Disclaimer: All MLP:FiM characters belong to Hasbro and DHX Media. I do not own any of them except my OC.

Well, this was going to be interesting. I was standing at the door watching the class when I felt a presence and opened the door. Oh. It was Rarity. She said like she was making a grand entrance "Your example is here! Ha ha! Oh!" Everyone looked at her confused and then Rainbow said "I thought I was the example." That's what I thought at first, but I'm seeing the connection now. Twilight said "You both are." See, what I'd tell ya? "Because together, you perfectly demonstrate my lesson on compromise in friendship!" Hey, all you people that were living in America in the late 18th century and most of the 19th century need to listen to this. I think if you listened here, you wouldn't have issues over the power of the federal government and slavery. "Rainbow Dash and Rarity have very different interests that keep them busy. But being friends is so important to them, they always manage to make time for each other." That the definition of friendship right there. Rarity came up and said "Our Day of Fun was hard to plan, what with Rainbow Dash's extremely time-consuming and erratically scheduled Wonderbolts practice…" before Rainbow said "And Rarity's weird fashion seasons." Hey! Don't be rude about it. "She's working on her winter collection and it's not even summer yet!" That is odd, but being a fashion designer full time means you got to make lines of clothes before that certain season arrives. It's like putting up decorations in stores way before a certain holiday. It's just to save time.

Twilight said "But you still found time to be together, and that's what counts!" I agree. Their friendship also powers my scepter, so it's really important that they continue to be friends and not grow distant from one another. "See, class? These ponies are models of true friendship in action." Everyone started writing down notes and the two of them headed off. "Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your "Day of Fun!" They went out the door and I closed it. Or at least tried to. Silverstream raised her claw and asked "Ooh, ooh! What amazing stuff are you going to do together?" Is it really any of your business? Both Rainbow and Rarity tried saying something, but it was the opposite of what the other said. Oh dear. That's not a good look for ya. Finally, Rainbow said "Aw, come on! I even said shopping that time!" You said it twice actually. Rarity said "Perfect! We'll go shopping first." It's not going to be as easy as you may think, Rarity. Rainbow complained and said "But, I brought stuff for buckball-" before Smolder interrupted them and asked "Are we supposed to be learning something here?" Eh, it depends. "Cause this doesn't sound like compromising at all." You would be right on that. Yona nodded and Gallus said "Yeah! You guys have nothing in common." Well, that's awfully blunt, but it is true. "How can you be friends?" Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash all exchanged nervous glances and I looked up at my scepter to see if anything has changed. Ocellus noticed this and asked me "Um Zachary, how come you are looking at your scepter like that?" Suddenly, everyone was looking at me and I knew I had to give an explanation.

I sighed and said "You see, this scepter has magic in here that can do many wondrous things. It's magic is split up into two categories. 75% of the magic comes from friendship. The other 25% comes from the Tree of Harmony. You see, if any one of my friends were to drift apart and no longer be called friends, then the scepter would lose it's color and turn gray meaning that it would put myself and Equestria in danger." Everyone gasped and Twilight even asked me "How would that put you and Equestria in danger?" I said "Well, it protects myself because the magic that comes from this scepter allows me to defend myself and fight others who stand in my way. It protects Equestria because the scepter can overpower any creature and restrict them from taking over Equestria. So if the scepter turns gray at all, not only will I no longer have any self defense, but also Equestria would be overrun by any villain with ease because the scepter wouldn't be there to stop it. And if the scepter is gray, that means the other elements won't work either, so it's a pretty big deal." Everyone looked like they were about to crap themselves in fear because they didn't want any villain to try and overrun Equestria without any challenge whatsoever and rule with an iron hoof. Twilight tried to calm everyone down and said "Even though Rainbow Dash and Rarity enjoy doing different things, there are plenty of reasons why they're friends."

