> My Little Adventurers: Camaraderie  is powerful
>  by MrAquino
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sounds of war were heard outside of the walls of Canterlot. Canterlot's own army was on it's last knees, keeping back the invading orc hoard from breaking down the castle walls and breaching the towering kingdom. Most of its residents laid inside the castle itself, cowering, unsure what was going to happen next. Sprinting as fast as he could, a lone soldier in golden armor ran through the near empty halls breathing hard before opening the door at the end of the hall, leading to a balcony. Looking over the balcony was a woman, an elf, from her pointed ears and slim build. She stood at 7 feet tall, towering most of, in not, all her subjects, with a regal white dress on with golden highlights, and angelic like hair that waved on it's own with hughs of blue, pink, green, and turquoise. 

"Your majesty!" The soldier spoke, giving a respective bow as he got onto one knee. "The Orc invaders... there's to many. We can't fend them off! We need to evacuate the kingdom and find a-!" He was silenced as the woman lifted a finger. She picked up a teacup and sipped it, placing it back on it's plate. 

"Get everyone inside." She ordered. "I'll deal this myself." 

"B-But your majesty! Y-you're the last of you kind! You can't go out there on your own! You'll die!" 

"... I'm not the last. And Corellon will aid me. Get everyone inside and don't come out until it's over." The soldier saluted before getting back up, but stopped and turned to her.

"We're sorry, your highness. We failed you." She turned back to him, but gave a faint smile.

"You have not failed me. We didn't know they'd attack." The soldier gave a slight smile in return, but focused on the task at hand, running down the halls and back outside. The elf woman went into her room near the balcony, with her hands glowing yellow as her gown was taken off, and on her was armor, looking similar to her gown, but tighter looking, and with more sharped edges at her elbows and knees. Looking to her side was am alter with a starburst crystal on it. With her sword in her right hand, and a shield with a sun emblem on it in the other, she knelt down to the alter on both of her knees. With an incense in one hand, she lit it up with a small flame from her fingers and set it up in front of the crystal before putting her hands together in a prayer. 

"Father, I ask of you to give me the strength needed to defeat my enemies and keep my people safe. If today is the day that I am to die, then I will gladly be taken to you before put back on this earth in a new body." She stood back up, walking down the hallways and down into the main hall. All of the peasents, rich and poor, stared and gawked in awe to see their queen in armor, and fear as her soldiers ran inside, many sustaining an injury, ranging from minor to fatal. The various staff members went to work in healing the soldiers, using a mix of medicine and magic. Despite her own heart pounding, the queen walked out of the castle doors, seeing the kingdom's own gates creaking and cracking as the orcs kept bashing their way in, with the unified chanting of "Gruumsh". 

"Close the doors!" She ordered. The castle's staff followed, closing the castle doors and locking it. She walked ahead, using her own magic to set her own sword and shield ablaze. 

CRACK... CRACK... CRACK!!! Each one, the kingdom's gates cracked, with more war mongering roars. Her own heart paced with each crack. Then the gates flew open wide, destroyed, as Orcs began to march their way in. Each one in colors ranging of grey to green, wearing crudely made hide leather, with huge under bites that had tusk-like canines protruding from their lower jaws. The charge was short as they all saw a lone warrior woman standing in between them and the castle, with a sword and shield on fire. 

"Oi! Why'd everyone's stoppin'!?" One of the back orcs asked impatiently.

"Someone's standin' in the streets alone." One of the front orcs answered. "Seems they got guts."

"Wait a minute... it's a bloody elf!" Another Orc yelled. "We missed one, boys!"

"I, Queen Celestia, am offering you all one last chance." The lone elf spoke. "Leave right now, and you will all live. Stay, and die." There was a small pause, followed by one orc laughing, which was followed by all the orcs laughing. It lasted for a few minutes before it died down. 

"Tell you what, love," One of the Orcs spoke "You surrender yourself over to us, and we can kill you here now, and let your people become out slaves. Sound good?" Celestia had a stern look on her face.

"No one will become a slave. Not over my dead body." She got into a battle ready position, lifting her shield in front of her, and her sword behind her. 

"Oh well, you asked for it. WAAAAAGH!!!" The orcs charged at her, flailing their weapons around wildly. Everything went slow for Celestia, as she took in a deep breath, as a single drop of sweat rolled down her nose and dropped to the floor. As soon as the bead of sweat landed on the floor, Celestia ran straight towards the orc hoard. She rolled under the orc hoard, confusing the front orcs, rolling into the center, lunging her fiery blade into the chest of the first orc. All the orcs backed up as they saw their brother scream in a mix of fear and agony as he was caught on fire, as Celestia pulled it out and rolling backwards, lunged her sword through the bottom of another orc's jaw, with the tip of the fiery blade piercing through the top of his skull, spraying blood everywhere. 

"GET HER!!!" One of the orcs swung her club at Celestia, with the elf quickly raising her shield for protection, blocking the attack successfully. She pulled her sword right out, and slided down the orc's hand that wielded the mace, cutting it clean off, with blood spraying everywhere, across the floor, and Celestia's face. Said orc screamed loudly, handing on to it's bloody stump before falling to the floor. One of the orcs was too busy looking at his fallen brother, that he screamed when he saw a bloody Celestia charging forward, delivering a clean cut across his neck, followed by the head falling to the floor, and the body falling limp to the floor. 

"DON'T LOSE TO A BLOODY ELF!!!" Various orcs charged at her, swinging their clubs and maces at her. Celestia saw them and raised her shield, blocking the attacks, though her shield began to dent with each attack. She pushed one back with her shield, quickly taking it off, jumped onto the fallen orc, and using her own strength, slammed the sharp ends of the shield down the orc's waist, making a gurgling scream come from the orc. The elf's tactics changed as she used her weapon with both hands, quickly slicing off an orc's exposed leg before finishing him off with a stab down his creaming throat, silencing him forever. She quickly dodged an attack before running deeper into the hoard, sliding across the bloodied floor before jumping onto another orc's shoulders, stabbing him in the back before jumping onto the sword, partially cutting the orc in half. She didn't see as a warhammer hit her in the chest, knocking her breath out and making her slide back a few feet.

"The Elf's defenseless! First one to kill her becomes the next Warchief!" Despite hurting all over, Celestia got up, her armor busted, but she didn't stop. She cracked her neck and knuckles, charging at an orc, grabbing one of his tusk-like canines, ripping it out of his mouth, and using the sharp end to stab him in his eye, making more loud screams. She pulled the same tusk out, tackling another orc, and proceeded to stab them in the chest multiple times. An orc grabbed her from the back, which prompted Celestia to swing her legs across the orc's neck and throw him to the floor, legs still across his neck, and snapped his neck with ease.

The orcs who were still alive backed away in fear, as Celestia got up, covered in their blood. But then there was a chant. "Ar-Gul... Ar-Gul... Ar-Gul... Ar-Gul... Ar-Gul... Ar-Gul..." The chanting got louder as walking in, causing the horde to part way, was another, more larger orc, with the heads of Celestia's soldiers on spikes on his shoulders, still bleeding, like they were trophies. His right eye was missing, an obvious sign that he killed an elf before, or many. In his hand was a mace, bloodied already.

"YOU!!! ELF-SWINE!!!" He shouted loudly, pounding his chest "I should thank you for killing my weakest soldiers! Really! If they can't kill the last elf alive, then I should have all the glory to myself!" Celetia picked up a sword and readied herself. The orc warchief charged at her, clashing against her blade, just having enough strength to keep him at bay. "You know what I'm gonna do to you, elf? I ain't gonna just kill you, first, I'm gonna break your legs, then I'm gonna rip off yer arms! And finally, I'm gonna eat your head, and use your skull like a chalice!" Celestia only chuckled.

"Sorry, but I'm gonna have to crush your dreams." She gave him a good headbutt, knocking him back a few feet. He looked a bit dazed, but swung her club at him. Celestia dodged the club, jumping over and slicing him in his shoulder. The Orc quickly grabbed her and slammed her to the floor, stomping on her chest. She wheezed upon being stomped on, with her attacker letting out a victorious roar. 

"See boys!? Gruumsh will bring glory to us after all the elves are dead!!!" Celestia braced herself as she felt herself as she was picked up by her feet and thrown onto the floor, slamming to the ground multiple times, her bones feeling like they were broken. She was thrown back to where she began, past some of the dead orcs, with Ar-Gul approacher her. Though she was injured, Celestia got up. "Ain't no use in fighting anymore, your majesty. Time to die."

