Chapter 6: Apple and Griffins
At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and her big brother Big Mac, who has a cast around his sides since he got an injury, are looking at the apple orchird. Big Mac had a brilliant amaranth coat, moderate sap green eyes, a brilliant orange mane and tail, his hooves were a light yellowish gray, and his Cutie Mark was a green apple showing the core of it.
Applejack: Boy howdy! I got my work cut out for me. That there is the biggest bumper crop o' apples I ever laid eyes on.
Big Mac: Eeyup. Too big for you to handle on your own.
Applejack: Come on, big brother! You need to rest up and get yourself better. I haven't met an apple orchard yet that I can't handle.
Applejack accidentally touched Big Mac's injury on his body which made him glare at her to stop.
Applejack: Oops, sorry. I'll take a bite out of this job by day's end.
Big Mac: Biting off more than you can chew is just what I'm afraid of.
Applejack: Are you sayin' my mouth is makin' promises my legs can't keep?
Big Mac: Eeyup.
Applejack: Why of all the. . . This is your sister Applejack, remember? The loyalest of friends and the most dependable of ponies?
Big Mac: But still only one pony, and one pony plus hundreds o' apple trees just doesn't add up to. . .
Applejack: Don't you use your fancy mathematics to muddy the issue! I said I could handle this harvest and I'm gonna prove it to you. I'm gonna get every last apple out of those trees this applebuck season all by myself.
Big Mac just sighs and walks away while Applejack gulps at how much apple trees she needs to buck.
Big Mac: (Thoughts) She's definitely in over her head. I better ask for some help. Hmm. . . maybe (Y/N) can help with this year's applebuck season.
(Y/N) was currently in his house practicing some combat magic spells on a test dummy.
(Y/N): Okay, just a bit more practice and I'll probably be able to learn some more advanced spells.
A knock was then heard on (Y/N)'s door.
(Y/N): Who could that be?
(Y/N) goes to his front door and opens to find his friend Big Mac in front of him. He then notices the injury he had around his body.
(Y/N): Hey, Big Mac. . . whoa! What happened to you?
Big Mac: I see you noticed. I got injured recently from stopping a runaway cart from almost running over into a group of foals.
(Y/N): Ouch! Well in a way I guess the injury was worth it.
Big Mac: Eeyup, anyway I came to actually ask you something.
(Y/N): Sure, fire away.
Big Mac: It's applebuck season at Sweet Apple Acres which is harvest time for our family so we harvest all of the apples and get them ready to sell. I can't buck any trees because if I did, then my injury could get worse.
(Y/N): I see. So, you want me to help out?
Big Mac: Eeyup, but there's something you should also know. Applejack is the only one to be able to buck the apples off of the trees since Granny Smith is too old and Apple Bloom is still a little young to help out just yet. Applejack told me that she plans on doing this years applebuck season on her own and I'm afraid she might have bitten off more than she can chew.
(Y/N): Applejack? Against an entire orchid of apples? She's insane.
Big Mac: Eeyup. That's what I told her. So I thought maybe you can convince her to get someone to help her out since your about as strong.
(Y/N): Sure thing Big Mac. Leave it to me.
Big Mac: Thanks (Y/N).
(Y/N) arrived at Sweet Apple Acres and went over to the apple orchid to see the dozens of apple trees that needed to be bucked. (Y/N) had a worried look on his face about Applejack.
(Y/N): She definitely can't do this alone. I better help her out before she hurts herself.
(Y/N) walks around the orchid to find Applejack and he eventually saw her walking through getting ready to get to work.
Applejack: Well I better get kickin'. These apples aren't gonna shake themselves outta the trees.
(Y/N): Hey, Applejack.
Applejack turned around to see (Y/N) which surprised her.
Applejack: (Y/N)? What are you doing here?
(Y/N): Big Mac came to my place and told me that it's applebuck season.
Applejack narrowed her eyes at (Y/N).
Applejack: He did, did he?
(Y/N): Yeah, and he wants me to help you out.
Applejack: No thanks (Y/N). I don't need help from anypony.
(Y/N): Applejack, are you serious? You against hundreds of apples?
