Chapter 1: New Student

Ponyville High
Chapter 1: New Student

Equestria is a fair continent, free of conflict, but there are many conflicts in its past leading to its founding, as well as the founding of many of its cities. One such conflict was between the various inhabitants: Humans, Winglies, and Unimare. The Humans were the only ones who knew how to cultivate the land, and were greedy with the food they grew. They were clever, and they had to be with the other two races overpowering them. The Winglies are strong athletic warriors that believed they were angels incarnate due to their wings and military might. They were said to be able to control weather, which they used to their advantage. But even their might was rivaled by the magical talents of the Unimare. They were believed to be able to control the time of day, which they also used to their advantage. But one day they all came together in a time of conflict and formed one home, one nation, which became the capital of Equestria: Canterlot. It is here that the Alicorn, a race of Humans with Winglie wings and Unimare magic, reside over the country. To learn more about the conflicts, reference books include…

Twilight Sparkle yawns as she reads all this, not getting much sleep having been up all night studying. She was Unimare, and an intelligent one at that, getting private tutoring from Princess Celestia, and Alicorn who took it upon herself to be the district attorney of all schools in the country of Equestria. But even with the princess of their fair nation as her private tutor, she still worked around the clock studying everything she possibly could. Twilight was pale, even for a girl with darker skin, and violet hair with a pink and an indigo streak through it. She sat in the shade of a tree, wearing a lot of black and purple, being gothic. The anti-social girl gives off another big yawn and digs through the books in her back pack, blinking as she comes to realize she doesn't have any of the reference books mentioned in her history textbook. "How am I supposed to learn everything for history class? I don't have all the reference books?"

She sighs and zips up her bag, tossing it on her back as she quickly rushes from the courtyard and back into her dorm. She rides the elevator to the penthouse of the dorm where she lives, walking into the home of book case covered walls and a glass one before the balcony. This was of course covered to keep the sunlight dim so she could read more leisurely. She makes her way up to her assistant's room and kicks open his door with her buckled black boot. "Ow!" cries the voice of a young boy.

Twilight blinks and walks in, looking down at a spiky green haired boy on the floor. He wore a purple jacket over his white and blue striped shirt, and a pair of baggy navy blue cargo pants. He glares at her and Twilight blushes. "Sorry about that Spike! I just was in a hurry to get your help!" She notices a rather smashed looking present and motions to it. "What's that thing on the floor by you?"

Spike sighs and rubs the back of his head looking for a bump. "So I suppose knocking to see if I'm home is out of the question?" He looks to the present and groans, obviously annoyed. "This was a birthday present for a girl whose party you were invited to! I got this for her and was going to put both our names on it. Try and make it seem like you at least want to try and make friends."

Twilight rolls her eyes and says, "I don't have time for anything like that Spike, and neither due you. As my assistant I'll need you to help me locate and purchase a few new books for my collection. I need them as references for history class and the next big test."

Spike groans and says, "You don't need the references Twilight, unless they're specified by the teacher."

Twilight scowls and says, "I just want to cover all my bases Spike! You never know when the knowledge could become essential in the near future!"

"Is it enough to miss your private tutoring?" Twilight goes wide eyed and gulps, slowly turning around to find a woman with long flowing hair of bright shades of blue green and pink. Her white dress nearly reaches the floor, and her wings were large, white, and feathery like an angel. "Hello Twilight Sparkle. Is there a reason why you didn't show up for your lessons today?"

Twilight stares in shock, gulping again. Spike sits up and says, "Ooooo, busted."

Twilight snaps her fingers and they glow, a zipper appearing at the edge of Spike's mouth and zipping it shut. Spike pouts with his arms crossed as Twilight begins to sweat and tries to gather herself. "Hello your majesty, princess Celestia, I truly do appreciate your lessons! I was just… tired, and it had slipped my mind."

Celestia raises her eyebrow and says, "Up all night studying to unnecessary lengths again I see? Spending your student funds on books that you do not require? Ignoring a chance to go to a birthday party and make some friends? I must say Twilight; I am deeply disappointed in you."

Spike unzips his mouth and tsks at her, rubbing one index finger along the other saying, "For shame Twilight, for shame."

Twilight falls to her knees in shock, tears welling in the corners of her eyes. "No your majesty, I'm sorry, I can do better! I'll study twice as hard and long! I'll get nothing but straight 'A plus'!"

Celestia sighs and rubs her forehead. "That's enough! This isn't about your studies, Twilight! This is about your anti-social behavior and obsession with good grades stealing your life! During your time here at Canterlot High school, have you managed to make a single friend?" She leers at Twilight, who falls on her back shivering.

Twilight looks back at Spike and says, "Uh, Spike! Spike is my friend!"

Spike raises and eyebrow and says, "I'm your friend?" Twilight shushes Spike and smiles nervously at the princess.

Celestia leans forward looming over her with her eyes half closes in disbelief. "Spike is not your friend if you treat him more like an assistant Twilight. I mean an honest to goodness friend. One that you spend time with, and shares your interests."

Twilight pokes her black gloved index fingers together and looks around nervously. "You mean… like a study partner?" She grins wide, sweating profusely at this point.

Celestia says, "You see Twilight, this is exactly what I mean. You can continue to get good grades, even with friends. But you take all kinds of unnecessary precautions to ensure your good grades! That's why I can no longer let you attend Canterlot High school. I'm transferring you to a small town's boarding school where you will continue with your studies. And most of importantly: Make, Some, Friends! Do I make myself clear?"

Twilight lays there staring up at Celestia in a state of shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. She tears up and leaps to her feet, hugging Celestia. "Wait, I'm sorry, please don't send me away your majesty! I do have a friend! You're my friend, your majesty!"

Celestia smiles and hugs Twilight back. "I know Twilight, and that's why I have to do this. What I'm doing is for your own good. I'll keep in contact with you through video phone calls regularly. And it's not so bad. You're going to be staying with my younger sister Luna."

Twilight wipes away some of her tears and says, "Princess Luna?"

Celestia nods and says, "Yes, she is your age after all. Now pack your things and I'll have my personal vallet deliver you. And remember, make friends!"

Twilight starts, "But princess Celestia-"

Celestia puts a finger to her lips interrupting her with a, "No buts', just make friends!"

Her high heels clop against the ground as she walks off, leaving Twilight standing in the same spot with a look of terror on her face. She whimpers and says, "But I don't know how to make friends."

*************

Twilight pouts as a limo drives her and Spike from the airport, where Celestia's private jet dropped her off in the small town of Ponyville. Spike sits across from her, looking out the windows having the time of his life. "Come on Twilight. Look at this as a chance to expand your horizons. A new place, new people, a new start all together! Isn't that exciting?"

Twilight rubs her temples and says, "I'm glad at least one of us is enjoying this."

Spike scowls at her and points at her as he lectures, "You only have yourself to blame for this!" She cringes at his tone and begins to sink in her seat. "You never took the time to get to know me! We could be great friends if you tried! And I constantly tried to help you develop a social life! You've been so obsessed with your studies it's eating you alive! Don't you think this is exactly why the princess transferred you to a different school? Don't you want her proud of you?"

Twilight bites her lower lip and nods. "I'd do anything for the princess. She's always been there from the very day I tapped into my powers to now."

Spike smiles and holds out his hand. "Then make her proud. Let's start from the very beginning, as friends."

"Friends?" Twilight looks up at Spike with a shimmer in her eyes, slowly reaching out her hand and taking his in hers. She begins to stutter as she says, "Hello there, fellow student. My name is Twilight Sparkle. What's your name?"

He smiles and shakes her hand as he responds, "My name is Spike, and it's a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to be friends?"

Twilight blushes and smiles. "I would like that, a lot." She bursts out giggling and covers her face with both hands. "This is kind of weird."

Spike shrugs and says, "Okay, I'll admit it won't be that easy to make friends at your new school. But this is the best way I could think of starting things out. Now we're friends, and that means no more treating me like I'm here to do everything for you." Twilight sinks back into her seat with a sad look to her face. "Of course that doesn't mean I won't help you whenever I can." He winks at her and she smiles hugging him tightly.

She mutters a thank you and he smiles patting her back, just in time for them to reach the front steps of the fenced off school. There are six different large buildings surrounding a beautiful courtyard in a perfectly aligned circle. Twilight blinks stepping out of the limbo and staring up at the building before them. "I read that this boarding school is number three in the country, and affordable for common folk like the members of this town. Because of this, and it being a boarding school, there are a lot of students that come from all over the country to study here."

Spike steps out and opens the trunk, blinking as it's filled with books. He rolls his eyes and digs through them, prying their suitcases out from under all the books. "Is that why they have so many big buildings?"

Twilight nods and says, "Kind of, each building is for something different though and represents something different. Behind this building where the courtyard is, the six buildings lie in a circle. The three to the north are the student dorms. There's the human dorm, which represents the honesty of their ancestors when it came to their time of need, giving up their trickery and underhanded ways. Then there's the Unimare dorm, which represents the generosity of their ancestors when they were willing to share their homes and powers with those who needed them. The Winglie dorm which represents loyalty, due to a Winglie never turning their back on a single one of their allies in need, a trait they had even before the great conflict. The building to the left is the recreational building, where they have plenty of ways for students to relax and unwind. It represents laughter, for the good times it brings amongst the students. To the right is the gardens, where they grow a variety of flora and fauna, raise both local and exotic animals. It represents kindness, due to everyone's willing ability to take care of everything there. And the building before us is where classes take place, and the library is located at the top! This building represents Magic, because everyone is willing to come together in one place and learn."

Spike goes flying, along with several books, after he pries the last bag free. As Twilight rushes over in a panic to pick up all her favorite books, Spike says, "So is there a reason why they have racial segregation for their dorms?"

Twilight bonks him on the head with a balled up fist and says, "Don't make it sound so gross. Winglies and Unimare need special treatment from humans, and it's easier to have an entire building of bedrooms set up specifically for one race rather than attempt to make each individual one suitable for its particular hosts. The students know this and appreciate this. You wouldn't understand, the country you came from has a single race."

Spike rolls his eyes and says, "I was born and raised in this country you know. So I'm part dragon, doesn't mean we don't have different types of dragon bloods."

Twilight sets aside her books in the trunk and says, "I guess you have a point. Sorry if I offended you."

"No offense taken." Spike smiles and pats her shoulder, blinking as a woman with grey hair, glasses, and a brown suit with a white under shirt and a teal tie comes walking up to their car with several men in suits. "I think this is principal Mayor."

Twilight gets a goofy look about her face and says, "Her last name is Mayor?"

Spike gives Twilight a 'be quiet' gesture as principal Mayor comes up and says, "I see our newest students have arrived! Our new junior, Twilight Sparkle, and our new freshman, Spike. It is an honor to have you at our school. Please, allow these gentlemen to take your belongings up to your new room above the library."

Twilight blinks and says, "We're going to be staying above the library?"

Principal Mayor nods and says, "Of course! That is where Princess Luna stays in her own private accommodations! Due to her being a royal Alicorn, she requires a special place to stay. I have been informed by the district attorney, and princess, Celestia that you two will be staying with her."

They both nod, but Spike freeze frames and he goes red in the face. "Wait a second! I'm bunking with two girls? I can't do that!"

The principal sighs and says, "I know it seems a little unorthodox, but you being a dragon blood, it makes it hard for us to figure out which dorm you would be in. And Luna asked for this arrangement personally, so just consider yourself lucky and don't get into any type of trouble." The principal winks and nudges the poor boy with her elbow.

Spike gulps looking up at Twilight who stares at him with eyes half closed and an eyebrow raised. "No problems there your majesty, considering my roommates are an Alicorn and a gothic librarian with as much magical strength as one." Twilight smirks and nods, satisfied by this statement.

The principal removes her glasses and gives them a quick wipe off. "Yes, well, I'm sure your school year will be very interesting. Now, why don't you take a look around the school? I'll have someone meet you in the courtyard to give you two a tour." She puts her glasses back on and shoos them away, motioning for the men to get started on their things.

Spike and Twilight make their way through the main hallway of the school building. The floors were tiled and waxed and lined with lockers as they made their way to the back where the courtyard was. The centerpiece was a beautiful fountain with a maiden shrouded only in a scarf covering the most revealing parts of her body from each of the three races standing in a circle, holding pots that sprayed off into the surrounding basin. Around this was a circle of a rainbow of flowers, and around this was grass and cement walkways. Several students can be seen walking around, some of which begin to stare at her, pointing and whispering. Twilight blushes and says, "Spike, they're all staring at us."

Spike sighs and says, "Of course they are! They probably know we're new students and we're bunking with the princess. And since the school year already started, we're practically celebrities at this point."

Twilight gulps and sweats, trying to turn around and walk away. She squeaks as Spike drags her into the courtyard. "I don't think I can do this Spike! I'm too nervous!"

"That's not the attitude that you need to make friends." He stops dragging her and turns her around to face him. "You need to be determined, and nice! Heck, all you have to do is introduce yourself to someone and make conversation with them." Out of the corner of his eye he notices a Puffy pink haired girl skipping along in cloths that were an assortment of yellow and blue flooded with pink. He smiles and says, "Like her! She seems like a peppy and energetic girl! Brightly colored clothes, messy hair, skipping along without a care! This will be a cinch!" Twilight gulps and feels like running for her life at this point, as the girl skips directly towards them now. "Go on! Give it a try."

Spike smiles and motions to the girl as she bounces up, coming to a stop and opening her eyes, staring at them. Twilight takes a deep breath and says in a low tone, "H-Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle." The girl inhales for a few seconds, her eyes going wide, and she slaps the sides of her face screaming at the top of her lungs. The air that rushes from her mouth seems powerful enough to make Twilight's hair flow back like a gust of wind was hitting it. Spike's wasn't doing the same due to it being so short. The girl turns around and quickly runs the opposite direction, towards the recreational building.

Spike and Twilight stand there slightly mortified, their mouths hanging open slightly, Twilights hair frizzy and bags under her eyes. Spike slowly turns towards Twilight and says, "So… how do you feel?"

"I'm terrified beyond words!" she quickly responds still frozen in position. "I think that's enough for today, let's go get my class schedule."

Spike grabs her shirt sleeve and tugs, not letting her march away. "Now now, I know that was a little awkward, but it won't always be like that. That girl was just a little… off."

"Sugar cube, you don't know the half of it." A girl with blonde tied back hair and a cowboy hat walks up, wearing an orange plaid shirt, blue daisy dukes, and cowboy boots. She tips her hat and says, "Howdy there newbie, my name is Applejack, and that there was Pinkie Pie. She can be pretty odd sometimes, but you learn to love her antics. You must be Twilight Sparkle and Spike, our newest students. Principal Mayor asked me to show you around the school."

Applejack holds out her hand to them, and Spike shakes it with a smile. He nudges the once again horrified looking Twilight with his elbow, motioning to the girl with a country accent. Twilight gulps, takes a breath to calm down, and takes her hand. Then she abruptly shouts, "Will you please be my friend?!"

Spike slaps his palm to his forehead as Applejack goes wide eyed from the sudden outburst. She busts out laughing and says, "I don't see any reason we can't be honey bunches. I have to say though, you look more nervous than a cat on bath day. You must be new to the whole friends' thing."

Twilight sighs loudly and says, "Is it that obvious? To be honest I've never had more than one friend my entire life. I'm simply horrified that my one mission at the moment is to make some friends."

Applejack smiles and says, "Well how's about I help you while I give you the tour? I got lots of friends I can introduce you two to. My big brother and little sister are taking care of the orchards at the garden for me so I got plenty of time."

Spike raises and eyebrow and says, "This school has its own orchard? That's kind of cool."

Twilight says, "Actually, I do love to get away with a little nature every now and then. Perhaps the garden building will be the perfect place for me to relax a little."

Spike and Applejack smile, winking at each other as Spike gives Applejack thumbs up saying, "Thank you," with his lips. Applejack nods knowing exactly what was going on and motions for them to follow her. "Sure thing, I'll introduce you to my kin, and the girl who looks after the animals. Heck, you'll have lots of friends and fit in fast, and it will take no time flat! Faster than a road runner, getting chased by a hungry coyote!"

Twilight giggles and says, "You're kind of funny. I like that." She follows Applejack, Spike close beside her. "Thanks for this Applejack."

Applejack shakes her head and says, "Oh nothing to it Twilight. What are friends for?"

End Chapter 1
Continued in Chapter 2: Friendship 101

Chapter 2: Friendship 101

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Ponyville High
Chapter 2: Friendship 101

Applejack leads the way as the trio gets closer and closer to the gardens, constantly peeking over her shoulder at Twilight and Spike. She puts her hands in her pockets and turns around, walking backwards now so she can face them. "I apologize, but I'm mighty curious. You two seem awfully close for a pair of newcomers. How do you two know each other?"

Twilight smiles and says, "Spike used to be my assistant before we came here. We met in elementary, and it was a pretend relationship, but as we got older he became more and more of a necessity to me. I don't know how I could have made it this far without him." She giggles, looking at Spike.

Spike blushes and avoids her gaze with a chuckle. "Oh come on Twilight, I'm not that important."

Applejack smiles brightly and says, "I reckon you've had a friend right in front of you all these years and never even realized it sugar cube."

Twilight blinks in surprise and looks at Spike unsure what to say to that. She mutters under her breath, "Maybe that's another reason why the princess sent me here. Because I couldn't even see I had a friend right in front of me all these years." Spike looks at her, and she squeaks looking away, which makes him blush a darker shade and look away as well.

Applejack looks between the two with a sly smile and says in a casual tone, "So you two have been pretty close for a long while, eh? But I'm curious, is that more of a sibling type of deal, or something a little stronger than that?"

Twilight blinks and tilts her head to the side a little. "I'm not sure if I understand what you mean. What could be stronger than the bond that two siblings share with each other?"

Spike's face turns completely red, steam nearly flowing from his ears. "Nothing is stronger! Don't let her get into your head! She's just messing with us!" Twilight raises an eyebrow at his behavior, and he tries to hide his face from her behind a hand.

Applejack snickers at this. Satisfied by the reaction she got, and turns back around. "Spike is right sugar cube. I'm just tickling my ribs over here. Don't mind me." She comes to the front door of the green house like structure and opens it, holding it for her new friends. Twilight curtseys and walks in. Spike stops in front of her and holds up a finger, his mouth hanging open as if he was about to say something. As he paused, Applejack leans in so her face is close to his and says, "Beg your pardon?" She smirks and Spike just shakes his head blushing, walking into the building. Applejack chuckles and follows them in.

Both of their jaws drop as the look around them, immediately surrounded by beautiful and exotic plants. They had been planted and attended to carefully to give a mirror effect right down the middle as they walked down a dirt road that winded through the garden. Twilight squeals and says, "I've read about so many of these plants and never seen any! There's even a few in here that I don't have any idea what they are!" She runs from fauna to fauna, examining them as a series of long complicated scientific descriptions flowed from her mouth.

Applejack's freckled face pales a little as she stares confused at all the things the energetic Goth was saying. She looks at Spike and whispers, "Does she always get like this around plants?"

Spike shakes his head and whispers back, "No, she's just never seen these kinds before. You wouldn't guess it looking at her gothic exterior, but deep down she's a huge bookworm, waiting to sprout into a beautiful librarian butterfly."

Applejack's cheeks inflate as she holds in a laugh at his description with a snicker, and walks over to Twilight. She takes her by the shoulder and says, "Calm down sugar cube, this is only the entrance. You can have a smarty pants spasm another time. We still got the rest of the tour to go, remember?" Twilight blushes and nods, giggling nervously as she rubs her arm. "Right then, let's start in the orchard shall we?"

She led them along the path, Twilight looking around at everything with eyes of admiration, Spike happy to see her finally relaxed and smiling. Then they come to a large clearing with all kinds of fruits and vegetables were growing, whether from the ground or from trees. They looked at the sectioned off varieties in awe, when they began to realize just how many apple trees there are. Twilight says, "I can see how useful growing food for the school can be, but what's with all the apples?"

Applejack puts her hand son her hips and crosses one leg in front of the other, holding her nose up in the air proudly. "Apples helped found this school, and the very town we're in. My family has been planting and harvesting apples for generations, and this school respects what they've done for our town. Why, they're our number one commodity, and mighty tasty too. You name a food, and I'll find a way to incorporate apples into it. That's how the apple family does things." She notices a tree shaking and motions for them to follow her. "Looks like my kin are right over here!" She smiles finding a large and muscular male dropping an apple from a tree, a young girl at the base of his ladder catching the apples in a bucket. The boy had a red plaid shirt on and faded jeans leading down to a set of dusty steel toed work boots. His hair was strawberry blonde and short, and he had freckles just like Applejack. In his mouth was a hay straw, just hanging there as he chewed on the end. The younger girl had long thick red hair and a big pink bow. She was wearing a yellow shirt under her overalls, and a pair of white sneakers that had seen their own share of hard work and dirt. "Spike and Twilight, I want you to meet my siblings. This is my big brother Macintosh, but everyone calls him Big Mac. He's a senior. And this is my little sister Apple Bloom, and she's a freshman like you Spike. Big Mac, Apple Bloom, come say hi to the new students."

Apple Bloom sets down her basket and runs over as Big Mac makes his way down the ladder at his own pace. Apple Bloom gazes over Twilight examining her clothes: A violet shoulder less silk shirt, a black and violet plaid skirt that reached just above her knees, black and violet striped thigh high socks and elbow length gloves, and black boots that were covered in buckles. She smiles and says, "Wow miss Twilight, are you a witch? I've never met a real witch before!"

Spike holds a laugh in with both hands as Twilight looks utterly confused by the young girl's statement. Applejack scowls and grabs her sister by the ear. "What in tarnation is wrong with you Apple Bloom? Didn't I tell you to stop acting like you were in kindergarten? She ain't no witch, she's gothic. That means she dresses in dark cloths and is anti-social." Applejack covers her mouth with a gasp at what she just said.

Big Macintosh walks up with a chuckle and says, "No who's being rude little sister?"

Twilight chuckles nervously and says, "Well, I'm not going to deny any of that, to be honest."

Apple Bloom winces and says, "Yeow! Applejack that thing is attached! Leggo already!"

Applejack sighs and lets her little sister go, who quickly begins rubbing her ear. Applejack lowers her hat and says, "Well I feel dumb as a post for saying something so rude about a new friend Twilight. Let me get you an apple to make up for that." Applejack walks up to a tree and gives it a good stomp, several apples falling from the tree as Spike and Twilight stared in awe of her strength. She picks one up off the ground and gives it a rub on her sleeve, handing it to Twilight before placing her hands on her hips and crossing her legs again. "I reckon that one is mighty ripe."

Twilight blinks staring at the large red apple and takes a small bite. She blinks and smiles as she says, "Say, this one is very juicy! It tastes so good! Here Spike, you try it too!"

Spike smiles and takes the apple. "Don't mind if I do." He opens his mouth wide and bites a large chuck from the apple, juice spraying to the ground as he attempt to much it in his now full mouth before handing it back to Twilight.

She cringes and takes it by the stem, staring at it. "Spike, I said to try the apple. Your bite was so big you at the apple core itself!"

Spike swallows and says, "I was wondering what those unusually hard chunks were."

As he picks his teeth Applejack has a laugh. "Don't you fret Twilight; we got plenty more where that came from. Ain't that right guys?"

Big Mac nods and gives a dragged out, "Eeeyup." Apple Bloom giggles at her brother and just nods.

Applejack tips her hat to her siblings and says, "But before we go crazy with the apples, how about we continue that there tour I promised you. Come on, I got someone you'll want to meet by the animals."

Spike looks to Twilight and says, "Are you going to eat that?" Twilight rolls her eyes and tosses him what's left of the apple, letting the boy pig out as she follows Applejack.

Apple Bloom and Big Mac wave them off as they follow Applejack further back into the gardens. Twilight waves back, and then turns to Applejack to say, "You really gave that tree back there a good kick. How did you ever get so strong?"

Applejack blushes and says, "Aww, now you got me all red in the face. I've been doing this for years though, bucking trees like a bronco. I reckon it just gets the job done a lot faster when you give a tree a good kick. It's not like I'm hurting them. Big Macintosh kicks right through them trees though, so we make him pick them by hand." Applejack and Twilight giggle together, Spike smirking as he just follows from behind.

Animal noises can be heard rapidly getting louder as they come to an area that looks like some sort of zoo safari. All kinds of animals can be seen running around the area with each other, none of them conflicting with each other at all. It was like walking into a peaceful jungle hillside. Twilight blinks and says, "Wow, I've never seen so many animals in one place, let alone getting together so well! What's the secret to that?" Spike notices a parrot and tosses it what's left of his apple, which it munches on excitedly.

Applejack says, "The secret is the caretaker. She lives in a small shanty out around here." That's when she finally came into view, a meek looking Winglie with small yellow wings that matched the sun dress she was wearing. Her hair was very long reaching half way down her back, and some of it came down partially over one her eyes, and it was pink. Her sandals were pink and laced up, and she was unaware of their presence. "There she is, but be careful. She spooks real easily."

Twilight nods and walks over, taking a deep breath. She softly says a, "Hello."

The girl screams and twists around, all the birds she was feeding fluttering off. She begins to pant when she notices Applejack with her. She gulps and stutters her own, "H-Hello."

Twilight looks back at Applejack worriedly, but she just rolls her hand insisting Twilight continue. "Um, m-my name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm a friend of Applejack's. What's your name?"

The girl takes a step back, and looks down, her hair falling further over her face. "M-My name is," she mumbles her name in a soft tone.

Twilight tries leaning in to hear but fails to. "I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?"

The girl rubs her arm nervously and begins to coot further back, avoiding their gazes. "M-My name," she mumbles the rest in an unheard tone again.

Twilight smiles nervously and says, "I didn't quite catch that."

The girl stares at her with wide shimmering eyes and then looks away, curling up her body a little as she hugs herself and mutters again, this time in a very high pitched tone, whimpering and whining. Applejack tugs her hat down with both hands and says, "Maybe this wasn't such a great idea."

Spike walks up and whispers, "Twilight, stop addressing her directly! Pick a conversation topic!"

Twilight begins to sweat, looking around at all the animals, and then back to Spike. "Err, my friend Spike here is dragon blooded!"

Spike's eye twitches and he says, "I didn't mean me as a conversation topic!"

The girl blinks and unfurls a bit staring at him. "You're dragon blooded? I've never met someone dragon blooded before." She smiles and takes a few steps forward. "Does that mean you can breathe fire? Or some other cool things like that?"

Spike blushes and rubs the back of his head with a smile. "Oh, w-well I suppose I have one or two special traits, but I'm not all that great."

Twilight smirks and says, "He can breathe fire but it leaves him full of hot air." The girl giggles, finally standing before them normally now. "I'm sorry if I frightened you. I'm new to this school and just trying to make some friends. And I'd like to be your friend if you'd be willing to tell me your name."

The girl smiles, tilting her head a little. "Well, my name is Fluttershy. It's a pleasure to meet you Twilight Sparkle, and you too Spike. I'm sorry I was so shy. I just get nervous around people I've never met before. Can you forgive me and be my friends?"

Twilight smiles and nods vigorously. "Yes! I'd love to be your friend. You probably have so much knowledge about all these animals since you take care of them so well. I'd love to hear about every one of them!"

Spike sighs rolling his eyes. "And there's little miss book worm rearing her ugly head."

Applejack chuckles and ruffles Spike's hair. "Oh let her be. She looks so happy doesn't she?"

Spike blinks and looks at Twilight, giggling and overjoyed, talking with the shy girl before her. The scene makes Spike smile and he nods. "Your right, she does look pretty happy. I'm kind of proud of her."

After the two of them talk for a bit, Twilight comes back and says, "Okay guys, sorry about that. She's actually a very interesting Winglie once you get to know her a little. So where is the next stop on our tour?"

