“Well, maybe I should…” Spike tried to say, but Twilight was already out the door.

“I’m sorry about Twilight, Spike. How about I bake you a gem cupcake for tonight.” I offered, hoping that would lift his spirit. I I do is make a cupcake and put small shards of gems in them.

“Leave it to me! I’ll have this place clean up in no time.” Spike excitedly proclaimed as he got to work. I chuckled slightly before I left to catch up with Twilight.

After I caught up with Twilight, we headed towards the park where the welcome event is being held. So far the decorations looked spectacular. The trees were decorated with bells and ribbons. Twilight seemed satisfied with how everyone is doing with the decorations. A pair of female ponies lifted two poles with a cloth between the top of the two. Twilight and I read it and noticed something wrong. Part of Celestia’s name was caught off. It only said Celest.

“What happened to the rest of her name?” Twilight asked them.

“We couldn’t fit it all in.” One of them said.

“Maybe you could have written a little smaller.” I suggested to them.

“Exactly. You can’t hang a banner that says ‘Welcome, Princess Celest. Take it down, and try again.” Twilight told them before she ran off to check on the other preparations with me following her. She stopped near Bon Bon, who was watering the plants.

“That looks perfect. Keep up the good work.” Twilight complemented Bon Bon before running off. I ran next to her.

“Twilight, I know you want to make the visit perfect for Princess Celestia, but you need to relax.” I told her.

“I can’t Crest. Princess Celestia will be expecting everything perfect. I can’t let her down.” Twilight said as she ran to town.

I sighed to myself. Why I do I even try?

We ran over to Sugercube Corner next to check on the banquet. Twilight popped her head through the door.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How’s the banquet coming?” Twilight asked them. I moved next to her and saw the Cakes setting up the deserts.

“Uh, it would be coming a little better i-if…” Mrs. Cake looked the deserts, but it looked like somepony took a bite off of each one. Our eye settled on a pink cake with a yellow crown on it. At least until Pinkie gobbled the whole thing and I realized that crown was sitting on Pinkie’s head instead of the cake.

“Pinkie! What are you doing?! Those sweets are supposed to be for the Princess!” Twilight told Pinkie.

“I-I know. That’s why I’m tasting them. Company needs to make sure that everything is tasty enough to touch the royal tongue, and I, Pinkie Pie, declare that these treats are fit for a king. Or a Queen. Or a Princess!” Pinkie exclaimed before she ran over to another cake.

“Crest, Twilight, Pinkie! You won’t believe!” We heard Fluttershy’s voice. We turned to the front door to see her come in. “Oh, I’m sorry. Uh, am I interrupting?” She asked us.

“No, not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home.” Pinkie Pie replied before she opened her mouth to eat the cake. I grabbed the cake and slide it away from her before she took a bite out of it. Pinkie Pie glared at me a little for denying her the delicious cake.

“So Fluttershy, was there something you wanted to tell us.” I asked her, changing the subject.

“You won’t believe what I found at the edge of the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy told us before she looked at her mane. “Come on out, little guy. It’s okay.” She said. Some sort of cute blue bug popped out of Fluttershy’s mane and flew on her back. Two more of the same creature flew out as well. One of them was yellow while the other was brown. “Three.” Fluttershy gasped. I raised one of my eyebrows, wondering why she gasped at them.

“They’re amazing. What are they?” Twilight asked her.

“I’m not sure. I’m also not sure where these other two came from.” Fluttershy told us, as the bugs flew above us. I wondered if they got in her mane without her noticing.

“I’ll take one of your hooves. I’ve never seen anything so…adorable.” Twilight offered as the cute bug landed on her front leg and she hugged it. Twilight noticed how she was acting in front of us and blushed. “Besides, it’ll be nice to have a companion for Spike so he won’t bother me so much while I’m studying and Crest’s training.” She said as the bug flew behind her.

“Pinkie, do you want the other one?” Fluttershy asked her.

Pinkie Pie stuck her tongue out in disgust. “Ugh! A parasprite?! Are you kidding?!” She said before she walked past us.

“Ugh?” Fluttershy said in confusion.

“A para-what?” Twilight and I asked. I never heard of that kind of insect.

“How could you not like…” Fluttershy said before Pinkie spoke up.

“Ugh! Now I got to go find a trombone!” Pinkie Pie told us. We looked at each other, wondering why Pinkie meant.

“A what?” Twilight asked.

“A trombone. You know.” Pinkie said before she imitate playing the trombone and left.

“Typical Pinkie.” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. The bug with Twilight flew next to her head. I can’t help but wonder why Pinkie Pie was so disgusted by something so cute.

“How about you, Crest? Would you like one?” Fluttershy asked me.

I looked at the bugs and wonder if Pinkie knows something we don’t.

“Um, thank you, Fluttershy, but I’m okay.” I told Fluttershy politely.

“Oh, okay then.” Fluttershy replied.

Twilight and I left the bakery and headed for Rarity’s boutique.

“Twilight, do you think Pinkie knows something about these insects we don’t? She did call them by name.” I asked her.

“Oh, I’m sure Pinkie is just being Pinkie.” Twilight replied, before we went inside of Rarity’s shop.

Surprisingly, we saw Rarity somehow got Rainbow Dash to wear a royal gown. It was obvious Rainbow Dash was anything but happy about it.

“Wow! Rarity, those outfits are gorgeous.” Twilight said, admiring the cloths Rarity made. I nodded in agreement. Though I don’t exactly think it goes with Rainbow Dash.

Rarity giggled. "Thank you, Twilight. Nice to know someone appreciate my talents.” Rarity said smiling.

Rainbow Dash brought her hooves to her eyes and groans. “So boring!” She complained.

Just then, the critter is Twilight’s mane chortled.

“Huh?” Rarity said walking up to Twilight.

“What’s that sound, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying behind Twilight.

The insect popped out of Twilight’s mane. except it was blue. It flew out of Twilight’s mane, revealing two other insects with it. Okay, now I know something’s going on. Twilight looked equally surprised.

“Wow! What are they?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“The better question is, where did they come from? I only had one a minute ago.” Twilight said a little concerned.

“I-I’ll take one!” Rainbow Dash said grabbing one and smile.

“Me too! Oh, they’re perfect!” Rarity said, admiring how cute they were.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie came through the door. “Does Anypony know where I can find an accordion?!” She asked, but everypony else was too busy with their own cute bugs.

“I’m not sure Pinkie. Maybe Octavia and Vinyl Scratch know where one is.” I suggested. Octavia and Vinyl are musicians in Ponyville.

“Oh! Good idea Crest!” Pinkie Pie said before running off.

I wanted to ask what she knew of these parasprites, but I didn’t get the chance. Just then, I noticed the sun going down.

“We better get going Twilight. It’s almost dark.” I told her. She looked outside and saw the sun going down as well.

“Your right, Crest. We’ll see you two tomorrow.” Twilight said to Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

“Toodles.” “See ya.” Rarity and Rainbow Dash said.

“See you too later.” I said to them before Twilight and I left.

Twilight and I returned to the library. When we got there, Spike had already made the place sparkling clean. As promised, I made him a gem cupcake for desert. We introduced him the the critter Fluttershy for and this time it was just one. Spike of course found him adorable. After dinner, we turned in for the night. Spike was completely tuckered out so I carried him on my back to Twilight’s room.

“Oh, the decorations, the banquet. I really hope everything comes together in time for tomorrow.” Twilight said, looking out the window.

“Don’t worry, Twilight. We would still have time in the morning to do one last check for the preparations.” I said to her as I tucked Spike and the parasprite on his bed.

Twilight smiled a bit and looked down at Spike with the parasprite sleeping next to him. Twilight yawned a bit. “What’s there to worry about?” Twilight said. Why do I get the feeling she just jinxed something.

“Well, we better get some rest. Goodnight Twilight.” I said as I walked to the door.

“Goodnight Crest. See you tomorrow.” Twilight replied.

I went into my room and laid on my bed. “Shoot! I forgot to read about those parasprites. Oh well, I can look them up tomorrow.” I said before I fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke to see a green parasprite in front of my face.

“Huh?” I said before I looked around my bed room. “WHAT!” I said in surprise. My entire room was swarming with parasprites flying about. I ran out of my room and headed straight for Twilight’s room. Unfortunately, her room had a swarm of parasprites as well. Twilight was next to Spike’s bed.

“What happened?!” I asked them.

“I don’t know. The little guy got hungry in the night. So I gave him a snack, but I have no idea where these others came from.” Spike said.

I thought of what Spike said and the other times parasprites came out of no where. I had a pretty good guess what happened. “Maybe they multiply after they eat enough nutrient. That would explain where the other parasprites came from in your and Fluttershy’s mane, Twilight.” I told her. Twilight seemed to agree.

Suddenly parasprites started messing up Twilight’s room. They were pulling the books of the shelves. “Oh, no! They’re messing up all my hard work!” Spike exclaimed.

“The Princess will be here in a few hours!” Twilight said.

Spike tried to grab a parasprite carrying a letter, but he missed. Twilight grabbed a duster with her magic and got them to drop the objects the parasprites were carrying.

“Spike, Crest, help me round up these little guys.” Twilight told him.

Spike managed to get a pile of them in a basket. “What does it…does it look like I’m doing.” He responded as he struggled with the holding the basket, but he fell down and the parasprite landed on him. Twilight used her duster and got the parasprite to fly off him and looked angry at him.

“I know. I know. Stop fooling around.” Spike said.

I took off Twilight’s blanket from her bed. “Twilight, use this.” I told her, holding the blanket in my mouth. Twilight smiled and levitated the blanket, using it as a net to swoop up all the parasprites.

“Good thinking Crest.” Twilight said.

“Thanks.” I replied before I realized something. “Wait. If the parasprites here multiplied, what about the ones at our friend’s houses?” I asked.