Celestia pulled out some sulfur and wrapped it into a ball. in her hands. "Fireball." She simply said. A bright streak flashed from her fingers and to the warboss. A roar of explosions and flame erupted, with him running on fire, suffering from severe burns. The Elf walked past the burning orc, grabbing his own mace and finishing the job, breaking a leg, causing him to fall to the floor. The last thing the orc saw was his target swinging his own mace at his face. The orcs who saw this quickly turned and ran away, frightened at what this elf could do. "Heal." She instructed herself, followed by all her injuries going away almost instantaneously. She walked to the gates, and outside, saw a huge army of orcs outside, ready to attack with their war wagons. She took a deep breath and raised her right arm into the air, pointing at the sun that laid overhead. Her hand closed in a fist as the sun began to darken, shrinking even, until everything was pitch black, and the only source of light was a small ball in Celestia's fist. She slammed her fist into her chest, and in seconds, the queen began to glow, and her body began to expand. All of the orcs outside watched as Celestia turned into a giant in their very eyes, towering her own castle, and was the only source of light, as if she was a goddess in the flesh. 

"HEAR ME NOW, ORCS!!! RETURN TO YOUR HOME NOW, OR SUFFER MY WRATH!!!" There was a collective pause, followed by the screaming of orcs running away. A huge collection of "Cowards" were heard, followed by the roars of Orcs charging. Celestia pulled out a chunk of phosphorus "Wall of fire." She dropped the phosphorus to the floor. In a huge burst, a gigantic wall of fire errupted from the ground, surrounding the entire kingdom. All orcs caught in the flames were immediately turned to ashes, and those nearby suffered burns immediately. The rest only watched in horror as the giant Celestia started to march forward, stomping on both the orcs and their war wagons, destroying all that was around. 

It was only a few minutes, but all the surviving orcs ran away, too scared to suffer from Celestia's fiery wrath, ran back north, to the mountains of whence they came. The fiery wall around Canterlot went away, and the sun returned steadily, as Celestia shrunk back to her normal size, back to her normal height, cleaned up, as she approached the castle doors. The doors opened, with everyone thanking her for saving their lives. She lifted a hand up, silencing everyone. One of the soldiers approached her.

"Yes, your majesty?" He asked.

"... Please, clean up the mess outside." She ordered. "And give me a few hours of silence. I'm really tired."

"Yes, ma'am. Right away." All the soldiers that weren't suffering from fatal injuries got up and ran outside, ready to clean up, with the civillians joining. Amongst the crowd, was a young Half-Elf girl, about 8 years old, with purple hair and a magenta stripe in it, who watched in awe as her queen walked back up to her personal quarters, yawning, in broken armor. 

"Twilie? Are you alright?" A young boy's voice asked. The little girl snapped out of it and turned to another young half-elf, a boy with short blue hair, around 11 years old

"Uh, yeah, Shining." She replied. "I just... need to get back to my studies."

"Same. The Guards did their best.. who knew orcs were that violent?"

"Now kids," Their mother, another half- elf with gray-purple hair spoke. "Let's go home and thank the gods for what they've done for today."

"Yes, mom." Both kids spoke.
> 12 years later
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The same purple haired Half-Elf was now a young adult, and ran across the college grounds with a pack on her side, with some papers flying out. Her studies had prompted her to return to one of the many spires around that other students like her lived and studied in, after reading some history about Queen Celestia's past and battling an individual being called Nightmare Moon. According to the history book, Nightmare Moon was close to Celestia, but made a pact with an unforeseen entity when no one focused on her, but more on Celestia. Due to this, Nightmare Moon attacked Celestia, trying to take her throne for herself, but Celestia, unwilling to take the life of someone close to her, promptly banished her to the moon with some artifacts called "The Elements of Harmony." Our student ran to her spire, ignoring anyone that wanted to greet her, and ran up it's spiraling staircase, promptly bashing the door open.

"Spike! Spike!... Spike!?" She yelled before looking down. Lying on the floor, dazed, but unharmed, was her young, purple dragonborn assistant, Spike. He was covered in purple scales with a pale colored underbelly, and and green frills over his ear holes, and a darker green scales sticking out from his head all the way down to his back. Despite looking like a humanoid dragon, he wasn't exactly intimidating looking, mostly due to the fact that he was still a child, so his scales weren't sharp looking, save the exception being his actual claws on his hands and feet. She knelt down and helped Spike back up before returning to the library in her house, looking through the books on the shelves.

"Quick! Find me an old copy of predictions and prophecy." Spike walked into the room with a present through his claws. She stopped and gave a curious look. "What's that for?" Spike looked at the destroyed present in his claws.

"Well, it was a gift for Moondancer, but..." Spike answered in a young child's voice, nowhere deep sounding with growls and hisses like most Dragonborn are said to have. He stopped talking as a doll fell out from the bottom of the broken present.

"Oh, Spike. You know we don't have time for that sort of thing."

"But we're on a break!" Twilight ignored him. Her hands glowed as ethereal hands started to go into the higher shelves, mimicking her grabbing movements and tossing actions. "No! Nononono! SPIKE!!!" 

"Right here." Spike replied, shaking the present off his claws and presenting her the book. 

"Oh... thank you." She accepted the book and paced around, flipping through the pages. "Elements... Elements... E... Ah-ha! Elements of Harmony! See... Mistress of the Moon?" 

"Mistress of the moon?" Spike asked, cleaning up Twilight's mess. "But that's just an old wive's tale." Twilight flipped through the pages, stopping at what looked like a woman surrounded in shadows. 

"Hmm... The Mistress of the Moon. Myth from ancient times. A dark elf who wanted to rule over Equestria after making a deal with a shadow patron. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon, legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars aid in her escape, and she will bring eternal darkness. Spike! Do you know what this means!?"

"Um... no." Twilight used the same spell to clean her mess before offering Twilight a scroll and some ink with a feather.

"To Celestia, please." Spike accepted the tools, quickly dipping the feather into the ink and preparing to write.

"Yes, ma'am!" He began to write as Twilight spoke.

"My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of magic have let me to discover that we are on the presivous of disaster!" 

"Hold on." Spike scratched his head. "Presi... presi..."

"Um... Threshold." Spike gave a blank stare. "Brink?" More staring. "That something bad is about to happen!" Spike continued his writing. She cleared her throat. "Where were we? ... Right. Continuing on; For you see, the mythical mistress of the moon is actually Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, bringing in eternal night! Something must be done to ensure that this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." 

"Alright... and done!"

"Great! Send it."

"...Now?"

"Of course." Spike looked a bit unsure.

"I don't know, Twilight. Celestia has been busy with getting ready for the Summer Sunset Celebration. And it's the day after tomorrow."

"That's just it, Spike! The day after tomorrow is the thousandth Summer Sunset Celebration! It's imperative that we tell her majesty about this right away!" 

"... Why do you use those high words on me?"

"Just send it." 

"Alright, I will." He wrapped the scroll up with his mind, and, placing two fingers on his head, thought really hard, making the scroll vanish in a flash. "And it's sent. But I wouldn't hold your breath."

"Oh, I'm not worried, Spike. The Queen trusts me completely. In all the years that she's been my mentor, she's never once doubted me." There was a burst of fire erupting in the house that went away quickly, leaving a scroll to land in Spike's claws. "See? I knew she wanted to take immediate action!" Spike opened the letter and cleared his throat.

"My Dearest, most faithful student, Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely... But you must simply stop reading those dusty old books!"

"Wait, what!?" Twilight took the scroll out of Spike's claws and read herself. "Wait... I'm being sent to a town called Ponyville!?" Spike took the scroll back. 

"And by the looks of it, I'm joining with you."




Twilight and Spike had packed some snacks before being teleported out. Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, arrived, wearing golden armor that he had during his training as a paladin. 

"So... think you'll be gone for long?" Shining Asked.

"It's only for today, Shining." Twilight replied. "But... you believe me, don't you?"

"It's... hard to say, Twilie. You could be freaking out over something small. But if anything does happen, try to alert me as soon as you can."

"... Thanks. How's your Paladin training, by the way?"

"Well, it's tough, yes, but I feel it's really rewarding. And you? How's your training to becoming a witch?"