I believe so, but against a bunch of skeptical students who haven't seen an example quite yet, that will be very difficult. Yona asked "Uh, like what?" She raises a good point Twilight. I'm just saying. Rainbow said "We've always been friends!" I wouldn't say it like that. You haven't always been friends. You just have been for a very long time. That would be a better thing to say than saying "We've always been friends!" Just something to think about. Ocellus looked confused and asked "Always?" Rainbow realized her mistake and said "Well, no. Not always. But for like a super long time." You see, that's much better. Rarity said "And we all know the same ponies." We do? I guess that's right. Smolder asked "Uh, is that it?" Nope, there's more to it than that. Rainbow said "There was that time during the Cloudsdale Best Young Flyer competition when I totally saved Rarity's life!" I said "Yeah, after thinking it was a good idea to fly all the way up to the sun and have them burnt in an instant resulting in Rainbow doing a sonic rainboom." They were about to give me a comment about being rude, but their jaws suddenly dropped. Rainbow asked "Ho-how did you know about that?!" I said "Going back in the timeline and also hearing it from other ponies, so yeah." I noticed that Twilight started getting really suspicious and was watching me with a careful eye.

I said to Twilight "If you think I'm messing with time travel, then you're wrong. I can't change the past. I can only look at the timeline to see what happened." That caused Twilight to relax a bit and move on. Rarity said "Yes! And I once proved Rainbow Dash's innocence to her beloved Wonderbolts when she was being framed for a mysterious incident!" I said "That dude was such an idiot. I mean, really. A former wonderbolt getting jealous over a gosh darn speed record. It's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Records get broken all the time. It's not that pressing of an issue." Rarity's jaw dropped and asked me "Bu-but How is that possible?! How do you know about that?!" I said "Same thing I said with the Cloudsdale Best Young Flyer competition. I just looked back at the timeline and was able to get some insider on the case. That's all." Rarity couldn't believe her eyes, but decided to move on. Sandbar said "Cool! What else?" That's about it from me. All the other times they have interacted was trying to save Equestria. That's it. Everyone else looked in the other direction and Starlight stepped in and said "Uh, look, it may seem like Rarity and Rainbow Dash don't that much in common when you try to put it into words." She has a point. "But sometimes friendships can't be explained in words." That is a very good point Starlight. I completely agree. Not every friendship can be described with words. Sometimes, you just need to be there in order to understand.

"You just have to see them in action to understand." Is there an echo in here? It sure does sound like it. That was quite common for me growing up. Where my mother said something and then my father said the exact same thing two seconds later as if he didn't hear her say it. It was really annoying, but I had to deal with it for 18 years, so yeah. Twilight thought about it and said "Actually… that's a great idea!" Oh this will be interesting. Rarity and Rainbow looked at each other in confusion and I was curious to see where this was leading to. Next thing I know, we're outside sitting on the bleachers watching Rarity and Rainbow play Buckball. Well, most of us. I refused to sit on the cold hard bleachers. Instead, I sat on a cloud, put on some sunglasses, and held up a newspaper so it looked like I was occupied. Twilight didn't like that, but I could care less. She didn't even bother to stop me since she had more important things to do. She said "Just go about your Day of Fun as you normally would!" You're not helping Twilight. "You won't even know we're here!" Good luck with that. We stick out like a sore thumb. It's like we're a bunch of hawks watching two ponies trying to make sure you don't mess up.

Rainbow turned around and said "Game On!" Rarity was clearly annoyed for some reason and went to her side of the field. The game began and the pony kicked it up in the air coming straight for Rainbow Dash where she grabbed it and flew it past the goalie right onto the ground. Uh, last time I remember, that's not how Buckball works. I looked and saw Rarity writing something down. Oh dear. That would explain it. Rainbow was clearly upset and said "Rarity! You were supposed to be holding your bucket!" That's the point of Buckball basically in a nutshell. Well, at least part of it. I think you can figure out the other part of it. Rarity said "Hmm? Oh, sorry, darling! Wearing this drab jersey gave me an idea for a Buckball-inspired line of "athleisure wear" that would allow for maximum flexibility and style." You do realize that now is not the time to do that, right? Also, you can do that later. You need to be focused on catching that ball with your bucket. "But I'm ready now!" I hope so. Rainbow said "Good. Cause this time I'm going to try something new and super-intense!" Sure you are. As soon as I heard that, I put my newspaper back up and continued to read it while also eating popcorn and snickers bars. Yeas, I know I'm weird, but I don't care.