Twilight’s and Spike’s eye’s widen in shock.” Oh my gosh, your right. We need to get to Fluttershy. She’s the only one who can talk to them. Spike, stay here and clean the place up.” Twilight ordered. Spike sighed, having to clean up again.

Twilight and I got the parasites in our saddle bags and ran off to Fluttershy’s cottage. Along the way, we saw Rarity, who was also carrying her saddle bag. We came to a sliding stop in front of her.

“I see we’re having the same problem.” Rarity said, seeing Twilight’s bag filled with Parasprites.

“DITTO!” We we heard Rainbow Dash yelled. We saw her flying with a bunch of parasprites clinging to her. Rainbow Dash kept flying away, trying to loose them.

"Fluttershy knows everything about animals. I’m sure she can tell us how to stop them multiplying.” Twilight said as she ran for Fluttershy’s cottage.

We arrived to Fluttershy cottage and was about to knock on her door, but a swarm a parasprites flew out.

“Or not.” Twilight said in worry.

Rainbow Dash joined us, finally losing the parasprites and we went inside. The entire cottage was filled with parasprites flying wildly.

“Do something, Fluttershy! Can’t you control them?” Twilight asked her in distress.

“I’ve tried everything I know. I’ve tried begging and pleading and beseeching and asking politely and…” Fluttershy didn’t finish as parasprite with a small pot flew at her.

“If we can’t get them under control before the Princess arrives, it’ll be total disaster!” Twilight exclaimed.

One of the parasprites flew in front of Rarity and spit out some sort of blob of gunk. That blob turned into a parasprite. So that’s how they multiply.

“Ew! If you ask me, it’s already a total disaster.” Rarity exclaimed in disgust.

Just then, Applejack came, pulling a cart filled with apples. “Here’s all those apples you wanted, Fluttershy, but I still can’t figure why you need so many.” She said before a swarm of parasprites ate all the apples in her cart. “Hey!”

“What do we do?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight suddenly gasped. “I got it! Nopony can herd like Applejack.”

“Yeah! We can drive them back into the forest.” Rainbow Dash agreed.

It was a good plan, though I’m worried a single one might manage to get away.

“I’ll hassle them up, but I’ll need everypony’s help to do it.” Applejack told us. All of us nodded. “Twilight, you and Rarity wait over there. Crest and I will herd the little critters straight at you, like a funnel.” Applejack told them. Rarity and Twilight ran to their position. “Rainbow Dash, you and Fluttershy stay on top of them. Don’t let them fly away.”

“Aye, aye!” Rainbow Dash saluted before she and Fluttershy flew to the air.

“Ready, Crest?” Applejack asked me.

“Always.” I replied smirking.

“YEE-HAW!” Applejack and before we ran at the parasprites.

The parasprites flew away from us as we chased them. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy herded the parasprite in the air to one spot. Twilight and Rarity did the same and the ground. We managed to herd them in one bit ball of parasprites.

“All right, y’all. Here goes nothin’!” Applejack said as we led the pile of parasprites back to the Everfree Forest. “Look out, Rarity! That one’s fixin to get away! Keep a lid on them, Rainbow Dash!” She told them as we were nearing the forest. “Hold on, girls and Crest! We’re almost there!”

I was glad we were almost rid of them, but I noticed Pinkie showed up out of no where and was running next to Twilight.

“Pinkie!” Twilight said surprised.

“Twilight, we don’t have much time!” Pinkie told her.

“You’re telling me! The Princess could arrive at any moment!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Exactly! That’s why I need you gals and Crest to drop what you’re doing and help me find some maracas!” Pinkie told her. Why does Pinkie need maracas now?

“Maracas?" Twilight said confused. "Pinkie, we’ve got much bigger problems than missing maracas.” Twilight responded, a bit annoyed.

Pinkie Pie gasped. “You’re right! Getting a tuba has to be our number-one goal! Follow me!” She said before running the other direction we were going. She ran backwards at us. “I said ‘follow me!’”

Rainbow Dash flew over her. “Pinkie Pie, you are so random.” She told her.

“And you all are so stubborn!” Pinkie yelled before running off. I wondered why Pinkie need musical instruments so badly.

“Forget her, everypony. Focus! Head them up and move them out!” Applejack yelled as we got closer to the Everfree Forest. When we got close enough, we stopped and let the pile of parasprites roll into the Everfree Forest.

“All right!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Fluttershy let our her hooves. Rainbow slammed her hoof down on Fluttershy’s hard.

“Ouch.” Fluttershy said feeling the pain. Rainbow Dash looked a bit regretful for doing it that hard.

“We did it! Nice work, Applejack.” Twilight exclaimed as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed next to Applejack.

“Couldn’t have done it without y’all.” Applejack replied.

“Now let’s get back and clean up the mess they made before the Princess arrives.” Twilight told us.

“Right.” I said as we head back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Okay. Everyone know what to do, right?” We got to work extra hard to make up for lost time.

Just then, I though I saw a small bug through Fluttershy’s window. “Hey, we’re sure that we go all the parasprite, right?” I asked them.

Everyone looked at me with concern on their faces. “Yes. Why?” Twilight asked.

Fluttershy opened her door and a swarm of parasprites burst out of the door. We were completely surrounded by them.

“Where did they come from?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Well, I may have kept just one.” Fluttershy said chuckling.

All of us gave her a frustrating look as a pair of parasprites took Applejack’s hat off her head.

“I couldn’t help myself. They’re just…so…cute.” Fluttershy told us as a parasprite was jumping on her back.

I sighed, figuring I should have known Fluttershy would do something like this.

“We don’t have time to keep rounding up these things! What do we do now?” Twilight asked near panic.

“We call in the weather patrol!” Rainbow Dash said wearing eye goggles on her head. I wondered where she got those so quick. She shot off the ground and flew over us. Everyone else I chased after the parasprites, but they were scattered around. I heard Rainbow Dash yelling.

I looked up and Rainbow Dash was zipping through the air. She swirled around a single spot and created a rainbow tornado. All the parasprites around us were caught by the wind of the tornado and pulled inside of it.

“Way to go, Rainbow Dash!” I yelled smiling as all the parasprites started to get pulled into the tornado. The wind from the tornado got stranger and we were forced to hold onto whatever we could find.

“Looks like our problems are solved!” Applejack said.

“They will be with these cymbals!” We heard Pinkie yell as she arrived with the musical instruments. Said instruments got pulled away from Pinkie because of the wind. “Hey! Give me those back!” She yelled in anger as the pair of cymbals flew to the tornado.

Rainbow Dash had to dodge the musical instruments and got caught in he own tornado. “I can’t hold it! She’s breaking up!” Rainbow Dash yelled before she thrown out of it. Acting on quick reflex, I ran up and jumped, catching her in mid air. We rolled on the ground with Rainbow Dash next to me.

“Are you okay?” I asked Dash.

“Yeah, thanks for the save.” Rainbow thanked me as she helped me up.

Unfortunately, the parasprites escaped from Dash’s tornado and flew directly towards Ponyville. Rainbow Dash and I returned to the others.

“Pinkie Pie, what have you done?” Twilight yelled at her in frustration.

“I’ve lost a brand-new pair of cymbals! That’s what I’ve done!” Pinkie answered, not realizing she just helped the parasprites escape.

“Will you forget about your silly instruments for one second? You’re ruining our efforts to save Ponyville!” Twilight told her.

“Me?! Ruin?! I’m not the ruiner! I’m the ruinee! Or is it is ruiness? Ruinette?” Pinkie Pie thought as she sat down.

“Come on, everyone. There’s no reasonin’ with that one. She’s a few apples short of a bushel.” Applejack said.

They ran off to Ponyville, but I stayed behind to confirm something.

“Hey! I’m trying to tell you all that the ruining is on the other hoof! If you’d just slow down and listen to me!” Pinkie Pie screamed.

I walked up to her. “Pinkie, why is it so important to get musical instruments?” I asked her.

Pinkie Pie looked in surprise. “Crest, you’ll listen to me?” She asked.

“Of course, but I don’t understand why you need musical instruments so badly.” I said.

“Well, you see I had a problem with those disgusting, yet cute, parasprites at my family’s rock farm a while back and I found out they like music. So I played a trombone to lead them away from the farm.” Pinkie Pie explained.

“So that’s why you were so focused on gathering musical instruments.” I said.

“Exactly, but we’ll need more instruments.” Pinkie said, thinking where we could get some more.

I thought for a moment before a lightbulb went off in my head. “What about the orchestra for Princess Celestia? They should have some musical instruments. Not only that, Rarity has a flute in her shop and Applejack has a harmonica” I said. We ran off to Ponyville as fast as we could.

When we reached Ponyville, all the parasprites were eating all the food. “Come on, we need to find the orchestra.” I told Pinkie Pie. When we found them, we would have asked them to lend us their instruments, but they were busy running from the parasprites.

We grabbed some tambourines and ran over to Twilight and the others.

“Look! Tambourines! If you could all just…” Pinkie didn’t finish as she noticed they weren’t listening to her. “AAAAH!” She screamed in frustration before she ran off.

“Twilight, you really need to…” I didn’t finish as I noticed a parasprite wasn’t eating a apple inside a bucket. Twilight sighed in relief. That was before the bug ate the bucket and NOT the apple. The parasprites immediately start eating everything that wasn’t food. What in equestrian happened?

A apple landed in front of Rainbow Dash. “Hey. It worked.” Rainbow Dash, looking at Twilight. “They’re not eating the food anymore.” She said, pointing at the apple. Wait, did Twilight really cast a spell on them.

“Oh, no! if they get inside my store… EVERYPONY FOR HERSELF.” Rarity exclaimed, before running off to her boutique. Everyone else ran off as well. Twilight ran for the library and Applejack went off to her farm.

Pinkie Pie went to Rarity’s boutique to get a flute while I got a harmonica from Applejack’s farm. Applejack wanted me to help her to defend the orchard, but I told her I had a plan and ran off. Pinkie Pie and I met up at the edge of town as it was getting destroyed by parasprites.