Applejack: Don't you go using math against me like Big Mac did! You think I can't do this alone?
(Y/N): Well. . . yes.
Applejack got irritated by (Y/N)'s simple statement.
Applejack: Wha?! Now ya listen here mister. I'm an Apple-
(Y/N): Yes! A fruit I care about very much.
Applejack blushed a little at that statement before shaking it away.
(Y/N): Listen Applejack, both you and I know you can't do this alone. That's why I need to help you out with all of this, so we can get the job done faster.
Applejack: I'm telling you for the last time (Y/N). I don't need help at all.
Applejack turns around and walks off leaving a confused (Y/N).
(Y/N): (Thoughts) Geez, Applejack is as stubborn as a mule. How can I convince her for me to help her. . .
(Y/N) got an idea in his head as he changed his tone to a guilty voice.
(Y/N): Oh, I get it. You think I'm going to be a burden, don't you?
Applejack: Huh?
(Y/N): All I wanted to do was just help out my best friend, but I guess your saying you don't need my help at all as in ever.
Applejack: W-What? N-No, sugarcube ah wasn't saying-
(Y/N): I completely understand, I won't bother you again.
Applejack got a little sad seeing that she hurt (Y/N)'s feelings a little before she decides to swallow her pride in and let (Y/N) help her out.
Applejack: *sighs* Okay, sugarcube. You can help me out.
(Y/N) turns around with a surprised look on his face.
(Y/N): Really?
Applejack: Yeah. I'm sorry if I made you feel like that you weren't important.
(Y/N) then ran and hugged Applejack surprising her before she returned the hug.
(Y/N): Thanks Applejack, your the best!
Applejack: *chuckles* You're welcome. Now how about we both get started taking those apples down from the trees.
(Y/N): Sure thing. But let's make it interesting.
Applejack: Whaddya mean?
(Y/N): Whoever get's the most apples done by this evening wins?
Applejack smiled with a determined look.
Applejack: You're on.
(Y/N): Alright, let's go!
(Y/N) and Applejack both worked hard around the apple orchid for a few hours until a loud rumble made the ground shake confusing (Y/N) while Applejack knew what it was.
(Y/N): What's happening?
Applejack: Stampede! Them cows are heading towards Ponyville.
(Y/N): Oh no! Are you going to take care it?
Applejack: Ya darn tootin'. (Y/N) stay here and continuing harvesting the apples while ah take care of the stampede.
(Y/N): Sure thing. Leave it to me.
Applejack: *whistles* Winona!
A dog then barks and runs up to Applejack that was brown and white with a red collar around it's neck. This was Applejack's pet and work dog, Winona.
Applejack: Come on girl, we got a stampede to round up.
Winona: *barks*
Applejack: Ah see ya in a little bit (Y/N).
(Y/N): Alright then, be careful Applejack.
Applejack: Don't worry, this won't be a problem.
Applejack and Winona then run off to contain the stampede of cows that were heading towards Ponyville and (Y/N) stays behind to continue harvesting the apples in the orchid.
By the time it was evening, Applejack and (Y/N) were finished with harvesting all of the apple trees. Applejack ended up winning the little competition they had since (Y/N) wanted to be fair and he didn't use his magic to cheat by getting multiple trees at once. They were both now sitting at a picnic table resting from all of the hard work they did.
Applejack: Land sakes! That was sure pretty rough.
(Y/N): Yeah it was.
Applejack: I'm glad ya came to help me out (Y/N). You were right about me not being able to do all this alone.
(Y/N): I'm always happy to help Applejack. Besides, it wasn't just about the farm, it was also about you too.
Applejack: Huh? Whaddya mean?
(Y/N): I was actually really worried that if you did this all on your own, then you would probably hurt yourself or maybe worse. That's another reason why I wanted to help out.
Applejack: (Thoughts) He was worried about me?!
Applejack blushes a little before hugging (Y/N) which he returned.
Applejack: Thanks a lot (Y/N). Ah don't know what ah would do without you around.
(Y/N): It's no problem at all Applejack. I'm always there to help my friends no matter what. Say, how about we invite the others to drink some apple cider with us tomorrow?