Everyone got back into their positions and did the same thing as last time. Except when the ball headed for Rainbow, she looped around and did a sonic rainboom causing the ball to catch on fire and zip right past Rarity. I put down my newspaper and my sunglasses slid off slightly in shock, but I noticed that Rarity didn't even pay attention. It's like if an erupting volcano went off and Spike would mumble some words and fall back asleep. That's the kind of level we're talking about here. Rainbow looked proud for a second, but then she saw what happened and said "Rarity! Are you even paying attention?" Not really. Rarity said "What? Oh, I mean, of course! I held my bucket and everything!" You need to pay attention to the ball, Rarity. Not just have it sitting there. The ball could move in any direction and you need to be ready when it comes towards you. It's all about timing basically. It's like driving on steroids. Rainbow said "But you have to catch the ball." She is right. You have to do that which means having your full undivided attention with the ball, not do something else while playing the game. If this was professional sports, that's how you'd lose your job. No, I'm dead serious. I've seen it happen before.

Rarity said "Really? That sounds dangerous." Um, not really when you think about it. Rainbow turned around and muttered to herself "Oh, forget it. She's never gonna understand the point of this game." I could teach her, but that might take a while. However, I rather do that than a bunch of boring royal paperwork about tax laws and decrees and other stuff like that which absolutely drives me nuts. It's so boring. "Buckball time is over!" Everyone walked away and Rarity said, not understanding the situation whatsoever "Finally!" The students started writing stuff down and Twilight said nervously "See? They did something Rainbow Dash likes, so now it's time for something Rarity likes. Compromise!" I'm quite unconvinced by that. You are going to have to try harder than that in order for me to believe you. We went to one of the shops I believe and I heard Rarity say "Hmmm. I'm genuinely not sure. Are they too in style?" Maybe. Rainbow said "Uh, isn't that what you want them to be?" Technically? Yes. Rarity's standards? No. Rarity said "Yes, yes. But they should be ahead of the curve." See? What did I tell you?

"If they're in fashion right now, then they're practically already out!" Sure, whatever you say Rarity. Rainbow said "That doesn't make any sense." I agree. You've completely lost me. I'm not a fashion expert, so I don't know these things. I just wear clothes and move on with my life. Rarity said "Perhaps I should get the stilettos instead." I have no idea what that is, but okay. They look more like high heels to me. "What do you think?" First of all, stop shoving it into ponies' faces, and second of all, make up your flipping mind already. You're acting so wishy-washy like Charlie Brown. Good grief. Rainbow threw the shoe across the room and said "Unless you like tripping with every step, heels on a horse are pretty useless." She does have a point. I wouldn't call it stupid, but quite weird and ultimately pointless. I mean, even when ponies dress up for special occasions, such as the Grand Galloping Gala, they don't wear any sort of shoes whether if it's boots or heels. They just don't wear that. They wear dresses or suits, depending on your gender, but they don't have footwear on their hooves. So that's my take on that.

Rarity seemed to disagree and say "Au contraire! They're perfect in a multitude of situations." Like what? The Grand Galloping Gala? Nope, throw that out the window. "Formal functions, afternoon teas, evening teas, high teas, tea by the sea, royal tea-" Okay, we get the point. I have never ONCE in my lifetime ever seen somepony wear footwear to any kind of special occasion, tea parties, or for looks. I've been here for quite a while and I didn't see squat. Rainbow started freaking out and said "Can they clean up glitter? Ew! It's on my hooves!" Oh, stop acting like a princess. Sure, glitter is hard to get off, but go clean it off. Stop making a fuss about it. Good grief. Rarity rolled her eyes and I looked in the other direction in boredom. "Are we done yet?" Nope. "Agh! This is so boring!" I said "Then why did you come here in the first place?" I put an "OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" meme in the background and the students laughed a bit at that. Rainbow clearly was annoyed and looked the other way in humiliation. After the students stopped laughing, Twilight said "Rainbow Dash and Rarity are just… showcasing an aspect of friendship called "banter": the playful and friendly exchange of remarks!" Well, that's an oddly specific definition of banter. I said "Kind of like what we do to one another all the time when they are not looking?"