Applejack rubs her brow and says, "Well to be honest with you, the dorms ain't much of a tourist hotspot, and you'll see plenty of the school during classes and on map directories. So I'd say our second and final stop would be the recreational building. There's plenty to see there, and plenty of people to meet."

Spike smiles and says, "Sounds great! I hear you guys have the best in school arcade in Equestria!"

Applejack laughs and says, "Just like a boy to go straight for the video games. Come on you two, let's get a move on." As Applejack leads them away, a bush bounces its way up behind Fluttershy and a pair of hands sprout from it, grabbing the shocked girl by the mouth and dragging her in, before bouncing away and out of sight.

Applejack leads them through the garden and back outside, heading straight towards the recreational building. Twilight blinks, coming to a stop as she begins to look around in the air. Spike looks back at her and says, "Twilight? What are you doing?"

Twilight holds up a finger to shush him, as if she's listening for something. "Watch out!" comes the cry of a tomboyish girls voice as she comes slamming into the side of Twilight. The two of them plow through the dirt, and Twilight groans as she slowly opens her eyes, the world spinning and what looks like a rainbow dangling in front of her face. When her vision clears, she can see the rainbow is actually a set of mid length hair, belonging to a Winglie girl who is staring down at her angrily. "You got in my way! Thanks a lot for ruining my new trick!" The girl gets up showing she is wearing a cyan tank top and some navy blue jeans that had been bleached and torn at the knees. Her sneakers were as colorful as her hair, and she wore an mp3 player on her pocket that had a cord leading up to the headphones around her neck that said 'DJ PON 3' on them. She removes her goggles from her maroon eyes to get a better look at the girl on the ground. She scowls and grabs Twilight, tugging the gothic girl to her feet. "What's your problem anyways?"

Twilight hisses and rubs her arm, having a scrape on it now, and her hair was fluffed up and covered in dirt. The tomboy stares at her for a minute, and begins to snicker. Twilight blushes and growls. "It's your fault! You crashed into me! Who are you anyways?"

The girl smirks and wipes off a little dirt. "You mean you haven't heard of the Winglie that will one day break the sound barrier? Listen closely, because soon you'll never forget the name-"

"Rainbow Dash!" The tomboy cringes, hearing a familiar voice and looking back to see Applejack marching over and rolling up her sleeves. "First you don't watch where you're going, then your rude, and then you act like some pompous show off? What in tarnation is wrong with you?"

Rainbow Dash yelps and tries to fly away, getting caught by her foot. "Oh no! Applejack! You don't understand! This is all just a big misunderstanding!"

Applejack hauls Rainbow Dash in, and tugs the girl under her arm. "I know you were raised better than that Rainbow! I'll tan your hide, acting like a fool!" Applejack rears her hand back and starts slapping Rainbow Dash on her jean clad rear.

Rainbow blinks and yelps, flailing her arms as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. She kicks her legs and tries to pry herself free from the stronger girls grasp, growling at her assailant. "It's kind of hard to do anything when you're spanking me so hard!"

Applejack sets Rainbow down standing upright and faces her towards Twilight, who was staring and blushing at this point. "Now say yer sorry and say it like you mean it!"

"Okay okay already!" Rainbow Dash grunts and crosses her arms. She sighs and says as seriously as she can muster, "I'm sorry I crashed into you and was rude. My name is Rainbow Dash. Can I do anything to make this up for you miss…?"

Twilight smiles and says, "Twilight Sparkle, the newest student. And that's my friend Spike, he's also new." She blinks and blushes as Spike was trying not to laugh at her messed up hair. "Want to share what's so funny Spike?"

He shakes his head and says, "Nah, don't mind me. I'm just going to stand here in the background and look handsome." He strikes a pose as if he was a power ranger and freeze frames.

Rainbow laughs and points at him, Applejack and Twilight rolling their eyes. "Don't mind him. He's still young and immature. Is there a place I can get fixed up around here?"

Rainbow floats off the ground and puts her hands behind her head, lounging on air. "Well that prissy Rarity should be in the school working on outfits. She has a first aid kit, and beauty thingies, so she can fix you up fine."

Twilight smiles and says, "Oh! Then can you lead us to her?"

Rainbow scowls and says, "Are you kidding? I don't want to go near any of that frilly frou-frou garbage!" Rainbow blinks and cringes as Twilight takes a rather shattered expression, and she begins to sweats seeing Applejack glare at her. She smiles wide and says, "But for you, of course I can! I kind of owe it to you anyways." She chuckles nervously, seeing both girls get happy and wiping sweat from her brow. "Okay, everyone follow me." She lands and folds her wings in, motioning for them to follow as she walks to the school building. She leads them up to the second floor via elevators, and to a workshop. "Behold, and welcome to hell."

The room was covered in hand made decorations, mannequins in dresses, cloth materials rolled up and organized in random bunches all over the place, and a few vanity mirrors here and there along the walls. They could see the back of a Unimare girl sitting at a sowing machine, hard at work on a white dress that sparkled like diamonds. From behind she could be seen wearing a white collared shirt tucked into a pair of brown pants that were belted. "I'll be with you in a moment," she says having heard them all walk in. She gazes at the dress with a satisfied huff, using her magic to set it off to the side, and stands up, turning around. She could now be seen wearing a purple tie that matched her hair, which was tied back in a bow. "Now, who is it and how can I help yo-OOO! Oh my goodness, what happened to this poor girl?"

Twilight blushes as Applejack leers back at the grumpy tomboy leaning on the doorframe. "Rainbow happened. Came plowing right into this poor girl out of nowhere. First day and she's already had her feathers ruffled."

The woman frowns and walks over hugging Twilight. "You poor little thing, I'll fix you up in no time!" She undoes her hair, letting it loose into a beautiful long and curly mass, and removed her glasses to expose her eyes. "My name is Rarity, and when I'm not going to class for Mrs. Photo Finish, I use her class as a personal boutique of sorts. Now first things first, let's patch up that scratch and get you into something less dirty!"

Spike takes one long look at this girl and his face break out into red. His gaze becomes fixed, and his heart beats faster. He closes his eyes a little and his mouth hangs open, staring at Rarity with a goofy smile. Rarity grabs Twilight by her wrist and begins to drag her off. "Wait, I'm fine with the clothes I'm wearing! Somebody help, please! Help me! Noooooo!"

Rarity drags her behind a changing wall and all her cloths come folded over the top of it as a bunch of struggling can be heard. "Now hold still my dear. Hmm, this one is too skimpy. No, too conservative. This one is too frilly, not frilly enough, too emotional, no these won't do. How about this one? No, too playboy bunny. How do you feel about futuristic and retro? Aha, this will do perfect!" She pushes Twilight out from behind the wall, who now had her hair back in a ponytail and was wearing a indigo v-neck sweater with a white under shirt that was tucked into a pair of blue bell bottom jeans, and on her feet somehow she managed to keep her boots through the ordeal. "Now, what do you all think?"

Twilight blushes and looks up to everyone, blinking as they've been put on the spot. Applejack blushes and says, "Well it definitely look cleaner than your other cloths."

Spike says, "Well it's a nice change from her usual attire in my opinion. I would have loved to see you make her wear some high heels."

Rarity giggles and says, "Her feet are not made for high heels, so I let her keep her foot attire." Rarity looks at Rainbow Dash and scowls, placing her hands on her hips and walking over. "Well? What do you think?"

Rainbow quickly answers, "Needs to be cooler."

Rarity growls and gets red in her face biting her lower lip. "Nothing is ever cool enough for you! So I suppose walking around in torn clothes and never washing them is cool? Or dyeing your hair to look like a rainbow? Oh yes reeeally cool!"

Rainbow returns her fiery gaze and says, "I tore them on purpose and the dirt adds character! And I've told you a thousand times, my hair is naturally rainbow!"

Rarity sighs and says, "At least let me dust you off? Patch up your clothes? Style your hair?" She slips a pair of scissors and a sowing needle from her pockets and dashes at her, Rainbow yelping and rolling out of her way. "Please Rainbow! Let me give you a make-over! Just a teeny little change to your appearance here and there and you'll be able to get any man! Or woman…" Rarity blushes and looks to the side.

Rainbow growls and says, "Never! I like my cloths and I don't care about boys! And how long is that lesbian rumor going to come back to haunt me?"

Twilight blinks and gulps looking at the scene, snagging her clothes from the changing wall and making her way for the door. Applejack acknowledges her with a tip of her hat and heads for the door as well. Twilight freezes and looks back at Spike, who is still staring with a goofy smile at Rarity. She growls and grabs him by his sleeve, dragging the stumbling boy out of the room as the two girls continue to argue. After a few seconds they realize they're alone and come to an abrupt stop looking around. Rarity blinks and says, "Where did everyone go?"

Rainbow grunts and says, "Great, now I won't have witnesses when you assault me with your frilly garbage!"

Rarity gets a vein on her forehead as she points at Rainbow Dash. "Like I'd get arrested for dressing you like a proper woman, or are you just that afraid of looking pretty?" She blinks and notices something brush against her finger, and gives it a grip and a gentle tug. "String?"

Rainbow blinks and says, "String? Where did that come from?" The two girls look up to where the string led, into a hole in the ceiling. The next thing they new Rarity was yanked up into the ceiling, squeaking like a little girl in shock. Rainbow gasps and notices another string leading down and around her waist. She tugs at it trying to get it free, feeling herself being pulled up now. She grabs at the air, trying to fly away. "No no, let me go! Oh god she must be using a machine this time! Ahhh!" She is then sucked up into the hole and the ceiling tile is replaced.

Applejack wipes her brow as they make it out of the school building, giggling as Twilight follows with an annoyed expression. Her clothes were under one arm, and Spike was under the other. Spike sighs and says, "That girl was as beautiful as an angel! She was so lovely, so sophisticated!"

Twilight sticks out her tongue and says, "Earth to Casanova. News flash, you're heavy! Get up and walk already." Spike scowls and pushes out of her arm, walking alongside her now. "Welcome back to reality my fine Draconian friend."

Spike rolls his eyes and says, "Can I help it if I just experienced love at first sight?"

Applejack giggles louder and says, "Boy you are barking up the wrong tree. That girl will bleed your soul dry before she breaks your poor little heart. It's just puppy love, you'll get over it."

"Maybe I don't want to get over it." Spike sticks out his forked tongue at her. "So are we finally going to the recreational building now?"

Applejack nods and says, "Yessir. Ain't nothing gonna stop us now. In fact, there's nothing out here at all." She looks around noticing there wasn't a student visible for miles. "Very peculiar if you ask me. Something odd is going on here, or my name ain't Applejack." Twilight and Spike look around noticing this as well, and shrug at each other unsure of what to make of the situation. Applejack leads them to the recreational building and notices how dark all the windows are, perking an ear against the door. "I reckon whatever is going on may be in here. Prepare yourself for anything guys, I got a feeling something shocking is about to happen." Twilight and Spike gulps and begin to shiver, which makes Applejack smirk as she throws open the doors.

The lights to the whole building flash on as before them is a crowd of students that shout, "SURPRISE!"

Twilight Sparkle and Spike stare in awe with their mouths hanging open, as a familiar pink haired girl bounces to the front of the wall of students, surrounded by balloons, streamers, and a big sign that says 'Welcome Twilight and Spike!' She throws confetti at them and shouts, "Welcome to our school!"

Applejack laughs and says, "Pinkie Pie, I should've recognized that gasp earlier from when you found out it was my birthday last year. You were planning this party this entire time, weren't you?"

Pinkie nods and says, "Of course! When I saw two people I didn't know, I knew they had to be new students, and that means they have no friends and if they have no friends that's sad, and if they're sad then that makes me sad! So I gathered up everyone that I could, and got this party made for you as fast as I could, knowing you would sooner than later lead them to this building! And while everyone helped chip in, I followed you around and snagged some familiar face!" She takes out a kazoo and blows into it, and the crowd breaks to show Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all wheeling in a big cake with their names on it. She pushes the group in and lets the doors shut behind them, giggling and bouncing in a circle around them. "We baked this cake, just for you, and I got all your new friends to chip in and decorate it before you even go here! Are you surprised, I bet you are, because your faces are like, gasp! Oh my god, what's going on? Why is there a bear on a pogo stick playing the accordion?! That sort of thing, you know?!"

Twilight stares at the group of people she had just met, and begins to tear up. "You guys did all of this, just for me?"

Pinkie blinks and says, "Well duh, because you're the new girl, and you need friends! And, well, I want to be one of those friends." Twilight drops the clothes from under her arm and falls to her knees, sobbing in soft gasps. Pinkie frowns and says, "Oh no, did I make a booboo? Did I do something wrong?"

Twilight wipes her eyes and says, "No, it's quite alright! I'm just so happy! I've never had any real friends my entire life, and now that I've been here for not even a few hours I already have five interesting new friends."

Spike kneels down and gives her a hug from the side. Applejack kneels down and joins him, Fluttershy blushing and hurrying over to hug her too. Pinkie giggles and hugs her, laughing and nuzzling into the silly girl. Rarity walks over, motioning for Rainbow Dash to follow. Rainbow sighs and says, "Alright, but just this once. I got a reputation to keep you know guys." She kneels down alongside Rarity, and soon the entire group is engaged in a group hug around Twilight.

Twilight smiles and says, "Thanks everyone, I hope I can be as good a friend to each of you as you're being to me right now."

Pinkie smiles and rushes off, coming back with a small rather bowl shaped looking glass and puts a straw in it. "Don't worry Twilight! We have an entire school year to get to know us now! Just drink some fruit punch and relax!"

Twilight looks down at the red liquid and smiles, taking a sip from the straw. She immediately spits it up and begins fanning her mouth, all her new friends blinking and freaking out. Applejack says, "Twilight, what's wrong?!"

Twilight continues to fan her mouth, letting her tongue hang out. "Spicy! Hot! It burns!"

Pinkie blinks and sniffs at it. "Whoopsie doodle! This isn't fruit punch, its hot sauce! My bad!" She takes out a cupcake and dips it in the hot sauce, taking a big bite. Everyone stares at her with looks of confusion and disgust. She blinks and says with crumbs fumbling from her mouth, "What? It's good."

Twilight smiles and finds herself laughing, holding her sides. Everyone looks from her to Pinkie and they all begin to laugh as well. The laughter is contagious, as the crowd begins to laugh at the scene, Pinkie looking around confused with a shrug. "Well if you can't beat em, join em!" She begins to laugh with everyone else, everyone ready for a fun time together, and Twilight ready to spend it with her new friends.

End Chapter 2
Continued in Chapter 3: Princess Luna

Chapter 3: Princess Luna

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Ponyville High
Chapter 3: Princess Luna

Twilight gazed over her class schedule, a little excited about meeting new teachers in new classes. But most of all she was excited that she finally had friends. “Let’s see, I have Ms. Cherilee for my math 3 and social studies 3 classes. I have Photo Finish for art 1 and magic 3. One of my teachers is just called “The Doctor” and he teaches science 3 and literacy 3. And last but not least Zecora, who’s covering foreign language 1. What about you Spike?”

Spike is walking along side her, smiling as he says, “Well it looks like we got art and foreign language together, since we’re both starting at level one in those regards. I don’t need magic classes though, so I’m taking home economics 1.”

Twilight stifles a giggle and says, “A class for cooking and knitting? Are you planning on being a house wife when you grow up?”

Spike shakes his head and says, “No, but I get the feeling my work as your ‘maid’ isn’t going to be over for a long time so I may as well get some helpful skills.” He sticks his tongue out at her as her face scrunches and she grumbles looking away. “Here’s the elevator! So we just need to take this up to the library and follow those instructions?”

Twilight takes out a crudely drawn map of the library with some form of key card taped to the back. “This map looks like it was drawn with crayons. I heard Princess Luna was a little immature at times, but this makes me worry a little.” The two of them got on the Elevator and rode it as high as it would go. The door’s opening to a massive two story library that covered the entire floor. Twilight’s jaw drops and she says, “This… is the most amazing library I have ever seen!”

“Yeah, it’s almost got as many books as your old room.” His snide comment was met with a bruise on his arm as Twilight snapped out of her fascination long enough to punch his arm. “Ouch! Yeesh, you’re such a critic.”

Twilight rolls her eyes and looks to the left, following the map to a staircase. Spike follows her up as the staircase leads to the upper floor, and then she turns right and continues forward. Keeping an eye out for anything in her path, she comes to a stop and looks to the right to see a gap in the railing. She walks forward pressing out her hand to have it met by a glass wall. “I think this is where we’re supposed to go.”

Spike blinks and knocks on the glass, staring beyond it. “But it’s a glass wall. Even if we did get past it, we’d just fall back down to the lower floor. Personally I enjoy my spine the way it is.”

Twilight looks over the map, and then to the keycard on the back. “Wait a minute. Check around for something we could use this card on.”

Spike raises an eyebrow and kneels down, searching the surrounding wall and quickly finding a small indent in it. He looked closer and could see a small red dot, slightly illuminated. “I think I found something! Try waving the card in front of this!”

Twilight smiles and holds the card in front of the scanner, a soft beep being heard. Then the glass wall disappeared, and a clear ghostlike staircase of blue appeared leading upward. “Great going Spike, now let’s see where this leads!” She tests the staircase’s solidity with her foot before stepping on it and making her way up. “Come on Spike, we don’t know how long this thing will last”

“Don’t have to tell me twice.” The boy hurries up behind her, looking back cautiously. As they reach the top of the staircase they find themselves on a platform in mid-air, not far from the ceiling. “End of the line I guess. So now what happens?” As if to answer him, a surge of shock and realization hits them as the platform begins to rise. “What the heck is going on? We’re going right for the ceiling!”

“Oh Spike, I’m sure it will open up or something and let us go right up to our room.” She crosses her arms comfortably as the ceiling gets closer and closer, beginning to sweat. “Maybe I should have said maybe. Are we too high to jump?” Spike stares at her in shock, and they both cling to each other screaming and staring at the ceiling. As they reach it, they go right through it as if it wasn’t there. They stop screaming and continue staring up in their shocked states. Then they take a look at each other and quickly separate, brushing themselves off and blushing. “That never happened, agreed?”

“Agreed,” Spike responded quickly, nodding his head. As they approached what looked like the end of the elevator the platform slowed to a halt and formed a floor beneath them. They stood there in a dim lit room, able to make out most of it.

They were on a platform merely an inch above the shag carpet that covered the large dorm room, and the wallpaper surrounding the room gave the feel of a late night renaissance setting. Behind them was a kitchen, laid out in the open, and to their lefts was an archway with nothing visible beyond it in the darkness. To their right was a door that obviously led to a bathroom, since it said that in colorful lettering on the door. And in front of them was a large plasma screen TV that was lighting up the dark dorm, a first person shooter being played on it. Before the TV was a couch, and a figure was on it probably playing the game. From behind all they could make out was a light pale shade of blue for her short smooth hair.

The two of them made their way over, peeking from the edge of the couch to see a girl slightly taller than Twilight but obviously the same age. She was wearing a nightgown that matched her hair a little, and had a black tiara on her head. On her back was a descent sized pair of light blue wings. She was also wearing a set of headphones with a microphone in front of her mouth, which had an odd looking device like a mechanical ninja shroud. When she talked it made her voice sound loud and robotic, as she said into the mic, “Cover my back while I capture their flag! And someone please take out that helicopter! It’s right on top of us!” Twilight and Spike stood there watching her play, the girl completely unaware of their presence. She grabbed an already opened moon pie and shoved it in her mouth, continuing to play as she munched on it. The game was over in minutes, and she bit the pie hard enough to make it fall from her mouth as she threw her hands into the air exclaiming, “Huzzah! Victory is ours!” A list of names came up, the top one being ‘Princess_Moon_Pie’ which made the girl excited. “In thine face Lava_Spit_23! I have achieved victory!”

“Excuse me, but are you Princess Luna?” The girl’s attention shot straight to them both as they waved nervously.

The woman began to sweat a little, yanking the device over her mouth off and tossing it away. She spoke in a much more regular tone as she explained, “Sorry if I scared you! That was a voice box so that I can hide my identity when I play online games, like ‘Code One Digit’. I like how formidable it sounds mixed with a medieval accent, and nobody ever guess who I am.” She removes her headphones and exits the game, walking over with her hand outstretched. “Princess Luna, pleasure to finally meet you.”

The two of them smile relieved and shake her hand one after the other. “I’m Twilight Sparkle.”

“And I’m Spike. And yes it is a pleasure to finally meet Celestia’s younger sister.”

Luna smiles and says, “Likewise! When I heard my sisters top pupil was coming to this school to learn to make friends with her foreign assistant-“

Spike interrupted crossing his arms, “I’m not that foreign, considering I was born in this country.”

Luna continues, “I just had to ensure that they had proper living conditions! And besides, I’m the only person on campus without a roommate! And since you were coming here to make friends, and I’ve yet to make any, I was hoping that we could be friends!”

Twilight giggles nervously from her excitement and says, “I would love to be your friend Luna. But wait just a minute, you don’t have any friends?”

Luna sighs and plops back down on the couch, bringing the back of her palm to her forehead acting like a drama queen. “Alas, it is true. Even though I’m a princess I don’t have a single friend! Well not counting my boyfriend, but he doesn’t even go to the same school as me anymore! I feel like my past is really biting me in the butt, and I only have myself to blame for it.”

Twilight sits next to her and says, “Whoa, back up there a little bit your majesty.”

She scowls and says, “If we’re going to be friends then you must address me by my name properly!”

Twilight nods and says, “Sorry, Luna. What I’m trying to ask is what kind of past are you talking about?”

Spike sits on the opposite side of her, hands behind his head in a relaxed position. “You got me curious with that little statement too. What did you do?”

Luna bites her lower lip looking between the two of them and sighs. “I suppose there are no secrets between friends, and if I want your trust then you must know. You see back in middle school I used to be a bully. I abused my position as a princess and lorded myself over them with an iron fist, earning the nickname Nightmare Moon. I was horrible, until the day I was humiliated. It was on that day, when no one would stand by my side, that I realized that not a single person honestly liked me. That’s when he stood up for me.”

Both Spike and Twilight chime at the same time, “Who?”

Luna blushes and said, “A young boy named Pipsqueak. He was shorter than everyone else and a little naïve at times, but he felt like he understood me and didn’t like that everyone was picking on me. I felt like I got a clean slate with him, and from then on I didn’t care about anyone else. Then I moved on to high school without him, and never felt more alone. I’ve gone two years without friends, secluding myself from everyone out of fear they still hate me, but I can’t go another year alone! That’s why I took advantage of your coming to this school Twilight! I need a fresh face to get me back out there. Someone who can help me make friends.” Luna grips the front of Twilight’s shirt and gives her puppy eyes whimpering.

Twilight sweats a little and says, “Its okay Luna, I’ll help you! I mean just today I made five friends. How hard can it be to help you make some friends of your own?”

Luna’s jaw drops and she says, “You haven’t even been here half a day and you have five friends?” She falls to her knees before Twilight and begins to bow to her. “Teach me oh wise one! Teach me your mystical friend making ways!”

The dark skinned Goth blinks and says, “Please get up and stop doing that, it feels awkward. And I’m afraid you might start kissing my feet.”

“I’m tempted,” Luna answered looking up at her.

Twilight reaches down and grabs her under her armpits sitting her up. “Luna, making friends is easy once you give it a try. I bet even your sister would tell you that. Speaking of which, I need to give her a call. Do you mind if I use your-“

“I’d be insulted if you didn’t!” Luna responded quickly and proudly, changing the channel on the TV.

Spike walks over to a number pad with a phone symbol on it clinging to the wall. He dials a few numbers and then the call button, as the TV lights up and begins to ring. Appearing on the screen was Princess Celestia, sitting on her canopy bed in a white nightgown that was so long it nearly touched the ground even while she was sitting. The woman smiles and says, “Hello Twilight Sparkle, my wonderful apprentice. I see you have met my adorable sister Woona. And hello Spike.”

Spike walks on screen and says, “Hi princess! Did you say Woona?”

Luna blushes and hides her face behind a pillow. She whines like a little girl and says, “Tiiiaaa! You promised to stop calling me that! I’m not a baby anymore!”

Celestia giggles and says, “You’ll always be my adorable baby sister sweetie.”

Twilight smiles and says, “Hello your majesty, err, Celestia! I’m pleased to report that today alone I have already made several friends! And that’s including Spike, several students, and your little sister!”

The princess smiles in surprise and says, “Twilight Sparkle that’s wonderful! I’m happy to hear that you have already made such great progress in such a short time! I am very proud of you.”

Twilight rubs her arm shyly and says, “Thank you Celestia. Tomorrow I hope to not only bond with them, but help your sister make some friends as well.” Luna peeks up from her pillow and smiles at Twilight.

Celestia nods from her side and says, “That would be much appreciated Twilight. Thank you for being the best pupil I could ever ask for. Good luck in your endeavor’s as I hope to hear from you again soon. Right now I need to get some sleep though, so good night everyone.”

Everyone waves saying their good nights to her, before Celestia turns off her side of the call. Spike says, “Okay, time for this sleepy drake to get some shut eye as well. So where are our rooms?”

Luna stands and says, “Right this way. I have two bedrooms, and all your stuff is here in this hall.” She walks through the archway and flips a switch, the wall of the hall lined mostly with stacks of various books. “I noticed you enjoy reading, which is ideal considering you live above a library now.”

Twilight looks between the two rooms and says, “So I assume I’ll be staying with you in your room?”

Luna smiles and says, “I would love the company! That is, unless you wanted to stay with-“

The princess cut herself off and looked at Spike. Spike slowly raises and eyebrow and says, “I already said it once, I’m not getting any funny ideas even living in a dorm with two girls. You’re an Alicorn, and she’s your equal in magic, and I like breathing.”

“Then it’s settled!” Luna claps her hands together excitedly. “Come roommate, let us sleep together!” She hovers off the ground she’s so excited, as she rushes into her room.

Twilight blushes and says, “Don’t get any ideas Spike!”

Spike slaps his palm to his face and says, “I know, I’m trying to ignore the innuendo! You’re not helping bringing up the obvious like that.”

Twilight sighs and says, “I’m sorry Spike, this is just a new situation for me. It’s going to take some getting used to. See you in the morning?”

Spike nods and says, “Of course. Just don’t wake me up because I sleep naked.”

Twilight’s brow furrows as she says, “No you don’t! You just keep saying that so that I don’t wake you up for school when you decide to sleep in, and it doesn’t work!”

Spike smirks and says, “You may be surprised, I’ll do it one day just to spite you! And you won’t be able to do anything about it because I warned you. Are you still willing to take that chance?”

Twilights face goes red as her eye twitches and she stutters nonsense. “Good night!” She marches into her room with Luna and slams the door shut. “Pervert…”

“Is something wrong?” Luna asked sitting on her knees on her bed, tilting her head cutely.

Twilight shakes her head and says, “Nothing, let’s just go to bed dear. I mean, sweetie! No that’s worse! Your majes-AH! Luna, your name is Luna!”

Luna laughs and says, “You’re hilarious Twilight! Have you honestly never slept in the same bed as another girl before?”

Twilight gulps and says, “Well no, of course not.” She looks around the room and it was as big as the living room! There was a queen sized canopy bed, a glass door that lead to a balcony with beautiful curtains, two dressers and book cases, and a computer desk with a desktop on it and a waste basket filled with empty bags and bottles of cheetah puffs and mountain mist. “Are you a gamer?” Twilight asks staring at the messy pc area.

Luna laughs and says, “Is it that obvious? Pipsqueak got me into them when I started dating him, and I’ve been using it to keep at least a little sanity for the past couple years.”

Twilight sits on the bed and plucks off her boots, sliding off her socks. “Don’t worry Luna, we’ll figure everything out in the morning. For now, why don’t we try to relax and get some sleep?”

Luna smiles and says, “You’re right Twilight. Let’s get some sleep.”