"Lots of book studying, but it's quiet." There was a pause between the two. Twilight gave Shining a tight hug. "I'll miss you, my BBBFF." Shining placed a warm arm around his sister. "I'll miss you to, sister. Tell Spike I'll miss him as well." A small tear came down from their eyes as they released each other. Twilight took a deep breath and regained her posture, wiping the tear off her face before turning to Spike. "Are we ready?"

"Just about." Spike replied. "Come on, Twilight!"

"Well... I'll see you soon." 

"See you soon. And hey, maybe when you return, I'll be captain of the royal guard." Twilight giggled at his statement.

"Right, and I'll be an expert at the art of Transmutation when I return." Twilight walked to Spike, giving a wave to Shining, who waved back. The two stepped on an alter, which glowed a blue glow below their feet, and they were instantly transported away. Twilight took a deep breath, as the transportation method wasn't really used, and she looked back, seeing Canterlot at a distance, built right on the side of the mountain on where it's foundation stood. Spike pulled out a scroll, walking ahead, and making Twilight follow him on the road they stood on.

"My dear Twilight, there is more to a young person's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends." Twilight sighed in annoyance "Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?"

"...Yes!" She answered "Yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right! I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return."

"Then... when will you make friends, like the queen said?"

"She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends." They both approached a village at the end of the road. The village looked pretty large, but not overwhelming huge like in Canterlot, mostly smaller, with buildings that, while some looked old, haven't encountered anything awful that would need repairs. Both walked into the village, getting a few curious looks of people, which mostly consisted of humans and a few dwarves.

"Maybe the folks in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about." Walking up to and stopping at them was a gnome woman with pink, curly hair. "Come on, Twilight, just try!"

"Um... hello?" Twilight spoke with a wave. The dwarf let out a prolonged gasp before running away. Twilight and Spike had a blank look on their face. "Well, that was interesting all right." Spike sighed. 

"It was worth a shot." He another scroll out with a list on it, looking up and following the signs that lead to their first destination. It was a bit further from the rest of the village, with apple trees growing almost everywhere, with the only thing sticking out being a few buildings that looked rather ancient and of Dwarven creation. "Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres."

"AAAAAHHHH!!!" Some screaming was heard, causing Twilight and Spike to jump. They turned to see a human woman wearing leather clothes and fur coat over it charge at a tree with a tree, whacking it hard with a single club. The force made all the apples fall off the tree and into baskets around the bottom of it's trunk.

"Oh no, a barbarian!?" Twilight asked aloud before covering her mouth. "Ok... we can do this. Let me do the talking." She approached the lone woman, a bit taken back at how she was covered in noticeable muscles at closer viewing. "Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle-" She felt her hand crushed as the woman grabbed her hand and shook it rapidly.

"Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin' new friends!

"Friends? Actually, I—"

"So, what can I do you for?" Applejack released her hand, causing Twilight to bite her lips as she used her other hand to hold her hurt hand. She cleared her throat after Spike had a nice chuckle. 

"Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. And you're in charge of the food?"

"We sure as sugar are! Would you care to sample some?"

"As long as it doesn't take too long..." Applejack quickly ran to a horn and blew into it loudly, making Twilight and Spike cover their ears. Everything went silent, followed by the floor shaking. Both barely had time to react as a stampede of barbarians arrived, pushing Twilight and Spike into the middle of a huge table.

"Now, why don't I introduce y'all to the Apple family?"

"Thanks, but I really need to hurry—" She was interrupted as the various family members added their own food in front of Twilight, ranging from huge mountains of meat to simple baked goods.

"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... [deep breath] Big McIntosh, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith." While all the other family members looked identical, the last 3 stuck out more. Big Mac was clearly the biggest and most built out of all of the family, standing a good 2 feet taller than Applejackl. Applebloom was only a little girl, wearing a fur coat that was bigger than her. Finally, Granny Smith was a really elderly looking Dwarf, with her hair in a bun, seemingly seeing a lot more than what everyone had seen, even though she was snoring loudly. "Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests!" Granny Smith snorted herself awake

"Wha..? Food's ready? I'm up, here I come, ahm comin'..." She spoke, walking slowly to them all.

"Why, I'd say you're already part of the family!" Twilight gave a nervous chuckle around so many brutish looking people.

"Okay, well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we'll be on our way." She spoke, trying to quickly get out of there.

"Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?" Applebloom asked, making a cute face.

"Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do..." There was a collective sigh of disappointment from the whole family. "...fine." The whole family cheered, clacking tankards together and drinking hard alcohol. 




"Food's all taken care of, next is weather." Spike spoke, leading ahead. Twilight followed, groaning from a bloated stomach and her gown covered in alcohol and other food.

"Ugh... I ate too much meat..."

"Hmm, there's supposed to be a half  Avariel named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds." Twilight looked around, seeing the sky was still cloudy.

"Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?" Twilight felt a sudden force hit her, making her land in a nearby mud puddle. Resting on top of her was a half elf, with pretty pale skin, black hair, and wings that are white with the expetion of the tips, dyed to be the colors of that of the Rainbow. The Half elf got up with some sheepish laughter

"Uh, 'scuse me?" She spoke. "Lemme help you." Her help came in the form of a cloud that showered all over Twilight's head, soaking the half-elf in water "Oops, I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how about this?" She flew around Twilight, drying her up quickly. "My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry! No no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." She paused as she saw that Twilight's hair was messed up, and her dress was wrinkled up. It didn't take long for her to burst out laughing, followed by Spike holding in his own.

"Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash." She got up and stood proudly.

"The one and only. Why, you heard of me and all of my endevors in keeping this village safe?"

"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear." She sighed in annoyance "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the Queen sent me to check on the weather." Rainbow Dash flew up and perched on a nearby roof.

"Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing.

"Practicing for what?"

"The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow Dash landed in front of Twilight and handed her a drawing of various Avariels in very light looking armor. "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"

"The Wonderbolts?"

"Yep!"

"The most talented paladins in all of Equestria?"

"That's them!"

"Pfft! Please. They'd never accept a half Avariel who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day."

"Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat."

"Prove it." Rainbow Dash look appaled, taking out a sword and charged at the clouds, slicing them all away. And though there was no way to time her right away, it was less than ten seconds before the sky was clear. Dash landed near Twilight and Spike, sheathing her sword.

"What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging." Twilight had a blank look on her face. Rainbow Dash flew over her, chuckling. "You should see the look on your face. Ha! You're a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can't wait to hang out some more." Dash flapped her wings in the air and took off.

"Wow, she's amazing!" Spike gawked. "Think I can be a palladin one day?" Twilight snapped out of her phase.

"What? No. On;y when you're older and dedicated to it."

"Oh... right... sorry." 

"It's alright. Where to next?"

"Uh, let me see." He pulled out the scroll. "The Town Hall."




"Decorations. Beautiful..." Spike spoke in awe. The town hall was found easily in the middle of the village, and everything inside looked way more posh than it needed to be.  

"Yes, the décor is coming along nicely." Twilight replied "This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed."

"Not the décor, her!" Standing at the stall was a female dwarf. She had luscious black hair that hung over her shoulders, as she wore an elegant white dress with some precious gems around the sleeves and bottom of her dress. Spike patted the scales on his head down. "How are my spines? Are they straight?" Twilight rolled her eyes and approached the dwarf.

"Good afternoon—" She spoke before being interrupted by the dwarf that, while still had a bit of the ruggedness in her voice, was still very lady-like.

"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. Now, um, how can I help yo—" She jumped back as she saw Twilight's ruined hair and dress "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!"

"Oh, you mean my hair? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair!"

"Out of my hair? What about your hair?!" Despite being shorter than Twilight, just under 5 feet, the Dwarf was able to use her strength to push Twilight out and into the streets.

"Wait! Where are we going?! Help!" Spike only followed them, blindly having a crush on the dwarf he just met.




Twilight landed in Rarity's home, which was itself a shop, another guild even, built in Ponyville. The place looked more ravishing than the rest of the homes, standing out more, with a few other unique buildings around, giving Twilight the idea that this was the marketing area. For the longest time, Rarity had washed Twilight's hair and clothes, but also groomed her hair into different hairstyles with different dresses to wear. She was settled on a dress that looked a bit similar to her own dress, but with a star connecting the sides up so the bottom half of her dress wouldn't fall off, and a black cape hanging on her back. 