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity and Twilight looked away in embarrassment and said "Be quiet, you!" I said "You're only saying that because you don't want to admit it. Trust me, the blush is all over your face." The students snickered to themselves a bit and Twilight gave me a glare but I could tell she knew that I was right. I said to the students "Banter is only usually something that "couples" do to one another because of their bond and they know what bothers them the most. Got to be careful sometimes, because you could accidentally press the angry button which means making them feel offended and yell at you. So, that's basically what it means." The students wrote down more notes and Twilight looked worried. The next stop was inside the gem cave. Got to be quiet though because if you make a loud noise, you'll wake up the bats and that's no fun. I heard Rarity say "I cannot wait! Collecting gemstones is my favorite." It's quite exciting, but I don't want to get rabies, so that's why I just summon gems instead of collecting them in a bat cave. Rainbow said "Finally, something we can agree on: treasure hunting!" Um, how exactly is that considered treasure hunting? You're collecting gems, not looking for treasure. I'm just curious that's all.

We peeked over and Twilight said "See, everycreature? That didn't take long. Now they're having a great time together." I said "Don't hold your breath on that. There will be a twist at some point." The students continued writing down notes and Twilight whispered shouted to me "You better not sabotage this!" I said "I'm not. I'm just saying. Chillax." Twilight rolled her eyes and we continued observing. Rarity said "Magnifique!" Yeah, what is that supposed to mean? "This will be perfect for the emerald-encrusted romper I've been working on." That's nice, I guess. Rainbow said "Cool! Now what would be even cooler is if we can find a treasure chamber or something." That would be pretty cool, but you have to be careful here. You never know when danger decides to dart out and attack you. Just saying. "Now if I were a secret door, where would I be?" I don't know. You tell me. Rainbow started banging on rocks trying to find it and unfortunately, some of the rocks fell on Rarity's hard hat and caused her to be annoyed. She said "Rainbow Dash! Could you please refrain from all that racket?" Why? "It's muddying my concentration." Who cares about your concentration? What are you even trying to look for anyways?

Rainbow suddenly found what looked like to be a lever and said "Look! A lever! *tries to pull it down, but refuses to move* It's stuck. Come help me, Rarity!" Rarity sighed in annoyance and said "Just a moment." Really, boi? What's your problem? Unfortunately, Rainbow was impatient and started banging on it to get it to move. She banged and pushed and whatever, and when she finally got it, it broke causing her to fall backwards and leaping the cart in the air for the gems to be smashed to pieces like glass. Rarity gasped in horror and said "You ruined my gems!" Is that what you're the most worried about? Did you even bother to check to see if she was okay? No. You were holding the pieces in your hooves like you just lost somebody. It's not that big of a deal. Rainbow fired back "Yeah, well. You ruined my treasure hunt!" Oh dear, here we go again. Rainbow put back on her hard hat and Rarity said "This wasn't about treasure!" You never seemed to have a problem with that. Seems like a lack of communication to me. "It was about finding gemstones for my winter collection!" Well, you should communicated that to her like 5 minutes ago. Otherwise, you wouldn't be in this situation.

Rainbow didn't care in the slightest and said "Who cares about clothes?" I don't. I just wear them. Or at least I used to. "We're supposed to be on an adventure together!" She does have a point. Collecting gemstones for a line of clothes sounds more business related than having fun. It was called a Day of Fun for a reason. Twilight said "Uh oh" and both of them left the cave. Rarity said "That. Is. It! This "Day of Fun" is officially over!" Well, that obviously didn't last very long. Rainbow said "Fine by me! Maybe I can spend some time doing something I actually like now!" Every creature gasped and I teleported in between them. I said "ENOUGH! Break it up! Both of you just leave if you have nothing nice to say to one another. I'm not going to put up with this." Twilight chuckled nervously and said "Surely, you don't mean that!" I don't know. From how they're acting, they seem more like enemies rather than friends. "You're just having a little disagreement." I think it's more than just that. "Sometimes that happens between pals." It does. You are right about that. "But no matter what, they can always get past the problem and stay good friends!" Most of the time yes. Rainbow said "I don't think we can." What? Oh no. Don't do this to me.