Applejack: That sounds like a great idea, (Y/N).
(Y/N) then get's off of the picnic table ready to go home.
(Y/N): Well, I'm going to head home now. I'll see you tomorrow, Applejack.
Applejack: Hey wait a sec, (Y/N). Before you go I want to give ya something real quick.
(Y/N): What is it?
Applejack blushes as she walks up to (Y/N) and did something that he wasn't expecting at all. . . Applejack gave (Y/N) a kiss on his cheek. He blushes profusely when she did that.
Applejack: That's for helping me out, today. I'll see ya tomorrow (Y/N).
(Y/N): M-Me too. Bye, Applejack.
(Y/N) then flies off back to his house, but he couldn't stop thinking about the kiss Applejack gave to him.
(Y/N): (Thoughts) That. . . kiss Applejack gave me. . . was something. Does she like me?
Afterwards, it was nighttime and (Y/N) doze off to bed while thinking a little bit of Applejack. The next day went on as planned as at first Applejack was rewarded for stopping the stampede which everypony of Ponyville cheered for her and then in the afternoon, the Mane 7 spent their afternoon at Sweet Apple Acres eating delicious apple-themed foods or drinking apple cider.
One week later. . .
(Y/N) was walking through Ponyville until he saw Twilight and went up to her.
(Y/N): Hey Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: Oh hey (Y/N). How's it going?
(Y/N): Nothing changed, but the weather you know?
Twilight raised an eyebrow at (Y/N)'s metaphor.
(Y/N): Sorry, I just wanted to say something besides nothing much. You get it don't you?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, yeah you're right. Most ponies do say that.
(Y/N): Anyways, how are you doing Twilight?
Twilight Sparkle: I'm doing fine. I'm currently heading towards the bookstore. There are actually some new books there I want to check out.
(Y/N): Mind if I come along? Now that I think about it, I also need to get some more spell books.
Twilight Sparkle: Not at all. Follow me.
(Y/N) and Twilight were now heading towards the Ponyville bookstore and as they both do, Pinkie Pie appears asking anypony if they've seen Rainbow Dash anywhere.
Pinkie Pie: Hey (Y/N), hey Twilight, have either of you seen Rainbow Dash anywhere?
(Y/N): Rainbow Dash?
Twilight Sparkle: Isn't she right up there?
Twilight points up and they all see a familiar rainbow tail sticking out of a cloud.
Pinkie Pie: Rainbow Dash!
Rainbow Dash heard Pinkie's voice as she looked around panicking before flying off in a hurry with a rainbow streak behind her. Pinkie then happily hops off following Rainbow Dash.
Twilight Sparkle: I wonder what Pinkie could want with Rainbow Dash.
(Y/N): Who knows? But if Rainbow Dash is trying to hide from Pinkie, then she's going to fail big time.
Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean?
(Y/N): Pinkie's a master at hide and seek knowing what she can do with surprise parties. So she can most likely find Rainbow Dash anywhere.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, despite Pinkie's randomness, how about we go in and buy our books together.
(Y/N): Sure thing.
Later in the day, (Y/N) was still walking through Ponyville until he saw Rainbow Dash moving a cloud above a building's entrance while Pinkie was looking through a window.
(Y/N): What are those two up too?
(Y/N) then sees Spike exit the building carrying a heap of scrolls in his arms while humming to himself. Pinkie then gives a signal to Rainbow Dash who kicks the cloud and loud clash of thunder came out of it. The loud sound startled Spike which led him to getting the hiccups and this made (Y/N), Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie laugh.
Pinkie Pie: Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Spike into getting the hiccups.
(Y/N): *laughs* That was a great prank. Pinkie, never change.
Pinkie Pie: Thanks (Y/N).
Spike: *chuckles* Good one, Pinkie *hiccup* Pie. *hiccup* You're always pulling a fast one *hiccup* on me.
Spike then tried to pick a scroll he dropped, but he accidentally hiccuped which made him breathe out his magic fire and sent it to Princess Celestia.
Pinkie Pie: Oh no, you're not hurt are you?
Spike: Neh. *hiccup* don't be *hiccup* silly, dragons are *hiccup* fire-proof.