****************************************

The next morning came and Twilight had just finished a shower. Wrapped in a towel, she was brushing her teeth in the bathroom as Luna peeked in. She was wearing a navy blue shoulder-less shirt and a black frilled skirt, navy blue thigh socks, and smooth black high rise shoes. She was slipping on some navy blue fingerless gloves that reaches up to her elbows as she asked, “Twilight is Spike awake yet? I wanted to get some friend hunting in before classes started. You know, while all the clubs are meeting.”

Twilight rinses her mouth with some water and spits, groaning as she says, “Every morning it’s the same thing. Don’t worry, I’ll wake him up!” She marches into his room with a grunt and see’s him laying there on his bed, snoring in sweet bliss. She grips his blanket, but then shivers remembering what he had said last night. Cautiously she begins to slowly slide down the blanket, nervous as to how truthful he was. She begins sweating as she can see he isn’t wearing a shirt, shaking worriedly as she starts to close her eyes. Then once she gets it below his waist, she takes a quick peek to see he’s wearing ‘Mare Do Well’ boxers. She groans tosses aside his blankets. “Wake up Spike, we have things to do!”

Spike groans and feels around as if looking for the blanket. She shakes her head at how pathetic it looks, but then blinks and stares down as his hand grips her towel. “Give me five more minutes.” The world seems to move in slow motion for her as he yanks her towel over himself like his lost blanket. She stares in shock for a moment, her hair slowly lifting as her eyes begin to glow white.

Luna peeks down the hall to his room and says, “I hope those two will hurry it up.”

“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!”

Before Luna can even react to the loud screech that fills the air, an explosion takes place knocking Spike’s door off its hinges. “Twilight! Spike! Oh my goodness!” Luna rushes over and into the room, freezing in place as she just stares and begins to laugh hysterically.

******************************************

Luna continues to laugh hysterically as she walks between Twilight and Spike, who stare in opposite directions, both blushing a very deep shade of red. Twilight’s hair was still a little messy, and Spike had singe marks all over his body. Luna manages to finally calm down and says, “Oh come on you two, it wasn’t that bad! Let’s just forget it ever happened, okay?” She grabs their shoulders and turns them towards each other. “Go on, let bygones be bygones.”

The two of them glare at each other for what seems like an eternity. Twilight crosses her arms and pouts before saying, “I’m sorry.”

Spike smiles and says, “Apology accepted.”

Twilight blinks and says, “Well, are you going to apologize to me?”

Spike scowls and says, “Why should I? What I did was an accident while sleeping! You blew me and half my new room up! I’m the only one that should be angry!”

Twilight stomps her foot and says, “Well if that’s the way you’re going to be then we’ll just go friend hunting without you!”

Spike goes wide eyed and says, “Oh yeah, well I’ll go friend hunting too, and make my own friends!”

“Well that’s fine by me!” Twilight yells walking towards the recreational building.

Spike huffs making a bit of smoke escape his clenched teeth as he shouts, “Me too!” before walking the opposite direction.

Luna stares between the two and sighs, chasing after Twilight. “Twilight, shouldn’t you try to make up with Spike? He is your friend after all.”

Twilight sighs and says, “I know, but he’s just being so difficult right now. He needs to understand how what happened made me feel! Don’t worry; I’m sure everything will be fine later. After all we live together.” She giggles making Luna smile in relief.

“If you say so Twilight, then I’ll take your word. So where does our hunt for friends begin?” Luna looked like she could no longer hold in her anticipation.

Twilight takes out a small book on the school and says, “We have several clubs that meet up before and after classes every day. I think the easiest way to get you friends, is to find friends that have similar interests in you. Then you can join their club, and working on being their friends from there.”

Luna gasps and says, “Twilight that’s brilliant! I’m so lucky to have you helping me with this! I never even remotely thought of that!”

Twilight giggles and says, “All I did was a little research. With that in mind, what are your interests? Maybe you could join a club for gamers?”

Luna makes a face of disgust and says, “I like to keep my gamer lifestyle private. And besides, from what I can tell some gamers are less than pleasant to know in real life. What about cooking?”

“You know how to cook?” Twilight looks at Luna a little shocked.

The princess blushes and pokes her index fingers together. “Well, I know how to taste what other people cook.”

Twilight does a faceplant into the ground and slowly stands up with a nervous chuckle, sweating. “I don’t think that counts for the cooking club. Don’t you have any other interests?”

Luna rubs her chin, lost in thought for a moment. “Well, I like music. I own every karaoke and dance game that I’ve ever heard of. Is there a club for anything like that?”

Twilight takes out a notepad and flips past a few pages of it. “I believe I saw something that I wrote down just in case. Here we go. There actually is a music club. They’re dedicated to trying out new instruments and playing live shows for school events. They’re small, still trying to get a fifth member to make the club official, since most other students interested in music are in the band club.”

Luna smiles and says, “That’s perfect! It doesn’t sound like I need to be talented in anything in particular, and I don’t have to be shy in front of a crowd or anything! And they need a fifth member anyways! Quick, lead the way!” Twilight get’s eager from Luna’s excitement and grabs her hand, dragging the girl along as she rushes to their practice room. Luna squeals shocked by the girls speed as she is dragged along through the halls. “Not so fast Twilight! I’m still a little nervous!”

Once they make it to the room, they can hear noise on the inside. “Sounds like they’re in there, so shall we go in and say hi?” Luna gulps and begins to tremble, slowly turning away. Twilight grabs her wrist again and says, “Come on Luna, you can do this! This is a chance for you to make some friends.” She drags Luna in as she slowly enters. “Hello? Is this the music club?”

There are three girls inside who all look at them at the same time. One of them has spiky hair striped two different shades of blue and a pair of black frame purple lenses sunglasses on. She’s wearing black cargo pants and a plain white T-shirt that looks like it’s seen a fair share of wear and tear. She was lying on the floor with her hands behind her head, her legs crossed and wearing a pair of black and white sneakers. The second girl had curly navy blue hair with a pink streak through it. She was wearing a cream colored sweater and a light blue skirt with yellow stripes going diagonally around it. She was wearing white high heels and was sitting in a chair, a pair of bongos in her lap. The third girl had short hair that was turquoise and white. She was wearing a light lime green dress, and a pair of matching sandal. She was sitting next to the second girl and holding a lyre.

The first girl says, “You’re not Octavia…” She leaps to her feet and excitedly says, “Are you two looking to join the music club?” The other two girls get a sudden burst of excitement as well.

Twilight shakes her head and says, “Not me personally, I’m not very musical. But my friend here is very interested. This is Luna, and I’m Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight looks over her shoulder to see Luna trying to hide behind her. She grabs Luna and drags her to the front of her. “Say hello Luna.”

Luna gulps staring as nervous as a deer in the headlights, stuttering cutely for a few seconds before finally managing a, “Hello.”

The first girl grins and says, “Luna huh? No need to be nervous, we’re all friends here! Want to join the music club eh? My name’s Vinyl Scratch, but my stage name is DJ PON 3. Remember that for when I’m famous. Over there with the bongos is Bonbon. She’s better at cooking and housework than music, but in this club we accept all levels of musical talent in this group!”

Bonbon growls and says, “Your lucky Lyra is forcing me to be in this stupid club. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here right now little Miss blunt and outspoken.”

Vinyl ignores her and continues, “And over there is Lyra. She’s a furry.”

Lyra blushes and says, “Is that a crime? Jeez Vinyl, tell everyone why don’t you? And just to clarify my real name isn’t Lyra, it’s Heartstrings. Lyra is sort of a nickname that stuck, since I’m the only girl on campus that can play this instrument oddly enough.”

Vinyl continues, “I’m the co-president of the club, along with my girlfriend. She’ll be along shortly I’m sure. So what’s your interest in music?” Luna is silent, avoiding Vinyl’s gaze. Vinyl lifts her glasses a bit, revealing her red eyes, and says, “Come on, I don’t bite. You’re safe here.”

That makes Luna smile and she says, “I like to hear all forms of music. Everyone has such different styles and tastes. Not only that but I simply love when it compels me to move, to dance. I also enjoy singing, because it makes me feel like I can express myself freely and openly.”

Vinyl claps her hands together and says, “Then you’re going to fit right in here! When Octavia gets here well just talk it over and-“

“Did you say Octavia?” Luna gets a grim expression on her face. “Oh no… I-I need to get out of here before it’s too late!”

Twilight blocks her escape attempt and says, “Wait! Luna you were just starting to warm up to the situation!”

Luna bites her lower lip and says, “But you don’t understand Twilight! This has to do with something that happened back when I was-“

“Nightmare Moon…” A girl with long straight black hair and purple earrings in the shape of a treble clef walks in. She wears a long grey dress with slits up the sides of her thighs, and black high heels. Luna cringes under the name and backs away staring to the side. “You have a lot of nerve showing up here after all this time, after what you did to me.” She has a cold emotionless look on her face and in her tone as she slowly steps towards Luna.

Vinyl blinks and says, “Octavia, you got some sort of history with this girl?”

The girl who had just walked in nodded and said, “We went to high school together. Back then she was the school bully, and I was one of the people she hurt the most before her big fall.” Her eyes went red with rage as her teeth became visible. “You humiliated me and made me a laughing stock! No one comforted me after what you did! They didn’t even care that it was you who did it, the fact didn’t change! I secluded myself and my emotions from everyone just so that they would leave me alone!”

Luna goes slack jawed, speechless at this point. Twilight chimes in, “But Luna has changed! She’s lived secluded as well for the past two or three years!”

“Pfft!” Octavia’s eye twitches, but she takes a deep breath and calms down, going back to her emotionless expression. “She’s just been hiding, unwilling to face what she did with any dignity. She just cuddles up with her little boyfriend who was the only one willing to say anything nice about her. You’re still just the same spoiled princess you were then and you’ll never change!” A loud smack fills the room as everyone gasps and stares, Vinyl having smacked Octavia across the face. Octavia is wide eyed in shock as she stutters, “V… Vinyl? But why?”

Vinyl shakes her head and says, “Listen to yourself love, your acting like a bully! People can chance with time, and it’s not right for you to judge them on the past. You make fun of her relationship with this boy, but don’t you remember how you were when I met you freshman year?”

Octavia tears up and stares at the floor. “It’s not the same Vinyl. You don’t understand-“

“I do understand, because you told me everything! I was there for you to pour out everything to, and I’ve done everything in my power to help you since!” She moves her glasses to her forehead, revealing her own tears welling in her eyes. “I helped you get that second chance you deserved, so don’t you think Luna deserves one? The whole reason I set up this club was so that it would be easier for you to make friends, and I think this was destiny.” She hugs Octavia, making her bite her lower lip in shame as she hugs her back. “Please, for me?”

Octavia sighs and wipes her eyes, moving Vinyl to the side. She walks up to Luna and stares her straight in the pupils, making the girl quiver nervously. “How can I trust you?”

Luna tears up and says, “I’m sorry for everything that I did to everyone Octavia. I didn’t know how to apologize for what I did, so I hid thinking no one ever wanted to see me again. I had no friends, no one to trust or turn to, and I deserved that. But I’ve changed, I swear! Let me join your club and prove it to you!”

“Are you finished?” Octavia raises an eyebrow and smiles amused. “The moment your tears began flowing I knew you had changed. Listening to your whiney little speech was just icing on the cake.” Luna blinks and stutters confused. “I’ll give you a second chance, and who knows, maybe we ‘can’ be friends. Besides, we need a fifth member by Friday or the club is a no go anyways. Welcome to the club.” Luna gasps and cheers, hugging the now irritated Octavia. “No hugging! No hugging!” Vinyl cheers and joins the hug, making Octavia more irate. “Okay, I know ‘you’ are just trying to piss me off.”

Lyra and Bonbon laugh at the scene amused, while Twilight stares with watery eyes and a big smile. After watching that take place she had begun to realize just how deep friendship could be. She learned the importance of forgiving others, and moving past their mistakes. And best of all, she’d gotten Luna some new friends. She turns to leave as Luna calls out, “Wait Twilight, you’re leaving?”

Twilight smiles back at her and she says, “I’ve got to meet up with my own group of friends. I’ll just leave you to get to know your new club a little better. I’ll see you later though Luna.”

Luna smiles thoughtfully and says, “Thank you for bringing me here Twilight. Thank you ever so much for what you’ve done for me.”

Twilight chuckles and shakes her head, hand on the door. “No Luna, thank you for a very valuable lesson.” Luna tilts her head confused, but is bombarded with questions from her new friends before she can inquire further. Twilight wipes off her eyes and takes a deep breath, shutting the door and rushing off to meet her own friends for breakfast.

End Chapter 3
Continued in Chapter 4: The Beautiful and Popular Trixie

Chapter 4: The Beautiful and Popular Trixie

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Ponyville High
Chapter 4: The Beautiful and Popular Trixie

Spike’s hands are in his pockets as he sulks about the courtyard. He’d been so focused on helping Twilight make friends that he hadn’t thought about how he was going to. He notices someone poking his shoulder, so he turns to look over it. No one is there, making him confused, but he shrugs it off and turns back around, only to find two boys standing with their faces in his own. He yelps in shock and leaps backwards. “WAH! Where did you two come from?”

One of the boys was tall and lanky. He had messy aquamarine hair and freckles. He wore a golden colored shirt with the picture of a purple snail, and loose blue pants that were kept around his waist by a poorly tied rope. He says in a rather low and slow dopey tone, “Well when a man loves a woman, with or without consent-“

The other boy cuts him off in a high pitched scratchy voice, “That’s not what he meant Snails!” The other boy was short and chubby. His hair was spiky and orange, and he had buck teeth. He wore a cyan shirt that had a picture of scissors on it, and black shorts that had obviously been pants till they were cut at the knees. “I’m Snips, and this is my friend Snails. We noticed you were looking pretty down new kid.”

Snails nods and says, “So we decided to come and give you a welcome to our fine school… Uh, welcome!”

Snips facepalms and says, “Don’t mind him, he’s a little slow. So what’s your name, and why so glum?”

Spike stands there blinking not sure what to say. “Well, my name is Spike, and I’m down because I don’t have any friends at this school. Well, at least not any guy friends.” He scratches his head, wondering if he could count all of Twilight’s new friends as his own, or even Twilight at this point for that matter.

Snips smiles and wraps an arm around Spike’s shoulder. “Well that’s an easily remedied situation, right Snails?”

Snails nods vigorously and says, “First, we’ll need some marmalade.”

Snips glares and says, “No marmalade, not after last time. Spike my friend, me and Snails here will be more than happy to be guy friends with you. Even though guy friends have moustaches, which we clearly lack as you can see.” Snails rubs his upper lip with a sigh.

Spike smiles and says, “Would you really? Wow, that was easy! So what do you guys do for fun?”

Snips smiles and says, “Whatever we want to do! The sky’s the limit and we do what we please!” he throws his hands up, smacking into an unknown object. When he checks to see what he smacked, he gasps to see it was a teacher. The man had brown hair and was dressed formally in a brown suit and wearing a striped tie. “Whoops, sorry Doctor!”

The man hacks and coughs, dropping a scone he’d been eating and holding his throat. He points to his throat wheezing, earning odd looks from the boys. Snails tilts his head and says, “Uh, I think he’s trying to tell us something…”

Spike says, “What’s wrong with you two?! He’s choking! Do the Heimlich maneuver!”

The boys nod to each other and Snips says, “We’re going to need your help then!”

Spike blinks, and points to him saying, “My help? How could you possibly need my help? I don’t know the Heimlich!”

“No time for questions, just act!” Snails gets on all four behind the teacher, and Snips pushes him back, making him fall on his back on the floor. “Now Spike, body slam! Go, go, go!”

Spike panics but does as he’s told, stepping up on Snail’s back to gain altitude before he came crashing down on the teacher’s stomach. A blast of air escapes his mouth as the hunk of break flies out onto his chest. Spike blinks and says, “It worked! He’s alive!”

Meanwhile Twilight had just found her friends Rainbow Dash and Applejack waiting for her by the courtyard fountain. She smiles and says, “Sorry if I’m late girls. I had something to do before breakfast. It actually didn’t take as long as I thought it might.”

Applejack crosses a leg in front of the other and tips her hat to her. “Think nothing of it sugar cube. We weren’t waiting long. Everyone else went to save us a spot in the breakfast line.”

Rainbow Dash was practicing some form of tai-chi on the fountains outer wall. She pauses and says, “As long as I get pancakes and sausage on a stick, I’ll be happy. And I’m talking the kind with blueberries. Now those are just awesome.” She hops down from the wall and starts walking. Twilight and Applejack follow close. “So what do you like for breakfast Twi?”

Twilight thinks for a second and says, “I like to keep it healthy. Do they have oatmeal and fruit? I could really go for some oatmeal with strawberries in it.”

Applejack licks her lips and says, “That sounds mighty tasty Twilight. I’d probably have to replace the strawberries with apples though.”

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes and says, “One thousand and one apple recipes, by Applejack.” Applejack shoots her a glare and slaps her palm firmly across Rainbow’s backside, making her leap into the air and staying there with her wings. “YEOW! Stop doing that!” She rubs her bottom with a blush, gritting her teeth. “Can’t you take a joke?”

Applejack shakes her head and says, “I sure can when they ain’t coming from a brat like you.”

Rainbow Dash hovers with her face close to Applejacks and says, “And just what is that supposed to… Huh?” She pauses and turns away, catching Applejack’s attention. She looks the same way and they both stare for a moment. “Twilight, isn’t that Spike?”

Twilight walks next to them and stares in just as much confusion, as Spike was dancing like he was at a hoedown with two unfamiliar boys. A man that looked like a professor sat there panting, watching them with a look of bewilderment of his own as the boys chanted, “Heimlich body slam! Heimlich body slam!”

Twilight stares for a moment and says, “Luckily I’m not talking to him right now. Let’s go get breakfast.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash shrug, following her to the recreational building where the cafeteria awaited them.

Spike and the boys help up their teacher and he says, “You going to be okay sir?”

He coughs a little more and answers, “I’m sure I’ll be fine, and please it’s Doctor.”

Spike blinks and says, “Doctor of what?”

The Doctor shakes his head and says, “Just the Doctor, I’m one of the teachers here. Speaking of which I think I should hold a seminar to teach proper methods of the Heimlich maneuver.”

Snips jumps up and down and says, “Hey, maybe we could help you with that!”

Snail chuckles and says, “Yes sir. We’re experts as you can see.”

Spike stares at them for a moment and leans in close to the Doctor to whisper, “We didn’t do it right, did we?”

The Doctor shakes his head with a chuckle and says, “Not even close. But you seem like a bright young boy. Well, brighter than those two. Be careful who you associate with.” Spike nods as the Doctor dusts himself off and says, “Hurry along to breakfast boys. I’ve rather lost my appetite for my scone anyways.”

“Will do Doctor.” Spike turns to his new friends and says, “Come on guys. I’m starving, so let’s go get something to eat.” The two boys nod in agreement and rush ahead of him, racing him to the cafeteria. Spike rushes after them, trying to sprint ahead. The three of them are so focused on each other as they rush forward, they all nearly ram into the door. Snails rams into it as Spike throws the door open, only to be dragged in before it shuts by Snips. The trio rushes into the end of the line. It wasn’t very long in the morning, so he noticed Twilight and her friends up ahead. He looks back at his friends, and then tries to listen to what Twilight and her friends were talking about.

Rarity looks to Twilight and says, “What is it like sharing a private dorm with Princess Luna? I bet it’s luxurious, only befitting for royalty! I’m so jealous of you Twilight.”

Twilight shakes her head and says, “Oh no, you got the wrong idea. Princess Luna is actually just like any other girl. She just likes to play video games, and tends to keep the lights out.”

Rainbow Dash giggles and asks, “Is that why you’re so pale for a girl with dark skin?” She earns a glare from Applejack and says, “What?! It was a silly question, and a harmless one!” She crosses her arms grumbling.

Twilight laughs at her and says, “Yes, I’m pale, but I hear that’s common for Goths. I just don’t get out in the sun too much, and when I do it’s to find shade under a tree and read.”

Fluttershy peeks back at her and says, “You don’t seem very gothic to me. Um, sorry if that offends you….”

Twilight raises and eyebrow and says, “Gothic is simply a way of expressing yourself. Sure, I don’t dress in completely black, but that gets hot after a while. I read a lot of books on the occult, and my favorite kind of music is dark ambient.”

Applejack nods and says, “We’re not described by how we look. What kind of music do you think I like.” Twilight opens her mouth to answer, but quickly shuts it not wanting to be rude. Applejack laughs and says, “That’s what I thought. My favorite type of music is actually hip hop and r&b. I’ve also been known to, oh what’s that term? ‘Break it down’? Let’s just say I’m a wild dancer when it comes to techno.”

Twilight blinks and says, “Wow, I never would have guessed.”

Pinkie giggles and says, “I guess you can’t judge a ‘book’ by its cover!” She snorts and laughs, while everyone but Twilight groans.

Twilight tilts her head confused and says, “I don’t get it.” She noticed the cafeteria had begun to go quiet, and all her friends had begun to grow agitated and nervous. Twilight looks around and says, “What’s going on?”

Rarity sighs and says, “She’s here. Say what you want about Princess Luna, Twilight, but I think that anyone including her would be a thousand times better than ‘my’ roommate.”

Twilight was so confused at this point as she asks, “Who is your roommate?”

One girls voice could be heard crying out, “The most beautiful!”

A second girl’s voice follows her up with, “The most popular!

Both girls’ voices chimed together, “Trixie has arrived!”

Twilight blinks and peeks back at the entrance to see two girls making the announcement, on their knees on either side of the door and motioning to it with jazz hands. One of the girls has mulberry hair, and was wearing a plum colored shirt and purple pants. The other girl had periwinkle hair with a blue streak through it, and was wearing a buttoned up maya blue shirt along with a plaid skirt. Then the doors slowly floated open, pushed by the magic of a Unimare, and the one who had been announced slowly sashays into the cafeteria. She was the most unique girl Twilight had ever seen, having pale blue and off-white hair. She wore a shoulder-less light blue shirt, and faded bell bottom jeans. She also wore a purple magician’s cap and cape covered in stars and spots of differing sizes and colors, her cape held around her neck by a lovely gemstone. She strokes her hand through her hair and says, “Berry Punch, Colgate, please! You flatter the beautiful and popular Trixie! Rise up! It is not you who should be bowing before the beautiful and popular Trixie’s splendor!” She flashes a grin at everyone in the cafeteria.

Amongst many others delighted reactions to her arrival, Snips and Snails swoon against each other as they stare with admiration in their eyes. Spike raises his eyebrow and says, “You two alright?” He glances at Trixie, realizing she must be the ‘popular girl’ of this school. Every school had at least one.

Trixie and her entourage sashay together to the line, walking right past everyone to the front of the line. The individual there backs away, letting Trixie and her friends in front. Twilight sees this and says, “Um, does she always do that?”

Applejack shakes her head and says, “Nope. Usually she has assorted insults for the people she cuts in line. She must be in a good mood today.”

Twilight stares at the girl for a moment and says, “Why is she wearing…”

She didn’t even need to say anymore as Rarity says, “She wears that dreadful ensemble because she thinks that she is the greatest and most powerful Unimare in the entire school, and should dress the part. Pft!” Rarity raises her nose in the air as if to defy that statement of any truth.

Spike growls and says, “Guys, snap out of it! That girl just cut the entire line! Isn’t anybody gonna do anything?!”

Snips snaps out of it and stands upright, letting Snails fall to the floor. “No way man, she’s the most popular girl in school. Anybody who messes with her regrets it.”

Snails says from the floor, “And besides, we think she’s purdy.”

Spike groans but decides to ignore it for now. Once Twilight and her friends get their own breakfast they sit three tables down from where Trixie is. Snips and Snails on the other hand rush to her table, Spike reluctantly following them. Snips nervously asks, “Excuse me, b-beautiful and popular Trixie, but we were wondering if we could sit with you today?”

Snails gulps and says, “Like we ask to do every day.”

Colgate scowls and says, “How dare you pester the beautiful and popular Trixie with your constant desire to be with her for meals! Haven’t you learned you are unworthy of her presence?!”

Trixie sets down her spork and holds up a hand, wiping off her lips with a napkin. “Calm yourself Minuette. The beautiful and popular Trixie is in a splendid mood today, and is willing to let these losers sit at our table.” She motions for them to sit, and the boys squeal excitedly and sit, looking back at Spike expectantly.

He sighs and sits between them. Spike looks up at her and says, “Not that I care personally, but why are you in such a good mood today of all days?”

She huffs with a smirk and says, “Because today the beautiful and popular Trixie has heard of a new Unimare on campus, and always delights in showing the new blood how much more great and powerful she is than them.”

Spike goes wide eyed, knowing exactly who she’s talking about. “You don’t say… hey guys, I’ll be right back.” He gets up and hurries over to the table he saw Twilight at.

Trixie yawns and says, “I think that is enough breakfast. I’m growing bored, so let’s find this new girl. Twilight Sparkle was it? Would you boys care to watch Trixie display her power?” Snips and Snails nod eagerly. She smirks and says, “Very well then.”

Spike rushes to Twilight and says, “Twilight, you need to get out of here!”

Everyone looks at him confused, and Twilight grunts and says, “Spike, I’m not speaking to you right now.”

Spike grips his hair and tugs. “Would you forget about this morning for five seconds? That Trixie girl is coming to-“

“That’s beautiful and popular Trixie to you mister!” Spike yelps and backs away, as Trixie was standing right there behind him. “So this is the infamous new girl Twilight Sparkle. My god do you look depressing, and I’m sure your magic can match.” She notices glares coming from the girls at the table and smirks. “I see you’ve already made friends with the bottom of the food chain. Honestly, what makes you so special to be staying with a Princess during your time at this school? Though, I suppose one shut in warrants another.” She laughs at her own joke, Colgate and Berry Punch joining in. Snips and Snails join in as well, obviously not getting the joke.

Applejack stands up and says, “Leave Twilight Sparkle alone! She never did anything to you! You show off to every Unimare, and act like you’re above everyone at the school! I don’t remember making you queen of the school Trixie!”

Trixie sighs and says, “I may as well be, considering there isn’t a single student that I can’t show up at this school.”

Applejack says, “Oh yeah? Prove it!”

Trixie just smiles and shrugs. “And how would you like me to do that Applejack?”

Pinkie flails her arms in the air and rushes over, bouncing up and down next to Trixie. “I know, I know! Why don’t you bake a huge cake, and throw a big party for everyone at the school?”

Trixie stares at her with a raised eyebrow. Pinkie yelps as she feels her panties grabbed and tugged upward by magic, giving her a wedgie. Trixie puts a finger to her lips, slowly pushing her away. “Pinkie Pie, hush, the big kids are talking. You were saying Applejack?”

Applejack looks around, and smiles, snatching the rope tied around Snails’ waist and tugging it free. Snails blinks as his pants fall exposing his camouflage boxers, tugging up his pants and holding them there with a bashful expression. Applejack ties up the rope to look like a lasso and twirls it over her head, Trixie not looking very impressed. She then sends it flying to the next table over, snagging another girls chocolate milk carton. The girl smiles and claps impressed, as do Applejack’s friends as she catches the milk and gives it a ship. “Let’s see you wrestle up something better with a rope.”

Trixie grins and says, “If you insist.” The rope lights up and comes to life, wrapping itself around Applejack’s wrists, and then tugging them down to her ankles to join them in the knot. Applejack blinks and struggles to get free, as Trixie gives her a poke and sends her helplessly on her back while several other students laugh at her. “Well that was easy.”

Rainbow Dash leaps from her seat and says, “Hey! No one messes with Applejack but me!” She blushes from the looks she gets from Snips and Snails and says, “I’m not a lesbian! Even so, Applejack is my friend, and I won’t let you treat her like that. You want to be shown up?” She finds her backpack and takes out a large bottle of water the size of half her own arm. She opens it and pours it into her palm, and before it makes contact it evaporates and forms a cloud over her hand. She smiles and tosses it upward, letting it float away. “Let’s see you control the weather like only Winglies can do!”