"Now go on, darling, tell me where you're from." Rarity spoke as she tightened up the midsection of Twilight's dress. Twilight winced in pain. 

"I've... been sent... from Canterlot... to—" Rarity released Twilight.

"Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I..." She gave Twilight a tight hug before releasing her. "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" Rarity left the room. Twilight got up and dragged Spike.

"Quick! Before she decides to dye my hair a new color!"




"Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked as they walked through what seemed to be the village's park.

"Focus, Casanova." Twilight replied "What's next on the list?" Spike cleared his throat and pulled out his list.

"Oh, uh, music! It's the last one!" They stopped as they heard birds chirping as if it was a song. They looked over a bush to see a halfling woman waving a staff around, as if she was commanding the birds like a conductor. Said Halfling had petunias in her hair, almost as if her hair was pink, and wore a dress made of daisies. One of the birds sang off key, causing the halfling to speak in a calm, motherly tone.

"Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm." She approached the lone birds on the small branch "Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off." Said bird nodded, letting the Halfling get back into her original position. "Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-"

"Hello!" Twilight greeted. The Halfling yelped loudly, causing the birds to fly away instantly. "Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful." The halfling stayed quiet, looking down and not making much action bur twiddling her fingers on her staff. Twilight smiled nervously "I'm Twilight Sparkle. ...What's your name?"

Um... I'm Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Um... My name is Fluttershy."

"Didn't quite catch that." The halfling let out a small squeak, turning into a mouse in front of Twilight's eyes. The birds landed on their tree branches "Well, um, I now see that you're, in fact, a druid, and it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!" There was only squeaking from the mouse. "Oookay." Twilight turned around and approached to Spike "Well, that was easy." The druid looked to see Spike, suddenly turning into her halfling self and gasping in excitement.

"A baby dragon!" She screamed, making her birds fly away again. She approached to Spike, getting a closer look, as they were both around the same height. "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!"

"Well, I'm actually a young dragonborn." Spike corrected, but was still flattered.

"Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful I, I just don't even know what to say!"

"Well, in that case we'd better be going." Twilight cut in, quickly dragging Spike along. The Halfling quickly followed.

"Wait, wait! What's his name?"

"I'm Spike." Spike answered

"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?"

"Dragonborn. And what do you wanna know?"

"Absolutely everything." Twilight groaned that they were going to be followed.

"Well... I started out as a cute little purple egg..."




"...and that's the story of my whole entire life!" Spike concluded as they approached a giant, old looking tree that was now made to be a library, with a door in it's trunk and various windows around outside. "Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?" 

"Oh, yes, please!" Fluttershy replied with excitement. Twilight interupted before Spike could continue

"I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville and my poor dragonborn assistant needs his sleep."

"No I don't-" Spike replied before being tripped by Twilight's foot.

"Aww, wook at dat, he's so sweepy he can't even keep his widdle bawance!" Fluttershy quickly picked Spike up like a baby and opened the door.

"Poor thing, you simply must get into bed." She ran right in and gently pushed the halfling out.

"Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well, g'night!" She slammed the door, leaving the two in darkness.

"Rude much? Spike asked

"Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Queen 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 people trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the lantern?" The light illuminated as floating balls of light appeared, and inside was a bunch of people wearing various colorful clothes, all yelling one thing in unison.

"Surprise!"

"Surprise!" The same gnome from earlier appeared in Twilight's face, bouncing around. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?"

"Very surprised." Twilight answered with some spite. "Libraries are supposed to be quiet." She walked away to pour herself a complimentary drink.

"Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all like," She gasped "remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everybody, and I mean everybody in Ponyville! And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went-" Another deep gasp "I must 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!" Standing behind the gnome was the rest of the interesting characters Twilight and Spike had met. Twilight's eyes teared up upon drinking, and began to cough hard.

"Are you all right, sugarcube?" Applejack asked. Twilight didn't answer, running off and ran up the stairs into where her room was going to be. 

"Aww, she's so happy she's crying!" Pinkie spoke. Rainbow Dash took a tankard and drank from the same bowl Twilight got her drink from.

"Huh. It's cider. Guess she's a bit of a lightweight."

"Eh, our family cider has been strong." Applejack replied. "Guess she's too used to wine."

"Ahem!" Rarity spoke up.

"Alright... maybe not."




Twilight laid in bed, trying to sleep, but couldn't as there was loud singing going on, a well known song mostly sang by dwarves. The door opened with Spike peeking in.

"Hey Twilight! Pinkie Pie's starting pin the tail on the kobold! Wanna join?"

"No!" Twilight yelled "All the folks in this town are crazy! Do you know what time it is?!"

"It's the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everybody has to stay up, or they'll miss the Queen herself showing off her might! You really should lighten up, Twilight. It's a party." Spike left Twilight alone, who imitated him in a mocking fashion.

"Ugh, here I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend-making has kept me from it!" She looked outside to see the moon in the sky. It was a full moon, revealing what looked like a the side profile of a woman's head in the moon "Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night. I hope the Queen was right... I hope it really is just an old wive's tale..." She was interrupted by Spike barging in. 

"C'mon, Twilight, it's time to watch the sunrise!"




Crowds of fellow villagers were inside the town hall, alongside several guards on guard duty, a bit crowded, but there was space for everyone to move. Twilight and Spike stood in the middle. Pinkie came out of nowhere, surprising the two.

"Isn't this exciting?" She asked "Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited— well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went-" A deep gasp "but I mean really, who can top that?" The chirping of Fluttershy's birds were heard as the halfling orchestrated them all. Standing onstage was a middle aged woman wearing authoritative looking robes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," She began "as the elected leader of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" The crowd cheered loudly before going quiet. "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 elf who keeps us safe and orderly every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria... Queen Celestia!" Rarity, above on the balcony, pulled some ropes to open the drapes, only for Celestia to not be there. There was a collective number of confused murmurs. 

"This can't be good." Twilight murmured to herself.

"Remain calm, everybody, there must be a reasonable explanation!"

"Ooh, ooh, I love guessing games!" Pinkie spoke up "Is she hiding?"

"She's gone!" Rarity yelled, looking behind the curtains. There was collective gasps from the crowd.

"Ooh, she's good." The entire place went dark, save for the moon, where the woman-looking shape disappeared in a flash, with a beam of light coming down at the building. There was a huge blast, pushing everyone down, even making Rarity fall and take a hard landing. The smoke cleared, as standing in the middle of the wreckage was a lone figure, a woman by the looks of it, who stood just as tall as Celestia. Her hair was silver, the skin as dark blue as the night itself, and she wore pure black armor over drapes of blue that waved in the wind. She looked around with her feline-like blue eyes, seeing everyone in shock and fear. 

"Oh, my beloved subjects." She spoke in a sultry voice "It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces."

"What did you do with our Queen?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, ready to charge at the woman, but was held back by Applejack.

"Whoa there, Nelly!" Applejack yelled. The mysterious woman chuckled

"Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games!" Pinkie smoke "Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty-" She was muffled as Applejack stuffer her mouth with some ham. The woman towered over Fluttershy as she cowered.

"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" She asked before turning to a down Rarity, placing her cold fingers across the dwarf's face "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs!?"

"I did." Twilight spoke, standing in front of the crowd. "And I know who you are. You're the Mistress in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!" A collective gasp escaped from everyone.

"Well well well, somebody who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."

"You're here to... to..." Twilight sweated hard. Nightmare Moon only chuckled

"Remember this day, peasants, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" She began to cackle loudly, as lightning formed in her hands. 

"Seize her!" The village leader yelled "Only she knows where the queen is!" The soldiers in the place began to charge at Nightmare Moon.

"Stand back, you fools! ELDRITCH BLAST!!!" She blasted the balls of lightning from her hands, pushing 2 soldiers back by ten feet, knocking them unconscious immediately. Screaming was heard everywhere, as people ran out. "Gaseous form!" Pounding her own chest, Nightmare Moon turned into a dark cloud and exited the building. Rainbow Dash got out of Applejack's grapple and flew after the cloud. 

"Come back here!" Nightmare Moon as the cloud disappeared past the hills and into the nearby forest "Nighttime? Forever?" She looked down to see Twilight running out of the building with Spike at her side. Dash landed as the rest of the others walked out "Where's she going?"

"Likely her library." Applejack answered. "And we should head there as well."

"Oh we will," Rarity spoke "right after we change into something more... outgoing now."