Pinkie Pie: Oh, okay, good.
Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and (Y/N) started laughing again while Spike continued to try to pick up the dropped scrolls, but he ended up sending all of them to Princess Celestia.
Spike: I wish the same thing *hiccup* were true with scrolls.
As we speak of Princess Celestia, she now has a pile of scrolls that dropped all around her in Canterlot. But anyways, back with the others.
Pinkie Pie: Have you ever seen anything more hilarious? *laughs*
(Y/N) then get's a smug look on his face before facing Rainbow Dash.
(Y/N): I can think of one thing. Hey Dash.
(Y/N) gestured for Rainbow Dash to kick the cloud again which she did and it scared Pinkie which she then got the hiccups too and started laughing again. (Y/N) laughed harder than he did the last time while Rainbow Dash smiled and flew down towards the two.
Rainbow Dash: I didn't take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie: Are you *hiccup* kidding? *hiccup* I love to pull pranks. It's all *hiccup* in good fun, and Pinkie Pie *hiccup* loves to have *hiccup* fun!
Rainbow Dash: You know Pinkie Pie, you're not as annoying as I thought. You wanna hang out.
Pinkie Pie: *hiccup* That'd be *hiccup* I'd really *hiccup* When do *hiccup* I mean *hiccup* When would you *hiccup*
Pinkie's hiccups made her bounce all over the place until (Y/N) decided to stop her.
(Y/N): Calm down there Pinkie.
Rainbow Dash: And a simple nod will do.
Pinkie Pie: Mmm-hmm.
(Y/N): You two can count me in as well. I'd love to pull some pranks on our friends.
Rainbow Dash: Well then, welcome to the club (Y/N).
Pinkie Pie: Let's get to pranking.
(Y/N), Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie went to the joke store and bought a few items for some pranks and decided to prank the other members of the Mane 6, starting with Rarity. They put a bouquet of flowers at the doorstep of Carousel Boutique while hiding behind some bushes.
Rainbow Dash: Is she even home?
(Y/N): Beats me. I hope so.
Pinkie Pie: This is gonna be gold!
The front door to Carousel Boutique opened and Rarity looks around to see no one is around before she looks down to see the bouquet of flowers on her doorstep. Rarity sniffs the flowers before a powder got on her nose and she started sneezing uncontrollably.
(Y/N): Bless you!
Rarity turns to see (Y/N), Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash who is holding a can of sneeze powder laughing. (Y/N) and Rainbow Dash run off dropping the can of sneeze powder which lands and spreads to Pinkie who accidentally sniffs it and sneezes as well which sends her flying. Rarity just gives out a smirk at the prank that they did.
In the Golden Oak Library, Twilight is experimenting with some chemicals and while she is focusing on the chemicals, Rainbow Dash quickly snuck in and poured some invisible ink into Twilight's ink and quickly got out. Twilight then turned around and used her quill to write down some data on a scroll before returning to her work, but when she turned back to check on the previous data she wrote down, everything she wrote down was gone and while she was too busy being shocked, she didn't pay attention to her chemicals which made a tiny explosion that barely did any damage.
(Y/N): You can't read what you can't see!
Twilight heard (Y/N)'s voice as she looks out to see him, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie laughing as she see Rainbow Dash holding a bottle of invisible ink. Twilight just smirks and rolls her eyes at the prank.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack is bringing out a cart from the barn when she froze stunned at what she saw next. All of the apples in the orchid have been changed into various colors and patterns.
Applejack: Land sakes!
(Y/N): It's a work of art, isn't it Applejack?
Applejack turns to see (Y/N), Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash wearing berets and holding a palette of paint and paintbrushes. She then throws a bunch of apples at them making the three run off, but when Applejack threw one that landed in a barrel of water, she noticed that the apple was painted on as the paint washed off and the apple returned to it's normal color. Applejack then chuckles with a nervous smile as she realized that it was a joke.
At a pond, Fluttershy is feeding the animals, although one of them was a fake turtle with a hidden hose in it connecting all the way to the other side of the pond and behind some bushes are (Y/N), Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash.
Pinkie Pie: Is someone over there? Who're we gonna squirt? Who're we gonna squirt?