"You don't care about any of the things I like! It's always about you and the boring fashions!" I mean, there is some truth to that, but you don't use that as an insult. Rarity said "Oh, please! You don't even give my interests a chance!" Well, to be fair, they are kinda difficult to understand and not exactly the most exciting thing to hear. But you should never take your anger out on that. "You have absolutely no respect for the finer things! No respect, I tell you!" Just as I was about to separate them, they both said "I guess we're just not friends anymore!" WHAT?! Suddenly, I looked up at my scepter and as if those were the magic words, my scepter turned gray. NO! I said full with anger "DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE JUST DONE?! MY SCEPTER HAS TURNED GRAY! Well, part of it has, BUT STILL! NOW BECAUSE OF YOU, EQUESTRIA WILL FALL!" Everyone gasped again; they had pure looks of fear on their face. Even Rarity and Rainbow realized what they had just done. "Great. Now my power has been severely weakened and villains can now overrun it. I hope you're happy." I teleported out of there and went back to Twilight's school.

I was in Starlight's office and both Rainbow and Rarity were at each other's throats. I gave Starlight a look that told her "Stop them before I burn down this school in anger." She quickly nodded and said "Enough! Guidance counseling is for talking out your problems, not telling me everything that's ever happened in the history of Equestria!" Dang, she still got that fire in her. She groaned in frustration and walked up to them. "But I've learned sometimes talking isn't enough." She is right. "You need to put yourselves in one another's shoes." Rainbow looked at Rarity's shoes and said "No way am I wearing those." I said "It's a metaphor, Rainbow! She doesn't mean literally! Get with the program!" Rainbow snarled at me and I said "Hey, I wasn't the one that put Equestria in danger by having one of my friends' scepters turn gray because they couldn't agree on anything." Rainbow snarled even more and Starlight had a look of horror on her face. I told her what happens when the scepter turns gray, and she was horrified. Starlight said "What I'm saying is, we need a way to help you two reconnect. Follow me!" We all walked out and both of them still acted like little children. Ridiculous.

We arrived at the library and Rainbow said "The library? And this helps us how?" I said tolerating no bs from either of them "Maybe if you kept your mouth shut, then you would find out." Rainbow snarled at me, but I silenced her with my death glare. Well, at least that still works. Starlight said "You both love books!" That is true. I'm seeing the connection here. "Rainbow Dash never stops talking about Daring Do adventures. And you're a huge fan of Shadow Spade mysteries." Spot on with that one. Rarity asked "Your point?" Wait just two seconds, will you? Gosh, boi. You need to chill. Starlight said "The perfect way for you two to reconnect as friends is to read each other's favorite book." Makes sense. "I'll read them, too! Then we'll all discuss afterward." Sounds good to me. "It'll be a "Good Friends Book Club!" Ok? I'll bring snacks." Sign me up! I love to have some snacks while reading a good book. Rainbow said "Ugh, fine." Will you just chill out for one second?! My gosh, both of you drive me nuts! Rarity said "If you insist." Yes, we do and you better read them, or else. Trust me, it won't get pretty if they don't do it.

2 days later…

Starlight, Rainbow, and Rarity sat at the table while I was reading my newspaper with sunglasses on sitting on a cloud. But I did keep a close eye on them to make sure nothing bad happened. Starlight said "Great! We're all here! To start, why don't you two share one thing you liked about each other's books?" Both of them faced away from each other with their hooves crossed not wanting to speak to one another and it created an awkward silence. I hate when that happens. "Ok, I'll go first! I really enjoyed the part in "Daring Do and the Razor of Dreams" when Daring used a vicious Cragadile as a raft-" when suddenly Rarity started snickering to herself thinking that was the dumbest thing she ever heard. Rainbow asked "Uh, what's so funny?" Yeah, I want to know as well. Rarity said "Uh sorry, it's just that I find those action sequences so ridiculously over-the-top." HA! You think that way? You are quite the hypocrite. Every fashion designer like you is way over the top and are drama queens or kings. Well, at least most of them. Not every fashion designer is that way, but most of them are. Don't get offended people. I'm not being stereotypical here, so you can lower your insult guns and throw them out the window.