Spike stirred in his sleep as Twilight placed him in his bed.
"Uh... We gotta stop Nightmare!..."

"You've been up all night, Spike." Twilight spoke in a soft coo "You are still a child after all." She walked out of his room, closing the door and looking around in her library "Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?"

"And just what are the Elements of Harmony!?" Ranbow Dash demanded, wearing light armor that covered her body, with a shield in her left hand and a short sword in the other, pointing the blade at Twilight's neck, causing her to back up. "And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy!?" She was pulled down by her feet by Applejack, wearing the same clothes as before, but now having a huge axe strapped to her back. 

"Simmer down, Sally. She ain't no spy." Applejack spoke before releasing Dash "But she sure knows what's going on. Don't you, Twilight?" Twilight noticed that Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy entered, wearing more adventurous clothes. Rarity had on chain mail armor with a shield and a greatsword strapped to her back, with a light crossbow on her left side. Pinkie wore leather armor with a dagger held on her left side, a sling on the right, and a lute on her back. Fluttershy wore leather armor herself, with a dagger at her side, but also a shortbow on her back. And though she didn't see it first, Rainbow Dash appeared to have 5 javelins sticking from her back, with enough space so her wings wouldn't get caught, but also let her reach over and pull said javelins out.

Twilight took in a deep breath. "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 what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!" 

"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide." Pinkie read aloud, carrying a book in her hands. Twilight ran over and took the book

"How did you find that?!"

"♫It was under "E"!♫"

"...Oh." Twilight opened the book and read aloud "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 known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal elf sisters. It is located in what is now-"




"The Everfree Forest!" Everyone shouted as they stood on a bridge that lead into said dark forest.

"Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie spoke, taking the first few steps.

"Not so fast." Twilight spoke, making Pinkie stop "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own. I am a witch, and with my spellbook, I'll be able to do this." 

"No can do, sugarcube." Applejack spoke, walking into the forest, followed by the others "We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone, and we ain't prepared for nothin'. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple."

"Especially if there's candy apples in there." Pinkie added, getting a confused look from Twilight. "What? Those things are good." Twilight sighed in defeat, following the party, pulling her spellbook out just to be ready.




"So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked as they all walked into the forest, right beside a cliff

"Ugh, heavens no!" Rarity andwered "Just look at it;it's dreadful."

"And it ain't natural." Applejack added "Folks say it don't work the same as other forests."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight asked.

"Nobody knows." Rainbow Dash replied in a mocking, spooky voice, tip toeing to the others "You know why?"

"Rainbow, quit it." Applejack ordered.

"'Cause everybody who's ever come in has never come out!" At that moment, the cliff they were on cracked, causing a rockslide. Rainbow flapped her wings as Fluttershy, out of pure reaction, turned into an eagle. "Fluttershy! Quick!" Dash flew down, quickly, with Fluttershy following, making only a loud screech in response. Rainbow Dash was able to pick up Rarity, huffing from her heavy weight, as Fluttershy used her talons to pick up Pinkie, also struggling a bit. Applejack grabbed on to some roots of a tree, but looked down, seeing Twilight hanging on to the side of a cliff. 

"Hold on! I'm a-comin'!" Applejack spoke, releasing the root and sliding down steadily to Twilight.

"Applejack! What do I do!?" Twilight asked, sweating nervously. Applejack looked up before back to Twilight. 

"...Let go." 

"Are you crazy?"

"No I ain't. I promise you'll be safe."

"That's not true!"

"Now listen here. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but what I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe." Twilight looked at Applejack, nervously swallowed, and released. She screamed loudly before felt herself being picked up. Looking up showed that Rainbow Dash had caught her.

"Glad to know you're lighter than Rarity." Rainbow Dash joked.

"I heard that!" Rarity yelled from below, standing beside Pinkie and Fluttershy, back to her normal self. Twilight turned to see Applejack scaling down the mountain with her bare hands, jumping off when she was about her size up from the ground. The sounds of an animal roaring made them all jump. 

"Uh, perhaps we should get a move on?" Twilight suggested. But before they could go anywhere, standing between two rock formations that lead to where they were heading was a lion-like monster with a vaguely humanoid head, wings of a dragon, and a long tail that ended with a cluster of deadly spikes.

"What the hell is that!?" Rainbow Dash asked, taking her sword and shield out,

"A Manticore!" The monster let out a ferocious roar. "We've gotta get past it!" 

"Um, girls?" Fluttershy spoke. The Manticore leaped at Rarity, who was quick enough to use her shield to defend herself, and swung her sword at it, cutting it a bit.

"Take that, you ruffian!" She yelled, showing more of her Dwarven accent doing so. The Manticore roared at her, making her cover her ears a bit. 

"Wait." Fluttershy spoke. The Manticore was ready to bite Rarity's head off, but felt something on it's back. Looking up was Applejack, pulling on it's mane. The Manticore began to shave violently as Applejack held of

"YEE-HAW! Git along, little dogie.

"Wait." Fluttershy continued. The Manticore threw it's head back and tossed Applejack in front, making the human roll on the floor a bit, landing by Rainbow Dash's feet. 

"All yours, partner." 

"I'm on it." Rainbow Dash replied, charging at the monster

"Wait!" Fluttershy insisted again. Rainbow Dahs was quickly clawed at, by the manticore, giving her armor a bad but. 

"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled. Dash got up and coughed a bit, but looked back at the beast. Twilight picked up her spell book and looked at her strongest spell, Flaming Sphere. She and the others charged ahead, before Fluttershy stood in their way. 

"WAIT!" She yelled. Everyone stopped. The Halfling turned to the Manticore and approached it. The Manticore prepared to swipe at her, causing everyone to flinch and cover their eyes."Shhh... It's okay." Everyone reopened their eyes, seeing the Manticore not attacking, but presenting it's paw, showing a huge thorn in it's paw "Oh, you poor, poor little baby."

"Little?" Rainbow commented

"Now this might hurt for just a second." Her hands glowed green as she pulled the thorn out. The monster roared loudly.

"Fluttershy!" Everyone yelled in fear, before seeing the Manticore was licking the halfling's face, purring even. Fluttershy only giggled.

"Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are." During that, everyone took the opportunity to sneak around the beast. Twilight stopped, seeing the Manticore had ran back into the forest, leaving Fluttershy with a sticky hair. 

"How did you know about the thorn?" Twilight asked

"Circle of the shepard." Fluttershy answered "Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness, even to the most dangerous of creatures.




"Ugh, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck." Rarity spoke, followed by the trees covering the moonlight, leaving them in darkness  "Well, I didn't mean that literally."

"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it."Twilight spoke.

"Don't you all have dark vision?" Applejack asked. 

"I can't see anything!" Rainbow Dash replied.

"I think it's magical darkness." Pinkie spoke. 

"I doubt my spells can work here." Twilight added 

"Oh wait, I think I stepped in somethin'." Applejack spoke. Fluttershy quickly screamed "It's just mud." Loud growling came, as light came in, revealing the trees to have frightening, humanoid faces. Everyone screamed loudly, but stopped upon hearing laughter. They looked to see Pinkie making funny faces at the trees.

"Pinkie, what are you doing?!" Twilight asked "Run!"

"Oh girls, don't you see?" Pinkie spoke, pulling out her lute and began to sing. 

♬When I was a little filly and the sun was going down...♬

"Tell me she's not..."

♬The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown...♬

"She is." Rarity replied.

♬I'd hide under my pillow
From what I thought I saw
But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way
To deal with fears at all♬

"Then what is?" Rainbow asked

♬She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall
Learn to face your fears
You'll see that they can't hurt you
Just laugh to make them disappear."♬

"Ha! Ha! Ha!" Pinkie made some fake laughs, making one of the faces of the trees morph back into a regular tree. Everyone gasped at what she was doing. With Pinkie's singing, and knowing what they had to do, joined.

♬So, giggle at the ghostly
Guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
Whoop it up with the weepy
Chortle at the kooky
Snortle at the spooky♬

♬And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna...♬ hahahaha... heh...

♬Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!♬

Laughter erupted from everyone as light had returned, and the trees were back to normal. They kept laughing a bit, which died down quite a bit, with their spirits at an all time high. They stopped as they saw a raging river. 

"How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie asked. There was a distant cry in the distance. They looked over to see an 18 feet tall, aquatic looking creature, wearing beautiful clothing consisting of pearls, crying, causing the waters to go violent. 