Rainbow Dash: *chuckles* Fluttershy.
(Y/N): Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Let me stop you right there, Dash. Fluttershy cannot handle a prank, she's too sensitive even if it's not meant to hurt her directly.
Pinkie Pie: (Y/N)'s right. We can't prank Fluttershy. It'll hurt her feelings.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, you're right. Huh. We need another victim who's made of tougher stuff. So, who's it gonna be?
(Y/N) and Pinkie looked at each other before snickering to each other making Rainbow Dash look at both of them.
Pinkie Pie: Oh, we've got someone in mind.
(Y/N): Yeah. *chuckles* The toughest around.
Rainbow Dash: Oh, awesome! Who? Who? Do I know them?
(Y/N): *chuckles* Yep. Look at the pond.
Pinkie Pie: *giggles* You're very close.
Rainbow Dash does just that as she sees a circle of ink around her eye and she just chuckles at the two as they both broke out with laughter.
Rainbow Dash: Good one, you two.
Rainbow Dash held her hoof out for a hoof bump which Pinkie kept trying to take, but Rainbow Dash pulled it away at each of her attempts. However, when Rainbow Dash held her hoof out one more time, (Y/N) takes it instead and he laughs.
(Y/N): Gotcha!
The three of them laugh as Fluttershy was inspecting the fake turtle while the sun went down.
The next day, Pinkie Pie is walking to Rainbow Dash's house while wearing funny glasses, a fake arrow, a fake mustache, a clown nose, and she is blowing a party horn. She eventually arrives at Rainbow Dash's house and calls out to her.
Pinkie Pie: Rise and shine Rainbow Dash! It's a brand new day and we got a lot of pranking to-
Pinkie then stops midsentence when she sees a birdlike stranger looking down at her. Rainbow Dash then steps out of her house and sees Pinkie on the ground.
Rainbow Dash: Mornin' Pinks.
Rainbow Dash flies down to see Pinkie along with the other creature.
The creature looked half eagle and half lion with her eagle head covered in white feathers, yellow talons, and large brown feathers.
Rainbow Dash: Gilda, this is my gal pal, Pinkie Pie.
Gilda: Hey. What's up?
Rainbow Dash: Pinkie, this is my griffon friend, Gilda.
Pinkie Pie: What's a griffon?
Rainbow Dash: She's half-eagle, half-lion.
Gilda: And all awesome.
Gilda then pulled Rainbow Dash for a quick hug and they both hoof bumped.
Rainbow Dash: Gilda's my best friend from my days at Junior Speedster flight camp. Hey, remember the chant?
Gilda: Sha, they made us recite it every morning, I'll never get that lame thing out of my head.
Rainbow Dash: Sooo. . .
Gilda: Ugh. Only for you, Dash.
Rainbow Dash and Gilda flew up into the air and started to say their chant which Gilda wasn't as enthusiastic about.
Rainbow Dash and Gilda: Junior Speedsters are our lives, Sky-bound soars and daring dives
Junior Speedsters, it's our quest, To someday be the very best!
Pinkie Pie: *laughs* Oh that was awesome, and it gave me a great idea for a prank. Gilda, you game?
Gilda: Huh. Well, I groove on a good prank as much as the next griffon. But Dash, you promised me we'd get a flying session in this morning.
Gilda flew back up into the air while Rainbow Dash gave an apologetic look to Pinkie.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, uh, well, Pinkie Pie, you don't mind, do you? Gilda just got here. We'll catch up with you later.
Pinkie Pie: But what about (Y/N)?
Rainbow Dash: Tell him the same thing. I'll see you later.
Pinkie Pie: Oh. Um, well sure, no problem. Have fun you guys, I'll, uh, just catch up with you. . . *sighs* later.
(Y/N) then appears as he flies down next to Pinkie.
(Y/N): Sorry, if I was late Pinkie. There were a couple of errands I had to make before coming.
Pinkie Pie: It's okay (Y/N). You're not late.
(Y/N): So where's Rainbow Dash?
Pinkie Pie: She's with her griffon friend named Gilda. Apparently they've been friends ever since flight camp and Rainbow Dash said she'll hang out with us later.