“Pinkie Pie, what should we play?” I asked her as she put on a bunch of musical instruments, which I still don't understand how she could play all of them at once. I attached the harmonica to a music saddle that helps ponies play music without using their hoofs. I noticed something moving in the sky and it was Princess Celestia's chariot be pulled by royal guards.

“A parade music, silly.” Pinkie replied as she started playing the instrument. I shrugged my shoulder and started to play the harmonica.

We walked to Ponyville while playing our instruments. The parasprites started listening to the music we were playing. Twilight saw us playing our instruments.

“Pinkie and Crest, we’re in the middle of a crisis here. This is no time for…” Twilight noticed the parasprites listening to the music. “…Nonsense.”

The Parasprites started following Pinkie and I as we walked through Ponyville, bouncing off the ground in the rhythm of the music. Our friends looked dumbfounded as we walked through Ponyville with the parasprites following us. Pinkie and I lead the parasprites out of town and back to the Everfree Forest.

As we were almost to the forest, I saw Princess Celestia in her chariot being pulled by royal the guards land nearby. Our friends ran ahead of us and bowed to her.

Pinkie Pie nudged me. I looked at Pinkie Pie and her eyes darted between me and my Mom. I got what she was trying to say and smiled. I stopped playing the harmonica and stepped away from the marching of parasprites behind me. I walked over to Princess Celestia and my friends.

“Twilight Sparkle, my prized pupil!” Princess Celestia greeted her.

“Hello, Princess.” Twilight responded nervously.

“So lovely to see you again, as well as your friends.” Princess Celestia said. She turned to me and gently smile.

Pinkie clashed the cymbals, interrupting our conversation. My friends looked nervously at the parasprite parade while Princess Celestia looked shock.

“So… How’s the trip? Hit much traffic?” Twilight asked her, trying to change the subject.

Celestia gasped a little. “What is this?” She asked as a parasprite landed on her wing. Celestia chuckled a bit. “These creatures are adorable.” She said.

“They’re not That adorable.” I heard Rainbow Dash muttered.

“I’m terribly honored that you and the good citizens of Ponyville have organized a parade in honor of my visit.” Princess Celestia thanked us.

“Parade?” Twilight asked in confusion. “Oh, yes! The parade!” She said, going with it.

“You can thank Pinkie Pie, Princess. It was her idea.” I told her, technically not lying.

“Unfortunately, that visit is going to have to wait for another time. I’m afraid an emergency has come up in Fillydelphia. Apparently there’s been some sort of infestation.” Princess Celestia apologized.

“An…infestation?” Twilight asked, nervously.

“You don’t say.” I added nervously as well.

“Yes, a swarm of incredibly bothersome creatures has invade the poor town. I’m sorry, Twilight, to have to put you all through so much trouble.” Princess Celestia told us.

“Trouble? What trouble.” Twilight said as she chuckled nervously.

"Before I have to go, would you care to give me your latest report on the magic of friendship in person.” Princess Celestia asked as she got back on her chariot.

“My… report?” Twilight asked in confusion.

Haven’t you learned anything about friendship?” Princess Celestia asked.

Twilight looked over at Pinkie Pie still playing the instruments and smiled. “Actually, I have. I’ve learned that sometimes the solution to your problems can come from where you least expect it. It’s a good idea to stop and listen to your friends’ opinion’s and perspectives..” The sound of cymbals interrupted her. “…even when they don’t always seem to make senses.” She said.

“I’m so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle, and I’m very impressed with your friend as well. It sounds like you’re all learning so much from each other.” Princess Celestia looked over all of us.

“Thank you, princess.” Twilight thanked her teacher. Princess Celestia smiled and left on her chariot.

After Princess Celestia left, we walked over to Pinkie Pie as the last of the parasprites left.

“Hey, what happened to the princess?” Pinkie Pie asked, stopped playing her instruments.

“Emergency in Fillydelphia.” Twilight told her.

“Some sort of…infestation.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Oh, No! Have they got parasprites, too? well, have tuba, will travel.” Pinkie Pie said as she was about to blow her tuba.

“I think the Princess can handle it.” Twilight stopped her.

“So, you knew what those critters were all along, huh, Pinkie Pie?” Applejack asked.

“Well, duh! Why do you think I was so frantic to get my hooves on all these instruments? Crest was the only one who listened to me. Thank you by the way, Crest.” Pinkie Pie said.

"Of course Pinkie Pie. I'm always glad to help." I said smiling.

“We know Pinkie Pie, and we’re sorry we didn’t listen beside Crest.” Twilight apologized. The rest of my friends apologized as well. “You’re a great friend, even if we don’t always understand you.”

“Thanks, guys. You’re all great friends, too, even when I don’t understand me.” Pinkie Pie grinned.

“You saved my reputation with Princess Celestia. And, more importantly, you saved Ponyville.” Twilight said.

We went back to Ponyville, only to find it a total mess.

“Or not.” Twilight said disappointed. We sat down in disbelief of how ruined Ponyville was. It was a good thing my Mom didn’t see this.

Pinkie Pie played trombone in a disappointing tone.

Chapter 12: Winter Wrap Up

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I was fast asleep at night until I heard commotion outside my room. Yawning, I got out of my bed and opened the door. Twilight was downstairs by the open front door with a scarf, warm saddle, and yellow boots.

“Oh, maybe a little too early.” I heard her say.

I yawned again. “Twilight? Why are you up this early?” I asked her, rubbing my eyes.

Twilight smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Crest. I was so excited about Winter Wrap up, I didn’t realize what time it was.”

Winter Wrap Up was a tradition in Ponyville. At the end of Winter, the ponies work together to clean up winter. “Well, I’m glad your excited, but maybe it would be best to rest up for it.” I said with my eye’s barely open.

“Right. Goodnight Crest.” Twilight replied as she closed the door.

“Goodnight, Twilight.” I said before I went back to my room and went to bed.

The next morning, we woke up and ran toward town hall where everypony was meeting for the Winter Wrap Up. Spike was still asleep so Twilight decided to carry him on her back. I suggested we let him sleep, but Twilight wanted him to be a part of the Winter Wrap Up.

“Those must be the team vests Rarity designed. Blue for the weather team, green for the plant team, and tan for the animal team.” Twilight said, seeing the ponies wearing the vests. “I wonder which team vest I’ll be wearing.”

“I’ll take a blue vest, the same color as my blank, which I think I hear calling my name. “Spike, Spike, come to bed!” Spike said, before groaning. “It’s too early.”

“Twilight, I still think we should have let Spike sleep in. He’s barely keeping himself awake.” I told Twilight in concern.

“Oh I’m sure Spike will be fine. He’ll be up and at it when we get started.” Twilight said as we reached Town Hall. I rolled my eyes and continued to follow Twilight. By the time we got there, everypony, including our friends were here wearing their group vests depicting which task they’ll do. Mayor Mare was standing at the entrance of Town Hall.

“Thank you, everypony, for being here bright and early. We need every single pony’s help to wrap up Winter and bring in Spring.” Mayor Mare said. Everypony cheered in excitement. “Now, all of you have your vests and have been assigned to your teams, so let’s do even better than last year and have the quickest Winter Wrap Up ever.” Everypony cheered again.

“Oh, this is so exciting.” I heard Twilight said next to me. I wonder which group I’ll be in this year.

“All right, everypony, find your team leader and let’s get galloping.” Mayor Mare exclaimed. Everypony went to their assigned teams.

“Oh, gosh, where should I go? I’m not sure where I’d fit in.” Twilight said as she looked at the different groups. “What exactly does everypony do?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEFJ8Bu66jg

“Everypony belongs to a team. What should I do? Where should I go?” Twilight asked.

“Don’t worry about it, Twilight. I’m sure we’ll find a group where you belong.” I said to Twilight.

Twilight smiled a little. “Thank’s, Crest. Oh, what about you? What group will you be in?” Twilight asked me.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I change groups every Winter Wrap Up. I suppose you could say I’m a pony of all trades. Last year I helped Fluttershy with waking the animals.” I explained. Just then, Rainbow Dash swooped past us and toward a group of pegasus’.

“All right, team, you’re cleared for takeoff.” Rainbow Dash instructed the group. The Pegasi flew to the sky.

“Rainbow Dash.” Twilight called out, getting her attention.

“Oh, hey, Twilight and Crest. What’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked as she watches the pegasus’ in the sky.

“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.

“Sending off one of my flight crews to retrieve the birds that have flown south for the winter.” Rainbow Dash explained.

“Oh, can I help? How about if I help clear out the clouds?” Twilight offered.

“Um, Twilight. That’s nice of you to offer, but I’m pretty sure you’ll need to fly.” I told Twilight.

“Oh, right.” Twilight said, looking at her lack of wings.

“Crest’s right. Sorry, Twilight.” Rainbow Dash apologized before taking off.

“Great. Now what do we do?” Twilight asked us, when we noticed Spike laying on a bush.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna be napping.” Spike said before he fell asleep.

“Come on, Spike, This is serious business! Winter needs to be wrapped up, and I’m determined to do my part… somehow.” Twilight said uncertain.

I thought to myself which group Twilight would fit in. “Well, maybe we can try Rarity. She’s making nests for the birds when they return.” I told her.

Spike instantly woke up. “We’re going to see Rarity?” He asked.

“Yep, unless you want to go back to sleep on that bush.” I said smirking, knowing how he’ll respond. Twilight shared my smirk.

“Are you kidding? Let’s go!” Spike exclaimed as he jumped out of the bush. Twilight and I chuckled a bit at his reaction.

We walked over to Rarity’s boutique as she was making a bird nest with a ribbon on a wooden table.

“Rarity, please tell me there’s something, anything I can help you with.” Twilight asked, or little more like pleaded.

“Well, how would you like to help create Ponyville’s finest bird’s nests.” Rarity offered.

“Yes. Though I’m surprised that you were making them Rarity.” Twilight said.