"What a world, what a world" It cried.

"Stay behind me." Twilight spoke. That's a marid. If my studies are correct, it's a powerful being who uses slaves."

"Slaves!?" Fluttershy asked before being shushed. Twilight approached. 

"Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?"

"Well, I don't know." The Marid answered, tearing up "I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved hair clean off, and now I look simply horrid." He wailed again, causing water to splash on them all.

"Oh, give me a break." Rainbow muttered

"That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack added

"Why, of course it is."Rarity replied "How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent clothing."

"I know." The Marid sniffled

"And your expertly coiffed pearls." 

"Oh, I know, I know."

"Your fabulous manicure." It gasped 

"It's so true!

"All ruined without your beautiful hair.

"It's true, I'm hideous!" 

"I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!" Rarity took out a handaxe from her back and lifted it dramatically before using the other to lift up her hair.

"Rarity, what are you-!?" Twilight asked before watching Rarity slice her hair off easily, making herself nearly bald. Rarity's hands glowed, picking up her hair and putting it on the Marid's head. The Marid patted it's head before cheering.

"My hair! How wonderful!"

"You look smashing." Rarity complimented

"Rarity... you have magic?" Twilight asked.

"Oh of course, dear. And  don't worry about me, short hair is in this season. Besides, it'll grow back."

"So would his hair." Rainbow Dash commented. Twilight rolled her eyes before seeing the stream was now calm

"We can cross now. Let's go." Twilight spoke, before a bridge was conjured up. 

"Allow me, on behalf of the dwarf who made be beautiful again." It spoke before going into the stream, back into it's home.




The party ventured through the forest and into the opening, standing next to a bridge, which connected over a canyon to the other side. On the other side of the bridge was some ruined castle 

"There it is!" Twilight cheered "The ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!" She started to run ahead.

"Twilight, wait for us!" Applejack yelled

"We're almost there. Whoa!" She stood at the edge of the cliff that the bridge, flailing her arms back. Rainbow Dash pulled her back.

"What's with you and cliffs?" She asked.

"Now what?" Pinkie asked.

"Duh." Rainbow Dash showed off her wings before jumping off the cliff. She disappeared under the clouds beneath, reemerging quickly with the end ropes in her hands. She began to tighten up and tie the first rope up, but stopped.

"Rainbow..." A voice echoed.

"Who's there?"

"Rainbow..." Dash pulled out her sword and shielf

"I ain't scared of you! Show yourself!"

"We've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best paladin in Equestria."

"Who?"

"Why, you, of course."

"Really?! I mean... Oh yeah, me. Hey, uh, you wouldn't mind telling the Wonderbolts that, would ya? 'cause I've been trying to get into that group for like, ever."

"No, Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us, The Shadowbolts." Emerging from a fog was a trio of knights, all wearing black armor with piercing red eyes illuminating from the darkness in their helmets. "We're the greatest paladins in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria, but first, we need a captain." Dash looked a bit suspicious. The knights walked around her. "The most magnificent-"

"Yep."

"Swiftest-"

"Yes."

"Bravest hero in all the land."

"Yes, it's all true." 

"We need... you."

"WOOHOO! Sign me up. Just let me tie this bridge real quick and then we have a deal." The knights stood in the way of the last rope.

"No! It's them or us."

"Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight asked. She squinted her eyes, seeing the unknown knights standing in front of the rope. "Oh no. Rainbow! Don't listen to them." One of the Shadowbolts raised an arm, creating a bubble around them all.

"Well?" The Shadowbolts asked. Dash looked at them all.

"You..." Dash spoke. They reached for her, but Dash quickly turned to the rope. "Thank you! For the offer, I mean, but I'm afraid I have to say no." Dash turned around and flew back to the others. Like the fog, the Shadowbolts vanished away. Dash landed with her party. "See? I'd never leave my friends hangin'." The entire party entered the ruins of the castle. Standing in the middle was an alter of some sort with 5 balls of stone surrounding a larger ball of stone. 

"Whoa." Twilight spoke, looking at her book.

"Come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waitin' for?" Applejack asked.

"The Elements of Harmony, we've found them." Dash flew over to one of the ball, picking them up from their place. "Careful, careful!" 

"One, two, three, four... There's only five!" Pinkie counted

"Where's the sixth?" Rainbow Dash asked, placing the last one to the floor. 

"The book said: when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure, but I have an idea." She pulled out her spell book "Stand back. I don't know what will happen." Everyone stood back as Twilight scrolled through her pages.

"Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Twilight sat down and read her book, finding a spell that would work as everyone walked out. A mist entered the room, picking up the elements of harmony and glowed. Twilight looked up to see the Elements floating, but not by her own method. 

"The Elements!" The screamed, jumping into the mist, vanishing with them. The rest of the party entered, looking everywhere for her/

"Twilight, where are you?"

"Look!" Rarity pointed, seeing that light in a tower.

"Come on!"




Twilight Sparkle found herself in another place, coughing and regaining her sight. She gasped as she saw Nightmare Moon with the elements, laughing evily. She pulled out her spell book and found her spell. Her hands glowed as she used a spell.

"WEB!!!" She yelled, firing a huge mass of thick, sticky webbing at Nightmare Moon, enasing her in it. She then fired some green goo at Nightmare Moon's face. "ACID ARROW!!!" The acid burned Nightmare Moon's face, but the dark magic in her quickly healed her. 

"You're kidding." She spoke in an unamused tone "You're kidding, right?" She pointed a finger at Twilight. "HELLISH REBUKE!!!" Twilight felt an immediate burning sensation, and jumped out of the way as pillar of flames almost surrounded her. Her dress was caught on fire, rendering her to pat the flames out quickly. Nightmare Moon got out of the webs easily and strolled to her. "ELDRITCH BLAST!!!" She yelled, firing the same blast of lightning at Twillight. Twilight got up. 

"You took my two level 2 spells!?" she  cracked her fingers. "Luckily, I got 4 level one spells, and plenty of cantrips." She pointed her hands out."MAGIC MISSILE!!!" three glowing darts of magical force came out of her hands. One took the blast, another directly into Nightmare Moon's chest, and the last one at the elements. 

"No, no!" Nightmare turned to see missile had hit the elements in the middle and caused them to glow a bit, before quickly dying out.

"But... where's the sixth Element?!" Nightmare Moon only laughed.

"ELDRITCH BLAST!!!" She blasted her spell at the elements, making them all explode into small pieces. "You little fool! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your queen, or your sun! The night will last forever!" She laughed at her victory. The sounds of Twilight's party was heard, all rushing ahead to the battle. Twilight had an epiphany. 

"You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here!" She spoke as everyone got to her side, weapons ready. The fragments of the Elements of Harmony got up and began to circle around the party.

"What!?"

"Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty! Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of... kindness! Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of... laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful marid with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... generosity! And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty! The spirits of these five people helped us through these challenges!"

"You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!"

"But it did! A different kind of spark." She looked back to her party "I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!" She turned back to Nightmare Moon, with another stone sphere over her head. "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!"  The shards of the elements of harmony went into the party, turning into necklaces, but a tiara for Twilight. A blast of multi colored magic blasted at Nightmare Moon, who lifter her hands out to block it away, but failed. 

"Nooo! Nooo!"

Then everything went bright, and dark instantly.




Everyone woke up, drowsy, but unharmed.

"Ugh, my head." Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Everyone okay?" Applejack asked

"Oh, thank goodness." Rarity spoke, having her old hair back again.

"Why Rarity, it's so lovely." Fluttershy complimented

"I know! I'll never part with it again." 

"No. Your necklace. It looks just like a diamond."

"What? Ooh. So does yours, but it's a butterfly."

"Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie spoke, with her necklace in the shape of a lute

"Aw yeah!" Dash spoke, with her necklace looking like a cloud with lightning.

"Gee, Twilight!" Applejack spoke, her necklace being an apple "I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship."

"Indeed you do." The all familiar, motherly voice was heard. The sun rose once again, and walking out from the sunlight, towering over them all, was Celestia herself, wearing her white robes with golden highlights on the edges. The party members quickly bowed to her, laying their weapons to the ground in respect. Twilight quickly got to Celestia's feet and bowed to her.

"Queen Celestia!"

"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student." She placed a reaffirming hand on her head. "I knew you could do it."