(Y/N) then walks up to Pinkie and puts a hoof around her.
(Y/N): Well in that case, how about you and I can get some morning pastries together while we wait.
Pinkie Pie blushed a little when she was close to (Y/N) until she got excited by his offer as she smiles.
Pinkie Pie: Sure (Y/N). I'd love to go for a cupcake right now.
A little while later, Pinkie told (Y/N) she was going to fetch Rainbow Dash since it's been hours ever since she said earlier that they would hang out later. Rainbow Dash and Gilda were flying through town while performing loops in the air until they land on a cloud to rest and laugh.
Gilda: Whoa, that was sweet. Just like old times.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, only faster. So now what?
Suddenly, Pinkie's head popped through the could, surprising Rainbow Dash and Gilda.
Pinkie Pie: Hey there.
Rainbow Dash and Gilda: Huh?
Pinkie Pie: It's later. And I caught up.
Apparently, Pinkie is using a trampoline to bounce up and down to reach the two on the cloud. Rainbow Dash just chuckles at Pinkie.
Rainbow Dash: Pinkie Pie, you are so random.
Gilda however was annoyed that Pinkie showed up.
Gilda: Hey Dash, think you got enough gas left to beat me to that cloud?
Rainbow Dash: A race? You are so on.
Gilda: One, two, three, GO!
Pinkie Pie: Hey!
Rainbow Dash and Gilda race and pass through the cloud that they were approaching to.
Rainbow Dash: I win!
Gilda: As if. I won, dude.
Rainbow Dash: No way.
Gilda: Yes way.
Both of them started to argue until Pinkie had risen up to them with dozens of balloons tied around her waist to carry her up.
Pinkie Pie: Wow guys, that was really close, but I think Rainbow Dash beat you by a teeny weeny itty bitty hair, or a teeny weeny itty bitty feather.
Rainbow Dash: Hah, see? Good thing Pinkie Pie's here to keep you honest, G.
Gilda wasn't amused at that as she decides to try to get Rainbow Dash away from Pinkie again.
Gilda: Okay... Dash, last one to that cloud up there is a gnarly dragon egg. Go!
Rainbow Dash then took off, but Gilda stayed behind and glares at Pinkie.
Gilda: I think the high altitude is making you dizzy.
Gilda uses her talons to pop a few of the balloons, making Pinkie descend to the ground.
Pinkie Pie: Wait guys!
Gilda landed on the cloud next to Rainbow Dash but didn't expect to see Pinkie again who shows up riding a flying contraption.
Pinkie Pie: Oh wow, you guys almost got away from me that time.
Gilda got even more annoyed by Pinkie and turns to Rainbow Dash.
Gilda: So, Dash, got any new moves in your tricktionary, or are you 100% old school?
Rainbow Dash: New moves? Heh, sit back G, this is gonna take a while.
Rainbow Dash then flies off as Gilda glares at Pinkie.
Gilda: Hey Pinkie, c'mere.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah?
Gilda then got closer to Pinkie and grabs her flying contraption while glaring deep down at her.
Gilda: Don't you know how to take get lost for an answer? Dash doesn't need to hang with a dweeb like you now that I'm around. You're dorkin' up the skies, Stinkie Pie, so make like a bee and BUZZ OFF!
Glida stops the helicopter part of Pinkie's vehicle, making it spin out of control with and plummet to the ground with the pink party mare in it as Rainbow Dash returns to her.
Rainbow Dash: Try matching that. Hey, where's Pinkie Pie and her crazy contraption?
Gilda: Eh, she left. Something about being as busy as a bee.
Meanwhile, (Y/N) was flying through Ponyville patrolling the town until he heard a scream and he turned around to see Pinkie in her vehicle about to crash to the ground.
(Y/N): Pinkie!
(Y/N) flew as fast as he could and he caught Pinkie before she could crash to the ground. He then landed on the ground while holding Pinkie in his hooves. Pinkie was surprised by the sudden save as she was blushing being close to (Y/N).
(Y/N): That was close. Are you alright, Pinkie?
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks (Y/N), but how did you know I was in trouble?