Everyone cheers and hollers for Rainbow Dash, sure they had Trixie beat this time. But Trixie just yawns and twirls her finger, the cloud floating back downward and growing blacker. It sends out a lightning bolt right against Rainbow’s butt, and she squeals in a girlish tone, dancing around and rubbing her bottom. “Does the beautiful and popular Trixie have to keep reminding you fools how great and powerful she is?”

Rainbow Dash whimpers and says, “That got me right where Applejack slapped me earlier.”

Rarity stood up this time and did her own little sashay over to Trixie with a smug look on her face. “Perhaps you are great and powerful, my dear Trixie, but beautiful and popular? How can anyone consider this with your tacky fashion sense of magician wardrobe? Not to mention the fact that your hair looks like you barely even brush it in the morning. Unlike me, who puts all the time and effort into the world in her own hair every day?”

Trixie glares and snaps her fingers. “Really, because it doesn’t look like you’ve done anything with your hair for years.”

Rarity raises an eyebrow from her comment, but then notices something is wrong. She can feel her hair drooping a little, and reaches up to feel it and finds that it’s frizzy and unkempt. She takes out a vanity mirror and gasps, as her hair was not only messy and unruly, but a disgusting shade of forest green! “What have you done to my hair? My beautiful hair, it green and filthy! Green isn’t even in this season!” She tears up and falls to her knees crying, and Trixie just laughs to herself looming over her.

At this point everyone in the cafeteria had slowly begun to stop laughing. Even Snips and Snails had begun to look a little worried at this point. Spike looks at Rarity horrified and grits his teeth. “That’s the last straw! Twilight, you have to do something about this! It’s getting out of hand!”

Twilight looks at her friends in shock. Pinkie had a wedgie, Applejack was tied up, Rainbow Dash was rubbing her sore rear, and Rarity was reduced to tears over her new hairstyle. Then Trixie turned her eyes to Fluttershy, who squeaks and gulps. “And what about you shy one? Is there anything you can do better than Trixie?”

Fluttershy shakes her head and says, “Oh no miss, p-please! I don’t think I’m better than you!”

Trixie walks over and wraps an arm around her with a smirk. “Oh come now, surely there must be something. I’ve already been challenged in skill, power, and style. Perhaps we should see if that body of yours can match Trixie’s?”

Fluttershy goes pale and begins to shiver. “N-No… please, anything but that!” Her pleas fall on deaf ears as a ball of light appears in Trixie’s hand. As she brings it closer to Fluttershy’s stomach, the cloth begins to disintegrate and vanish. “Somebody help me!”

“Leave her alone Trixie!” Twilight stood up on her seat, glaring down at Trixie steaming mad. “You came here to pick a fight with me, and you’ve done nothing but harass all my friends! Do you think you’re popular because you pick on everybody? You’re not loved because you’re rude and mean to people, you’re just abusing what you can get away with! I see that’s gone on long enough! You’re not a queen, you’re a bully!”

Trixie’s eye twitches in anger, and then she notices everyone’s murmuring around her. She lets go of Fluttershy who crawls under the table shivering. “How dare you look down on the beautiful and popular Trixie and speak in such a matter!” She tosses the ball of magic in her hand up and down with a smirk. “Let’s see how high and mighty you think you are when I leave you naked in front of everyone!” She rears back like she’s throwing a baseball and hurls the ball of magic at Twilight.

Twilight holds out her hand, and a wall of her own magic appears, reflecting the ball with increased momentum at Trixie. Before she had time to react, her shirt and pants seemed to explode, and her hat and cape were sent flying. A blush grew across her face as she stood there in her underwear in front of a now laughing student body. Twilight fights it, but can’t help but laugh at her. “Well that serves you right, rude and nude Trixie!” She snaps her own finger towards her friends, and Pinkie blinks and smiles as her panties are restored to their natural order. The rope on Applejack comes undone, and turns into a belt wrapping back around Snails waist, who looks at it in awe. The cloud over Rainbow Dash disappears, dropping a tube of anti-burn ointment in her hand, making Rainbow Dash blush a little. Rarity’s hair poufs back into its normal color and shape, and she squeals delightedly. Fluttershy peeks out from under the table and smile, crawling out to help Applejack and Rarity off the floor.

The entire group then takes a good look at what Twilight had done and all begin to laugh. Rarity wipes away a tear and says, “They totally match your hair Trixie!”

Applejack snickers and says, “Don’t you just look adorable in lacy things?”

Pinkie giggles and adds, “I like the bow on your panties.”

Rainbow Dash nudges Pinkie and says, “Take a closer look! It’s a thong!” Fluttershy blushes and covers her eyes, briefly peeking between her fingers with a giggle.

Trixie screams and tries to cover herself, her friends rushing to grab her cape and hat to cover her with them. “This can’t be happening to the beautiful and… this can’t be happening to me! I’ll get you for this Twilight, if it’s the last thing I ever do!” She runs crying from the cafeteria with her friends chasing her and pleading her to wait for them.

“Tarnation! You even got her to break third person!” Applejack laughs and grabs Twilight, as do all her friends, and they hoist her over their shoulders. “Three cheers for Twilight Sparkle! The newest, and greatest, Unimare at our school!” Everyone cheers excitedly for Twilight before they finally set the blushing girl back down.

Twilight shuffles her feet and says, “Well… gosh, I don’t know what to say. I was just standing up to her.”

Rainbow Dash grabs the sides of her face and says, “Are you kidding? That was even more amazing than me! Well… just a little, but it was amazing!”

Rarity nods and says, “It’s about time that someone put her in her place.”

Snips and Snails walk up to her, and Snips says, “Wow, you really showed us her true colors today.”

Snails chuckles and says, “And her dainty things.”

Snips rolls his eyes and says, “You really are a lot better than she is. We’d all love to be friends with someone as cool as you! Isn’t that right Spike?”

Spike walks up and smiles with a nod. “He’s definitely right about that Twilight.” Twilight smiles and hugs him. “I’m sorry about the way that I acted this morning, and for what I did. Can you forgive me?”

Twilight nods and says, “I’m sorry too. I still want to be your friend Spike, and maybe even these boys who you’ve become friends with.”

Spike nods and bumps fists with the two boys. “We’ll all be your guy friends!”

The three of them chime together in a goofy manner, “Even though we don’t have moustaches!”

Twilight smirks and says, “I can fix that.” She concentrates for a moment, and all three of them grow fully grown and groomed moustaches on the spot. “There, now you’re guy friends with moustaches.”

All three boys look shocked and high five each other with a group, “SWEET!”

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After school had finished and the day was done, Twilight, Spike, and even Luna, had all returned to their dorm above the library. The three of them change into their pajamas and sit together on the couch, sending a call to Princess Celestia and getting an immediate response. She sets aside a book and says, “Hello everyone, it’s wonderful to hear from you all again so soon.”

Luna excitedly shouts, “Tia! You’ll never believe this, but Twilight helped me make friends! I’m in a club for music and everything now!”

Celestia giggles at her enthusiasm and says, “That’s wonderful little sister. I’m so proud of you. Now Twilight, tell me, have you learned anything about friendship today?”

Twilight nods and says, “I learned from Luna and her new friends that no matter what you’ve done in the past, you can change, and enemies of yesterday can be your friends tomorrow. I also learned that if you let popularity go to your head, you’ll become a bully, and never have any true friends. It’s important to stand up for the people you care about, because if you don’t then who will?”

Celestia smiles and says, “Twilight, I’m so proud of you! Today alone you have learned so very much about friendship! I hope that your bond with your new friends continues to grow. And as for you Spike… um…” She covers her mouth trying not to laugh as he strokes his moustache with a smirk. Celestia takes a deep breath and says, “Did you learn anything today.”

Spike replies, “Other than how good I look with a moustache?” Luna and Twilight snort and look away as he shoots them a glance. “Alright alright, I get it. I’ll shave it before I go to bed. Rarity didn’t go for it anyways. As for what I learned, it’s important to apologize for things even if they were an accident. Also you should never judge somebody before you get to know them. My new friends did that, only to find out she was a completely different person from who they thought she was.”

Celestia nods and says, “It sounds like you and your friends learned a valuable lesson indeed.”

Luna flails her arms and says, “Hey big sister, did you learn anything today?”

Celestia blinks and says, “Me?” Everyone looks at each other and nods. “Hmm, what did I learn today? Oh! I learned that tickling is a very powerful form of torture!” Everyone blinks in surprise and confusion. “Well, on that note, it’s time for me to be off to bed. Good night everyone!”

“Good night!” everyone chimes before the TV turns off.

Luna yawns and says, “Sometimes I wonder about Tia. I’m going to bed.”

Twilight picks up a book from the floor and says, “I’m going to get a little studying in before-GYAH!” She finds herself picked up off the couch and hoisted over Luna’s shoulder. “What are you doing? Put me down!”

Luna shakes her head and says, “No. I lost my teddy bear, so you’re my replacement for the night.”

Twilight blushes and says, “That’s absurd, I’ve too much to study for tomorrow’s classes! And besides, I’m not ready to go to sleep!” Luna ignores her and carries her back to her room. “Luna, are you listening to me? Luna!” Twilight huffs angrily and squirms to get free.

Spike watches this with a laugh and says, “Good night lovebirds.” Twilight hears this and shouts something angrily at him, but she’s too far away for him to hear now. Spike makes his way to the bathroom and sighs, taking out a razor blade. He gives his moustache one last stroke and says, “I… am a man!”

End Chapter 4
Continued in Chapter 5: Apple Harvest

Chapter 5: Apple Harvest

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Ponyville High
Chapter 5: Apple Harvest

A loud cracking noise roared through the air, startling Applejack as she sat up in bed with a fright. She rubbed her eyes and stepped out of bed, wearing nothing more than an oversized orange shirt with apple patterns that reached down to her knees. She slapped her face around to wake up a little and hurried out her room to find Apple Bloom in the hall sleepily rubbing her eyes. She was wearing cute yellow footy pajamas that made her look like a bunny. Apple Bloom yawns and whines before saying in a tired tone, “What was that noise big sister?”

“I reckon I’m about to find out. Y’all go back to sleep sugar cube.” Applejack walks out the front door of their little cottage at the green house. Just like Fluttershy had one where she took care of all her animals, the apple family had their cottage for generations at this school as a private dorm amongst the family. They got many looks and rude comments behind their backs, but it was a tradition going back to their own grandma’s parents, who helped found the school, and they weren’t going to let the tradition die along with the school crops. Especially the apple fields, which they tended for years. As Applejack walks out on the porch, she notices a nearby tree had broken and fallen. She gasps noticing Big Macintosh sitting on the ground, leaning against the fallen tree while holding his arm. She rushes over and says, “Big Mac, are you okay? What happened?”

A brown and white dog with a red color comes rushing out of the house barking its head off. It runs up to Big Mac and begins lapping at his arm. Big Mac grunts and says, “I’m all right Applejack. You calm down too Winona.” He pets the excited dog with his good hand. “I was punching the apple trees to knock down the apples faster, but I guess I hit one too hard. The trunk broke on me.”

Applejack rubs her arm, making him cringe. “I don’t think that’s the only thing that’s broken Mac. You wake up early and get started without me, and then you go and break your arm? Come on you big lug, let’s get you to nurse Redheart.” She wraps his good arm around her shoulders and stands up, helping him to his feet to he can walk on his own.

He shakes his head and says, “But sis, it’s autumn, and the apples will rot if we don’t pick them all soon. You can’t handle all that work by yourself.”

Applejack crosses her arms and says, “I can so! How hard can it be with legs like these?” She walks to the closest apple tree full of apples, and gives it a good stomp, watching as the apples fell into a circle of buckets around the base. She places her hands on her hips and crosses her legs in her usual confident stance. “You see? Easy.”

Big Mac shakes his head and says, “I still think you need help. Maybe Apple Bloom can help you gather the apples?”

Applejack scowls and says, “She’d need a ladder to reach the apples in the trees, and you broke it yesterday remember? You fat lug of lard.”

He scowls and says, “It’s not fat, it’s muscle, and I can’t help how heavy I am.” He sighs and places a hand on her shoulder. “Sis, I just don’t want you getting in over your head on this. I know how stubborn you are, but if you need help ask for it.”

Applejack scowls and slaps his hand away. “I don’t need help! And I’m not getting in way over my head!”

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“I’m in way over my head…” Applejack sighs and splashes some water from the courtyard fountain on her face, sitting on the rim next to Twilight Sparkle, who was reading a book titled ‘The Shadow over Innsmouth.’ She looks to her friend and says, “I’ve already made promises to help out everyone on top of this matter! Rainbow Dash wants my help with a new aerial maneuver she’s trying to perform, Pinkie needs to bake extra for a clubs party, Fluttershy needs a stronger pair of hands for some reluctant tough animals, and Rarity needs me to help put some finishing touches on a dress. I promised them all I’d help on top of my work at the orchard. What am I going to do?”

Twilight shuts her book and sets it to the side. “It sounds to me like you got too much on your plate for you alone to handle. Why don’t I and the girls help you out for being so helpful yourself?”

Applejack shakes her head and says, “No way Twilight! I’m supposed to be the one helping everyone! Just ain’t dignified if I accept help from all when I’m the one trying to dish it out! And don’t you dare tell anyone else about this! If you do I’ll hogtie and gag you myself! Is that clear?!”

Twilight frowns and sighs saying, “If you insist, but be careful what you try to accomplish by yourself.”

Applejack rolls her eyes and says, “Now you sound like Big Macintosh! I’ll show you what I’m capable of!” She jumps to her feet and stomps off to the Winglie dorm. She groans, feeling her eyes get a little heavy. She’d been bucking apples all morning since she got her brother medical attention, trying to get as much work as she could done before helping her friends. She yelps as she receives a slap on the back, looking to see it was Rainbow Dash. “Howdy there partner! I was just coming to see you.”

Rainbow Dash nods and says, “I appreciate this! Come on, it’s around back.” Applejack blinks wondering what she had meant, but follows the energetic tomboy to the back of the dorm to find a catapult of some sort with a large ladder leading up to a diving board over one end of it. “Here it is! It’s pretty awesome if I say so myself, which I do.”

Applejack gulps and says, “And just how exactly is this going to help me help you with a trick?”

“It’s easy!” Rainbow Dash flies around the machine excitedly. “All you have to do is jump from this platform down to the catapult, which will send me flying into the air! With the increased momentum, I should go soaring so fast that I can pull off wicked new moves!”

Applejack gulps and starts climbing up the ladder, staring down at the floor worriedly as her vision began to blur. “Rainbow I’m not so sure about this, what if I get hurt from the fall? What if you don’t go flying the way you had hoped?”

Rainbow Dash scowls and says. “Oh come on, it’s full proof! Now get up there and jump!” She stands on the opposite end of the catapult and waits. “You ready?”

Applejack wobbles along the diving board and says, “As I’ll ever be…”

Rainbow Dash nods and says, “One, two, three!” Applejack jumps and within the second comes crashing to the ground next to the catapult, rolling along the grass with a loud grunt. Rainbow Dash runs over and says, “Applejack! Oh my gosh I’m so sorry, are you okay?!”

Applejack groans and says, “Easy peesy lemon squeezy.” She slowly crawls to her feet and brushes herself off. “I’m fine Rainbow, let me try that again.”

Rainbow Dash smiles and says, “That’s the spirit!” She runs back to the catapult as Applejack struggles to climb back up. “Ready? One, two, three!” Applejack hits the dirt again, bouncing a little this time as she groans in pain. She slowly looks up to see Rainbow Dash looming over her with crosses arms. “Are you still going to tell me your fine?”

Applejack scowls and shakily crawls to her feet. “I am fine! This time I’ll land on the end for sure, just you watch!”

Rainbow Dash sighs and says, “If you say so. One more time before I send you to the nurse and get someone else to help me.” She goes back to position, Applejack doing the same, when she notices her shoe lace untied. “Oh, don’t want to lose that in the launch. Hey Applejack, hold on just a moment!” She kneels down to adjust her shoe.

Applejack heard Rainbow Dash talk, but her head was spinning from hitting the floor. She assumed it was the signal and jumps a little to the left this time, making contact with the catapult. Rainbow Dash goes flying, upside down and backwards, screaming her head off. Applejack tries to make her out in the sky as she shouts, “You’re welcome!”

Rainbow Dash flails, not sure how to handle this moment, until she finally hits something with a rip and a crash! She slowly opens her eyes, finding herself in a kick drum. Vinyl Scratch looms over her and says, “What’s the big idea? Do you know how much that things gonna cost me to get fixed?”

Rainbow Dash looks around to see the rest of their band/ club all gathered in a field, several instruments set up as well as a picnic basket and blanket where Bonbon sat giggling as Lyra stuffed her face with her cooking. Luna walks up holding a saxophone and says, “Are you alright Rainbow Dash? You should really watch where you fly.”

Rainbow Dash growls and struggles to get out of the drum and to her feet. “It’s not my fault! I told Applejack not to jump, and she did anyways! I couldn’t control my flight trajectory!” She watches as Applejack runs off with a furrowed brow. “Something is going on here. Do you know where Twilight is?”

Luna blinks and says, “Last I checked she’s at the fountain reading Lovecraft as usual.”

Rainbow Dash nods and rushes there, while Applejack makes her way to the school cafeteria. She goes to the back kitchen to find the school chefs there. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Cakes. Is Pinkie Pie back here?”

Before they could answer Pinkie Pie waves her down. She bounces up and down and says, “Thank you so much for coming Applejack! I need all the help I can get with this parties snack!”

Applejack walks up and says, “Right! So what are we making?”

Pinkie Pie reaches into her pocket and throws some confetti above Applejack letting it rain down on her as she says, “Muffins!”

Applejack blinks and brushes off some of the confetti. “Alright, just tell me how I can help?”

Pinkie Pie points to a recipe book. “Help me out by making a batch of muffins for me while I cook this one!”

Applejack smiles and says, “Sounds simple enough.” She walks over and looks over the recipe. “Like I said, simple, but it only makes six muffins. If Pinkie’s got so many to make I could be here for a while, and I need to get back to the orchard. Maybe if I made enough for a bunch of muffins, I can get out of here quicker!” She digs under the counter for the biggest bowl she can find. “Let’s up the anty.” She first read a cup of flour, so she poured the entire bag in the bowl and said, “That’s got to be a few cups right there.” As she reads on, she continues this overdose by adding a gallon of milk, a bag of chocolate chips, and a cup of wheat germ and yeast. She has trouble stirring at first, but manages to get it all to mix with a big spoon. She takes out several muffin cooking pans, and puts wrappers in each slot before pouring the mix into them. She fills the oven with them, even stacking them on top of each other to get them all in, careful as it was preheated. She tips her hat and says, “That will do! I got to go help Rarity now Pinkie! Don’t worry; I made lots of muffins for you!”

Pinkie blinks and watches her friend run off, looking at the oven. “She already made a bunch of muffins? But how is that even possible. Did she even remember to put love into them?” She walks over to the oven, but before she can open it to check she notices it begins to shake. She yelps and takes a step back, staring at it for a second. She shakes a little as she reaches for the handle, and as soon as she yanks the door open she gets covered in a growing pile of muffin batter. She squeals and flails, trying to crawl free of it. “There is no love in these muffins! Only anger and pain, and hunger! They’re eating me! Heeelp!”

Mr. and Mrs. Cakes here her cries and they rush over, dragging her from the batter. Mr. Cakes blinks and says, “What on earth happened to these muffins Pinkie Pie?!”

Pinkie Pie stutters for a minute before she says, “Applejack must have happened! She put too much in at once! All these poor delicious potential muffins are ruined! What am I going to do?!”

Mrs. Cakes smiles and says, “Oh Pinkie, why don’t you let us take care of this? We got just the girl to clean up this mess and fix it for you. We’ll get her to help you with your muffins.”

Pinkie smiles and says, “Thanks Mrs. Cakes, I really appreciate that. I’ve got to find out why Applejack was in such a rush though! I mean look at the mess she made! I’m gonna go find Twi!” She skips off with a determined look on her face.

In the meantime Applejack was on her way across the courtyard again. “Rarity is on the way to the greenhouse, so I’ll just take care of her first!” She runs into the school building and up the stairs to Rarity’s little workshop in Photo Finish’s class. She walks in to find Rarity fussing over a dress she was wearing as a personal mannequin. It was a green dress with blue trims, and sapphires patterned about on it. Spike was there too, holding out his arms which were covered in pins. Applejack walks up to him and says, “Howdy there Spike… Um, doesn’t that hurt?”

Spike shakes his head and says, “Not at all, take a closer look.” Applejack does as instructed, and gasps when she realizes his arms are covered in purple scales. “I’m dragon blooded remember? We’re half dragon, and as such can take a dragon form. It’s kind of like were-wolves, only at will, and we can do certain parts of our body.”

Applejack chuckles and says, “Alright pincushion, what’s prissy panties panicking about?”

Rarity glares over and says, “’Prissy panties’ is panicking over the improper stitching of this particular piece of fabric!” She whines trying to get a good look at it in the mirror. “I shouldn’t have tried doing it with magic! Now I just feel like there’s a gap somewhere on it! Oh please Applejack, help me find it and fix it!”

Applejack yawns, rubbing her eyes which were beginning to get tired from her lack of sleep this morning. “Why don’t you just get pincushion over here to do it?”

Spike rolls his eyes and says, “Duh, I’m the pincushion. I can’t multi-task you know.”

Applejack groans and says, “Alright already, I’ll have a look.” She looks over the dress as thoroughly as she can, and notices a piece of string sticking out of it. “Oh Rarity, there’s no holes, just this little string here.”

Rarity blinks and says, “Piece of string? Are you sure?”

Applejack nods and says, “Completely. I’ll just give that a little tug.” She grabs it and gives it a tug, finding it won’t budge. She groans and tugs harder and harder on it, making Rarity squeak.

Rarity’s eye twitches as she says, “I think you’re tugging on the-“ Before she could identify it, a loud rip filled the air. Rarity feels a cold chill rush over her spine, and quickly after her entire body. The fabric had a tied back, and Applejack had ripped it clean off along with the back of the dress, making the whole thing fall to the floor. Rarity stood there in her white lacy undies in front of two blushing friends as she stared downward in horror. Then her shrill scream pierces the sanctity of the building as she tries to cover herself.

Spike’s face goes so red that blood gushes from his nose along with steam, and he falls backwards on the floor in a state of heavenly bliss. Applejack snaps out of her sleepy state she’d been in, realizing what she had done from Rarity’s loud cry. She panics and runs from the room as fast as she can. “Oh god, what did I do? I hope that irons itself out! Just one more person to help! Oh please let this blow over well!”

Spike sat up plugging his nose with his fingers to see Rarity cowering behind a changing wall. He frowns and says, “It’s okay Rarity, honest! I didn’t see much, and I promise not to tell anyone.” He looks around and grabs her clothes, tossing them over the top. “See? And I won’t peek.”

Rarity blinks and smiles, getting dressed and walking out. “Thank you Spike, you’re a gentleman compared to most boys, but what about my precious new dress!”

Spike stares at it and says, “Maybe Twilight knows a spell that can save it. I think she’s in the courtyard. Let’s go find her.” Rarity nods in agreement and the two of them walk there together.

Applejack exhausts herself on running, and ends up walking through the greenhouse to Fluttershy’s cabin amongst the animals. She hears a bunch of howling, and notices Fluttershy in a pen with three wolves pressed together against the end of the pen, growling at her. She was wearing her new outfit, a long pink skirt and a yellow sweater, and was holding a syringe with a sigh as she said, “Come on my fluffy little puppies, if you don’t get your shots you could get rabies! Please cooperate.” She takes a step forward and one swipes at her. She squeaks and steps back until she bumps into Applejack, making her wings spread in shock. “Applejack! Oh thank goodness you’re here! Do you think you could help me-“

Applejack holds up a hand and says, “Say no more, I already see what needs to be done here!” She walks off, making Fluttershy blink, and comes back with a lasso at the ready. “Hope you don’t mind me borrowing this here rope.”

Fluttershy goes wide eyed and says, “Wait Applejack, there’s no need to be so rough with them!”

Applejack twirls the rope and says, “If they don’t want to cooperate then the only thing to do is force them to take their shots!” She throws it and lassos one of the wolves, dragging it along as it growls and bites at the rope, unable to match her strength in tugging. It lunges at her, and she snatches it in a headlock and pins it to the ground, making it yelp and whine trying to get free. “Now give em’ the shot Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy squeaks and says, “But Applejack-“

“Give em’ the shot I said!” Fluttershy whines and gives it the shot, making it yelp and whimper before scurrying away when Applejack let go. Fluttershy tears up, not wanting to hurt or scare them. “Alright little doggies, who’s it gonna be next?” All the wolves whine and cower, Fluttershy joining their whines as she stares at them in sorrow. One by one the wolves got their shots and cowered in fear, Fluttershy in tears by the time they were done. Applejack smiled and said, “There, all done! No need to thank me, I’ll just be on my way!”

Fluttershy hugs the wolves and says, “I’m sorry my fluffy puppies, I just wanted you to be safe and healthy! I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or scare you! Please forgive me.” She sniffles and sobs into their fur. The wolves understand and lap at her thoughtfully, growling as they begin to hear footsteps approaching. Fluttershy looks terrified at first, but then notices Twilight Sparkle walk into view. She breathes a sigh of relief, and then notices Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Spike all walk up as well. She kisses each wolf on the forehead and walks over, shutting the pen behind her. “Hello girls, how can I help you?” She tries to wipe away and hide her tears, but everyone sees them.

Twilight Sparkle gasps and says, “Fluttershy are you crying?! What happened?”

Fluttershy cringes and rubs her arm nervously, turning her head away and letting her hair hide her face a little. “Oh, it’s nothing really. Applejack was helping me, and she… kinda sorta got a little scary. I truly am thankful for her help… even if my wolfies are afraid of me now.” She tears up and bites her lower lip, earning a hug from Twilight.

Twilight scowls and says, “Okay, now Applejack has gone too far! She over propelled Rainbow, got Pinkie mauled by malicious muffins, destroyed Rarity’s latest work, and gave Spike a severe case of blood loss! Now she’s made Fluttershy cry, and that’s too far!”

Fluttershy is shocked by this news. She says, “She did all of that? But why would she do it?”

Twilight sighs and says, “I’ll tell you all why, even though she said not to. This morning she woke up early to find her big brother injured, and now she has to harvest all the apples in the orchard by herself before they rot! She’s been at it all morning, and was exhausted when she tried helping you all. Not only that but she was in a rush to get back to harvested, trying to save time.”

Pinkie smiles and says, “Is that all? Then why don’t we just go help her then?”

Rarity rolls her eyes before answering, “That girl has too much pride to accept any help from us. No matter how bad her situation is.”

Rainbow Dash smirks and says, “So we force her to accept help from us! I bet we could all take her together!”

Fluttershy begins to tear up and shakes her head. “No, I don’t want to hurt Applejack! She’s my friend!”

Rainbow begins sweating and hugs her rubbing her back. “It’s okay Fluttershy! I didn’t mean hurt her or anything. There there, please don’t cry.” She hums the first song she can think of to calm the girl down.

Spike think for a moment about what they can do. “I think I have an idea. Hey Twilight, remember that form of torture the princess mentioned last week?”

Twilight blinks and thinks back, eyes going wide and a smirk growing across her face. “Oh don’t worry guys, we’ll force her alright. We’ll do it in the gentlest way possible.”

Everyone comes in for a huddle as she explains her plan to them. Meanwhile Applejack had finally gotten back to the orchard and was kicking apples down from trees again. She walks up to one and gives it a hard kick to the side, but all that falls is one apple. She blinks and kicks it again, stumbling back and panting, only to be met by an unmoved tree. Frustrated she grabs the tree and starts slamming her knee into it, banging her fist on it, all in vain. She lies against it and slides down to the ground, fanning herself with her hat. “Tarnation, maybe I need five to catch my breath.” She hears a loud thud and feels the tree shake, apples falling on her as she yelps in shock. “What in tarnation was that?!”