"But... you told me it was all an old wife tale."

"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!" Everyone looked down to see that in Nightmare Moon's place, was another elf, younger looking than Celestia, with brighter, but still darker skin and hair that looked like a calm night, wearing a simple black dress. Her eyes opened, and she gasped in fear as Celestia approached her. Celestia got down to her knees, seeing the elf, Luna, cowering. "It has been a hundred years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister."

"Sister?" Everyone asked,.

"Will you accept my friendship?" Tears were in Luna's eyes before she gave Celestia a hug.

"I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!"

"I've missed you, too." Pinkie sobbed heavily before snapping out of it.

"Hey, you know what this calls for?" She asked. "A party!!!"




Another party was held in Ponyville, with the sun returning, and everyone happy to see their queen was still alive, Luna, meanwhile, hid behind her sister, with the news not being shared that she was actually Celesitia's sister. Spike was awake now, giving Twilight a supporting hug, though the Half-Elf still felt a bit down. Celestia took notice.

"Why so glum, my faithful student?" She asked "Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?"

"That's just it." Twilight answered "Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." 

"... Spike, take a note, please." Spike quicjky nodded, pulling out a quill and scroll out. "I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the Half-Elf Witch. 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 new home in Ponyville." Twilight was met with her friends joining at her side.

"Oh thank you, your majesty! I'll study harder than ever before!" Cheering came from everyone as a new chapter was made in Twilight's life.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week had passed after Nightmare Moon's attack, and the adventure Twilight and her new friends went through. Though she was more comfortable with being in her library, Twilight helped Applejack work on her farm, a way to learn more about her friend's lives, as well as get some necessary exercise. Spike came along with her, mostly because he was too young to be left alone, but also for an extra set of hands. The Dragonborn child was busy looking over and tossing any bad apples away, from being too old or having worms in them.

"Thank you kindly, Twilight, for helping me out." Applejack began as they walked across the farm. "I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles." She chuckled at the idea.

"No problem at all, Applejack." Twilight answered "I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry."

"I know, right?" Spike added. Twilight turned to him with an annoyed look.

"Ooh-wee, Spike. You've been lounging all morning while we worked."

"Exactly. You two are taking so long, I missed snack-time." Twilight's stomach gurgled loudly, making the witch blush and laugh nervously.

"Eh, I guess we better get some food." Spike continued tossing apples before pulling out a large, ripe, red apple "Oh Spike, that looks delicious." She couldn't grab it as Spike shoved it into his mouth with one bite, chewing loudly. "Spike!" Her assistant swallowed his snack.

"What?" He froze before thinking hard. A scroll appeared in his claws.

"Wait... is that a letter from Queen Celestia!?" Applejack stopped and stood next to Twilight. Spike opened the scroll and cleared his throat.

"Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Queen Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle and her guests." 

"The Grand Galloping Gala!?" Twilight and Applejack spoke in unison. The two cheered and danced around a bit, looking a bit like fools, making Spike groan. Spike had the same frozen stare, followed by two golden tickets appearing in his right hand.

"Huh, two tickets?" Spike asked, a bit confused.

"Wow, great!" Twilight spoke, excitedly "I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?"

"No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that feminine, weak, boring political nonsense."

"Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice."

"Nice!?" Applejack asked "It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, folks would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows 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 McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, I'd give my left leg to go to that gala."

"Oh, well in that case, would you like to--?" Twilight was about to ask before being interrupted by the familiar voice of Rainbow Dash, crashing into both.

"Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?" She asked, not bothering to get up from the two and acting as if nothing happened. 

"Rainbow Dash." Applejack growled, pushing Rainbow off and standing up. "You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?"

"No, I was busy napping." She pointed to a tree above, with a blanket and pillow on it before flapping her wings and overlooking Twilight "And I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?"

"Yes, but--" Twilight replied before being interrupted again.

"YES! This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the show. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash!! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut.Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The folks would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!" Rainbow was dragged back by Applejack. 

"Hold on just one minute here." Applejack released Rainbow Dash, who turned to her. "I asked for that ticket first."

"So? That doesn't mean you own it." Rainbow Dash's face got close to Applejack's

"Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to an arm wrestle. Winner gets the ticket." Without hesitation, they both got to a log, locked arms with each other, and began to show their strength. It appeared Applejack had the upper hand, with her more swole than Rainbow Dash, though the half avariel showed some muscle as well. Twilight got between them both and pushed them out of the way.

"Girls, these are my tickets!" Twilight shouted "I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?" Both got close to her.

"Drummin' up business for the farm?" Applejack began.

"A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?" Rianbow retorted

"Money t' fix Granny's hip."

"Living the dream."

"...Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?" Twilight began before her stomach growled again. Another sheepish laugh came from her. "Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?"

"Okay." Both spoke in a defeated tone. They looked at each other, flames in their eyes, and went back to their arm wrestling match.




Twilight and Spike walked into the town marketplace. The sun laid overhead, and it was rushhour, with customers approaching each stall to buy their needed things.

"So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked,.

"I don't know Spike," Twilight answered "but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?" Twilight felt herself being tackled to the floor, a bit dazed, and seeing that Pinkie landed on her. The tickets fell from Spike's claws, landing on Pinkie's face, who got up and screamed.

"Gah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help! " She stopped, seeing the tickets on the floor. "Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! The most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria!? I've always always always wanted to go!" She pulled her lute out and strum it's strings as she bounced around a bit.

♬Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me
Hip hip
Hooray!
It's the best place for me
For Pinkie... ♬

With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Kobold!


♬Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me
Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me
'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy
Wheee!! ♬

Pinkie bounced into Twilight's arms, hugging the half-elf.

"Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever." Spike picked up the tickets on the floor.

"Um, actually--" Twiight was about to speak before being interrupted yet again, this time, with Rarity's voice. Rarity leaned over Spike's shoulders, seeing the tickets

"Are these what I think they are?" 

"Uh--"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Pinkie answered "Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot."

"The gala?" Rarity asked "I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him."

"Him! ... Who?"

"Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious woman" They would never guess that I was just a simple dwarf from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Queen Celestia herself, and the queen would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible man in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hand 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 man of my dreams." Rarity's imagination snapped as she turned to Twilight. "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!" 

Spike felt something take the tickets from his own claws, then noticed that a rabbit had taken the tickets away and ran to Fluttershy. "Hey!" The rabbit stopped at Fluttershy's feet, presenting the tickets. She gasped upon taking the tickets

"Angel, these are perfect." 

"Uh, listen guys," Twilight spoke up. "I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to."

"You haven't?" Rarity and Pinkie asked in unison, the former ecstatic and the latter shocked.

"Um, excuse me, Twilight." The halfling began, walking between the other two. "I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else--"

"You?" Rarity asked, appalled "You want to go to the gala?"

"Oh, no... 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, would 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. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!"

"Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful...?" Twilight spoke, trying not to offend the druid out of respect.

"Wait just a minute." Rainbow Dash spoke from above, overlooking on a roof.

"Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?"

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-two-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody."

"Wait just another minute." Applejack spoke, approaching to them all.

"Applejack, were you following me too?" Twilight asked

"No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket."

"Your ticket?" Rainbow Dash asked

"But Twilight's taking me." Pinkie suggested. It didn't take long for all party members to start arguing with each other. The arguing got out of hand, making Twilight snap.

"QUIET!" She yelled, silencing them all. "Girls, there's no use in arguing."

"But Twilight-" Rarity whined. Twilight raised a finger at Rarity.

"Eh! This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise!" Her stomach growled again "Not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo." Everyone but Spike walked away, grumbling. "And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow."




Twilight and Spike sat outside of a local tavern, both with a tankard of water in front of them. The Ha;f-Elf could only sigh,

"Spike, what am I gonna do?" She asked "All five of my 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?" Her stomach growled again.

"Have you made your decision?" A gentleman-like voice asked

"I CAN'T DECIDE!!!"

"Uh, Twilight?" Spike spoke "He just wants to take your order." Twilight turned to see that a waiter stood next to their table.

"Oh. I would love a sandwich, actually."

"Do you have any rubies?" Their waiter gave a confused look "No? Okay. I'll have the fish, extra crispy."

"What do you think, Spike?"

"I think we have to try another tavern. I mean, I like fish just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?"

"I mean about the Gala and the ticket and who I should take."

"Oh. You're still on that?"