Rainbow retorted "But they're real. You've even met Daring Do!" She does have a point. Rarity said "Yes, but the book's descriptions just drag on." Everything you are saying right now about that book can be said about you as well. "And what about those silly, unpronounceable names?" Don't tell me you don't use them. You've already said really hard to pronounce words more than once in the past 2 days. "Doctor whozit, whatsit… Cab-a-yair-on?" Um, that's not that hard to pronounce. It's pronounced just like how it's spelled in the book. Rainbow said "Cab-a-ler-on! Just like it looks! How hard is that?" For a drama queen like her, she finds anything hard that's not part of her interests. Sometimes, she reminds me of the Pharisees. Always criticizing others for their actions when they did the exact same thing. Pretty much why they were hypocrites and why Jesus called them a "brood of vipers." Yeah, that's pretty harsh, but it's true. Considering how they were acting, they deserved to get called that. Starlight asked "Tea, anypony? Cucumber sandwich?" I said "I'll take some tea." Starlight handed it over to me and I started drinking it while reading the newspaper. Starlight said "Or we can go over some nice, friendly talking points!" I don't know if anything is going to work anymore, Starlight. I really don't. Equestria is doomed at this point, and unless both of them decide to forgive each other and move on, then we're all screwed.

Rainbow said "Seriously? Don't even get me started on those clothing descriptions in Shadow Spade! What a yawn fest!" That's pretty disrespectful. It might be boring, but I would never throw it as an insult to someone who liked it. Rarity said "But… the outfit descriptions are an integral part of the plot of "The Colt in Crimson: A Shadow Spade Mystery!" Rainbow fake yawned in boredom and Rarity was peeved. "You see, if you didn't know that Sir Fluffingsworth von Radishfield wears only silk, double-breasted waistcoats, you'd never deduce that he, in fact, was the culprit!" I don't know. Judging by the look on his face, that seems awfully suspicious. He looks sus gus bus. Rainbow asked "Wait, he was?" I guess so. Rarity gasped and said "You didn't even read it!" Well then. I heard Starlight say "I can see I'm gonna need reinforcements." I agree. Starlight teleported away and I opened and closed a door portal that led back to the school. Me, Twilight, and Starlight devised a plan on how we can get this thing fixed. Me and Starlight teleported back and she said "Your drama can wait! Twilight needs help, now!" We all went back to Twilight's office and she scrambled around looking for books.

Starlight asked "Any luck?" I don't think so. Twilight said "No! It's gone!" Not really, but you'll see later on. Rainbow said "What's gone?" The Amulet of Aurora. A very powerful one indeed. Twilight said "The Amulet of Aurora." Rarity said "One of the magical items you've been keeping for Princess Celestia?" Yep, that's the one. Twilight said "That amulet can reverse the tides and summon tsunamis!" WOAH! How can an amulet overpower the moon? The Moon is supposed to control the tides, but I guess a magical amulet can override the moon at any time. "If it falls into the wrong hooves, Equestria will be in grave danger!" I said "And if that's not enough, because my power has weakened, I can't stop it by myself." Everypony had a look of terror on their face before Rainbow said "Don't worry, Twilight! I know tons about searching for lost treasure!" I'm sure you do. Rarity said "And if I follow the culprit's clues, I'm certain I can find who took your amulet!" I sure hope so. Twilight said "Thank you! I'll feel so much better knowing you two are looking for it together." Let's hope so. Starlight said "While we work on a locator spell! It's the perfect solution!" I said "And make sure you actually work together and not argue, because I need to have my power back if I can keep defending Equestria. Do NOT let me down or else you will pay for it."

I sighed and said to Twilight and Starlight "Now we wait. Let's hope they can finally get some bonding time in and reconnect as friends so I can get my power back." I looked at my computer screen and watched them. Finally, I saw them give apologies and reconcile with one another. Yes! When they came around, they were shocked at what they saw. Rarity said "Spikey-Wikey, you stole the Amulet of Aurora?" I wouldn't say that. Twilight said "Not exactly." She put it away in the chest and said "You mean… this was a setup to make us get along?" More or less. Starlight said "Sorry to interfere, but you both-" before Rainbow said "Really needed it." They both laughed and Smolder asked "So even though you don't like any of the same stuff, you two are friends again?" Yep. Pretty much. Rarity said "Always. I think we just needed a teensy reminder." You definitely needed one. I couldn't stand watching you two bicker like children over the stupidest things. Rainbow said "Yeah. We don't have to love the same things to have fun together. I mean, imagine if we did. How boring would that be?" Not that boring. Rarity said "When we give each other a chance to share the different things we enjoy, it can be surprisingly wonderful!" You are right. "Too bad we wasted our Day of Fun." I wouldn't be so sure of that. Rainbow said "We still have a little time left! You wanna… go hit the shops? I could actually use your help picking out some new Buckball gear!"