“Of course. When the weather team guides the birds back North for the Spring, they’ll need a place to live and lay their eggs.” Rarity explained, showing us the nest she made.

“Wow, Rarity. That one’s really beautiful.” Twilight complemented Rarity’s work on the nest.

“Oh, why thank you most sincerely. Would you like to try your hoof at a nest?” Rarity asked.

“Would I? Wes! Where do I begin?” Twilight responded excitedly.

“I’ll help out too.” I said as I grabbed some hay and branches..

Rarity levitated a basket of hay and branches over to us. “Okay, now take some of the straw and hay over there and a little bit of branch.” Rarity said, laying the materials in front of us. “Now, Weave them through there. Yew! Take some ribbon. Yes, ooh, n-not there. Yes, uh, tuck it in over there, but be careful not to… No, no, no, I guess that will do. Oh, dear.” Rarity said as we worked on making our bird nest. Mine was… decently well done, maybe not as good as Rarity’s. Twilight’s was… um… looked like she just jammed all the straw and hay together and made it look like a bird’s nest. Rarity, Spike, and I weren’t sure how to react to Twilight’s nest.

“There! It looks just like…yours. Oh my.” Twilight said depressingly as she compared the two nests Rarity and I mad.

“That nest needs to be condemned.” Spike said out loud as Rarity and I looked at him a little angry.

“Oh, Spike. It’s not so bad. Maybe the birds can use it as an…” Rarity tried to think of a use.

“An outhouse?” Spike deadpanned.

“Spike, it just fine. It’s just a little rough around the edges. Let me lend you a hoof. Let’s just untie this ribbon. And if we take out these sticks here, resale this.” Rarity said as she got to working on Twilight’s bird nest.

Twilight depressingly sighed as Rarity continue to undue the her nest.

“I think we lost her.” Spike whispered to us.

“Don’t worry Twilight, we still have other groups we could try. Like, how about Pinkie Pie? She’s over at the lake” I suggested.

“Alright.” Twilight simply responded as she started walking away.

We arrived at the frozen lake where Pinkie Pie was ice skating around a frozen lake in order to break the ice up.

“Hi, Twilight! Hi, Crest!” Pinkie Pie called out to us as she spun around on the ice.

“Wow, Pinkie Pie, you’re quite the skater. Probably the best skater I’ve ever seen.” Twilight said impressed as we ran toward the edge of the frozen lake.

Pinkie Pie skated to us. “Thank’s Twilight. I’ve been doing this since I was a itty-bitty, little, little twinkie Pinkie. Just comes naturally.” She said as she skated around the ice. “Which is probably why they designated me the lake scorer. I cut lines in the lake with my skates. That way, when the rest of the weather team comes here to break the ice, it’ll be easy as pie.”

“How clever. When the thick ice begins to melt, it’ll break along the lines. Well, you sure have a lot of work ahead of you. There’s quite a few lakes in Ponyville.” Twilight said in amazement.

“Mind if we help you with that?” I asked Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie skated near us. “Sure, Crest. Come on, put on those skates over there. I bet you’ll be a natural, too.” She said, pointing her hoof at the spare skates.

“Okay.” Twilight said as we headed to the spare skates.

After we put the the ice skates on, we got the ice. Twilight was having a bit of trouble standing. Pinkie Pie some how was skating on only one hoof.

“You okay, Twilight?” I asked her.

“Uh, maybe on second thought…” Twilight was interrupted as she fell on her face.

“What are you talking about? You said you wanted to be helpful. Now get out there.” Spike said as he pushed Twilight. I glared at Spike a little and skated along side Twilight.

“Hang on, Twilight.” I called out as Twilight started to spin out of control.

“Twilight, steer! Steer!” Pinkie yelled.

I tried to catch up to Twilight, but she did a instant U turn and rammed into Pinkie Pie. They screamed as they ran into Spike and crashed in the snow, and ending up with making what looked like a standing snow pony. They shook the snow of them and Spike started laughing.

“You are a natural, Twilight. A natural disaster!” Spike said.

“Not now, Spike!” I told him slightly angry at him. “Are you two alright?” I asked Pinkie and Twilight.

“We’re okay, Crest.” Pinkie replied as she got off of Twilight. “Twilight, you did a great job your first time around. I’m sure my first time was just as wobbly and bobbly and crasherrific as yours!” She told Twilight as she got up.

“Really?” Twilight asked, cheered up that even Pinkie Pie had trouble..

Pinkie looked unsure for a moment. “No.” Twilight looked down in disappointment as Spike withheld his laughter. “But did I make you feel better?” She asked.

Twilight chuckled a bit. “Yeah, I guess.”

I stood next to Twilight. “Don’t worry, Twilight. I wasn’t that good when I started ice skating, either. It took me a lot of practice in order to skate properly. Maybe we can try another group.” I comforted her, not mentioning that I kept falling on my back and face my first five times. Twilight smiled a bit, knowing that even I had trouble with it.

“Yeah, Twilight. I bet you’ll be super awesome at something that keeps your hooves on the ground.” Pinkie encouraged her. “I know! Fluttershy could probably use your help with the critters.” She suggested.

“Well, I’m pretty good with little animals. Yeah, I’ll go help her.” Twilight said as she started to slide, but I stopped her.

“How about we take our skates off.” I suggested.

“Yeah.” Twilight chuckled nervously.

After taking our skates off, we headed of to help Fluttershy with the critters. Not surprising that she was picked to be leader for it. When we arrived, we spotted Fluttershy ducking her head in one of the critters holds.

Hope you had some wonderful dreams and restful hibernation, but it’s time to get up now. Spring is coming.” Fluttershy said before she tucked her head out. A couple of hedgehogs yawned and walked out of the hole.

“Aw, how cute.” Twilight awed as the two hedgehogs walked past us.

“Aren’t they? This is my favorite task of the whole season, when I get to see all my little animal friends again.” Fluttershy said.

“Uh, what’s hibernation?” Spike asked.

“It’s when animals take a long nap during the Winter to conserve energy.” I answered him.

“Exactly, Crest.” Fluttershy said as she walked to another den with a bell in her mouth. “Wake up, little porcupines.” She said in a den. “Animals would sleep through the winter to save their energy and eat less food.”

“I definitely like the idea of hibernation, except for the eat less food part.” Spike said, as a couple of porcupines came walking out of their den. Hm, I wonder if dragons hibernate as well. Explain why Spike had difficulty staying awake this morning.

“Oh, but just look at all these warrens and dens. I’m worried that I won’t be able to wake up every animal before Spring comes.” Fluttershy said with concern on her face.

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy. We’ll help.” I said smiling.

“Oh, you will? Oh, that would be wonderful.” Fluttershy said before she gave the bell to Spike.

“Okay. Let’s start there.” Twilight said as she looked at one of the dens. She walked to it and ring the bell. “Hello? Wake up little friends, wherever you are. Spring is coming.” I heard her say.

I went to another den close to hers. “Hey, critters. Time to wake up.” I said in a gentle voice. Inside the den were a couple of chipmunks all curled up. They slowly raised their eyes and started yawning. “Come on, little fellas. Spring is almost here.” I said. The chipmunks slowly got up and walked out of their den.

“I wonder which cute, little, furry creatures I’ve awoken.” Twilight said in glee. I turned to look at her only to see a couple of snakes popped their head out hissing. Though then again it looked like they were yawning. Twilight was completely frightened by them. “Ahh, snakes! Snakes!” She yelled as she kept backing away. All the way into a large den. Twilight instantly ran out screaming with a swarm of bats flying right behind her.

I ran towards her as she was about to hit a tree. I stood between the two and softened the blow for her as she and I hit the tree. I looked up rubbing my head just to see a bee hive falling towards us.

“Twilight, look out!” I yelled as I pushed her away. My head ended up right inside of the bee hive as it fell top of me and the bees started stinging my face. “OW! OW!” I yelled in panic. I ran around trying to get the bee hive off my head. While running, I ended up falling in another critter’s den. As soon as I fell in, I started smelling a horrific stench. Good news, the stench forced the bees away from me. Bad news, the den I fell in turned in belonged to a pair of skunks.

“Oh my gosh, Crest! I’m so sorry!” Twilight apologized as I stepped out. She, Pinkie, and Spike quickly covered their noses. The two skunks walk out past me.

I sighed. “It’s okay, Twilight. Just… help me with this.” I asked, gesturing to my smell. The instantly nodded their heads.

After Twilight, Spike and I traveled back to the library, we made a tomato bath to get the skunk stench off of me. Not to mention the bees left my face hurting.

“Ohh…” I groaned in pain, still feeling the bee stings on my face.

“Oh… All this winter wrap-up stuff is a lot harder than it looks.” Twilight complained as Spike was scrubbing my mane.

“Right, because there’s no magic. Why don’t you just use magic, Twilight, and get it done the right way?” Spike complained.

“Spike, the whole point of the Winter Wrap Up is to show pegasi and earth ponies they can clean up Winter without the need for magic.” I lectured him.

“Crest is right, Spike. Ponyville has never needed magic to wrap up Winter.” Twilight aged with me.

“But they never had you here before, either. Think about how much quicker they could wrap up Winter with your magic.” Spike pointed out.

Both Twilight and I started feeling irritated at the young dragon. “No, no, no! I’m gonna find some other way that I can help out if it kills me.” Twilight exclaimed in determination.

“Well, the only group left to try is Applejack’s. They’re plowing the snow at the farm.” I informed her.

“Then let’s go!” Twilight said before seeing that I was still in the tomato bath. “Um, after you smell better.” She added nervously. I just sighed in annoyance at how bad I still smell.

After finally getting the skunk smell off me, we headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. There, we saw earth ponies pushing snow plowers. “Keep pushing, Caramel. That’s it, Bumpkin. I know it’s hard work, but you guys are doing great. Yeehaw!” We hear Applejack told the earth ponies.