Rainbow Dash peeks from behind the tree with a smirk, and begins gathering up apples in a bucket alongside Fluttershy. Rarity, Pinkie, and even Spike all walk up, and Applejack stares amongst them in shock. Twilight then holds out her hand for Applejack to help her up. “Need a hand?”

Applejack scowls and slaps her hand away with her hat, struggling to her feet against the tree. “Twilight you snitched! I told you not to tell anyone!”

Twilight glares back at her and says, “You’re pride has led to screwing up everything you did today. That doesn’t just affect you, it affects everyone! Besides, we’re your friends!”

Applejack sighs and says, “Well it don’t matter, because I can do this on my own and I refuse to ask for your help.”

Twilight smirks and says, “That’s fine, because we’re going to help whether you like it or not.” She nods to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy who continue their collecting.

Applejack scowls and says, “No you’re not! You two put those apples down this minute!”

Rainbow Dash stomps her foot and sticks out her tongue. “No!”

Fluttershy gulps and hides the bucket behind her back whistling innocently. “Put what down?”

Applejack growls and says, “I said to put them down!” She takes a step forward and they take a step back. “Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be huh?” She stomps off, only to come back with a pair of lassos. “Are we going to do this the easy way, or the hard-“ Both girls fly off and Applejack gives chase. “Fine, hard way it is then!” The determined girl flings the lassos and snatches their legs with a triumphant smirk. “Now I got you two!” She blinks in surprise as they both dash in opposite directions, stretching her arms out and lifting her off the ground once they reach the end of their ropes. “You two ain’t getting away!”

Rainbow Dash laughs and says, “We weren’t trying to get away! We got you right where we want you!”

Applejack tilts her head, but then she finds the ropes wrap around her wrists and cling tightly, both girls slipping out of their restraints and the ropes staying exactly where they were. “What in tarnation is going on?” Twilight and Rarity walk up with glowing hands, and she notices the aura around the ropes match the aura around their hands. “I’ve been bamboozled! You planned this all along!”

Twilight nods and says, “Last chance Applejack. Let us help, or we’ll force you to!”

Applejack shoots her a glare and says, “Never ever never ever never!” Twilight shrugs and snaps her fingers, Pinkie Pie and Spike walking up holding cyan and yellow feathers. Applejack blinks and starts to squirm a little. “What are you two going to do with those?” Each of them snatch one of her ankles up under their arms, and force her boots off. “Now hold on just a second guys, let’s not do anything too drastic here!” They ignore her, sliding off her socks next. “No, please! Not the feet! Anything but the feet! Please!” Her pleas continue to fall on deaf ears, as the two of them gently stroke the feathers along the undersides of her constricted feet. Applejack squeals like a little girl and laughs uncontrollably. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash giggle and help hold her legs in place so she can’t kick them free. Applejack tries to hold in her laughter, biting her lower lip, but she burst out uncontrollably and even begins to tear up. “No more! No more! They’re too sensitive! I surrender!”

The two of them pause and Twilight holds a hand cupped to her ear. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

Applejack pants catching her breath, quickly answering, “Y’all can help me with the apple harvest! Just please, don’t tickle my feet no more!”

Twilight nods in satisfaction and says, “You’re going inside to relax while we handle all the work out here, got it?”

Applejack’s jaw drops, but she wasn’t in any position to argue. She hangs her head in defeat and says, “Yes mam.” The ropes finally let her go, and her friends set her down on the ground, only to catch her again. She was more exhausted than she had thought, she could barely stand.

Twilight says, “Could you guys help her to the cabin?”

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash each take an arm and guide her back to her cabin, greeted by an excited Winona who runs circles around them barking. They carry her inside and sit her down on a sofa. Applejack sighs and says, “I reckon you two are gonna go help now?”

They rub the backs of their heads and Rainbow Dash says, “Well, I don’t know. I could probably use a nap myself… away from the work…”

Fluttershy sighs and says, “And I’ve got a few other animals to give rabies shots today.” She blinks and notices movement in the kitchen, peeking inside. Curious, Rainbow Dash join her, noticing Big Mac was in there struggling. He manages to get his shirt off, and readjusts his casted arm to keep it up. He then grabs a bottle of water and chugs half of it, spraying the rest against his chest with a relieved sigh. Both girls wings spring to attention as they stare blushing. Fluttershy giggles and says, “Although… maybe I could stick around to help out for a little…”

Rainbow Dash nods and says, “Yeah, m-me too…”

Applejack raises her eyebrow at them, and smirks, managing to stand up and take them by the shoulders. “That’s so kind of you. If you’re offering then please help, outside.” She guides them to the door as they struggle staring back.

Fluttershy whines and says, “But you’re so exhausted, I think it would be better if I helped take care of you, a-and maybe your brother?”

Rainbow Dash grumbles and says, “Yeah, what she said!”

Applejack gives them both a kick on the butt to get them out the door. “Get out there and help everyone you horny school girls!” She giggles as they rush off blushing, and walks back inside. She sighs, watching Twilight and Rarity pick apples with magic from her window, Rainbow Dash karate kicking trees as she floated around. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and even Spike gathered up all the apples in buckets and kept them all neatly stacked together. She felt useless as she was, walking into the kitchen to find Big Mac setting up a juicer. “Now what are you up to big brother?”

He smiles at her and says, “You don’t need a lot of effort to make apple cider.” He peers out the window and then flashes his sister a wink. “Don’t think too hard about it, little sister.”

Applejack stares at it for a moment, and then she takes a basket of apples out of the cabinet and gets to work. By the time everyone was done, they had dozens of buckets of apples stacked up by the small home. They all cheered at their victory, only to fall to the floor exhausted. Spike sits up and says, “That was a lot of work, even for all of us. I could use something to drink.”

As if on cue, Applejack walks out of the cabin with a tray covered in frothy mugs. Rainbow Dash gasps and leaps to her feet, the feathers on her wings frizzing up. She begins to drool and says, “Please tell me that’s what I think it is!”

Applejack smirks and says, “Your favorite drink? Sure is. Since I couldn’t help much with the harvest, I thought I’d make you all a few mugs of apple cider to wet your whistles as a show of thanks.” She holds up her foot, her boot meeting Rainbow Dash in the stomach. “Cool it Rainbow, just one for now.”

Rainbow Dash coughs and nods, slowly reaching forward to grab one. Everyone else gets up and hurries over to grab a mug. They drink and sigh in relief from the delicious beverage. Twilight smiles and says, “So did you learn anything Applejack?”

Applejack sets down the tray and says, “I sure did Twi. I learned not to bite off more than I can chew, and if I need help I always have friends willing to give it to me. I’m sorry sugar cube, I guess I got so caught up in being the helpful one and proving I could do everything by myself, that I just ended up causing everyone trouble. I wish I could fix everything.”

Rarity takes a sip of her drink before saying, “Twilight has agreed to help me repair my dress and put finishing touches on it.”

Spike huffs and says, “I’m helping too you know.”

Pinkie giggles and says, “The cakes got some girl who’s apparently great with muffins to help me with my order! I’m going to go see if she needs any help with that right now actually.”

Fluttershy twirls her finger through the froth of her drink, staring down at the ground. “I don’t think any of my animals are brave enough to resist a shot if they think you might come back. I-I’m sorry, I hope that doesn’t make you feel bad.”

Applejack shakes her head and says, “Not at all Fluttershy, and what about you Rainbow ‘Crash’?”

Rainbow Dash scowls and says, “I have to pay for repairs to that drum you know! But, maybe I could forgive you if you help me out with my tricks again. This time, come a little more in the game though.”

Applejack pats her on the back and says, “Sure thing sugar cube, anything to make up for sending you into orbit.” Everyone has a good laugh, finishing off their drinks.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The large TV in Twilight, Luna, and Spike’s dorm comes on to reveal princess Celestia as the three of them sit together on the couch again. They greet her in unison as she replies, “Good evening angels.” She giggles and says, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist the reference.”

Spike’s brow furrows and he says, “I can’t be one of the angels, I’m a boy!”

Celestia rubs her chin and says, “Then you can be Bossley. How was school today everyone? Did you learn anything new? I’m sure you have in the week since we last talked.”

Twilight nods and says, “I think a friend of mine learned more than I did. Her name is Applejack, and I think what she learned is that stubborn pride gets you know where. A friend in need is a friend indeed, and sometimes you just need to accept help from others when you can’t handle everything on your plate.”

Celestia nods and says, “Wise words my prized student. What about you, my sweet little Woona.”

Luna blushes and says, “Tiiiaaa, you promised to stop calling me thaaat!” She crosses her arms and pouts, earning a giggle fit from her big sister. “I learned that the saxophone is hard to play!”

Spike notices it leaning against the couch and picks it up. “You mean this? I love these things. Check this out.” He grabs a pair of sunglasses off a nearby table and spreads his legs, blowing into it and playing it while thrusting his pelvis forward gently. Everyone stares at him for a moment before he stops and sets it down. “What do you guys think?”

Celestia speaks up before anyone else as she says, “I think none of us were aware you were so good with a saxophone. Perhaps you could teach my little sister some tips?”

Spike lifts his shades and says, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Luna rolls her eyes and says, “Windbag.” She and Twilight stifle their laughter.

Celestia giggles as well and says, “Anything else.”

Twilight nods and says, “You were right, tickling is a powerful form of torture. Watch!”

She grabs Luna’s foot, who looks at her bewildered. “Twilight, what are you do-OOO!” She begins laughing uncontrollably as Twilight lightly rubs her fingers over the underside of her foot, making her squeal and kick at her. “Stop, stop, I’m gonna pee! Let me go!” She manages to break free and leaps behind the sofa, peeking over the top with a blush. “I’m wearing socks around you from now on!”

Spike smirks and says, “Sounds like a plus to me.”

Twilight grins and says, “Guess I better get as much in as I can before then!” She leaps over the couch and chases the squealing princess back to their room.

Spike sighs and says, “Sorry you had to see that your majesty. Those two get a little weird at this hour.”

Celestia laughs and says, “It’s fine, really. Just some friendly fun I suppose. Though Luna’s boyfriend Pipsqueak might have some competition.”

Spike raspberries her and says, “I doubt it. Girls act like that all the time. At least from what I can tell. Anyways, you learn anything new Celestia?”

She nods and says, “I’m always learning new things, I am a princess after all. Let’s see, what is the most significant thing I’ve learned this week? Hmm… Oh I know! I learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and even the sweetest pastry can have a dark past.”

Spike raises and eyebrow and says, “And what’s the story behind that?”

Celestia yawns and says, “That’s for me to know, and you to learn on your own when the time comes for it. For now I’m dreadfully tired, and must be on my way. Tell the girls I said good night would you?”

Spike nods with a smile and says, “Sure thing your majesty. Sleep tight.” He ends the transmission just as Twilight comes running into the room screaming. “What’s wrong Twilight?”

She gasps for air and says, “She has feathers!”

Spike looks at her like she was an idiot and says, “Well duh, she has wings. Wings have feathers.”

Twilight shakes her head and says, “No, peacock feathers!”

Luna rushes into the living room holding to peacock feathers and points one at them. “You’re both going down.”

Spike gulps and says, “How did I get dragged into this?!” He runs screaming with Twilight as Luna chases them laughing maniacally.

End Chapter 5
Continued in Chapter 6: Murphy’s Muffin Maniac

Chapter 6: Murphy's Muffin Maniac

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Ponyville High
Chapter 6: Murphy’s Muffin Maniac

Spike took a whiff of the air as the classroom was filled with the smell of delicious confections. He stares down at his with a sigh, having done a horrible job on the frosting for the cake he baked. His teacher for home economics was the same teacher as foreign language, a woman from out of country named Zecora. She had dark skin with black and white markings painted all over, similarly colored hair which was styled up in a Mohawk, and gauges in her earlobes that had plugs with a symbol that looked similar to a sun with a spiral. Zecora often spoke in rhymes, which always made him snicker a little. She walks up to Spike and says, “Little dragon boy, why do you frown? Is there something I can do to turn it upside down?”

Spike looks up at her and says, “I was trying to bake for my friends, because we’re going to have a picnic today. But I botched the frosting and now it looks like a mess!”

Zecora shakes her head and says, “It’s not how it looks but the quality and taste, and giving up so soon would just be a waste. You should be creative with the frosting you spill. It could even form a rose with a strong enough will.” She takes out a plastic spatula, and whips it in a circular motion over the pile of frosting he’d spilled, and before Spike’s eyes it formed into the shape of a beautiful rose. “Now can you see? Easy as one, two, three.”

Spike smiles and says, “Thanks Ms. Zecora! I’ll definitely take this lesson to heart!” They both get startled by the loud clanging of pots on the floor. When they look they see a blonde haired Winglie with scruffy grey wings. Her eyes were crossed diagonally, giving her a rather wall eyed expression. She had on a grey shirt with bubble patterns leading up one side, and black jeans. Spike knew her as Ditzy Doo, Zecora’s assistant in teaching the class. Spike rushes over and helps her pick up the pots and pans. “Are you okay Ms. Doo? I didn’t even see you run into anything this time.”

Ditzy Doo nods and says, “I’m perfectly fine! I was just staring at that beautiful flower on your cake! I lost my hold on the cooking utensils. And please, call me Ditzy, Spike. Or everyone’s nickname for me, Derpy.”

Spike scowls and says, “Why would you want me to call you such a rude and offensive name?”

Ditzy waggles her finger and says, “Now now, it’s not rude or offensive, it’s an expression of clumsiness, which I am. It’s things like retard, and the like, which are offensive. Besides, I always wanted to be able to say something like ‘my friends call me’, and then give them a name.”

Spike blinks and says, “Well what do your friends call you Ditzy?”

Ditzy giggles and says, “You silly billy, I don’t have any friends.”

Spike’s jaw drops a little as she gets up and walks away so casually from just saying that. He runs after her and says, “Wait miss, how can you not have any friends?!”

Ditzy, places the pans in the oversized sink and says, “I just… don’t. Well, unless you count Golden Harvest who went to a different high school after middle school.” She stares down at the dishes with a rather sad expression after having said that.

Spike blinks and says, “Do you still talk to her?”

She smiles and nods. “Every time we get a break we meet up, especially in winter when she doesn’t have to tend to her school's gardens.”

Spike smiles and says, “Oh, so she works at a high school too?”

Ditzy laughs and says, “No you silly, she just helps. She’s not gonna get a job until she’s out of high school.”

Spike blinks starting to get a little confused. “Your friend is still in high school? Hold on a second, Ditzy, are you still in high school?!”

Ditzy blushes and says, “W-Well yeah! I’m a third year student! Didn’t you know that?”

Spike’s jaw drops again and he says, “No I didn’t! I don’t have any third year classes! Ditzy you look like a grown woman, why are you teaching a class if you’re still in school?”

Ditzy fumbles with her words and flails her hands blushing and biting her lip nervously. “Well, I look older because I am! I’m twenty three! The only reason why I get to help teach this particular class is because of my age and already completing both years of home economics. I really like this class, so Zecora lets me help as a sort of third level to the class.”

Spike stares at her slightly horrified and says, “You’re twenty three and in junior year? That’s… f-fine. There’s nothing wrong with that or you for that matter!”

Ditzy glares at him and says, “Oh yeah, sugar coat it. Look Spike, go ahead and think whatever you please, but I can’t change who I am. Zecora I’ll clean dishes later, I need a walk.”

Zecora blinks and says, “Is everything alright my sweet young assistant? The class isn’t quite over this instant.”

She tears up and replies, “I’m fine!” She rushes out of the classroom sobbing, and watching her go like that makes Spike’s heart sink a little. He could’ve reacted a little less shocked, he probably seemed so insensitive.

Even later that day at the picnic with his friends, which were technically closer to Twilight than him, he still sulked staring down in thought. A plate with a slice of the cake he’d made is slid into his lap, and he looks up to see everyone was staring at him, and Rarity had handed him the cake. She smiles and says, “A penny for your thoughts?”

Spike blushes and says, “You guys shouldn’t mind me. I just… I made a girl cry today.”

Twilight mutters under her breath, “No surprises there.”

She whistles innocently as Spike shoots her a glare. He then continues, “You see, I found out some shocking information about one of your classmates who teaches in my home economics class.”

Pinkie slaps her hands together and points at him. “I got it! You’re talking about Derpy!”

Rainbow Dash says, “Hold on a second, that clumsy girl who gets straight Cs? She actually teaches a class?”

Fluttershy raises her hand a little and says, “She only assists. She’s still a student after all.”

Spike nods and says, “So you guys have heard of her huh? I reacted… shocked when she told me how old she was, and that she was still in school.”

Rarity sits by him and says, “I was shocked myself at first, and of course all kinds of reasons why she was still in school came to mind. Unlike my roommate though, I was never very outspoken about them.”

“And just what is that supposed to mean, hmm?” Everyone turns to see Trixie and her entourage. “You speak of the beautiful and popular Trixie as if she were some sort of bully!” Nobody even bothered to respond to that one, they all just gave her a half closed eye expression and stared. She blushes and growls before shouting, “Stop looking at Trixie like that! It’s not my fault that tard is an easy target!”

Applejack stands up and says, “Now don’t you dare go using a word like that to describe anyone! That girl might be different, but there’s nothing wrong with her!”

Pinkie Pie giggles and says, “There’s nothing but right with her! At least when it comes to baked goods!” She opens the basket she brought to reveal a vast amount of various muffins. “Come on guys, try some!” She walks around letting everyone take a muffin, even to Trixie and her entourages who look surprised but reluctantly take one each.

Trixie stares at the muffin and says, “Trixie swears, if this is a prank…” She takes a bite of the muffin and her eyes grow to the size of dinner plates. “This is the most delicious confection I have ever tasted! For a girl who is Murphy’s Law incarnate, I must say I’m impressed!”

Spike gulps down a bite of his muffin and says, “Murphy’s Law? What’s that supposed to mean.”

Twilight smiles and says, “Well, Murphy’s Law is that everything that can go wrong will. This law was an ironic one however, because Murphy was an optimist.”

Spike shrugs and says, “So she’s clumsy, that doesn’t mean she earned that title.” Everyone pauses and avoids looking at him nervously, even Trixie who slides her goofy hat down a bit to cover the side of her face he was on. “What? Why is everyone doing that?”

Applejack sits back down and says, “Listen sugar cube, best not to talk about it. You see, in classes, she causes a lot of chaos. It’s all accidental of course, but everyone around her suffers. Ripped clothes, soaked notes, broken important objects, including limbs, you name it she’s done it. Only one girl was ever immune to her chaos, and she’s at a different school now.”

Spike mutters Golden Harvest’s name under his breath, and then notices how warm the muffins are. “Pinkie Pie, you said you got these from Ditzy Doo. Why are they still so warm and fresh?”

Pinkie smiles and says, “Because she runs a little bake stand after classes. Why, you want something? It’s right over that way.” As soon as her finger lifts he was on his feet and running in that direction. Pinkie grins and snatches his piece of cake, wolfing it down.

Spike easily finds her stand, where she sits with her hands together staring forward with a smile on her face. It was a very well made stand, possibly owned by the Cake’s, and had a glass display of all the confections she’d made being kept warm. He pants from running there and says, “Ditzy Doo, can we talk, I want to apologize for earlier.” She continues to sit there with the same expression, staring as if looking past him. He bends over the stand and waves his hand in front of her face and says, “Ditzy Doo?” He yelps rearing back as he hears her snoring. “She sleeps with her eyes open… creepy. Wake up!”

She yelps and falls backwards, kicking the stand forward with him still bent over the top of it. “I’m awake! I’m awake!” she cries as the stand begins to roll forward little by little. She looks up and says, “Spike? What are you doing here? And why are you getting further away?”

Spike smiles and says, “I’m sorry, I came because I wanted to apologize for… did you say getting further away?” He finally notices the cart moving faster little by little, and looks back to see the cart turning to face down the incline that lead up to the recreational building where they were. “This thing has wheels I see…Oh snap…” He screams as the stand rolls down the incline, Ditzy gasping and chasing after him. He rolls past his friend’s picnic, everyone pausing in their current argument with Trixie to give chase. Trixie follows, feeling ignored by this. Then the cart slams into fountain at the center of the courtyard, and he goes flying into the water with a loud splash.

Everyone came rushing up, Twilight shouting, “Are you okay Spike?!”

He groans, spitting out some water as he sits up drenched. “This thing is shallow, so my entire back side is in pain.”

“I’ll save you!” cries the wall eyed Ditzy as she leaps over the edge of the fountain, face planting in the water. Spike sighs and helps her up and out of the water. She blushes and says, “I was supposed to help you…” She examines her cart and sighs with relief. “My pastries are a little shaken up and splatty, but other than that the cart is fine. Spike, what were you doing?”

He growls and says, “Apologizing! I don’t care that you’re older and in school, you’re a sweet person and I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did! After all, I bet you get enough rumors about you on a daily basis.”

Ditzy smiles and hugs him with a squish. “You’re silly Spike, sticks and stones can break bones but not words. And besides, rumors are only rumors.”

Rainbow Dash nods and says, “She’s got a point. I’ve got a rumor going around that I’m a lesbian, and they’re over small things like this.” She walks up to Fluttershy, snatching her arm and pulling her close and leaning her face close to hers. Fluttershy gulps and blushes trying to pull away. “See? Just because my face is close to hers, doesn’t make me a-“

“Lesbian!” cries a nearby boy who immediately takes off.

Rainbow Dash growls and gives chase saying, “Say that to my face you prick!”

When she walks back Applejack raises her brow and says, “Wonderful example of how rumors don’t affect you.” Rainbow Dash pouts and grumbles.

Trixie smirks and says, “So you’re not going to deny any of the rumors about you then Derpy?”

Ditzy blushes and says, “I never said that!”

Berry Punch smirks and says, “Like how you failed so much in grade school you were held back for years?”

Ditzy tears up a little and says, “That’s not true!”

Spike growls and says, “Leave her alone you jerks!”

Colgate joins the smirk fest and says, “Or that your eyes are the result of you hitting yourself in the forehead with a hammer for fun.”

Twilight and the rest of the girls gather around Ditzy defensively, Twilight particularly in Trixie’s face. “I’m warning you Trixie, stop it now or else!”

Trixie looks back at the girl in tears and huffs. “I bet this is it, isn’t it? Everything about you is just for attention. I bet everything about you is a lie so that people will show you sympathy. How pathe-“

“I was raped!” Those words seemed to echo through the area as everyone there froze and stared at Ditzy in shock. She sniffles and wipes her nose on her arm. “I was raped when I was ten years old. The person who did it… they tried to kill me… I got out with this expression on my face and a mental problem. Three years of therapy later, I went back to school in the first grade. Can you imagine being thirteen and in first grade, and not knowing why you were different from everyone else? Three years later my daughter joined me…”

Everyone’s jaws dropped at that last sentence, unable to speak, except Spike who said, “You kept the child, even at your age?”

Ditzy Doo’s eyes flowed like waterfalls, earning a hug from various directions. “My parents helped me through the experience, but yes, I did give birth as a little girl. It was the only thing I asked for, and everyone respected that much. The life I gave… she means so much to me even now. Next year she’ll be coming to this school as a freshman.” She shoots Trixie a glare, Trixie shivering with tears welling in the corners of her eyes. “Nothing to say to that, now do you? I didn’t choose to be like this. I didn’t choose to be where I am. I was forced! You make fun of people for being different, but do you even know their story? The world isn’t pickles and rainbows you know, there are people that are hurt, and have their lives changed every day! I’m no exception. So yeah, scientifically, I’m retarded. I have a daughter who’s ten years younger than me. But you know what? At least I’m not a cold hearted unthinking monster like you!”

Trixie’s tears finally flow and she sniffles, beginning to sob. She says in a high tone, “I’m not a monster! I-I didn’t know! I… I’m so sorry!” She bawls into her hands, her teary eyed friends trying to hold her shoulders. She shakes them off and says, “No! Don’t touch me, I’m a horrible person!” She tries to turn and run, only to be caught from behind by an unknown set of arms embrace. She looks back and blushes. “Twilight Sparkle?”

Twilight smiled and said, “Treat others how you want to be treated…”

Trixie slowly looks to Ditzy, and then rushes over and hugs her. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

Ditzy smiles and hugs her back. “I forgive you Trixie.” She knocks her hat off and pets the sobbing girl gently. “There there, you’re just misunderstood like me. Isn’t that right?” Trixie just nods in response and buries her face in Ditzy’s shoulder.

Everyone wipes their eyes, taking a moment to calm down. Spike breaks the silence that follows by saying, “What’s her name. Your daughter’s, I mean.”

Ditzy smiles and says, “Her name is Dinky. She’s a Unimare like her father, but I don’t blame her for that. It’s just a constant reminder of how grateful I am for what happened.”

Rarity shakes her head saying, “How can you be happy for such a dreadful course of events!”

Ditzy giggles and says, “I wouldn’t be who I am now without them. I’m happy for who have become. Whoever I could’ve become, that’s long past gone, and there’s no use troubling myself over it. It won’t happen, but what will happen is I’ll grow up to be a wonderful mother, and I’ll help my daughter do the same someday.”

Trixie takes off her cape and blows into it, rolling it up into a ball and shoving it in her hat, tossing it to her entourage. “Trixie will see you two later. Go wash her things. She’d like to discuss some matters with you. In the meantime Trixie needs to take care of some business.” Her friends smile and nod, walking off. “Ditzy Doo, the beautiful and popular Trixie wishes to make things up to you somehow. Is there anything she can do to make things up to you?”

Ditzy shakes her head and says, “It’s fine, really Trixie.”

Trixie shakes her head and says, “It’s not fine! All these years that she… that I’ve been hurting you… I feel obligate Ditzy. Please let me do something to help.”

Ditzy blushes and says, “Well, there is one thing” Everyone looks surprised and listens in. “You see, I got a crush on one of my teachers. He’s about the same age as me, and so charming. I’d like to get him to notice me somehow.”

Everyone brightens up and Trixie says, “The beautiful and popular Trixie will help you woo this man! That is, if everyone will help her?” Everyone nods and she smiles. “We’ll need a new outfit, some music, and the man in question. Who was it again?”

She blushes and stutters a little. “P-please don’t laugh. I have a crush on the Doctor. I don’t know what it is. He’s just so rugged and fancy, and different!”

Trixie nods and says, “Rarity, Fluttershy, your both good with appearances, so you will help Trixie find the perfect look for her!” They both nod in approval. She grabs a startled Ditzy and drags her off along with Fluttershy who keeps apologizing without reason.

Rarity snatches Spike and says, “Come along Spike, we’ll need a boy’s opinion as usual.”

Spike smiles and says, “See, this is why it’s a plus to have mostly female friends.”

Twilight says, “I’ll go find Luna and the music club. If we need music they’re perfect.”

As she rushes off Pinkie Pie pushes the cart of pastries and gives chase and says, “I want to play music too!”

Rainbow Dash sighs looking to Applejack and says, “I guess that leaves us to go find the Doctor. How do we always end up doing everything together?”

Applejack smirks and says, “Aww, you want me to hold your hand? Would that make you feel more comfortable?” She takes Rainbow Dash’s hand, making her blush.

Rainbow Dash blinks as another boy sees this and runs off. “Wait! Wait! It isn’t… what it looks like…” Rainbow Dash scowls and says, “I hate you so much right now.”

Applejack laughs and says, “I love you too sugar cube.”

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Spike sits on a stool, watching as the girls work at a fast pace to make different outfits, and rush behind the changing wall, listening to Ditzy’s embarrassed squeals. “Alright Spike, what do you think about this one?” They drag Ditzy out wearing a grey Chinese tunic with bubble patters on it, as if they’d made it from her shirt. Her hair was braided in pigtails and she was wearing sandals.