Rarity was excited and said "Do I? But only if you help me choose some Buckball fan attire, so I can cheer for my favorite player at the drop of a fabulous hat." Seems fair enough. Rainbow said "Uh, yeah! Let's go already!" Before they could leave, my scepter powered up and returned to full color. I said "YES! HA HA! My scepter has returned to full color! Because of the both of you, my scepter has been restored to full power and Equestria can be protected once more." Everyone let out a sigh of relief because I could tell they did not want to go through that. I know I sure wouldn't. But now, that doesn't matter. Both of them left and Twilight said to the students "See? Good friends always work through their differences." True on that one. Starlight said "Even if it takes a little help." Yep. But all that matters is that they reconciled and Equestria is protected once more. After the day was over, and the moon was high in the sky, Twilight came out of the school with me waiting right there. I said "Another successful day at school?" Twilight giggled and said "Yeah, for the most part."

We went back to the castle and I headed up to the balcony. Twilight soon followed and asked me "Hey Zach, can I ask you a question?" I turned towards her and said "Yeah. What is it?" Twilight said "How come your scepter wouldn't protect Equestria if part of it only went gray?" Hmm. That's a good question. I said "Well, here's the thing. If the scepter is not at it's full color, then it can't use it's full power. I know 21% is not that much, but it's a really big deal because anyone with an amulet has a chance to overpower the scepter which would be really bad. When the scepter is at it's full power, then nothing can stand against it, so that's why I was so worried because I couldn't allow Equestria to fall again but I knew in the back of my mind, that there was a chance that I couldn't stop it. And if the scepter was part gray, then the other elements wouldn't work because the scepter wasn't at it's full power since it's an Element of Harmony. I know it might sound strange, but that's exactly how it is." Twilight looked at me and said "No, I perfectly understand. It all makes sense. Sure, how you put it sometimes may sound weird, but it's always understandable. So, I'm glad that things turned out well and now Equestria can be safe once more even though I still worry for your safety." I sighed and said "You never change, do you Twilight? It's my royal duty. Yes, I know you don't like it, but that's just what I have to do. It would be like saying I don't like your title as Princess of Friendship. Who am I to say anything about that? Friendship is important in this world and can't be stopped just because one creature has a problem with it."

"It's the same thing with me. Sure, my title is different from yours, but the point is still the same. I can't stop defending Equestria because one pony doesn't like it. It would be stupid of me and if Equestria were to be under attack, all the blame would be put on me, so I have to do what's best even if it means going against what your friends say. Sure, I can get hurt from defending Equestria, but that's the whole point of being part of military defense is to put your life on the line in order to protect others. Even your own brother would agree with me on that one." Twilight sighed and said "I know and you're right. I shouldn't be telling you not to do your job because I don't like it. It's just you're considered very valuable to me and I would never forgive myself if anything were to happen to you. That's why I don't like it. It's not that I don't care about your job, it's just I don't want to lose you." I said "I understand. And that is a very genuine concern. But, here's the thing. As long as I have this power in my scepter, I will be able to defeat anything that harms Equestria and come out unscathed. Everything will be fine. I promise." Twilight came up to me and hugged me. I wrapped my wings around her and returned the hug to comfort her. I promise, as long as I have breath in my lungs and power in my scepter, NOTHING shall stand in my way.

AN: We made it to 50 chapters! I consider it a milestone, but you don't if you don't have to. Since we've reached 50 chapters, I'll be going back and fixing grammatical errors in all 50 chapters because I have noticed some spelling and other grammatical errors in the chapters, so I'll fix that. If you find any errors that I miss, PLEASE, for the love of the Celestia, let me know so that I may fix it. The last thing I want is for people to be confused on the sentences and didn't speak up when they should have. So please let me know if I missed any grammatical errors. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Next Chapter: Yakety-Saxs! When Pinkie gets this new instrument that's popular up north in Yakyakistan, she starts playing it all the time to random ponies and her friends. There is only one problem though: she's not that great at it. Her friends know that she is terrible at it, and keep their mouths shut so that they don't hurt her feelings. However, Zachary knows that he can't hold back forever. So, he tells the truth. Will Pinkie take this news well, or will the friendship between them and the rest of their friends change forever?

Until then, my fellow readers