“Hey, Applejack, how’s everything going?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, just dandy. Little slow starting, but peachy, all the same. There’s a lot of ground to clear, you hear? we can’t even start the planting and the watering until we get all this heap of snow hightailed out of here.” Applejack told us.

“Well, we’d like to help.” Twilight offered.

Applejack blinked in surprise. “Well, I… I don’t know, Twilight. I mean, Crest can push a snow plower no problem. But…” Applejack said unsure as she looked at Twilight.

“Just give me a chance.” Twilight pleaded.

“Well, I never turned down a hard worker, but…” Applejack didn’t finish as Twilight slipped herself into a spare snow plower.

Twilight started pushing the snow plower, but it wasn’t moving an inch. She continued struggling, but to no prevail. Twilight eventually gave up and looked at herself in disappointment.

I walked down to her from the snow hill I was on toward my depressed friend. “It’s alright, Twilight. You gave it you best.” I tried to comfort her.

Twilight was deep in thought as she looked at the other ponies with snow plowers. She looked behind her at Applejack, Spike, and I. “Oh, here goes.” My friend said to herself before her horn started glowing. As I was wondering what Twilight was up too, her snow plower started glowing and moving. For a second I noticed the snow plower was moving on it’s own before Twilight walked with it.

“Well, that way works too.” I said smiling before returning to Applejack and Spike. I noticed Twilight’s snow plower was moving a bit faster than the other earth ponies pushing their’s.

It didn’t appear I was the only one who noticed this. “Hmm, she’s awful strong for such a little pony.” Applejack said suspiciously. Twilight continued moving the snow plower faster than the other ponies.

“That’s my girl! following my advice.” Spike exclaimed.

“And what in tarnation dow that mean?” Applejack demanded.

“Um… Applejack. Twilight is using her magic to move the snow plower. But before you object, Twilight’s been trying all day to help out without using magic. All the other groups we went to didn’t work well for her. So… please let her use her magic this once.” I pleaded to Applejack.

As Applejack was thinking, we noticed Twilight’s snow plower was moving faster, even more so than she can walk. “Oh no.” I muttered in concern, realizing that Twilight was loosing control. Twilight’s snow plower nearly crashed into other ponies. As she was moving, her snow plower started forming a snow boulder in front. Another pony moved close to her and ended up getting by the snow boulder.

Twilight’s snow plower turned around and headed right toward us. All while forming and rolling another snow boulder. “Look out!” I yelled as I pushed Spike and Applejack out of the way. Unfortunately, I ended up getting caught in the snow boulder. I got trapped in the snow boulder as it was still rolling. “Twilight! Please! Stop!” I yelled as I was rolling around the snow boulder. Eventually, we crashed into the bottom of a cliff. As we were dazed from the impact, our collision caused the snow from the cliff to create a avalanche.

Seeing nothing but snow, Twilight and I quickly dug our way out. By the time our pierced through the snow surface, we could see much of the cleared farm land was covered in snow again. I shook the snow out of my hoody as Applejack and Spike came running up to us.

“Nuts, Twilight! You used magic!” Applejack exclaimed in frustration.

“The nerve! Can you believe her!” Spike said, completely inconsiderate of how Twilight feels.

“Spike! I don’t want to hear that sort of talk from you! Especially since you’re the one who kept pestering her to use magic!” I yelled at him, giving him the stern glare. Spike immediately shut upped.

“That’s not how we do it ‘round here, Twilight, and especially not on my farm!” Applejack lectured Twilight as her eye’s started to water a bit.

“Well, see, I just wanted to… Oh!” Twilight cried as she ran off.

It completely broke my heart see Twilight cry. “Twilight, wait up!” I called out as I got out of the snow and ran after her with Spike right behind.

We chased Twilight all the way back to Ponyville and managed to see her hide in a snow covered bush.

“Come on, Twilight, come on out.” Spike asked her.

“I’m a winter mess up.” Twilight responded, completely depressed.

“Twilight, I know trying to help out didn’t go as well as you hoped. But don’t let that bring you down. You’re still one of the best unicorns out there.” I told her.

Twilight stuck her head out. “You mean that?” She asked.

I nodded my head. “Of course. Your smart, organized, and thoughtful of everypony around you. Besides, we have problems wrapping up Winter every year to tell you the truth.” I told her. As if on cue, we heard some of our friends arguing.

“Rainbow Dash, y’all on the weather team need to melt the rest of this snow here on the ground and the trees pronto.” Applejack told my blue pegasi friend.

“Got it!” Rainbow Dash responded. She was about to take off, but was stopped by Fluttershy.

“You can’t. My poor little animals’ homes will get flooded if the snow melts too fast.” Fluttershy told Dash.

“Got it.” Dash replied, but was interrupted by Applejack.

“I’m telling you, Rainbow, you got to melt that snow now.” Applejack insisted. Rainbow Dash flew toward the air before Fluttershy called out.

“No! You simply must wait.” Fluttershy pleaded.

“Okay.” Rainbow Dash said, not sure what to do.

“Go!” Applejack yelled.

“Stop!” Fluttershy yelled.

They kept saying go and stop repeatedly until Rainbow Dash got frustrated with them. “Ugh! Make up your minds!” She yelled at both of them.

Just then, I noticed Mayor Mare walking up to them. “Oh, what in Equestria are all you arguing about?This sort of silliness is why we’re late for Spring last year, and the year before that, and the year before that!” She told them in frustration.

“Did she say late?” Twilight asked. I nodded my head yes.

“I was hoping my amazingly inspirational speech would urge everyone to do better than last year, but now it looks like we’re going to be later than ever! I mean just look at this catastrophe! The ice scorers made the ice chunks too big to melt. The nest designer’s horrendously behind. We need several hundred, and she’s only made one. And don’t get me started on all the clouds still in the sky, the icicles on the trees. This isn’t good. Not at all!” Mayor Mare told them.

“And it’s gonna be all to pieces disastrous if we can’t get our seed all planted.” Applejack pointed out.

“Chillax, Applejack! We’re busting our chops as fast as we can.” Rainbow Dash told her.

“No, not fast. You have to wake animals slowly.” Fluttershy told her.

I noticed somepony else walking up to the group and saw it was Big Mac and Caramel. “Uh, A.J.?”

“Oh good gravy! Caramel lost the grass seeds again, didn’t he?” Applejack asked him. Really, that happened last year.

“Uh, yep.” Big Mac confirmed, as Caramel look disappointed at himself.

A blue fur Pegasi flew toward them. “Ditzy Doo accidentally went North to get the Southern birds.” The Pegasi told everypony.

“Oh, that featherbrain! Didn’t she learn her lesson last year when she went West.” Rainbow Dash complained.

All of them started arguing as more ponies showed up. Mayor Mare grew tired of this and had enough. “Stop this at once! We don’t have time to argue! It’s almost sundown. Spring is going to be late again. Another year of scandal and shame! If only we could be more organized.” She complained.

Twilight had a flash of inspiration and jumped out of the bush. “Spike, get my checklist and clipboard, stat!”

“Yes, ma’am.” Spike saluted and ran off.

“Realized what your best at?” I asked Twilight, even though I already knew the answer.

Twilight nodded and walked to everypony else. “Stop, everypony! Stop!” Twilight tried to get everypony’s attention, but they were too busy arguing amongst themselves. A green bird landed next to Twilight. I was trying to figure out a way to get everypony’s attention until Twilight grabbed hold of the bird with her magic and forced it the whistle out loud. Once everypony heard the whistle and stopped arguing, Twilight let go of the bird. “Sorry.” She quietly apologized to the bird as it looked at her angry. “I know you all want to complete your jobs on time, but arguing is no way to go about it. What you need is organization, and I’m just the pony for the job.” Twilight assured them them as Spike arrived with a clipboard in claw.

Twilight wrote down a to does list for everypony. She had Big Mac deliver wooden straws to Rarity and a bunch of other ponies helped her out making the bird nests. For cutting up the ice on the frozen lakes, Twilight had Pinkie and a group of ponies skate the ice criss cross. That way, the ice was divided into smaller pieces. In the snow covered farm, Twilight had all the snow plowers push the snow in one direction instead of randomly, like earlier. Not only that, she also had ponies plant seeds as they were moving behind the snow plowers to save time. For waking the little animals, we set up bells right next to their dens, and attached a rope to each of them. Once Fluttershy pulled the rope, all the bells shook and woke the little animals right up. Though when the snake came out, Twilight hid behind me shaking.

I patted my hoof on Twilight’s head to let her it was alright, as Fluttershy nodded at a bird on top of her head to chirp out loud, signaling the sky team. The sky team formed into a tornado that cleared the sky and the snow. With the sun showing brightly in the sky, the ice melted on the lake.

The last thing we needed to do was plow the grass and plant seeds. We spent all night doing this and by morning, the birds returned and headed towards their newly made nests. Twilight and I looked over to see all the tasks completed.

“Great job, Twilight.” I complemented her.

Twilight blushed a little as Mayor Mare headed towards us. “I can’t believe it! Spring is here on time! And we have you to thank for it. If it weren’t for your organizing skills, we would still be arguing.”

“Uh yep.” Big Mac said. Everypony laughed joyously.

“It was a team effort.” Twilight told her.

“And since you helped every team, we have an official vest for you.” Mayor Mare told Twilight as Rarity levitated the vest to her. “We give you the title All Team Organizer.” She announced.

“Gosh, I don’t even know what to say. Thank you, everypony.” Twilight gratefully thanked us.

“You’ve earned it, Twilight.” I said smiling. I was glad Twilight found what she was great at.

“And hereby I declare that Winter is wrapped up on time!” Mayor Mare told us. All of us cheered.

“Spike’s sure gonna be in for a hog sized surprise when that last piece of ice melts.” Applejack told us.

I’m sorry, WHAT! I looked over at the lake and saw Spike sleeping on a small piece of ice. I quickly ran over to the lake, jumped in, and push the ice Spike was sleeping on to shore. Even with the ice melted, the water was still extremely cold. When we reached the edge of the lake, my friends came running toward us.