Spike rubs his chin and says, “Is she supposed to look like a Chinese martial artist? I ask because that’s what she looks like.” Everyone sighs. “Look, the dress is amazing, but you’re trying to hard with the hair! Leave it as its short standard normal self. You don’t need to make it wild to get noticed. I think he’ll be shocked enough by the dress.”

Ditzy smiles and undoes her hair, ruffling it up into its normal form. “How do I look now?”

Spike smiles and says, “Perfect! But why not wear high heels?”

Rarity shrugs and says, “We tried that and she nearly fell and knocked over the wall while in her knickers. We couldn’t have that now could we? We need to give off an air of elegance that fumbling over yourself simply won’t do.”

Ditzy blushes and says, “As if I wasn’t clumsy enough. Can we skip makeup? I don’t want any to get any in my eyes.”

Trixie shakes her head and says, “But it will completely bring out your face! Fear not Ditzy, for the beautiful and popular Trixie is an artist!” She grabs a box from under her desk from class, and opens it to reveal five layers of makeup stashed inside.

Ditzy gulps nervously, while elsewhere Twilight had made her way to the music clubs clubroom. “So you see Luna, we were wondering if you guys could play something to create a romantic tone.”

Luna smiles and says, “Well, I don’t know any classical instruments yet. Unless you count the saxophone. This week I’m learning electric guitar!” She plays a few notes from ‘Smoke on the Water’ and giggles. “It took me a while to get even that.”

Octavia shakes her head and says, “No, this simply won’t do! We are the music club, and our services have been requested to serenade a romantic tone! How could we possibly say no?”

Vinyl laughs and says, “You just want an excuse to make us all play fancy music.”

Octavia slaps her hand over Vinyl’s mouth and says, “It’s our duty to help with music where music is needed! That is the purpose of the music club!”

Lyra clears her throat and plays a note on a harmonica before musically saying, “Nooooooo.”

Bonbon nods and says, “Lyra’s right, our purpose is to try out as many instruments as we possibly can and get good at them. But I do agree with Octavia, not only should we help them, but this club does need a little more class.”

Lyra scratches behind her ear with her foot and says, “A little more what now?” She notices Bonbon is glaring at her. “What! Far be it for me to try different species on top of music! I’m a dog this week. Next time I’ll do something cuddly and quiet… like a bunny.”

Octavia slaps her palm to her face and says, “Point is, we’ll help. Lyra, you’re on harp. Vinyl, you’re on violin.”

Vinyl scrunches her face and says, “Boooo.”

“Quiet you!” Octavia hisses. “Bonbon, you’re on bongos. Luna, saxophone can be incredibly romantic, just remember what you learned. And I, of course, will play my cello.”

Vinyl sighs and says, “Can’t I play something cooler, like an electric violin?”

Octavia grunts and says, “This is classical, not rock and roll, so no!”

Vinyl thinks for a moment and says, “How about a sitar?”

Octavia sighs and says, “You only found out what those are last night.”

Vinyl smiles and says, “Yeah, but it turns out we have one! And I’m a fast-“

“Violin Vinyl!” Vinyl pouts from being yelled at. “Where shall we meet you?”

Twilight gets a text and takes out her cell phone looking at it. “According to Rarity, hide outside the outdoor hall on the west side of the school building. Alright, let’s go Pinkie-“

She was interrupted by a loud resounding clang that echoed through the room, and looked to see Pinkie had just hit a gong. “Hahaha! I think I hit this thing too hard!”

Twilight tries to clean out her ear and says, “What? I can’t hear you! I think you hit that thing too hard!”

Meanwhile Rainbow Dash and Applejack peeked in on the Doctor’s classroom to see he was still there, grading papers. Applejack knocks on the door to get his attention and says, “Excuse me sir, but begging your permission to enter?”

The Doctor smiles and says, “Oh, hello girls. No, it’s fine, come in! Did you have a question about today’s lecture?”

Rainbow Dash cringes and says, “Actually no, we were wondering if we could convince you to take a break from that grading thing you’re doing.”

He shakes his head and says, “I’m afraid I’ve got far too much to do here, and far too much to do after I’m done.”

Rainbow Dash walks in and leans on his desk. “Sir, we’re not going through all this trouble for nothing. We will force you.”

The Doctor blinks and says, “Force me? Now just what is going on?”

Applejack sighs and grabs the back of Rainbow Dash’s shirt collar, tossing her backwards with a yelp. “Sir, we have a very special someone that wishes to meet with you, a female special someone… who isn’t a teenager.”

The Doctor blinks and says, “You don’t say… I’m not sure what to say by that, it catches me completely off guard… Right o’! Let’s all go see what this is about then! I’m intrigued!”

Applejack smiles and walks up to Rainbow saying, “You got to perk his interest, not threaten him.” She helps Rainbow Dash get off her head and away from the wall, standing her up.

Rainbow Dash sticks out her tongue and says, “Whatever, at least we got him to come.” She gets a text and gives it a look. “Right, we got our rendezvous location! Come on Doctor!” She rushes off and the Doctor quickly follows.

Applejack rushes after them and says, “Not so fast Rainbow Dash! They might not be ready!”

The Doctor laughs and says, “Either way this is rather exhilarating!”

Once they reached their destination, Rainbow Dash skid to a halt and stared wide eyed at Ditzy, who was wearing the dress as well as the right makeup to match it and bring out her eyes. “Whoa.”

Applejack arrives panting and says, “Whoa.”

The Doctor smiles with a whistle and says, “Whoa… Ditzy Doo, is that you?”

Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, and Trixie peek through one of the open window arches, and Trixie looks back at the music club to say. “Play you fools! Play!”

Pinkie holds up a trumpet and whispers, “A one, a two, a one two three four!”

The entire group begins to play an improvised song, letting their music sync up with each others, Pinkie Pie catching along quickly with them. The Doctor blinks hearing the music and chuckles a little. “Miss Doo, what’s going on here? This is so random, it’s stupendous!”

Ditzy Doo’s face brightens and she says, “Really! I actually had all my friends help me put this together, just so that I could… get your attention.” She blushes and stares at the floor shyly.

The Doctor laughs again and says, “Is that what this is all about? Oh Ditzy you silly girl, I think this is positively brilliant! So over the top, I couldn’t possibly not pay attention! And might I say, you look stunning.” He walks over and takes her hand with a smile. “No law prevents me from dating a student of my own age. What’s say we continue this delicious bit of randomness over a cup of tea and some scones?”

Ditzy’s face becomes red as possible as she stares into his eyes and says, “Y-You really mean that? You’re not off put by how I’m so old in eleventh grade! Or the look on my face! I-I even have a kid, who’s ten years younger than me!”

Rainbow slaps her palm to her face and says, “Why would she say all that? Does she want to scare him away?”

Applejack smiles and says, “Give her a moment sugar cube, she’s just shy.”

The Doctor smirks and nods before saying, “Ditzy, you are the most intriguing girl I know, and that is the very reason why I wish to spend a little more time with you, especially after this little experience. Shall we?” Ditzy nods nervously as he wraps an arm around her shoulder. “I suppose my plans for the evening have changed. It’s so unexpected… I love it! Shall we enjoy ourselves Ms. Doo?”

She giggles and says, "My friends call me Derpy."

Ditzy walks off with him, looking back at everyone as they peek over at them. She smiles and with her lips she says ‘Thank you everyone.’ Trixie sighs with joy, and then glares at the others. “Don’t think this makes the beautiful and popular Trixie your friend now! This was simply a temporary truce! I still hate you all, especially you Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight smirks and says, “Well then, while we’re having a temporary truce, how about a sleep over?”

Trixie blinks and blushes. “A sleepover…?”

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Trixie grumbles as her hair is braided, arms crossed with a huge blush. “Trixie was under the impression all your friends would be coming! It feels awkward being alone with you three!”

Twilight rolls her eyes and says, “Oh get over it Trixie. Nice pajamas by the way.”

Trixie was wearing a set of periwinkle silk pajamas covered in magic hats, wands, and bunnies. Luna was busy braiding her hair as she says, “They’re very nice, and smooth, and simply adorable.”

Trixie smiles and says, “Well, Trixie does have wonderful taste in fashion.”

Spike was playing a game when an incoming call came on the screen. “Celestia ahoy!”

Trixie blinks and says, “Celestia? As in princess Celestia?!”

Celestia comes on the screen and says, “Good evening everyone: My little sister, my prized student, and of course the amazing Spike. Oh, I see we have a new face this week. And who might you be?”

Trixie’s jaw drops and she begins to stutter. Twilight smiles and says, “This is my new friend Trixie.”

Celestia giggles and says, “Speechless isn’t she? Now, did you learn anything this week my student?”

Twilight smiles and says, “Actually, I think we all learned the same lesson today. Trixie, would you care to express it?

Trixie gasps and says, “Me?” Everyone nods and she smiles, getting a little nervous as she pokes her fingers together. “Well… Trixie learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover. If you do, and you have no idea what’s inside that book, you could end up damaging it. By books I mean people of course.”

Celestia giggles and says, “Of course.”

Trixie sighs and says, “When I found out about that poor girls past… after everything I’d done to her. I felt like a monster, because I was one. I did everything I could to redeem myself, but I wonder if it was enough.”

Celestia smiles and says, “I’m sure that whatever Trixie did, it will be enough as long as she put some effort into it.” She winks, making Trixie smile warmly. “Now, one thing needs to be said before I go anywhere tonight everyone. Next week you’re getting a transfer student, one that I can no longer put up with! I’ve tried so many schools and I’m at the end of my rope! He’s been suspended, expelled, cast out from every school I put him in! You’re school is my last hope before the only school left is Canterlot high school, and I refuse to let him take advantage of my nature like that!”

Twilight blinks and says, “Who in the world could possibly be that bad of a student your majesty!?”

Celestia scowls and says, “He's a naughty boy from a small island barely populated by a race nearly extinct. He was part of a program to help them expand, but he’s just pure chaos! I leave you all to rest up, and inform me how things go on his first day. Even though you’ll recognize him immediately, his name is Discord.” A pause flows over the room as everyone takes that in. “Good night everyone, and good luck.” The screen turns off.

Trixie stares for a moment and says, “Can I sleep over here more often? This is much nicer than my annoying nights with Rarity!”

Luna gasps and says, “Can she live here?!”

Twilight scowls and says, “No!” Both girls groan. “But I suppose she can sleep over every once in a while as long as she behaves.” The girls cheer.

Spike smiles and says, “More woman, why not! Next time lets invite all your friends, make some smores, have a pillow fight, tell ghost stories, and have a pillow fight.”

Twilight blinks and says, “You said pillow fight twice.”

He smirks and says, “Yeah, but the second one is in slow motion.” Twilight rolls her eyes and uses her magic to knock him to the floor with the closest pillow.

End Chapter 6
Continued in Ch. 7: Chaotic Transfer Student

Chapter 7: Chaotic Transfer Student (IWS)

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Author’s Note: IWS stands for improved writing style, as this series will be written in a past tense with improved paragraphing from now on.

Ponyville High
Ch. 7: Chaotic Transfer Student

Twilight Sparkle was sitting on the steps to the main building, waiting out front for the new student she’d been warned about. She was sitting there for a long time, wanting to be there as soon as he arrived just in case. While she waited she was reading another book, this time titled ‘At the Mountains of Madness’. The title felt appropriate to the day she was expecting. Then she noticed someone was standing behind her, and when she looked back she saw Trixie looming over her. “Trixie? What are you doing here?”

“The beautiful and popular Trixie couldn’t let you handle this yourself Twilight Sparkle. As a threat to the peace of this school, it is Trixie’s duty to assist you with this delinquent when he arrives.” She sat down next to Twilight, flipping her hair back with a jerk of her neck. “We are still not friends. Trixie just thought extending the truce would be beneficial to all of us.” Trixie yelped as Twilight gave her a hug with a big smile. “What are you hugging Trixie? Unhand me at once you commoner!”

“Thanks Trixie. Luna and Spike were too busy to help me, so I’m glad you’re here.” Twilight smiled and gave Trixie some space.

Trixie blushed and cleared her throat. “Um… don’t mention it… And I mean that, don’t you dare mention this to anyone ever! I have a reputation of hating you to build upon and I will destroy you if you ruin that for me!” Twilight laughed, but got cut off by a limo arriving at the base of the steps. They both got up and stared worriedly. “The beautiful and popular Trixie is beginning to have second thoughts.”

“Don’t worry Trixie. He’s just a really bad student from a foreign land. How bad can Discord be?” The door swung open, and out stepped the oddest looking individual they had ever seen.

The boy was tall and lanky, his hair a black mohawk. His pants were brown, the right sleeve torn off to reveal a dragon tattoo spiraling around and up his leg. On his right foot was a green croc, a pink ankle sock beneath it. On his other foot was a black boot, his pants sleeve rolled up to his knee to reveal an orange and yellow striped stocking. He was wearing a grey long sleeve shirt, the sleeve on the right side being torn off like his pants. The logo on the front of the shirt was a shattered balance symbol. The matching stocking to the one on his leg ran up his right arm, holes cut into the end for his fingers to slip through, and on his other hand was a black glove. On his back was a blue pegasus wing on the left, as well as a black dragon like wing on the right. He had a lengthy goatee and bushy eyebrows, both dyed white, and a single fang sticking out the right of his mouth. Behind his right ear was a twig, covered in leafy branches, and behind his left ear was a quill for writing. His eyes were red and surrounded by yellow, his pupils white. He put a top hat on his head, covering his mohawk, and strut up the steps lugging a large suitcase behind him.

He smiles to them and says, “So you must be the welcoming committee. Or are you just two love birds spending time together on the front steps?”

“You must be Discord.” Twilight crossed her arms and glared. “I’ve heard a lot about you. We’re here to make sure that you behave yourself.”

Trixie nodded in agreement and said, “Indeed! Besides, even if the beautiful and popular Trixie was a lesbian, she could do much better than Twilight.” Twilight slaps her forehead and glares at Trixie. “Well she could.”

Discord laughs and says, “How charming. It seems that you two have a simply ‘chaotic’ bond with each other. I do like that.” He picked up his suitcase and shoved it into Trixie’s arms, making her stumble backward and over the stone railing of the staircase with a yelp. “Yes, I’m Discord, delinquent extraordinaire. I find it quite humorous that you would take it upon yourself to keep me in line. I’ll let you in on a secret. I’m going to bring this school into pure chaos, and get expelled! And when I do, your dear princess Celestia will have to deal with me twenty four seven out of the goodness of her heart.”

“This suit case is full of bricks!” cried Trixie from the nearby grass.

“Why are you doing this Discord?” Twilight’s glare transformed into a gaze of concern. “What made you want to do this? I know it’s hard to get by in a foreign land, but we just want to help you.”

Discord slapped his sock hand to her mouth, and said in a rather malicious tone, “I don’t need your sympathy, so put a sock in it!”

He marched into the building, Twilight using her magic to free and help Trixie back up. The two of them ran after him catching up quickly. Twilight smiled and said, “Maybe we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Twilight Sparkle.”

“And I am the beautiful and popular Trixie!” Trixie snapped her fingers, and her hands glowed as small fireworks went off behind her.

Discord kept his gaze forward and said, “And I am the grand templar of the ‘doesn’t give a buck society’. You can follow me around all you want girls, but you can’t stop me from making chaos.”

With a rather cocky grin, Twilight said, “We can with our Unimare magic. Now you’re going to go straight to the office, register your classes, and then go to them.”

And uproar of laughter echoed through the halls of the school, as Discord held his sides in tears. “Unimare magic, that’s a good one! You Unimares’ are all the same, cocky and arrogant, because you think you’re the only race with magic in this world. Well, I got a little surprise for you from the Draconequu nation.” He snapped his fingers, and all the lockers in the hall flung open. Then any and all papers in them sprayed out into the hall, filling it with a fog of square white sheets.

Trixie and Twilight screamed as they were assaulted by paper, and when everything calmed down Discord had vanished. Twilight went pale and searched the halls around them as fast as she could. “This could end really badly. Come on Trixie, we may need my friends’ help on this one!”

Meanwhile in the courtyard, Apple Bloom was with a pair of her friends: Sweetie Belle the Unimare and Scootaloo the Winglie. Sweetie Belle had curly pink and purple hair, and wore a lovely dress made by her older sister Rarity. Scootaloo had short purple hair and wore black gym shorts and an orange T-shirt that matched her wings. Scootaloo looked to her friends and said, “Okay girls, I know what we’re going to do today! We’re gonna pull pranks!”

Sweetie Belle scratched her head and wondered aloud, “Shouldn’t we focus on homework or something? This doesn’t seem like a productive use of our free time.”

“You no longer get an opinion!”

Apple Bloom laughed and said, “We’re just having a little fun Sweetie. It helps us unwind, and then we can focus on our homework.”

The good natured girl sighed and shrugged shaking her head. “If you two say so, then I suppose it’s worth a try. So what kind of prank are we gonna do?”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked to each other, and began to think. The young country girl giggles and says, “How about we put a ‘whoopee cushion’ on the teacher’s seat?”

Scootaloo stuck out her tongue and said, “That’s not good enough, and they’d see the ‘whoopee cushion’! We need something big! Something awesome!” She climbed on the outer rim of the fountain and stood over her friends, hands on her hips. “We need the ultimate prank!”

“Ultimate prank huh?” The three of them froze and looked up to see a rather odd looking fellow on the statues to the fountain. He stood atop them, and walked down on the air like as if it was a staircase. “And just why do you want to pull the ultimate prank Scootaloo?

The young tomboy blinked and said, “Discord? What are you doing here?”

“You know him?!” her friends chimed together.

“Um, not exactly, we just met a while back during summer break. I mostly know him through my mom. Anyways, like I said, what are you doing here Discord?”

Discord wrapped an arm around her shoulders and said, “If you must know Scootaloo, I just got transferred to this school. Now, you mentioned ultimate prank. I’ve got a few ideas myself, but I might need some help. Interested?”

The three of them gathered up into a huddle, whispering and mumbling. Scootaloo turned around with a smirk and said, “We’re listening…”

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“So Thunderlane is taken huh? That stinks, since I was thinking about asking him out and ending these stupid rumors.” Rainbow Dash sighed, walking with a pair of her Winglie friends. “I wish people didn’t think I liked woman, no offense to you two or anything.”

Her friends Flitter and Cloud Chase said together, “None taken.”

Rainbow Dash blinked as Twilight and Trixie ran up, panic obvious on their faces as they panted. “Whoa, Twilight, where’s the fire? And why is the ugly and incompetent Tree-barf with you?”

Trixie growled, but before she could argue with Rainbow, Twilight said, “No time for that right now Rainbow Dash, we got a major issue! A delinquent named Discord just got transferred to our school, and we lost sight of him! We need your help finding him and keeping him in line.”

“Sure, sounds entertaining. Flitter, Cloud Chaser, I'll catch you girls later okay?” She waves her friends off as they head to their dorm. “So is this Discord dude really that bad?”

Twilight nodded vigorously in response. “He’s from a foreign exchange program, and apparently his people have magic like Unimares! Only difference is he’s going to use his to throw the entire school into chaos just to get expelled! We need everyone. Do you know where any of the others are?”

“Well, Rarity is trying to teach Applejack how to play chess just over there.” The three of them rushed over to find both of them weren’t having a very good time. Applejack couldn’t figure the game out, and Rarity was having a hard time explaining it to her. “Hey guys, you can stop straining your brains, we got a distraction.”

Applejack sighed with relief and said, “Thank Celestia! So what’s going on?”

With a shrug Rainbow Dash said, “Something about a magic totting delinquent coming to our school and causing chaos. His name’s Discord.”

“A delinquent? How simply dreadful!” Rarity used her magic to put away the game and stood up from her seat. “A delinquent, especially one with such an awful name and reputation, has no place at such a fine establishment as our school.”

Twilight nodded her agreement and said, “That’s why we need to keep him in line! If he gets expelled, then the only school left to take him is Canterlot High, and I don’t think the princess could handle looking after him twenty four seven! Now let’s all team up and track him down. The question is, how do we find him?”

Trixie tugged on her shirt sleeve and pointed towards the school building, where several students were running out in some sort of panic. “The beautiful and popular Trixie suggests that we follow his trail of destruction.” Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity all looked at each other worriedly, not really taking Twilight too seriously until they saw so many students in such a panic.

When everyone got to the school and opened the doors, they were shocked as the anti-fire sprinklers on the ceiling had gone off. Students were running around in a panic, trying to shield themselves from the brown water spraying out. Rainbow Dash stepped forward sticking out her tongue, and smacked her lips before she said, “That’s chocolate milk… somebody replaced the sprinkler water with chocolate milk?” She held her side, laughing and wiping away a tear. “Oh god, that’s got to be, like, the ultimate prank!” Applejack took off her cowboy hat and smacked Rainbow over the back of her head. “OW! Well it is!”

“Tarnation! Everyone’s locker contents are all over the place, and the ceiling is spraying chocolate milk everywhere!” A squeal and a scream can be heard down a nearby hall. “I reckon that sounded like Fluttershy and Spike! Come on y’all!” Everyone ran around the corner, careful not to slip on the chocolate milk all over the floor. When they did they saw Fluttershy and Spike sliding across the ground like out of control penguins, right towards them! As they crashed into their friends, everyone fell into a mess on top of each other. Applejack blushed as Rainbow Dash landed face first in her chest, her hat ending up on top of the other girls head. She cleared her throat and said, “Afternoon sugar cube…”

Rainbow Dash squealed and grabed Applejacks chest pushing away. “I’m not a lesbian!” She realized what she was grabbing and blushed wildly, letting go with another squeal. Then she noticed the hat on her head and flails to get it off. “Stupid misleading hat!”

Spike blinked finding himself sandwiched between Twilight and Rarity. He held up one finger and said, “Okay, neither of you can get mad, and hurt me for this because it was a complete accident… giggidy.”

Trixie growled finding herself covered in chocolate milk now, and pointed to Fluttershy. “You, with the over sized chest! The beautiful and popular Trixie demands an explanation for this travesty!”

Squealing and covering her chest, Fluttershy responded, “I’m sorry, it’s just the floors are so slippery! Someone put bubble bath soap in all the toilets, so when they flushed they flooded with soapy bubbles!”

“All the urinals too,” Spike added, a slap mark on both his cheeks now.

Everyone paused and slowly looked in the same direction, as Pinkie Pie slowly slid up close to them lying on the floor. Her hands were behind her head, her eyes were closed, and her mouth was wide. She smacked her lips with a satisfied sigh, and looked to see all her friends staring at her. “What? You guys can’t tell me this isn’t awesome. It’s raining chocolate all over the school. Now if that’s wrong, I don’t want to be right.” She took a silly straw from her pocket, and began to drink it right off the floor.

While Twilight cursed his name to the heavens, Discord watched the scene unfurl from nearby, having a good laugh to himself. He snapped his fingers and an umbrella appeared, and he unfurled it to reveal it was inside out. “Jolly good show my young fillies! We’ve succeeded in causing mass panic in the entire school! Now let’s move on to the next building.”

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all looked at each other worriedly. Sweetie Bell said, “We could get in a lot of trouble for this Discord. Isn’t that bad enough?”

Scootaloo nodded and shrugged. “I’ll admit, I thought this was funny, but the school is enough. Why go do more if we’ve already done the ultimate prank here?”

“Oh come now girls, this is only the beginning! First we’ll destroy the peace of their precious recreational building, and then we’ll ruin their precious green house of plants and animals! Then comes the dorms-“

“Wait a minute!” Discord blinked as he was interrupted, and looked down to the horrified Sweetie Belle who did it. “You can’t do that! That’s messing with all the students, who never did anything wrong!”

Apple Bloom growled and said, “Me and my kin live in that there green house, and so does Fluttershy! The school relies on the crops, and takes care of all kinds of animals! Messing with that is just cruel and wrong!”

Scootaloo crossed her arms and said, “Now this is going too far Discord! I thought this was gonna be fun and now you just want to hurt everyone for no reason! I’m gonna tell my mom!”

His laughter filled the halls for the second time that day, as he tips his umbrella over pouring chocolate milk on the group of girls who squealed in shock. “Do you think I care about this school, or any of its students? Do you think I care about what happens to me? The only thing I care about is getting back at Celestia for carelessly leaving my people to vanish until the last minute, and I won’t let any of you stand in my way.” The girls gulped and backed away as he slowly walked towards them with a cruel grin.

“Leave them alone!” Discord twisted his gaze around to see Twilight and all her friends gathered around with glares facing him. All except Pinkie who had her mouth open to the ceiling like a turkey in the rain.

Twilight snapped her fingers and the sprinklers all turn off. Pinkie blinked and pouted. “Hey, I wasn’t finished!”

“I warned you Discord! This school is no place for behavior like yours, and with the help of my friends we’re going to stop you before you go too far!” Twilights hands glowed menacingly, while Discord yawned unfazed.

“Is this the part where you give me a speech about friendship, and doing the right thing, and blah blah blee blah. I’ve heard it a million times Twilight. And if you plan on taking action, then you’ll have to catch me first!” He aimed his umbrella at them to reveal it had a camera lens on it. “Say ‘ahh, I’m blind’!” With a tug on a trigger on the handle of the umbrella camera, a flash of light erupted and was enhanced by the umbrella itself, causing a blinding flash for the group who covered their eyes in shock and pain. He then took flight and rushed away down the hall away from them.

Twilight wiped her eyes and saw him do this. “Someone stop him, he’s going to get away!”

“But the floor is too slippery Twilight.” Fluttershy bit her lower lip staring at the floor.

Taking flight herself, Rainbow Dash growled and said, “Not for me it’s not! I’ll catch him, and then I’ll bop him back into last Tuesday!” She took off after him, fast enough to make the soapy chocolate milk on the floors splash and separate beneath her.

Twilight’s jaw dropped and she said, “I had no idea she could fly so fast!”

“Of course darling,” Rarity chimed. “They don’t call her Rainbow Dash for nothing.”

Meanwhile, Discord looked back to see Rainbow Dash hot on his trail. He smirked and flew straight towards a window, snapping his fingers and causing it to shatter before him. As he flew through it, all the glass came back together, and Rainbow Dash face planted into it with a pained groan. Discord laughed at this, but when he looked forward her skid to a halt just in time to stop right in front of a rather peeved looking Luna. “Princess Luna! You’re looking lovely today. Did you do something with your hair?”

“Can it Discord!” She poked a finger to his chest. “My sister warned me what you’ve become! How could you betray our trust and compassion with such chaotic behavior?”

He pinched her finger and slowly aimed it away from himself. “The same way your big sister and all her politicians could let so many of my people die in agony before they actually took action. So I’m causing a little uproar, big deal. A little chaos never hurt anyone.”

“But yours has! Discord please… we only want to help you.”

“ENOUGH!” Lightning cracked through the sky and he floated into the air, storm cloud beginning to form over head. “I’m tired of being your little charity case! Your stupid attempt at forming diplomatic bonds with my people, just to make yourselves look good for not doing anything for so long! I’ve had it with the alternative motives! I’m going to avenge my people, and if I have to seal this school in an alternate plane of chaos to do that, then so be it!” He screamed with his hands raised to the skies, the clouds swirling and spraying with lightning as a tunnel began to form in them.

Luna looked upon this is sheer terror, never realizing just how powerful he could be. “Discord stop, or else several innocent others could get hurt! Think about what you’re doing! Are you really any better than those who didn’t help you if you intentionally hurt others?”

“It’s too late for words, Luna, now’s the time for action!”

Luna clenched her fists and said, “Fine, then I choose to rock! Hit it!” She pointed to her club mates, who all had instruments at the ready. Lyra tosses her an electric guitar and she begins to play.

Discord laughed, not moving his arms as the tunnel in the sky grew wider and wilder. “Is that the theme from power rangers? Just what to you hope to accomplish with tha-“ He paused as his top hat fell off his head. “My hat!”