"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 people. What if I--" 

"Ah, your food." The waiter interrupted, showing a sandwich that was, for the most part, layered with thin slices of meat, glazed in sauces on toasted bread. Spike had an entire fish grilled in front of him, with a potato on the side.

"Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat." The rapid sounds of people running caught her attention before she took a bite,

"Em, madam? Are you going to eat your food in the rain?" 

"It's not raining." Twilight spoke before looking out, seeing that it was raining everywhere except her table with Spike "What's going on?" She looked up to see the hole, with Rainbow Dash looking down.

"Hi there, half-elf friend forever I've ever ever had." She began. "Enjoying the sunny weather?"

"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" 

"Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous person about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all."Twilight had an unamused look on her face.

"Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favors, are you?"

"Me? No no no, of course not."

"Uh-huh."

"Seriously, I'd do it for anybody." Twilight looked around, seeing the rain pouring on everyone, with various poeple running in the rain, trying to get out. Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously "Heh heh, eh."

"Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now."

"Ugh, fine." Rainbow closed the clouds up, making it dark over Twilight's head.

"That's better." Twilight was ready to eat her sandwich, only to be met with rain pouring all over her and Spike, who had just finished his fish. Rarity approached to them with an umbrella over her head.

"Twilight, it's raining." She spoke

"No, really?"

"Come with me before you catch a cold." Like the first time they met, Rarity picked up Twilight effortlessly and took her to her house. 




Twilight shook the rain off, though it got onto Rarity and her clean floors.

"Heh heh, oops, sorry."  Rarity took a deep breath.

"Oh no, it's quite all right. After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?"

"Uh..."

"Makeovers!" Rarity quickly pulled Twilight into a changing station, jumping in herself. Spike only heard the struggles of Twilight. After a few seconds of struggling, the curtains opened, showing Twilight in her clothes, but now decorated with jewelry consisting of emeralds. 

"There. Oh, you're simply darling." Rarity complimented

"Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it, Spike?" Twilight asked her dragonborn assistant. Spike just rolled his eyes and shrugged. Rarity grabbed Spike and took her into another changing station.

"Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent." Spike struggled, but was quickly in the stall, with Twilight only hearing his struggling. It was faster, but Twilight watched as Spike came out an elegant blue suit that made him look noble. Twilight couldn't help but giggle at how Spike looked adorable in his fancy suit. "Now you just need a hat." Spike took a few steps back.

"Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this." He insisted "I'm not a fan of clothes or these fancy parties. I'll see you at the library, Twilight." He took his clothes off and ran out. Rarity nervously laughed, pulling a mirror to show Twilight her reflection.

"Oh, who needs him anyway. This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala." Twilight was almost lulled in before snapping out of it.

"Wait, the Grand-" She was about to say before being interuppted by Rarity.

"And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. 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 person in all of Equestria is Rarity the dwarf!" She looked into the sky, gleaming, before seeing Twilight looking at her with an unamused look. "Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course."

"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. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else. Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch." A wall was busted down as Applejack entered the room.

"Did somebody say lunch!?" She asked before picking up Twilight.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Twilight yelled.

"My wall!" Rarity yelled. Applejack took Twilight away and in front of a wagon filled with food.

"I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple Brown Betty." Applejack listed. "The dessert, not my auntie. What do you say there, best friend?" Twilight drooled a bit at the sight, her stomach grumbling louder. "Is that a yes?" Twilight was close to accepting it, but shook herself.

"No. No. 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!" Twilight quickly ran away.

"...So, that's a maybe?" 




"Ugh, I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating." Twilight spoke to herself as she approached her library. She stopped as she heard humming inside, then slowly opened the door. Inside, Fluttershy was cleaning the place with birds and other small animals helping. Spike was surrounded by birds, perching on his body, who stood still, looking nervous. "Fluttershy, not you too?"

"Oh, well, hello Twilight." Fluttershy greeted. "I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you."

"It's summer."

"Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea." She gestured to the rabbit, who was making a salad for Twilight.

"You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?"

"Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?" The rabbit gave Twilight an impatient look. "Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket." The rabbit presented Twilight the salad. Twilight, though still hungry, swiped the salad out of her face.

"No, no, no! Well, this was all 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 opened the door, prompting Fluttershy and all the animals to leave, but jumped at the sight of a crowd outside of her house.

"SURPRISE!"

Some folks grabbed Twilight and started to bounce her into the sky. It didn't take long for Twilight to know that Pinkie was the one who brought everyone here for something.

♬Twilight is my bestest friend
Whoopie, whoopie! ♬

"Pinkie..."

♬She's the cutest, smartest, all around best elf-y, elf-y! ♬

"Pinkie."

♬I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party! ♬

"Pinkie!"

♬She'll give her extra ticket to the Gala to me! ♬

"PIIINKIIIE!!!" The crowd made Twilight drop to the ground with a loud thud. 

"Yes, Twilight?" Pinkie stood over the Half Elf, blinking innocently.

"At least the other folks tried to be subtle about the ticket."

"Wait, what ticket?" One of the villagers asked.

"Oh, you didn't know?" Pinkie asked "Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!"

"The Grand Galloping Gala?!"

It didn't take long for the entire village to crowd around Twilight. Seeing Twilight in trouble made Spike quickly run away from her bird prisoners, get through the crowd, and tried to lead her to safety. Though with each step they took, another villager got in the way, all saying they'd help Twilight in something to get the ticket.

"What are we gonna do?" Spike asked.

"We're... gonna... run!" Twilight yelled, grabbing Spike's arm and ran through the crowd and into the village, away from her library. An entire mob began to chase the two, Though Twilight was relatively fit, it didn't help either that no matter where they went, the crowd almost knew where they were at easily. Even when hiding in areas no one would guess, someone was there (perhaps rogues also lived in this village?). In any case, Twilight and Spike found themselves cornered by everyone in an alleyway. Twilight motioned to Spike, who grabbed onto her leg. Her hands glowed, as did her eyes, and the two vanished in a flash, leaving a confused crowd.




Twilight and Spike appeared back in the library, both trying to maintain their balance. 

"Ugh... I think you need extra practice, Twilight." Spike replied.

"I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now quick, lock the doors!" Despite tripping and falling, both Twilight and Spike closed every window and door built into the tree, turning off any light around. They sighed in relief as all was over... until the lights in the main library turned on, showing Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were already inside, awaiting them. She could only scream and she had a panic attack. "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 wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!" Her friends looked at each other, looking awful. Applejack approached Twilight.

"Twilight, sugar," She spoke "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 somebody else. I won't feel bad, I promise."

"Me too." Fluttershy added "I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful."

"And me too." Pinkie added as well "It's no fun upsetting your friends."

"Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did." Rarity also added.

"Yes! That means the ticket is mine!" Rainbow Dash laughed as she flew in the sky, rubbing her hands together in excitment. She stopped as everyone looked at her with disapproval looks. "...You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either." She landed next to Twilight and everyone else.

"Anyways," Applejack spoke. "we all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you."

"We're sorry, Twilight." Everyone apologized. Twilight stood up, now with a smile.

"Spike, take down a note." Spike picked up a quill and scroll, ready to write down what she had to say. "Dear Queen 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."

"What?!" Everyone yelled.

"If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either."

"Twilight, you don't have to do that." Applejack spoke.

"Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now." Spike nodded, concentrating on it, making the letter vanish. 

"Now you won't get to go to the gala either." Fluttershy observed.

"It's okay, girls." Twilight reassured "I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my friends there with me, so I would rather not go at all." Spike froze as a letter appeared in front of him. Twilight looked a bit confused "A letter from the queen? That was fast." Spike opened it up and read aloud.

"My faithful student Twilight, sorry, was busy and didn't count the tickets." He pulled out six tickets. Everyone gasped.

"Now we can all go." Everyone cheered before Twilight's stomach growled one more time, causing her to keel over and grab her waist. "Ugh... need... food!" Rarity helped Twilight up to her feet.

"Allow us to treat you to dinner." She spoke, walking out. Spike opened the door for them all, all grabbing a ticket. Though everyone was ready to go, Spike stayed and looked a bit heartbroken.

"How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" He asked. He stopped and froze. Another letter appeared in his claws. He opened it up "And one for you, Spike." He suddenly felt giddy, but stopped himself. "Uh... thanks... whichever god listened to me..." He walked out, following the others. "Hope it was Bahamut and not Tiamat."