“Crest Shield, why’d you bring Spike? Do you know how funny it would been when he woke up in the lake?” Rainbow Dash asked.

I shuddered from the coldness of the water. “Rainbow Dash, Spike’s cold blooded. If Spike fell in the lake, especially with the water cold, he would have gotten severely sick.” I informed them before sneezing. Guess I wasn’t so lucky.

After Twilight, Spike and I returned to the library, we realized that I got a cold because of my swim earlier. Right now I was laying next to the burning fireplace with a blanket over my back. Spike was sitting on a rocking chair next to me while he was wearing a warm robe and writing Twilight’s message to the Princess.

“Dear Princess Celestia, Winter Wrap Up was one of the most special things I’ve ever been a part of here in Ponyville. It helped me to learn that we all have hidden talents, and if we’re patient and diligent, we’re sure to find them. And as always, with good friendship and teamwork, ponies can accomplish anything. How’s that, Spike?” Twilight asked the dragon, but he didn’t give a response. “Spike?”

Spike was fast asleep on his rocking chair. “Well, he did wanted some sleep.” I commented before sneezing again. Twilight and I laughed together as Spike was snoozing.

Chapter 13: Call of the Cutie

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I spent time cleaning up the Dojo for tomorrows classes. As I got done washing the windows, I noticed Applejack coming up to the front door. Setting my towel to the side, I walked over to the door and opened it. “Hey, Applejack. How’s your day going?” I asked her.

“Just dandy, Crest. Though I was wondering if ya could pick up Apple Bloom from school. I’m have a lot of work in the farm.” She asked me.

“Sure, Applejack. Just let me lock the doors, and I’ll head over there.” I replied.

“Thanks. I’ll save an apple pie for you later.” Applejack told me before heading back to the farm. I went over to the counter got the key, went outside, and locked the door behind me.

Apple Bloom goes to the Ponyville Schoolhouse, which was a school for fillies. As I got to the school, the bell on top of the roof started ringing. The front door flew open with small ponies running out. The last filly walking out was Apple Bloom, though I noticed she was looking a bit down. One of her classmates, Twist I believe, walked next to her. She has scarlet hair with a amber coat, wearing blue glasses.

“Want something sweet? I’ve got some peppermint sticks. I made them myself” Twist asked Apple Bloom, trying to cheer her up.

“Mnh-mhn.” Apple Bloom shook her head, still depressed. I wonder if something bad happened at school. I walked up to her and Twist.

“Hey, Apple Bloom.” I greeted.

Apple Bloom looked up at me with a bit of surprise. “Crest! What are you doing?” She asked.

“Applejack asked if I could walk you home from school. Speaking of which, did anything happen? You seem a bit down.” I asked her.

Apple Bloom frowned a bit, but before saying anything, two fillies walked up behind her. One of them has light violet mane with a magenta coat and a tiara on her head. The other filly has a azureish gray mane with a bluish gray coat, wearing opal color glasses. If I recall correctly, their names are Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Apparently, Apple Bloom has quite a problem with those two.

“I don’t know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is so last week. “You got yours. I got mine. We all have them already. I mean, almost all of us have them already.” Diamond Tiara said, rubbing it in at Apple Bloom and Twist. “Don’t worry, you two, you’re still totally invited to my cure-ceañera this weekend.

“It’s going to be amazing.” Silver Spoon said.

“It’s a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutie mark. How can it not be.” Diamond Tiara gloated. Okay, now she was starting to get on my nerve.

“Don’t you two have to go home?” I told them, a little irritated.

Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara just scoffed and turned away from us. “See you this weekend…” Silver Spoon told them before laughing. “Blank flanks!”

I only huffed in anger at those two. Who do they think they are insulting Apple Bloom and Twist like that. Apple Bloom and Twist looked about “Don’t worry about those two. I’m sure you’ll get your cutie marks one day.” I told them, though they didn’t seem convince.

“Well, I have to go home now. See ya tomorrow Apple Bloom.” Twist told her before running of.

I walked Apple Bloom back to Sweet Apple Acres. We didn’t say much as the filly was still depressed about her cutie mark. Hopefully, Applejack will be able to cheer her up somehow. By the time we reached the farm, we found Applejack bucking trees, causing the apples to fall. We walked over to her and Apple Bloom told her of what happened at school.

“It’s not fair! It’s just not fair!” Apple Bloom complained to her sister and I.

Applejack scoffed. “Don’t get your mane in a tangle. You’ll get your cutie mark. Everypony gets one eventually.” She told her sister before picking up an apple from the ground with her teeth and placing it in a bucket full of apples.

“But I don’t want one eventually. I want one right now! I can’t go to Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceañera without one. I just can’t!” Apple Bloom continued to complain.

“Course you can. You know, I was the last pony in my class to get cutie mark, and I couldn’t be prouder of it. I knew my future was to run sweet apple acres, and these bright, shiny apples sealed the deal. Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class, too. Huh. Same with Big Macintosh.” Applejack realized.

“I really don’t see how that’s supposed to make me feel better. It probably means that being the last one in your class to get a cutie mark runs in the family.” Apple Bloom slumps over a bucket of apples before realizing something. “Runs in the family? Runs in the family! Runs in the family! You’ve got apples for your cutie mark. Granny Smith has an apple pie. Big Macintosh has an apple half. My unique talent must have something to do with apples! Apples, apples, apples!” She exclaimed in excitement as the young filly was jumping up and down before falling into a bucket of apples. The little filly sighed nervously. “Apples.” Apple Bloom laughed.

I chuckled a bit at her excitement. “Well, she has to start somewhere. Should we try selling them?” I asked Applejack.

Applejack nodded in agreement and went to get her apple cart. We pulled the cart in the market place to try to sell some apples. She and her sister wore their white aprons.

“Get your delicious nutritious apples here.” Applejack yelled to any passing pony as Apple Bloom balanced an apple on her head.

“Delicious and Nutritious and so manny uses.” Apple Bloom called out as well before chomping on the apple. “You can eat ‘em, play with ‘em.” She continued as she threw a apple in the air, and split it into pieces with a tennis racket.

“Hey! Watch it!” Though it looked like some of the pieces fell on somepony.

Apple Bloom then picked up another apple. “Create fine art for you home with ‘em.” She said as she kicked the apple towards a art pony’s white canvas. Which he looked very annoyed “You’d have to be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own.” She said as Applejack and I pulled her to us.

Applejack chucked a bit. “She’s so creative.” She told the pony as I was holding onto Apple Bloom. Unfortunately, she slipped out under my leg.

“You, sir! Care to buy some apples?” Apple Bloom asked the stallion as she followed him.

“Uh, no, thanks.” He politely denied.

“Why not.” Apple Bloom pressed as she popped her.

“I have plenty at home.” He replied nervously as he backed away from her, but Apple Bloom somehow appeared behind him.

“Are you sure?” Apple Bloom continue asking.

“Yes, I’m pretty sure.” The stallion said, trying to walk away.

“You’re pretty sure. But you’re not absolutely positively, completely, superduper sure, are you?” The little filly continued asking as she cornered the poor stallion next to the apple cart. Alright, I better put a stop to this before the stallion never want’s to buy an apple ever again.

“Apple Bloom, pressuring him into buying apples isn’t a good sales pitch.” I scolded her before turning toward the stallion. “I apologize for her behavior, sir. She’s just eagerly trying to get her cutie mark.” I explained to him.

The stallion seemed to calm down a bit. “Oh… It’s alright. Though I best leave.” He said before running off.

I looked down at Apple Bloom, who appears to be a little frustrated with me. “Crest, why you stop me?” She asked.

“Sorry, little sis, but your apple-selling days are over. If Crest hadn’t stop you, it would have been a horrible day selling apples.” Applejack told her little sister before taking her white apron.

“What?! But how else am I gonna get my cutie mark?” Apple Bloom asked in before yanking her apron back with her teeth.

“Home. Now!” Applejack sternly told her.

Apple Bloom spit out her apron and pouted.

Applejack sighed. “Listen, sugar cube, I know it’s hard to wait for your very own cutie mark, but you just can’t force it. Besides, you’re not that grown up just yet. Ain’t there other fillies in your class without one?” She asked. That’s when I remember Apple Bloom’s friend from earlier.

“Actually, doesn’t Twist not have her cutie mark?” I said, wondering if Twist can make her feel better.

“Well, yes.” Apple Bloom responded, feeling a bit better.

“Do you think you’d feel better if you went to the party with her?” Applejack asked, sharing the same idea I have. Apple Bloom nodded her head. “Well, there you go. Bet you and Twist would have a great time together. Now, run along and find your friend.” She told her sister.

Apple Bloom began to run off before turning around. “You’re sure you don’t want me to stick around till the end of the market?” She asked.

We were about to answer before we heard somepony yell in anger. “Hey, who’s been using my racket?!” A light tan stallion with a brown mustache demanded in frustration, holding the racket Apple Bloom used earlier to cut up an apple.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” Applejack answered. Her little sister nodded and quickly left.

“Well, I better get back to the dojo. See ya, Applejack.” I said good.

“Later, sugar cube. You coming to the party later. I hear that it’s an open invite.” Applejack told me.

“Maybe. Depending on how long I can ready the dojo.” I replied before leaving.

After an hour, I managed to finish cleaning the dojo earlier than I thought it would take. With nothing else to do, I locked up the dojo and headed back to the library. On my way home, I noticed Apple Bloom laying on the grass looking glum with a dark cloud hanging her head. Walking over to her, I noticed Rainbow Dash fly down over the depressed filly.

“Whoa. Looks like somepony’s got a dark cloud hanging over her head. Let me do something about that.” Rainbow Dash said before pushing the cloud away from her. Dash flew down to the ground next to the sad filly. “What’s the matter, kid?”