A steel bucket was slammed onto his head, covering his view. All he heard was a shy voice apologizing a lot. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Twilight rushed on the scene with all her friends, staring at the sky in horror as the tunnel was out of control. “Trixie, Rarity, help me focus on sealing that dimensional vortex! Everyone else distract Discord!”

“I’m on it!” Pinkie cried as she stuffed her mouth full of bubble-gum and began to chew.

Discord pushed at the bucket, only to have it shoved back down on his head by Rainbow Dash. “Not so fast! For whom does the bell toll?” She then proceeded to slap the bucket with a metal spoon repeatedly, getting an echoed scream from the bucket. “It tolls for you face!” Meanwhile Pinkie had begun blowing a bubble.

Discord yanked the bucket off his head, and then grabbed the back of Rainbow’s panties yanking them into the air. “I think you need to loosen up, wedgie you like it or not!”

“Hey!” Applejack ran towards him at high speed, her boots stomping prints into the dirt. “Only I get to rough up Rainbow Dash!” She leapt into the air like a martial artist, and stomped him in the chest, sending him flying back into a giant pink bubble which exploded, encasing him in sticky gum! As well as Pinkie’s face. This led to her laughing uncontrollably. Applejack tips her hat to Rainbow Dash and says, “You okay sugar cube?”

Rainbow’s wings sproinged to attention and she blushed holding up one finger. “I’m n-not a lesbian… I’m not.”

The tunnel in the sky finally closed and disappeared, the clouds slowly vanishing. Luna and her band mates cheered, and Twilight loomed over the now gummed up Discord. “Looks like you’re in,” she slipped on sunglasses. “A sticky situation.” Everyone groans. “What? That bad?”

“I thought it was rather fitting.” Everyone gasped to see Princess Celestia walked up, Spike, Apple Bloom and her friends gathered around her. “I knew you would be in a hurry to get expelled, but I didn’t think you’d go so far as to bend reality with forbidden magic Discord. I suppose I was right to visit today, but I’m afraid I missed the action. Oh!” She blinked and looked down to see a familiar dark skinned goth clinging to her affectionately. She giggled and said, “It’s nice to see you too Twilight.”

Luna walked up, her guitar still strapped on, and said, “What are you going to do with Discord now big sister?” She looked back at Discord who crossed his arms, looking rather annoyed.

Celestia smiled and walked up to him; waving a hand over him and making the gum vanish. “I think I’m going to give him a second chance.”

Everyone shouted at the same time, even Discord, “WHAT?!”

Discord began to stutter before he said, “I caused panic with my pranks in your school, ruined who knows how much paperwork amongst other things with chocolate milk, and nearly shattered the reality of this very school, and you’re going to forgive me?”

Spike nodded and added, “Yeah, he did all that and a bag of chips! You’re just going to let him get away with it?”

“That’s right.” Celestia giggles, while everyone gives a loud “WHY?!” She held up her hand so they’d all remain silent and said, “You catch more bees with honey. Discord, yes it’s true what I’m doing with you is an attempt at forgiveness. Is it enough, no, but it’s a start. I want to do everything I can for you and your people. I spent years trying to convince the council to allow us to aid you. I’m sorry that I couldn’t do more… I truly wish there was.” She sniffled and tears fell from her eyes.

Discord saw this and bit his lower lip, feeling a little bad now. Celestia blinked as he held out his hand, as if waiting to be helped up off the ground. She blinked and took his hand, lifting him to his feet. “Celestia, I realize that politics suck, but I didn’t realize that it wasn’t completely your fault. I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted these last few weeks. I let the hatred of the few outweigh the appreciation of the many from my people. I guess that’s not really fair.” He slipped his hands into his pockets and turned away. “Don’t think this changes much, but I suppose I’ve gone through enough schools lately. I’ll take a break and see if this school is worth a buck for now. Anyways, I’ll be seeing you. I have classes to register.” He then walks off, no one saying a word

Celestia sighed with relief and said, “I suppose I’ll get to work cleaning up the mess he made of my lovely school. I better hurry, who knows what kind of heart attack principle Mayor is having right now.” Everyone giggled, Luna and her friends walked off taking their instruments with them.

Twilight smiled and said, “So how long are you going to be here for, and is there any way that I can help?”

“You can help by spreading the news that classes are cancelled for the day dear.” Celestia chuckled nervously, a little sweat forming. “And later tonight, how about we have a slumber party at your dorm? Invite all your friends. I’d love to meet them!”

Everyone cheered and hurried off, except Scootaloo who crossed her arms and said, “I’m sorry I helped him pull such a devastating prank. I thought he was still like he was back when I first met him. It wasn’t that long ago, who knew he could change so much in such a short amount of time.”

Celestia kneeled down and ruffled her hair. “Sometimes that can happen when a dramatic event affects us. No matter what happens, I want you to remember though. There is good in Discord, he just has a lousy sense of humor.”

“I don’t have to attend the slumber party too do I?” Scootaloo blushed and shuffled her feet.

Celestia had a giggle fit and said, “I would love to meet your friends too you know. They seem nice.”

“Well… alright. But you better not tell anyone-“ Before she could finish, Celestia made a zipping motion with her fingers to her lips. Scootaloo hugged her and said, “Thanks mom.”

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Celestia, Luna, Spike, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, even Trixie, were all together at the special dorm above the library in their pajamas. Even Scootaloo and her friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were there. Luna and Rainbow Dash were competing in a video game, while Applejack and Spike watched, back seat gaming. Meanwhile Rarity and Sweetie Belle were busy giving everyone else manicures, despite Scootaloo’s reluctance.

Twilight gazed over her nails and said, “Wow Rarity, you’re a very good artist. You got the elder sign perfect despite never seeing it before.”

This gave the snobby girl an inflated ego as she whipped back her hair and said, “Of course darling! Anything less than perfection is below my standards.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and looked to Celestia, who was busy blowing on her nails to dry the suns she had painted on them. “Your majesty, are you sure Discord will change?”

“My favorite student, you need not worry about Discord. He was once a good boy and I know he still is. Give him time, and I’m sure someone will be able to bring some light to that poor dark and misunderstood heart of his.”

Fluttershy blinked and said in her usual low tone, “Speaking of chaos, has anyone seen Pinkie Pie?”

Twilight shrugged and said, “She said she was needed elsewhere, but she’d throw us all a big party tomorrow to make up for missing this one.”

Spike turned around and leaned against the couch. “Pinkie Pie is so random sometimes. Who knows what she could be up to?”

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Discord found his way into the main hall of the recreational building, looking around at the comfy furniture. He noticed a clock and how late it was. It was dark even inside, since it was late and the building was locked up for curfew. He’d stayed hidden though so he could explore the building at night, but it was too late and he was getting tired. He took another look at the furniture, and walked up behind one of the many couches. He grabs the back and leaps over it, landing on the other side and hearing an adorable, “OOF!”

He blinked and looked to see he had landed on a curly pink haired girl who had been sleeping on the couch. She looked up at him with a blink, and he blushed in embarrassment. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t think anyone else was in here!”

She giggled in response and said, “That’s okay, I’ll just imagine you’re a big teddy bear filled with heavy candy. Say, aren’t you that Discord guy I met earlier? My name’s Pinkie Pie! Fancy meeting you here!” she said with a gleaming grin.

“Fancy? More like random. What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question! Where were you on the night of September twenty third?” She laughs at herself, and gets a chuckle out of Discord now. “I don’t know why, but for the past week my Pinkie sense has been telling me to sleep in this very spot at night. I figured it was important, and then you came jumping in on top of me! Just like destiny, or one of the Mario brothers. Take your pick.”

Discord chuckled a little louder this time and said, “Pinkie Pie, you’re so random. You also don’t seem very upset about my behavior earlier.”

“Are you kidding?!” she said in a shocked tone. “You made it rain chocolate and turned the school into a giant slip and slide! That was delicious, and fun!”

Discord’s face flushed red for a moment as he said, “You mean… you actually enjoyed my prank?”

Nodding, Pinkie Pie responded, “Pranks are just to make people laugh and have fun, but sometimes you need to be careful who you prank. Pranks can be hurtful, but they can also be fun! But not as fun as parties!”

“I suppose you have a point… Um, s-should I go get my own couch now?”

“Nah, I needed a blanket!”

Discord’s face flushed red again and he looked around as if making sure the coast is clear. “Well… if you insist.” He got comfy against the couch, and Pinkie curled up against him with a relaxed sigh. “Erm… good night Pinkie?”

“Good night Discy poo.”

As her cute snores filled the air, Discord stared into blank space with a look of confusion on his face. “What the hell just happened?”

End Chapter 7
Continued in Ch. 8: Nightmare Night

Chapter 8: Nightmare Night

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Ponyville High
Chapter 8: Nightmare Night

A long time ago, an ancient princess of the night was faced with an army of monsters, and had no way to defeat them all at once. That's when she realized that fighting the monsters wasn't the answer, and made a peace offering to them in the form of a feast. Then she poisoned the food and all the monsters died, but in doing so she saved all of Equestria! To this day her actions are celebrated on Nightmare Night, where everyone dresses up like monsters, among other things, and celebrate with confections and scaring each other.

Ponyville High was lit up this night with various student made stands selling hand-made pastries and candy, as well as game booths with prizes set up by the faculty. Twilight Sparkle walked amongst them with a tuft of cotton candy, which oddly resembled Princess Celestia's hair. Her costume was a shoulder-less maroon robe with slits up the sides, her usual boots visible, and a circlet with the elder sign on her head. She rolled up one of the oversized sleeves to look at her watch and sighed. "Where's Luna and Spike? They said they'd be around here by now."

"We are here." Luna walked up dressed like a pokemon trainer. "Hi Twilight, that's a nice costume. Are you a cultist from one of your books?"

Twilight groaned and said, "No, actually I'm just a sorceress. I wanted to give it my own sort of flair though, but I guess I can't help being me. Nice trainer outfit. So where's your pokemon?"

Holding out a fake pokeball, Luna said, "Right here! Pikachu go…! I said Pikachu go!" Spike slowly walked out from behind her, dressed in a full body Pikachu outfit, his arms crossed as he glared at the floor. "Say it!"

With a sigh, Spike muttered, "Pikachu."

Twilight tried desperately to hold in her laughter, tearing up a little. "I didn't think that you'd… I wasn't expecting this. Why did you force Spike to be your Pikachu?"

"Because one, he didn't have a costume. Two, he forced me to celebrate this holiday in the first place! I honestly hate Nightmare Night."

Spike raised his eyebrow and said, "Yeah, you still haven't explained that one. Why do you hate this day? I can't imagine a single reason-"

"It's my birthday."

"-And now I can." Spike made a zipping motion to his lips.

Twilight frowned and said, "That's no reason to hate this holiday. It's not like anyone would have forgotten your birthday, being a princess in all."

"But that's the problem!" Luna rubbed her forehead and said, "People would use this day to make fun of me in the past my entire life! This is the first one they haven't… yet… but it's still not nice having your birthday on this day, no matter how closely you resemble the ancestor it's based after when she was your age…" Luna's friends gave her a big hug and she couldn't help but giggle. "Okay, I get it, this Nightmare Night is different."

"Well if it isn't Nightmare Moon herself."

"Or so I thought." Luna joined her friends in a glare to Trixie and her entourage. "Can we go one day without having to deal with you?"

Trixie wore a bunny girl waitress outfit, complete with a purple leotard and periwinkle fishnet stockings. Her friends Colgate and Berry Punch wore similar but different colored costumes. "A day without the beautiful and popular Trixie is a dull day for dull people."

Leaning in to his friend's ears, Spike whispered, "Not to mention Heaven on Earth."

They all snickered, earning a glare from Trixie. "Find something funny about Trixie? Well you won't be laughing for long, for on this haunting night Trixie has proven her bravery at the haunted house!"

Twilight took a step forward and asked, "There's a haunted house? Where is it?"

"You don't know?" Trixie blinked and rubbed the back of her head and said, "Well, it's the entire recreational building. It's really big, bigger than the building should be! And it's really scary! Berry punch wet herself."

"I drank too much fruit punch, and when I found a toilet it bit my butt!" Berry Punch blushed wildly as she pouted, Colgate patting her back with an eye roll.

Trixie pointed towards the recreational building and said, "You three wouldn't last in there! It's simply traumatizing, truly a worthy fright on Nightmare Night! You should check it out, unless your chickens."

Trixie's smirk became a confused stare as Twilight laughed. "I read H.P. Lovecraft. There isn't a single thing scarier than that. I'll take on this haunted house knowing full well that nothing in there is real. Come on guys, let's go find the others and take on this haunted house."

She marched off with her friends in a proud stride. Colgate tapped Trixie's shoulder and said, "Should we warn them about-"

"No, of course not, I've been nice enough to them lately. Let them find out the hard way. Now come, I see some caramel apples with our names on them."

"Only if you brush."

"Get off my back, Colgate."

The first of her friends Twilight found was Rarity, who was talking to Big Macintosh. Around Mac were three familiar fillies. "Hey guys, check it out! I'm a sorceress! Luna is a pokemon trainer, and Spike is her Pikachu. Isn't that… cute?" Spike glared at her. "Well I didn't say funny."

Rarity turns to them dressed in fancy attire, along with a glittery cape with a collar and fangs. "You three look great! Especially you Spike! You're so adorable!" Rarity walked over and hugged Spike off the ground, making him blush with a sly smile. She let him down and said, "I'm a vampire as you can see. Mr. Macintosh is a doctor. He's looking after the girls tonight. I custom made their costumes for them, and think the look rather fetching if I say so myself."

Spike shook off his love sick state and looked to his classmates: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Nice outfits, especially the white cowls. So who are you three supposed to be?"

"We're assassins!" Sweetie Belle shouted excitedly jumping up and down.

"It was Scootaloo's idea," Apple Bloom stated pointing to their friend. "Ah help Rarity with the designs based on what Scoots gave us."

Scootaloo held her nose in the air confidently and said, "Well, as great of an idea for costumes it was, I did get the idea from Assassin's Creed."

Rainbow Dash could be heard grunting as she walked up the group, dragging Fluttershy who was in tears. Rainbow Dash was wearing a karate gi, while Fluttershy was in her regular clothes. The sobbing Winglie pleaded, "Let me go! Please Rainbow Dash, have mercy! You know how much I hate Nightmare Night! If you truly cared about my feelings you'd let me go home! Waaah!"

"Give it a rest Fluttershy! You're supposed to be a senior, show some backbone would you! It's not like everything about this night is scary! There's candy, and games, and hanging out with your friends!" Rainbow Dash looked up pleadingly at everyone and said, "Help me out here guys! You have no idea how strong this girl is when she's scared!"

Twilight walked over and kneeled before Fluttershy with a weak smile. "Calm down Fluttershy, there's nothing to be afraid of. We wouldn't make you do anything scary tonight. Just look at our costumes. Is mine scary?"

Sniffling she replied, "Well, k-kind of…"

"Is Rainbow Dash's?"

"N-No…"

"And everyone else's?"

Fluttershy looked around at everyone and shook her head blushing. "No, I guess they're just for fun." She poked her fingers together and said, "I guess, as long as nothing really scary happens."

"Great! Then let's see about getting you a costume."

Twilight was pushed aside by Rarity who excitedly stated, "I have just the thing for you darling!" With a quick flash of magic, a changing wall blocked the two of them from everyone. Fluttershy's squeals and pleads were loud, as her clothes were flipped over the top of the wall, and when it vanished along with the clothes, she stood before them all in a nurse outfit. "Tada! I think it truly suits you!"

Fluttershy blushed as her knees bent and she pushed at the skirt. "It seems a little short! Why a nurse costume anyways?" Big Mac walked up to her, and she stared at him as her wings sprung to attention. "Oh… hello there doctor."

"Hello Fluttershy," he responded with a smile. "Are you gonna be my cute nurse tonight?" Fluttershy stuttered and went limp as a noodle falling back into Rarity's arms while she giggled.

Looking to Luna Twilight asked, "So Luna, where are your friends tonight?"

Luna smiled and said, "Octavia and Vinyl are performing at the dance party since they are actual musicians you know. Lyra is working at Bonbon's booth helping her sell Nightmare Night sweets. Where are your friends Pinkie and Applejack?"

"I'm right here, and I can't find Pinkie nowhere." Applejack walked up wearing a golden gladiator costume: Sandals, shin and elbow guards, gloves, shoulder pads, a headband, and an armor bikini. Everyone stared at her blinking. "What? You lot never seen full plate armor?" She cast a glance at Rainbow Dash and walked up to her making her gulp. "What about you Rainbow Dash? You like my outfit, don'tcha?"

Rainbow Dash blushed and stared at her for a moment, analyzing the look Applejack was giving her. "I get the feeling… that there's something going on here," she motioned between the two of them. "And I don't like it."

Applejack leaned in close and whispered with a wink, "Maybe I do."

Rainbow wings sprung to attention and she cried, "I'm not a lesbian!"

Catching her by the ankle before she cloud dart off, Applejack laughed hysterically and said, "It's so fun to ruffle your feathers girl. Relax; I'm just messing with you."

"I wonder lately!" Rainbow yanked her foot free and flew behind Twilight.

The dark skinned goth blinked and said, "Why hide behind me Rainbow? Big Mac is a much bigger shield."

"I don't trust him, they're related. Just be ready to be used as a gun."

Applejack laughed again and said, "Anywho, when I was looking for Pinkie all I found was this." She took out a note that read, 'Dear everyone, come rescue me. I'm trapped in the haunted house. Your pal, Pinkie Pie. P.S. Bring candy.'

Twilight blinked, taking the note and looking it over. She then looked to the recreational building, all its windows blocked from the inside and a slightly dark aura looming around it. "According to this, Pinkie Pie is in that haunted house…"

Everyone turned together looking at the building. Fluttershy whined and said, "Looks like we're doing something scary after all…"

Twilight led the way, and everyone followed almost instinctually. Big Mac looked to Fluttershy who was clinging tightly to his arm. "Miss Fluttershy, you don't have to come if you're scared. I'll even stay out here with you."

Fluttershy smiled and said, "That's okay Big Mac. As long as we're together in this, I think whatever is in there will be significantly less scary."

The group came to the entrance, several students walking in with giggles, while others ran out screaming and kissing the floor. Spike gulped and said, "Must be really scary in there. Are we sure about this?"

Looking to the note again, Twilight said, "Pinkie wants us to come find her in there. How bad can it be?" She motioned for everyone to follow her, and as the bravest, Rainbow Dash and Applejack walked in with her first. Spike hurried in with Rarity, Luna close behind. The three little assassins ran in giggling, and Fluttershy and Big Mac walked in last.

As Fluttershy and Big Mac walked in, they found themselves facing a rickety bridge over a foggy chasm. They blinked and looked around. Big Mac scratched his head and said, "This doesn't look possible. How did they fit this in the recreational building? Did they tear out the floor? And where did everyone else go?" He looked behind them and said, "Uh oh. Uh, Fluttershy, don't look back."

Fluttershy immediately did what she was told not to do, only to see a stone wall the way they had come in. She got a goofy look of terror, smiling as she began to laugh insanely, which quickly turned into sobbing. "What's going on? Where is everybody?!"

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"Where are y'all?!" Applejack stumbled about in darkness before she bumped into someone. "Who's there? Is that you Rainbow?"

"Applejack? Yeah it's me! I can't see a thing in here!"

"Hold on guys!" The room lit up as Twilight's hands glowed, making the three girls visible, as well as the room stained with splashes of red. There was bone furniture with balloons tied to them, and examination table with someone on it at the end of the room. "Whoa… creepy room, I'll admit. Who is that?"

Applejack took a few steps forward, trying to get a closer look. "Guy's, I think that's Pinkie Pie!"

As Applejack and Twilight walked over, Rainbow looked around and behind them, noticing a wooden door from where they came. "Well… that's kind of weird. Where's everyone else? And how did we get in here?"

Twilight smiled to her friends and said, "Isn't it obvious? This is the work of Unimare magic. They probably used a lot of Unimares to teleport us to different rooms throughout the building. That's why people have been taking so long to get out. Once you're in there's no telling how to get out."

The group gasped as they got to Pinkie, who laid there on the table with her stomach cut open. She reached out to them and said in a strained voice, "Help me…"

"Oh my gosh, Pinkie!" Rainbow ran over and tried pulling her shut. "Don't just stand there guys! We got to seal her stomach, her… spaghetti is showing?" She blinked and grabbed a handful of spaghetti, showing it to the others, while Pinkie reached out and called for help again. Rainbow sniffed the spaghetti and took a bite, disgusting the others."

"Rainbow!"

"You don't know where that's been!"

"It's been in this fake Pinkie's stomach apparently." Rainbow gagged a little and dropped her handful, wiping off her tongue while the others stared at her and backed away. "What? It's not like I got some contagious disease or….. There's something behind me isn't there?"

The other girls nodded, and Rainbow slowly turned around to see a bunch of large green tentacles sprouting from the stomach. The fake Pinkie grinned as black seeped from her eyes. "Help me… Kill you…"

She laughed maniacally as the tentacles grabbed Rainbow Dash, making her scream like a little girl. Applejack snagged her waist and began tugging backwards. "Hold on there sugar cube, I gotcha!"

Rainbow could only scream at this point, too scared to even flap her wings. Twilight ran over and mumbled something in a language neither of them understood, and the tentacles let go of Rainbow and let the two girls fall backwards. They then turned their attention to Twilight, who held up her glowing hand for a flash of magic that made them cringe back with a demonic screech. "Run guys! To the door, hurry!"

The two girls scrambled to their feet, and all three of them ran for the door. When they opened it, standing before them was a spiky blue haired girl with a gas mask on holding a lever on the wall. She gave it a tug, and a trap door opened beneath them, making them all fall screaming before it sealed shut behind them. Applejack clung to her friends and said, "Rainbow Dash, use your wings!"

Rainbow Dash whimpered and replied, "I can't! Even if I wasn't so scared, this space is too narrow!" All three resumed screaming as they fell.

-----------

The sound of a pipe organ filled the air as Spike, Luna, and Rarity gazed around them at the brick walls of a tall grey tower. The way they came in was gone, and a spiraling staircase led up the tower. Stain glass windows lined the staircase, light shining through them to make the tower bright with moonlight. Luna smiled and said, "This is some impressive magic. Teleporting, moonlit windows, a pipe organ, it's all very impressive. What do you guys think?"

Spike shrugged and said, "It's not really my style, but I can see why you girls would like it. I just hope we don't have to climb that entire staircase. What about you Rarity?"

"I think it's truly delightful!" She stepped out to the center of the room. "It even matches my theme! Vampire! Not that there's any such thing of course." She giggled a little, before a figured shrouded in black with red eyes landed behind her and snatched her, hissing to show off its fangs before it shot upward with a squealing Rarity.

Spike cried out a loud no and stared up as they went. Luna scowled as a pair of large navy blue wings appeared on her back and she grabbed Spike, who blinked and said, "Oh yeah, I forgot you had those. You must hide them with mag-EEEEE!" They shot upward after Rarity and the black figure at high speed. "Well, at least we don't have to run up the stairs."

"This is no time for jokes Spike! That vampire or whoever it is has our friend!" Luna blinked as a swarm of bats flew at them, closing her eyes while Spike flailed and screamed.

Once they passed she noticed one had clung to spike and was nomming on his pointed ear as he tried to pluck it off. "Get off me, that ear is attached you rodent!"

The figure stopped at the ceiling and swung over to the top of the stairs, removing a wire that had been pulling them up before running through an archway still dragging a squirming Rarity. As they flew after her, they froze when they found themselves in a throne room. The figure had a mask over the top part of their face, and long black hair. Their teeth were to Rarity's neck as she began to sweat and held still. Luna set down Spike and said, "Don't bite her! Just tell us what you want." The figure pointed to Luna, and then to the throne. "…You want me to sit on the throne?" The figure continued pointing to it, and Luna cautiously walked past them and sat on the throne. "Okay, now what?"

The figure pointed to Spike this time, and made the same gesture. Spike blinked and said, "Me too? That throne is only big enough for one person, and those arms would go right up my-" The figure grunted and pressed their fangs into Rarity's neck, who squealed and whined. "Okay, I'm going!" He ran over and reluctantly sat on Luna's lap. "Sorry Luna."

"That's okay Spike." They both blushed, staring at the figure now, which let go of Rarity and shoved her over to them. She ran over and hugged them, and when they all looked at the figure again they were standing next to them. It pressed its hand into a brick on the wall, and a section of the wall, as well as the part of the floor the throne was on, twisted and turned around while everyone gave a startled yelp.

---------

The area was filled with a symphony of gyrating gears and pumping iron as the three little assassins found themselves marching through a large factory. Scootaloo shivered and said, "This place gives me the creeps. Where did they put this anyways? The pool, or something? What is it even making?"

"You ask too many questions." Sweetie Belle giggled and said, "We're brave assassins, and we can take on anything. Some spooky factory isn't going to get the best of us."

Apple Bloom blinked and pointed up to a figure on a conveyor belt, and they were wearing a wolf mask and staring at them as it moved. "Who's that?" The masked individual snapped their fingers, and the floor began to fall around the girls. They squealed as all the saw below was blackness, random sections of the floor falling throughout the factory, even a few of the machines falling and crashing through the floor. "What do we do?!"

"Look! There are sections of the floor that haven't fallen yet!" Scootaloo pointed to some random tidbits of floating land. "Quick girls, make like assassins and jump!" She leapt between the sections of floating land, her friends quickly jumping after her as they made their way to the end of the room where a hallway was visible. Scootaloo noticed a metal door shutting to the hall and cried, "Hurry girls! Our ticket out of here is shutting!"

The three of them hurried, but Apple Bloom yelped as part of the floor fell from beneath her as she jumped, grabbing hold of the edge of a patch of land as she squirmed. "Help me! Please!"

"Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle leapt back after her, and Scootaloo groaned and rushed back as well. They both took a hand and pulled her up. "Are you okay Apple Bloom?"

"No time! The door!" Apple Bloom pointed out the door, which was almost completely shut. The three girls rushed over and got there as it clamped shut, beginning to bang on the door before they turned around to see the floor had stopped falling, and the masked individual was hanging by a lamp that hung down from the ceiling. "So what are we gonna do now y'all?"

Sweetie Belle looked around and smiled. "Look, there's an air vent!" Her hands sparked a little as she yanked it open with her magic. "We can get out through here!"

Scootaloo crossed her arms and shook her head. "No way, I'm not going in there. That's probably exactly what that person in the mask wants us to do. You can't make me." The room echoed with the snap of the individual's fingers, and all three of them gulped nervously. The patch of land around the door and air vent shook a little before they all noticed something crawling up to their left. It was a black marionette of Applejack with blank red eyes and a sharp toothed mouth as it crawled towards them, making Apple Bloom scream. To their right another figure crawled over the edge, what looked like a stitched up life sized plushie of Rarity, with stitched shut lips and buttons for eyes. When Sweetie noticed the knife in her hand it was her turn to scream. Scootaloo looked between these with a gulp, until her idol landed in front of her. She stared up at a tattered Rainbow Dash who looked as if she was covered in blood and had a psychotic smile on her face. She yanked off her own head and held it out to Scootaloo, only to say, "Boo."

Scootaloo screamed and dived into the air vent, her screaming friends right on her tail. All three of their horror sisters vanished, as the masked individual let go of the light and dropped into the blackness.

-----------

Fluttershy walked alongside Big Mac, refusing to let go of his arm as they continued forward. They reached the end of the bridge and she sighed with relief letting go. "That bridge was so rickety and scary."

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied as he looked around the cave like area they were in, taking her hand and walking with her. Fluttershy blushed at this, and scanned the area worriedly. She blinked noticing a wall with a bunch of ants crawling all over it. She tilted her head a little, and went wide eyed when they bunched together to spell the word "Obey!" She yelped and leapt off the ground into Big Mac's arms, who blinked and said, "Everything alright Fluttershy?"