Apple Bloom stood on her hoofs and took a deep breath. “There’s a cute-ceañera this afternoon, and everypony in my class will be there, and they’ll all have their cutie marks, and I want to get mu cutie mark, but I’m no good at selling apples, but I really want to go the the party, but how can I go to the party if I don’t have my cutie mark, which my big sister says I’m gonna get eventually, but…” She took a deep breath again. “I WANT IT NOW!” She complained to Rainbow Dash. Wait, I thought Twist didn’t have her cutie mark.

“What about Twist? I thought she doesn’t have her cutie mark.” I asked her.

“Turns out she got her cutie mark in making savory sweets.” Apple Bloom sadly said.

“Cutie Mark?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I can get you a cutie mark like that.” She said confidently as she whips her tail. Ummm what?

“Applejack says these things take time. I have to just wait for it to happen.” Apple Bloom said.

I thought for a moment before and idea popped in my head. “Actually, I suppose there is a way to help narrow it down.” I said. Apple Bloom looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Exactly! Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?” Rainbow Dash said.

“But Applejack says that…” Apple Bloom didn’t finish before Dash interrupted her.

“Hey, who are you gonna listen to. Applejack or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark? I always liked flying and all. but I was going nowhere in a hurry.” Rainbow Dash said as she jumped over Apple Bloom. It wasn’t until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed, and KAZAAM! This sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning.” She said, showing off her cutie mark and taking off of the ground.

“Dash, just because you got your cutie mark earlier that the other pony’s doesn’t mean it will be the same for another pony.” I yelled up at her before looking at Apple Bloom. “But it doesn’t hurt to try new things and see if any of them will help get your cutie mark.” I told her. Apple Bloom nodded eagerly and we got started.

We went outskirts of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash wanted Apple Bloom to warm up before we got started. Though I personally doubt it would work, there is a small chance her cutie mark will show up, but you never know. “That’s right. Stretch out those legs. Got to be nice and loose.” Rainbow Dash told Apple Bloom as she was doing push ups. “The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready?” She asked.

“I’m ready.” Apple Bloom responded with determination.

“I said, ARE YOU READY?!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“I’M READY!” Apple Bloom yelled.

“Juggling. Go!” Rainbow Dash ordered before she blew the whistle. Apple Bloom began juggle six ball with her front hooves while trying to keep balance. Though she started out well, she eventually fell on the grass with some of the balls fall on her head.

I sighed. “Next.”

“Hang gliding. Go!” Rainbow Dash said before blowing her whistle again a cliff.

Apple Bloom and a glider attached to her back while wearing a brown helmet and air resistant goggles. She ran forward with full speed but accidentally tripped and was sliding on her glider. I stood in front and stopped the little filly before she ran off the cliff.

“Karate. Go!” Rainbow Dash whistled again in the dojo. We were wearing our karate uniforms. I stood behind the punching bag as Apple Bloom readied herself.

Apple Bloom ran up towards be and did a flying side kick. Despite that, once her hoof made contact with the hanging bag, it didn’t budged a bit and she fell on her back.

“Kite flying. Go!” Rainbow Dash whistled out on the grass.

Apple Bloom grabbed the string with her teeth and started running. As she was running, her green kite soared through the air. It was going well, until the wind caused the kite to crash down into the ground hard. Not to mention that the plastic sheet crumbled somehow.

“Ultra pony roller derby. Go!” Rainbow Dash whistled at the roller skating rink.

Apple Bloom was skating on the track with three other ponies behind her. She kept skating as fast as she could, but the other fillies behind her were catching up. Despite trying her hardest, Apple Bloom tripped over her own hooves and rolled around. The other skating ponies tried to stop, but not before nearly crashing into Apple Bloom. The skating ponies tumbled onto one another while Apple Bloom scooted away without a scratch on her. Though she seemed embarrass with what happened.

After sincerely apologizing to the skating pony’s parents, we left the skating rink and headed near Rarity’s boutique. Apple Bloom was a little depressed none of the things we tried didn’t work. Rainbow Dash and I checked over the to do list to see what’s left.

“Tried that one. Tried that one. Tried that one.” Rainbow Dash said, checking the list.

I was thinking of what else we could try until I heard two certain fillies walk by giggling. Apple Bloom noticed it too and quickly hid behind me.

“Your new outfit is, like, perfect for the party.” Silver Spoon said to Diamond Tiara, carrying a box on her back.

“I know. It totally shows off my new cutie mark. I love being special. Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be not special?” Tiara responded I only gritted my teeth in anger. It’s ponies like Diamond Tiara that really grind my gears. Just because your special doesn’t mean everypony else isn’t.

“I don’t even want to, like, think about it.” Silver Spoon responded as they walked away.

“Tried that one. Tried that one.” Rainbow Dash continued, still fixated on the list.

Apple Bloom jumped out from behind me. “I’m doomed. Doomed!” She depressingly yelled. “I’ll never find something I’m good at!” She said as she hung her head down.

Just then, Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere. “You look like you’d be good at eating cupcakes.” She told Apple Bloom.

“Eating cupcake?” Apple Bloom wondered smiling.

“Eating Cupcakes?” Rainbow Dash and I questioned.

“Eating cupcakes!” Pinkie Pie responded, joyfully jumping away.

“I really appreciate all you help, Crest Shield and Rainbow Dash. You’re both really great coaches, and I’ve really learned a lot from you both, and I’m sure I can learn a lot more, but I’ve got some cupcakes to eat!” Apple Bloom said before turning around and walking away. “See you at the cute-ceañera! Hold on, Pinkie Pie, I’m coming.”

Rainbow Dash look a bit dejected that Apple Bloom ran off like that. I walked over next to her and patted her back, trying to comfort her a little. “Sorry things didn’t work out the way you hoped, Dash. And while I doubt Apple Bloom’s talent is cupcakes, maybe Apple Bloom is talented at cooking.” I said, though she still frowned a bit. “And she’s right about one thing.” I added. “You do make a great coach.”

Rainbow smiled a bit and chuckled. “Thanks, Crest. You heading to the party later?” She asked.

“That’s the plan.” I said, returning the smile. “You know, maybe I’ll go help Apple Bloom with the cupcakes.” I said, figuring she might need help.

“Alright. See ya.” Rainbow Dash said before flying off. I turned around and caught up with Apple Bloom and Pinkie Pie. We arrived at the bakery where the party will be held.

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of this, A cupcake eating cutie mark. It’s so obvious.” Apple Bloom said as we entered the kitchen. “Now, where are those cupcakes? I’m ready to chow down!” She said as she started opening up drawers and the oven.

“I don’t have any cupcakes.” Pinkie told her.

“Oh.” Apple Bloom said.

“Though we could try backing some.” I said to here.

Pinkie Pie giggled in excitement. “Exactly! I bet she’ll be god at helping me make some!” She said, putting a chef’s hat on Apple Bloom.

“I guess a making cupcakes cutie mark could work, too.” Apple Bloom said, though not as thrill as eating cupcakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkTXEfeBc5Q

I’m pretty sure Pinkie Pie would make a song out of anything. Unfortunately, saying and doing are two separate things. We tried helping her back the cookies, but she insisted on doing it by herself. That only led to Apple Bloom causing a mess with the mixing machine throwing dough everywhere. She went over the oven an accidentally nocked over a bag of flour next to her. The young filly attempted to get the cookie pan out of the oven, but even with the oven mitts protecting her mouth, it was still too hot. “Hot! Hot! Hot.” She yelled as she dropped the pan.

“Ohh! Those look much better than the last batch.” Pinkie Pie said, though the cookies were still completely black and extremely overcooked. Pinkie went ahead and started munching on one of the cookies.

Seeing that she liked it, Apple Bloom tried eating one of the cookies, but immediately spit it out. “Yuck! Guess I’m not cut out to be a baker, either.” She said, disappointed in herself. “I just have to face it. I’m gonna have a blank flank forever!”

“What about that?” Pinkie said, pointing at a white spot on Apple Bloom’s flank.

Apple Bloom turned her head around. “What about what? Is there something on my flank? Is there? Is there? Is there?” She asked spinning around excited, trying to get a good view. She quickly stood in front of a black pot to see her cutie mark in it’s reflection. “A cutie mark! It’s a… a measuring cup? No. A mixing bowl? No. Are those cupcakes? A tower of cupcakes, maybe.” Just then, Pinkie and I noticed the white spot wasn’t on the other side of her flank.

“Um, Apple Bloom…” I began to say, not sure whether or not to tell her. Though Pinkie Pie stood next to her and blew away what turned out to have been flour.

“Flour! It’s flour! Yay! I guessed it!” Pinkie Pie said happily, though Apple Bloom and I didn’t share the sentiment. “What game do you want to play next? Please say bingo. Please say bingo.”

Just then, Twilight showed up in the kitchen. “Whoa! What’s been going on in here?” She asked.

Pinkie Pie ran up to her with a plate hold the last batch of cookies on her head. We’ve been making cupcakes. Want to try one.” Pinkie offered Twilight. I shook my head no, wordlessly telling her to not.

“No, thank you, not that they don’t look… delicious.” Twilight said with a forced smile.

Apple Bloom ran up to Twilight. “Twilight, you have to help me.” She begged.

“What’s the matter.” Twilight asked.

“Apple Bloom want’s a cutie mark so Diamond Tiara won’t make fun of her for not having one. We tried plenty of sport activities and cooking, but none of them worked.

Twilight gave us a quizzical look. “Um… okay, but how can I help you.”

“You can use your magic to make my cutie mark appear.” Apple Bloom said.

“Oh, no, Apple Bloom. A cutie mark is something that a pony has to discover for herself.” I cleared my throat out load. “Or himself.” She said looking out me.

“Please, Twilight, just try.” Apple Bloom pleaded.

“I’m sorry, but…” Twilight didn’t finish as Apple Bloom started begging.

“Oh, please, please, please, please, please!” She begged

“All right, all right!” Twilight relented.