"Of course not!" she whined and she hugged into his chest. "This place is spooky! I hate scary things and I hate Nightmare Night!"

Big Mac smiled and said, "Now Fluttershy, Nightmare Night isn't just about spooky things. It's to celebrate a day that monsters were vanquished. We eat sweets, play games, and best of all have fun with friends. Now if that isn't worth a few measly scares, then I don't know what is."

With a sigh and a blush Fluttershy nodded and said, "You're right. I need to stop being a scaredy cat and try to enjoy this day with my friends. If only I knew where they were." Fluttershy looked around one more time, and noticed a Pink and Blue haired girl with a hockey mask on. She yelped and took a deep breath. "E-Excuse me, do you know where we are?"

The masked girl tilted her head before dashing off into the caverns. "Hey, wait up!" Big Mac got a firm grip on Fluttershy as her ran after the girl, who slowly faded into the darkness ahead of them until they came to a room with several passages leading from their positions. "Which way should we go?"

Fluttershy noticed a sound that was slowly getting louder. She looked down one of the passages, where it sounded like it was coming from. She saw a wailing giant skull with a trail of fire behind it, and screamed. "Mr. Macintosh, look!"

"I see it!" He set her down and struck a fighting pose. "Get behind me!" She did as she was told but couldn't help but peek around him. Once the skull got close, Big Mac delivered a solid punch to its oncoming forehead. It exploded in a burst of flames that swirled around him, Fluttershy squealing loudly. Big Mac smirked and said, "That was easy. Everything alright Flutter-" Big Mac turned around and got a nose bleed as Fluttershy's outfit had burned away leaving her in her lacy things. She whimpered and tried to cover herself as he looked away with a massive blush pinching his nose shut. He quickly removed his doctor's jacket and tossed it to her. "Hurry and put that on."

She nodded and slipped into it, buttoning it up quickly. She blinked and said, "It's pretty roomy in here." She looked up, and steam seemed to burst from her as her face got as red as it could, staring at a shirtless Dr. Big Mac. "Erm… thank you?"

"Ain't nothing big, just can't let a lovely lady walk around indecent." He looked down the passage the skull had come from and said, "We should head this way and see where that came from."

He grabbed Fluttershy's hand and dragged her down the hall as she whined and said, "Do we have to?!"

----------

Luna looked around the empty room, a long dark hall ahead of her and her friends as the throne finished turning around. Spike and Rarity, and Luna looked to the figure, who removed their mask and fangs to reveal it was Octavia. Luna went wide eyed and said, "Octavia? Why did you lead us here?"

Feint screaming slowly grew as they looked to a hole in the ceiling, where Twilight came falling and stopped inches from the ground, panting before she let her magic drop her. Rainbow Dash and Applejack came next, Rainbow grabbing hold tight of her friend and flapping when she had space. Unfortunately she caught her friend in the air by her bikini, making Applejack yelp and cry, "Chainmail wedgie! It burns!"

"Sorry Applejack!" Rainbow Dash lowered her to the ground and she danced around rubbing uncomfortably.

The blue haired pony teleported next to them and removed her gas mask to reveal it was Vinyl Scratch. She blinked her red eyes and said, "Aw man, I totally forgot the mattress."

The wolf masked girl appeared next as another set of screams filled the room. She snapped her fingers and a mattress appeared beneath another hole in the ceiling, where the three little assassins fell with a bounce on top of each other. She took off her wolf mask and smirked, revealing it was Lyra. Luna looked even more confused as she said, "What's going on?"

Lyra held up a finger and said, "Wait till everyone is here."

An archway on the nearby wall opened as the hockey masked figure ran through, removing their mask to reveal it was Bonbon. She giggled as Big Mac and Fluttershy were hot on her trail, running into the room with confused glances at everyone. Everyone talked to each other trying to figure out what was going on, but they all went silent as wheels squeaking could be heard. They all looked down the hall, the music club members lining up along it, as Discord and Pinkie came into view wheeling a cart with a big cake on it. Pinkie ran ahead and shouted, "Surprise! Happy Nightmare Night everyone! And, one two three-"

Pinkie, Discord, and all the music club members shouted in unison, "Happy Birthday Luna!"

Luna climbed from the throne, Spike and Rarity rushing to their friends, and stepped forward. "Pinkie, everyone, even Discord? What's going on here?!"

Pinkie laughed and said, "You silly goose! Isn't it obvious? We wanted to give you all a scary Nightmare Night, and then celebrate your birthday! Disco helped me put together this entire haunted house!"

Everyone was shocked. Twilight pointed with a raised brow and said, "You two made this haunted house? I should've figured only the magic of an Alicorn or a Draconesquus could pull this off. But why would you help Pinkie? I thought you were a delinquent."

Discord waved his hand in the air dismissively and said, "I'm not a bad guy, I just like to cause a little chaos. Normally others don't appreciate that, but thanks to Pinkie I was able to use you're my skills for good tonight. I wouldn't expect any less though from my bundle of cotton candy."

"Bundle of cotton candy?" Rainbow Dash made a gagging gesture. "Pinkie, are you dating this guy or something?"

Nodding, Pinkie responded, "Of course! Disco is hilarious, just misunderstood! I really like him."

Luna looked to her club mates and said, "But why did you all tell me you were busy?"

Octavia crossed her arms and said, "They wanted to surprise you, and help scare your friends. I just wanted to do something nice for you so I went with it."

Vinyl rushed past her and slammed a present box against Luna's gut. "We even chipped together to buy you a gift! We hope you like it."

Staring down at the box, the princess tore it open to find a game inside. "This is 'Pony Ancestral Terrain'! I've wanted this game since it came out!" She teared up and hugged all four of her friends at once. "You've made this the best birthday ever! Thanks you guys!"

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down and said, "Now let's all get this party started and have some cake! Disco, if you would."

Discord clapped his hands, and the next thing they knew they were in a big colorful room with lots of fellow students dancing as music played and lights flashed. Vinyl ran to the stage and manned the DJ table, Octavia slowly walking after her. They were at the Nightmare Night rave, and everyone cheered and began wishing Luna a happy birthday left and right. As Pinkie handed her a slice of her cake and a fork she said, "This is all so wonderful, I couldn't be more thankful to you guys! But I have just one question. Why aren't you two wearing costumes?"

Discord and Pinkie laughed. "You silly billy, we are wearing costumes!"

Pinkie unzipped herself to reveal she was Discord, and Discord unzipped himself to reveal he was Pinkie Pie. Luna stared at the two of them in shock, before she quietly walked away. "What's wrong with her?"

"She's obviously just too impressed for words." The two of them snickered and slammed a handful of cake into each other's faces before they tangoed off into the crowd. "Pinkie you are just deliciously random!"

"And you're delicious! Let me taste that face!"

----------------------

The TV screen in Luna's dorm came on to reveal her older sister, Celestia, who was dressed like a maid. "Good evening dear sister. I trust your festivities were delightful tonight?"

Luna sat on the couch with her niece Scootaloo sitting in her lap. "Good evening to you too sister! Your little girl wanted to say hi."

"Hi mom!" Scootaloo giggled and waved.

Celestia blinked and said, "Well this is quite the surprise. Hello sweetie! Did you have a nice Nightmare Night?"

Scootaloo nods excitedly and said, "I had sweets, I danced, and I got scared so hard I'm gonna have nightmares! It was the best Nightmare Night ever!"

"And I had a wonderful time with my friends." Luna sighed and said, "I learned tonight that there's nothing wrong with having your birthday on the same day as this holiday. You get to celebrate twice as much, and it's always fun when you have friends to spend it with."

With a giggle and a nod, Celestia said, "Good for you my dears. Where is Twilight Sparkle and Spike?"

Luna replied, "They were exhausted from the party and went straight to bed. In fact I'm going to do the same in a minute. Scootaloo is my teddy bear tonight."

"A sacrifice I made to say hi to you, mom. By the way, why did you decide on a maid for your costume? It looks small."

Celestia laughed and said, "That's because I switched clothes with my maid Dusty today. She's much smaller than me you see. As for why I did it, well your mother uses this day as an excuse to foreplay."

Scootaloo blinked and asked, "What's foreplay?"

A huge blush came to both Luna and Celestia's faces. They both cried, "Good night!" and turned off their TVs at the same time.

End Ch. 8
Continued in Ch. 9: P.A.T. 'Pony Ancestral Terrain'

Chapter 9: P.A.T.

View Online

Ponyville High
Chapter 9: P.A.T.

Sitting at her computer in her pajamas after the events of Nightmare Night, Luna was occupying herself by installing her new game: Pony Ancestral Terrain. She noticed it would take a while for it to fully download, so she turned on her messenger system. Seeing a couple of her friends were on she invited them to a video chat. Luna turned her microphone on and said into it, "Hello, can you two hear me?"

A small looking boy appeared on her screen with short groomed brown hair and a pirate costume on. "Blimey love, it's about time you got on, it is! Happy birthday, Luna!"

Another window opened on her screen with Ditzy on it. "Hi there Milky Way! Happy birthday from me too!"

"Pipsqueak, Derpy, thank you!" Pipsqueak was her boyfriend from middle school, and though Ditzy was a teacher, the three of them were gamer pals and often played anything online they could together. That's why whenever communicating, they often addressed each other by their online names, aside from Pipsqueak who just used his own name anyways. "My friends made a haunted house and lured me into an awesome birthday party! I got Pony Ancestral Terrain finally, so we can play it together! Also, my costume was a pokemon trainer. What did you guys dress up as and do for Nightmare Night?"

Pipsqueak chuckled and said, "Isn't mine obvious? I was a pirate! I am every year, you know that. I took your advice and hung out with Derpy while she was nearby."

Derpy giggled and said, "It's just lucky that my daughter Dinky goes to the same middle school as Pipsqueak. The Doctor came with me too, and we had matching costumes! Doctor was the hero of time, Link, and I was princess Zelda! Dinky dressed up as Midna in Twilight form."

Luna noticed her boyfriend blushing when Derpy mentioned that, and got a sneaky grin. "I wish I could've seen them. How did they look Pipsqueak? I bet Dinky's was nice."

This got the boy even more flustered as he stuttered, "S-So what if it was? I wasn't really p-paying attention. I couldn't stop thinking of… of… costumes you'd look hot in!"

Derpy and Luna had a gigglefit at his expense. "Aww, is my little Pipsqueak shifting his eyes toward another girl?"

"Bloody hell love, don't toy with me!"

"Derpy, is my boyfriend having an affair with your daughter?"

"Yes," Derpy stated bluntly, earning a high pitched, "No!" from poor Pipsqueak.

Luna laughed and said, "Alright, alright, we'll leave the matter alone. I'm just glad you two could spend some time together in real life. I'm sure it was just as interesting as the time I had tonight. So give me the rundown of the game so I don't have to read an instruction manual or something."

Pipsqueak cleared his throat and said, "Basically it's a game of social interactions based on our pre-evolved equine ancestors. The game scans you and makes a anthropomorphic pony avatar based on you in real life. It's pretty epic, and they even got races for all the races that play. Humans get earth pony avatars, Winglies get pegasus, Unimares get unicorns, and what few Alicorns there are like you get to use the super cool alicorn avatars. After it generates your base character you can customize it however you like with all kinds of clothes and stuff."

Derpy picked up from there as she said, "Every avatar is unique, especially if they make fighting styles for their character.

"Wait, I thought this was a game of social interaction." Luna took a look at the back of the box before Derpy continued.

"It is, basically. You can communicate with friends, or you can battle them. You don't really fight monsters or anything, unless you take on a quest. There's five classes: Fighter, Swordsman, Animalism, Morphology, and Mechanical. Fighters combine magic with martial arts, Swordsman do the same but with swords, Animalism have styles based on a particular animal, Morphology are kinda like amorphous slime people, and Mechanical are basically robots. You get to create four fighting moves for your character, so everyone is equal in strength. What wins fights are teamwork, and skill."

Interested, Luna asked, "So how does that work in game? How do you fight each other? Is it in an arena, or just anywhere? Might get annoying."

"Exactly!" stated Pipsqueak interjecting. "That's why there's three regions in the game. The Hanging Gardens are full of various beautiful environments dedicated to social interactions alone. Kinda like a safe zone." The first thought that came into Luna's head was 'If Fluttershy plays this game I'm sure she stays there'. "Yin-yang city is for social interactions, and battles between characters, but the only way to have a battle is to open up a battle grid so it doesn't interrupt other players. Last but not least is the Indigo Wasteland, where you can initiate a battle with anybody even without a grid. Sadly, theres a rank system in the game, and the only way to get rank ups for your wins is by opening a battle grid, but sometimes it's fun to just run around fighting each other randomly."

"Okay, I got the gist of it. I'll learn everything else by trial and error." Luna noticed the game had finished and started it up. "I'm gonna log on now. How do I find you guys?"

Derpy replied, "Transport to the Amethyst sector of Yin-yang city and we'll meet you at the spawning point. I hope you don't mind, but the Doctor and Dinky are here, so they're going to play with us."

"I don't mind at all! The more the merrier I say!" Luna logged off her messenger and loaded P.A.T. She took out her virtual helmet and hooked it up to her desktop, activating it. She slipped it on and hit the start button, watching the opening clip as it described their horse like ancestors and showed all kinds of cool stuff from the game. When it was over it offered for her to create an avatar. When she clicked yes, she could hear her webcam as well as the helmet scanning her, and the next thing she knew she was staring at a mirror.

She looked around to see she was in a blank white room, and thoroughly impressed she said, "Wow, this game is incredibly interactive. It actually feels like I'm in here looking around." She heard her voice echoing in the empty room, and then took a look at herself in the mirror. She was shocked, because looking back at her was a navy blue pony girl with a horn and wings, and a mane that looked just like her hair. She still had hands, but her feet had become hooves. What was even more shocking, and brought a blush to her face, was that all she wore was a fundoshi and a sarashi. "This game was totally made by people in Neighpon."

"PLEASE SELECT YOUR CLASS," came what sounded like an announcer voice. Five floating screens appeared before her, each with a different one of the classes she'd been told about on them. She looked between them for a moment, and selected Swordsman. A sword appeared in her hand as the announcer stated, "CUSTOMIZE YOUR APPEARANCE." Luna was shocked to find that she could not only alter her clothes and accessories with choices in the thousands, but she could do the same with designs for her sword. "Well, it already gave me oriental undies." She scrolled through the clothing options as they floated around her, settling on a pale blue samurai shitagi and a matching pair of hakama. A black tiara caught her eye, and with a slight blush she figured why not and added that to her outfit. It wasn't just because she's a princess, she just thought it looked cute. As for her sword she put a full moon design in the blue hilt, and made the blade glow with a silvery hue. She was then presented with four slots and a list of customizable moves, and not wanting to keep her friends waiting, skimmed through them and made the ones she chose as moonlike as she could, and even got to choose a name for her fighting style. Satisfied she took one last look in the mirror.

Player Name: Luna. Screen Name: Milky Way. Race: Alicorn. Class: Swordsman. Fighting Style: Moon Katana. Move Set: Crescent Slash, Moonbeam, Shroud of Night, Royal Voice.

The mirror vanished, and the white wall peeled away, opening like a pair of large doors. They exposed to her a giant floating island split into three sectors, and she found herself floating in mid-air before it. She saw several points glowing on the island, and when she looked at them the names of these locations floated above them. She found the Amethyst sector in Yin-yang city and activated it with a wave of her hand. The next thing she knew she was encased in white light, shooting towards her chosen spot until she met the floor and came into view. Around her were hundreds of other players marching about their business, the air was filled with voices, which distracted her from the oncoming tackle from her gamer friends. "Yikes! It didn't take you two long to find me." They all laughed and helped each other to their feet. Luna took a good look her friends characters, and their stats popped up while she did.

Player name: Pipsqueak. Screen Name: Capt. Pipsqueak. Race: Earth Pony. Class: Mechanical. Fighting Style: Buccaneer Bonzai. Move Set: Cutlass Flurry, Cannonball, Gunpowder Blitz, Cannon Jump. Pipsqueak was a small earth pony with creamy fur, a brown spot here and there, and a brown mane. He wore a pirate outfit much like his Nightmare Night costume: Green pants, blue vest, red bandana, and an eye patch. "Blimey love, you look like a samurai goddess, that you do!"

Player Name: Ditzy Doo. Screen Name: Derpy Hooves. Race: Pegasus. Class: Morphology. Fighting Style: Bubble Brawler. Move Set: Inflate, Flying Fist, Bubble Blow, Bubble Barrier. Derpy maintained even her eyes in the game, and had become a grey pegasus pony. She wore a white leotard and an orange scarf. "Come on, the others are over at that café waiting for us!"

Luna giggled and said, "I see you're obsessed with pirates even here Pipsqueak." She made her way towards the café, and then looked Derpy over with a blush. "Are you wearing underwear under that?"

Derpy shook her head in response. "Morphologists tend to not wear clothes that restrict their fighting styles, if any clothes at all. This game has a doll effect when it comes to bodies."

"No exposed naughty bits basically," Pipsqueak added. "Underwear is optional, and can be changed just as much as the rest of your clothes though. Some morphologists have move sets that allow them to wear even heavy sets of armore, but one's like Derpy here use growing body parts as a weapon. It's quite common among her class." Luna mulled that over in her head as they got to the café. She immediately recognized who they were looking for thanks to the Doctor's style.

Player Name: Doctor. Screen Name: Dr. Time. Race: Earth Pony. Class: Swordsman. Fighting Style: Chrono's Rapier. Move Set: Slo-mo, Haste, Freeze, Warp. He sat in a large booth sipping tea and nibbling at a crumpet. He wore a white colored undershirt and a brown vest, as well as a blue-green tie and black pants. He was an earth pony with brown fur, a lighter shade than his hair. He looked up with a smile and said, "Ah, that was fast! Welcome back you two, as well as yourself your majesty." Sitting next to him was Derpy's daughter Dinky.

Player Name: Dinky Doo. Screen Name: Muffin. Race: Unicorn. Class: Fighter. Fighting Style: Breakfast Brawler. Move Set: Muffin Grenade, Waffle Shield, Boom Puffs, Pancakes. Muffin was a pale purple unicorn with a grey dress on. Her height was somewhere between everyone else's and Pipsqueaks. She giggled and said, "Hi there princess! It's nice to meet another of mom's gamer pals!"

Luna raised her eyebrow and said, "While it's nice to meet you both, are you eating and drinking in a virtual game?"

The Doctor had a good chuckle before he responded. "I like to be as realistic as possible, so I bought this chat animation with some game points I had. Sit around and drink tea with friends, like I would in real life."

"It's making me a little hungry," Luna admitted as she sat at the booth. Derpy and Pipsqueak pulled in with her and they all sat in a half circle. "This game is pretty interesting I'll admit. I'd love to explore what this place has to offer."

"Speaking of what this game has to offer," the Doctor interjected setting down his glass. "Why don't you and I have a battle so you can get the ropes of it in this game? You might have some fun, and you can test out your powers."

Luna grinned and said, "Sounds fun. I didn't think you'd be the blunt one for a fight right off the bat, but I accept your offer." The others vanished as did the rest of the café, and their surroundings looked like a cyber grid, boxed off and pulsing with mathematical movements.

A rapier appeared in the Doctor's hand as he stood before Luna. "Good, because I'm quite curious what your moves look like. I'm also curious how they match up against my own. Have at thee."

When the tip of his blade faced Luna she grasped her katana tightly in both hands and swung her blade at him. A crescent shaped blade of silver launched from the steel, as if the after-image of the katana had sprung forth. Doctor side stepped it, knowing his blade was too thin to block the attack. Luna swung several more of these blades at him, swinging from different angles and different directions trying to catch him off guard as he dodged. That's when she noticed he was moving with inhuman speed, dodging around them as he got closer and closer.

She gasped when she noticed he'd gotten so close he was standing before her. Before he could stab her with the sharp tip of the blade, she blocked it with the side of her own. "Come now Milky Way, that can't be all you've got." Luna's brow furrowed as she let out a loud shockwave from her mouth, a large force pushing against the Doctor and sending him flying backwards. His feet dragged on the ground as he landed, and he smiled with delight. "Now we're getting somewhere."

Aiming the tip of her katana at the doctor, Luna's sword glowed as if it was building up energy. It fired off a large beam in the direction of the Doctor. He responded holding his sword upright and snapping his fingers, and the beam, not to mention Luna, stopped moving. Luna could still see as the Doctor stepped to the side of the beam and snapped his fingers again, letting the blast fly right past him and explode against the grid wall that surrounded them. Before she could curse his time manipulation, he teleported right in front of her and went for another stab. She sidestepped it and brought her sword downward, but he twirled out of the way and behind her. As he swung his own blade for her, she vanished much to his surprise. He looked around the area curiously and said, "She doesn't seem to of teleported. Unless she teleported above me. Where could she have-" He noticed a feint light coming from behind him, and turned around to see Luna's glowing blade facing him. "Ohhh, it's an invisibility power. Fancy that."

With an explosive blast the Doctor flew away and rolled across the ground. When he stopped rolling Luna aimed her Katana at his throat. Red text floated above the Doctor that announced "Lose!" while green text floated above Luna that announced "Win!" She smiled and her sword vanished as she reached down to him. His own sword vanished as he took her hand, pulling himself to his feet as the grid world vanished. They were back in the café standing by the table with all their friends. The Doctor adjusted his tie and said, "Very well done! You certainly got the drop on me. As your first victory in your first battle, I'm sure you've earned a nice rank up."

"Thanks!" Luna responded, beaming with joy. "I sure got the hang of this game pretty fast. It was surprisingly easy. Your time powers threw me off though."

Derpy waved to them and said, "Welcome back you two! Hope you had fun. So Milky Way, what do you want to do now?"

"I want to explore of course," the princess admitted. "There's a lot to see in this world and I'd like to get started."

Dinky raised her hand and said, "Why don't we go to the Hanging Gardens and enjoy the scenery?"

A loud raspberry came from Pipsqueak who said, "That sounds like going to a museum! Luna might not have long on, so why don't we all just go to the Indigo Wasteland and goof off?"

Luna laughed and said, "That actually sounds like fun. I'd like to show off my powers and get better acquainted with all of yours." Everyone agreed and began opening floating panels, Luna doing the same with her own personal panel. "Let's meet on the Lavender Plains everyone!" With that, one by one they all disappeared, and Luna found herself vanishing until she shot like a beam of light to her new location. Reappearing in front of her friends on a wide open plateau of canyons and flat rocky surfaces of the same color as the locations name, Luna giggled and rushed off. When it appeared in her hand she swung her sword back at them, and a silver blade shot out and smacked Pipsqueak in the face and to the ground like she'd thrown a vase at him.

Everyone laughed and split up, going various directions. Luna waited for them to all be out of view, and began to look around cautiously, noticing rocky inclines that they could use to take her by surprise from above. It wasn't long before she noticed a muffin with a lit fuse flying at her, and she smacked it away with a Crescent Slash. The muffin not far from her, and she was taking by surprise by a giant grey fist emerging from the smoke of the explosion. She flipped over it as it crashed into the rocky surface behind her, and she looked back to see the fist wasn't attached to anyone. When she looked back before her she had only a moment to dodge a series of punches from Derpy and Dinky.

The whole group split as the wiz of a cannonball exploded into the ground where they stood. Luna looked to the rocky incline to see Pipsqueak grinning with his arm in the shape of a ship cannon. It twisted and transformed back into his hand, and then his arms opened on either side to let out a set of cutlasses. He leapt down and she desperately blocked his barrage of blades with her own. "You're mad about that little hit to your face aren't you?"

"Little ol' me? Mad?" Pipsqueak's blades clung to every side of Luna's katana and yanked it from her hands, throwing it to the ground. She gasped and bent down to pick it up, blushing and squealing as she felt a sharp smack to her rear. She rubbed the spot the small hand had struck her and danced for a moment, glaring at Pipsqueak who had a sly smirk. "Well, I'm not mad anymore." Derpy and Dinky had a giggle fit as Luna picked up her sword eyeing him cautiously. "You know, you coulda just re-materialized it in your hand, but thanks for giving me a nice target."

"Ohhh, I'll get you for that!" Luna's blade glowed as she fired a Moonbeam at him. He dodged only to find it was aimed at the ground in front of him, kicking up a large cloud of dust. When it cleared, Luna had vanished and everyone looked around worriedly. That's when Pipsqueak's pants hit the dirt and he stood there in his plain white briefs blushing confused. "Really sweety, I thought you'd have better taste than such plain undies."

He gasped and bent down to raise them from his ankles, and received a smack to his own bottom that made him flip onto his back. He laid there looking unamused and said, "Note to self. Never smack Luna on the butt, even in the virtual world… without permission." He leapt o his feet and readied his blades. "Show yourself!"

His bandana was pulled down over his eyes, and he flailed in shock. "Peekaboo!" Luna kicked him down, only to have another huge flying first launched at her from Derpy.

"We see you!" chimed the grey pegasus as her fist grew and erupted from her wrist, firing at Luna again as she attempted to dodge the flying appendages.

As Luna got closer, she found her foot stepped in something wet. She looked down to see it was a bowl of cereal, which glowed with a high pitched siren. She noticed Dinky waving with a cheesy grin, and groaned before the bowl of cereal exploded like a land mine. The small Unicorn laughed and said, "No one ever suspected a bowl of cereal." She took out another one, but then everyone froze as the Doctor walked up. He took the bowl from her hand, flipped it upside down, and placed it on top of her head before walking by whistling casually. When they unfroze it splashed on her and the siren sounded. "Oh poop…"

Derpy inhaled and a bubble like barrier erupted around her as her daughter was blown up squealing. The barrier wobbled and she sighed with relief, until Pipsqueak jumped on top of the barrier and began to run, causing it to roll in the opposite direction. Derpy cried out as she was rolled around as if she was in a laundry machine. She managed to disperse her barrier and her foot grew in size as she kicked Pipsqueak in the side in mid air, sending him flying like a golf ball.

Just as she thought she'd gotten a moment to brush herself off, a loud screaming force from behind her pushed her face first into a nearby rock. Luna stood there laughing and said, "Respawn!"

The Doctor appeared before her and said, "Warping."

He swung at Luna and she ducked under it stating, "Dodging."

When the Doctor felt her first to his groin he fell to the ground and said with an eye twitching, "Cringing…"

"Winning!" Luna happily exclaimed before a giant pancake fell on her. She crawled out from under it to see Dinky waving. "That's an odd power to have, you know that?"

Dinky shrugged and said, "I just think it's funny." She pointed up to the sky, and when Luna followed her finger she gasped. She ran for her life as a stack of ten pancakes with butter and syrup crashed into the floor where she'd been, tearing through the rocks before they slowly vanish.

Luna stared back at them and laughed. "I take that back. That's an 'awesome' power to have." The two girls laughed, as well as all their friends who walked up. "Guys I'm having a great time. This game is so fun already. I can't wait to see what kinds of adventures we have together on here." Everyone cheered, pumping their fists in the air. Luna noticed something approaching them, and gasped before she cried, "Everyone get down!" Everyone hit the deck as a line of curved fire flew over and past them. "What in the world was-" She was cut off by someone landing before the group and looming over them. "Wait a minute… are you… big sister?"

Player Name: Celestia. Screen Name: Solar Flare. Race: Alicorn. Class: Swordsman. Fighting Style: Sun Katana. Move Set: Sun Wave, Explosion Slash, Blinding Flare, Heat Spin. A tall white Alicorn with her sisters beautiful multicolored hair flowing like an aurora borealis as her mane stood before her. She was dressed like a Japanese shrine maiden, with the addition of a sheath at her hip. She held up her sword with had a sun crafted into the hilt and an orange blade, aiming it at the group as she smiled and said, "Greetings little sister, and to all your friends as well." The world vanished as a grid world took its place, and this time everyone came with Luna. "Now on your feet everyone, for I challenge you all at once to a battle. And may the best mare win."

End Ch. 9
Continued in Ch. 10: Hackers