“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Apple Bloom said in joy. Though I doubt it would work, at least it would show Apple Bloom that there’s no short cuts.

Twilight’s horn glowed and pointed it at Apple Bloom’s flank. A image of a cart filled with apples appeared. “Yes! I knew you could do…it.” Apple Bloom exclaimed right before the image disappeared.

“I’m sorry, sweetie, but I told you.” Twilight didn’t finish as Apple Bloom got up to her.

“Try again! Try again!” Apple Bloom said, hope it would work next time.

Twilight and I sighed as her horn glowed again. This time a kite appeared on the filly’s flank before it faded. Next were three white cupcakes before they faded as well. Next was a stuffed teddy bear before the same thin happened. Then a tricycle, and a bunch of other images before the last one to appear were three footballs. Twilight looked extremely tired from trying to make Apple Bloom’s cutie mark to appear.

“Are you okay, Twilight?” I asked concerned.

Twilight breathed heavily. “I’ll be alright.” Twilight responded before looking back at Apple Bloom. “Told you that not even magic can make a cutie mark appear before its time.”

“It’s hopeless. Hopeless!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “I just won’t go to the party. I can’t go. Everypony will just laugh at me and make fun of me and call me names. It will be the worst night of my life.” She said as she walked into the catering room, though I don’t think she realized that.

“I’m sure it won’t be as bad as all that.” Twilight tried to assure her.

“Forget it. There’s no way I’m going to that…” Apple Bloom didn’t finish as she realized that she was already here and gulped “Party.”

All around us, all the ponies were enjoying themselves, well, except one who took a bite our of one of the poorly made cupcakes. I spotted Diamond Tiara showing off her dress she got from Rarity’s boutique. Apple Bloom quickly hid behind a pony statue made out of chocolate.

“How could I have forgotten the time? How could I have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party? How could I have forgotten it was at sugar cube corner?” Apple Bloom asked herself.

“Don’t forget your party hat, forgetty forgeterson.” Pinkie said as she put the party cone hats on Apple Bloom and I.

“I’m sorry about, Apple Bloom. I was so focused on helping you get your cutie mark, I forgot the time.” I apologized.

Apple Bloom then hid behind the counter. “I have to get out of here before anypony sees me.” She said as she then hid behind a chocolate cake.

Snails walked up to the cake Apple Bloom was hiding behind and took a large bite out of it. “Hey!” Diamond Tiara called out. “It’s my cute Ceanera. I’m supposed to get the first bite of cake!” She told Snails.

Apple Bloom quickly jumped on a table behind me and then behind some balloons. Unfortunately, the balloons started popping one after another be a unicorn’s horn as he was dancing to the music. You would think he would at least notice. I was about to reason with Apple Bloom that it won’t be that bad of ponies saw her here, but she immediately moved from group to group, trying her best not to be seen until she went under the table holding the punch bowl and cups. I sighed, figuring Apple Bloom wouldn’t listen. I walked to the punch bowl table when Apple Bloom some how lifted it and head toward the front door, stopping a few time so the other ponies wouldn’t notice. One of the ponies stopped next to the punch bowl and took a sip directly from it. Really? She couldn’t have used a cup.

Apple Bloom moved toward the front door and was about to bolt, but her big sister finally showed up.

“Apple Bloom, you made it! After I heard about Twist, I was afraid you wouldn’t show up. I sure am glad you came to your senses about this whole cutie-mark thing. These things happen when these thing are supposed to happen.” Applejack said was she was pushing her little sister back inside. Apple Bloom tried to push back but to no avail as Applejack didn’t even notice. “Trying to rush it will just drive you crazy. I’ll let you be. Looks like your friends want to talk to you.” She finished as she saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

“Um…Applejack, those fillies were the ones making fun of of her.” I informed Applejack.

Applejack’s eyes widen. “What! Why those… wait where’s Apple Bloom.” She asked as her little sister disappeared in front of her. We looked around until we saw Apple Bloom wearing a table cover over her flank and back legs.

“Well, well, well, look who’s here.” Diamond Tiara said smirking.

“Nice outfit.” Silver Spoon added as they start giggling.

“Just something I, uh, pulled together last minute.” Apple Bloom told them.

“It really show off your cutie mark. Oh, wait. That’s right. You don’t have one.” Diamond Tiara told her.

“I have a cutie mark.” Apple Bloom told them. I sighed, figuring what she’s trying to do won’t work.

“What? Since when?” Silver Spoon said skeptical.

“Since, um, earlier today.” Apple Bloom said.

“Oh, really? Let’s see it.” Diamond Tiara demanded.

“I… I shouldn’t. I… I couldn’t.” Apple Bloom tried to come up with an excuse. “My cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing. I’m afraid that if I show it off, everypony will start paying attention to me instead of you. Outshined at you own cute-ceañera? Can you image how embarrassing that would be?” The filly told them. Well, it was clever of her to use Diamond Tiara’s ego against her.

“Uh, forget it. I didn’t really want to see it anyway.” Diamond Tiara relented.

“Well, I’m gonna go mingle. Enjoy your party.” Apple Bloom told them before walking away. Unfortunately, she didn’t get far as she tripped on her cloth and caused it to fall off as she bumped into the record player. The dial on the record stopped playing as everypony looked at Apple Bloom with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon grinned at the lack of a cutie mark.

“Oh, no!” I heard Apple Bloom said quietly and Dimond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed at her.

“Wow! That is an amazing cutie mark.” Silver Spoon mocked before both of them laughed.

“Nice Try… Blank Flank!” The two bullies insulted.

Alright. I’ve had just about enough of this. Though right before I said something.We heard somepony call out.

“You got a problem with cutie marks?” We heard somepony said. Everypony looked at the source of the voice and it came from two ponies hiding under a table. One of them was Rarity’s little sister, Sweetie Belle, who has a light grey coat, light green eyes, and mulberry mane with a light rose streak. The other pony next to her was Scootaloo, who come to my dojo from time to time. She has a orange coat, purple eyes, and a dark purple mane. The two fillies got out of their hiding spot. “You got a problem with blank flanks?” Scootaloo said.

“The problem is, I mean, she’s like, totally not special.” Silver Spoon told them.

“That’s where your wrong?” I told them as I walked up to them. “Apple Bloom may not have her cutie mark yet, but she’s just as special as anypony here. And I’m sure her cutie mark will be just as special.” I told them.

“Exactly, she’s full of potential.” Sweetie Belle said, standing next to Apple Bloom.

“It means she could be great at anything.” Scootaloo added. “The possibilities are, like, endless.” She said, imitation Silver Spoon’s poor attitude. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little

“She could be a great scientist or an amazing artist or a famous writer. She could even be mayor of Ponyville someday.” Sweetie Belle listed the things Apple Bloom could be, which instantly brightened the filly’s mood.

“And she’s not stuck being stuck up like you two.” Scootaloo said, causing all of us to laugh.

“Hey! This is my party. Why are you two on her side?” Diamond Tiara asked, a little frustrated.

“Because…” Scootaloo began to say, before show everypony that they don’t have their cutie marks yet either.

Apple Bloom could only gasp at them. “You don’t have any cutie marks, either.” She said?! I thought I was the only one.” She said surprised.

“We thought we were the only two.” Scootaloo replied.

“I, for one, think you are three very lucky fillies.” Twilight told them smiling.

Diamond Tiara only had confusion written on her face. “Lucky? How can they be lucky?” She asked.

“They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are and what they’re meant to be.” Twilight explained.

“And they’ve got all the time in the world to figure it out, not just an afternoon.” Applejack added, looking at her little sister.

Everypony in the room started agree with them. Some of the fillies and colts came up to Apple Bloom, talking about what great things she could be. Diamond Tiara however looked a little irritated that everypony started focusing on Apple Bloom instead of her.

“Hey, what’s everypony doing? This is my party Everypony is supposed to be paying attention to me!” Diamond Tiara said out lout, but the kids continued to ignore her.

“Whatever. We still think you’re losers, right, Diamond Tiara?” Silver Spoon asked her friend. She tried their signature shake, but wasn’t having it.

“Not now, Silver Spoon.” Diamond Tiara told her, before walking off.

With the bullies finally leaving them alone, the three fillies got to introducing themselves.
“Name’s Scootaloo.” The orange filly introduced herself.

“And I’m Sweetie Belle.” Rarity’s sister said.

“Apple Bloom.” The filly said.

The party went on with the other kids dancing to the music. Twilight, Applejack and I were enjoying some punch as the three fillies found a table and got to know each other. I was with Twilight with both of us looking at the fillies.

“Glad Apple Bloom found some friends.” I said smiling.

Twilight smiled with me. “Yeah, and I believe I know what to write to Princess Celestia.”

“Oh? What’s that?” I asked.

Twilight cleared her throat. “Dearest Princess Celestia, I am happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are.” Twilight told me.

That lesson reminds me of the time when I thought I couldn’t make friends because of how different I am from everypony else. I was lucky when friends accepted me as I am. “I think that’s a great lesson, Twilight.” I said smiling before looking at Apple Bloom and her friends. “Though I have the feeling they’ll get in some trouble in the future.”

Twilight laughed a little. “Well… if they do. I’m sure you’ll help them out." She said. I smiled back and we enjoyed the rest of the party.

My Little Pony: The Wingless Knight

by Aegis Spirit

Prologue: Seven Years[Un-Edited]

Chapter 1: Friendship is Magic: Part 1[Un-Edited]

Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic: Part 2[Un-Edited]

Chapter 3: Story of the Lost[Un-Edited]

Chapter 4: The Ticket Master[Un-Edited]

Chapter 5: Applebuck Season[Un-Edited]

Chapter 6: Griffon the Brush-off[Un-Edited]

Chapter 7: Boast Busters

Chapter 8: Dragonshy

Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep

Chapter 10: Bridle Gossip

Chapter 11: Swarm of the Century

Chapter 12: Winter Wrap Up

Chapter 13: Call of the Cutie