(Y/N): I was actually flying around Ponyville keeping an eye for anything unusual and I saw you about to plummet to the ground, so I rushed to save you.
Pinkie Pie: Aw, that's so sweet of you (Y/N).
Pinkie snuggled onto (Y/N)'s chest making him blush slightly before setting Pinkie down.
(Y/N): I-It's not a problem at all Pinkie. Anyways, what happened?
Pinkie Pie: Rainbow Dash's griffon friend is what happened.
Pinkie said this as she pouted a little.
(Y/N): Really? She did this?
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, she kept stealing Rainbow Dash away, she popped my balloons, and she told me to buzz off. I've never met a griffon this mean.
(Y/N): This may sound a bit contradictory to myself, but have you even met a griffon?
Pinkie Pie: Well. . . no. But if I did, she wouldn't have been as mean and grumpy as Gilda.
(Y/N): I see. Let's go somewhere where we can both sit down and talk about this.
Both (Y/N) and Pinkie were at Sugarcube Corner and (Y/N) was reading a book about some of Equestria's races while Pinkie was drinking a milkshake.
(Y/N): Okay, so I've read a little bit about griffons in this book and apparently griffons are known to be independent and greedy and they only offer their services in exchange for bits.
Pinkie Pie: Really?
(Y/N): Yeah, that could explain why Gilda is probably more hostile than you originally thought, but I'm sure if she's friends with Rainbow Dash, she can't be all that bad.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah. I guess your right.
Pinkie said this with a bit of a sad expression which confused (Y/N).
(Y/N): Pinkie, what's the matter?
Pinkie Pie: Well, the way you said that and the more I think about it. I was kind of getting in the way of them having fun with each other. Now I feel bad, and I feel like that I was a bit jealous.
(Y/N): Pinkie.
(Y/N) scooted over next to Pinkie and wrapped her around in a one-hoove hug.
(Y/N): Sure, maybe you were a bit jealous, but don't worry, jealousy is normal for everypony. Besides, I don't want you to feel down just because of a mistake you made. I want Pinkie Pie to be Pinkie Pie, the one that makes all of us laugh and smile is the Pinkie we all know and love. So, don't worry you don't to change your attitude at all.
(Y/N) words made Pinkie smile and blush a little as she went back to drinking her milkshake in a happy mood while leaning onto (Y/N) which he didn't mind. A few minutes later, however Pinkie saw something up in the sky which made her hide under the table and (Y/N) was confused by this until Pinkie pointed to the sky where (Y/N) looks at to see Rainbow Dash and Gilda land on the ground nearby.
(Y/N): So that's Gilda you were talking about, Pinkie?
Pinkie Pie: Yep. The exact one.
Rainbow Dash: *laughs* That was sweet. Ugh, I gotta take care of a few weather jobs around here. Shouldn't take long. Just, uh, hang out in town and I'll come find ya.
Gilda: That's cool, I guess. I'm gonna go chow down.
Rainbow Dash: Later.
Rainbow Dash flies off and both (Y/N) and Pinkie were keeping an eye on Gilda. Gilda then notices a produce stand that sells fruits and vegetables and sees Granny Smith looking through the produce which gives Gilda an idea and makes her have a devilish grin.
Gilda sneaks behind the produce stand and had her tail poke out of the produce, looking like a snake which frightened Granny Smith.
Granny Smith: Aaah! A rattler, a rattler! Run for the hills! Everybody forsake yourselves!
Gilda laughs at her prank before looking at the produce.
Gilda: This stuff ain't fresh dude.
She tells this to the sales-pony who runs the produce stand and they felt offended by that.
Pinkie Pie: Aw, poor Granny Smith, she didn't know it was a joke! How mean!
(Y/N): Great. How are we suppose to tell Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac about that?
Pinkie Pie: Well. . . It was kind of a funny prank, I guess.
(Y/N): Maybe, but still I feel like she should've told her that it was a prank before walking away.
(Y/N) and Pinkie then watch Gilda use her tail to steal an apple from another produce stand while no pony was looking and ate it which made both (Y/N) and Pinkie gasp in shock.
Pinkie Pie: *gasps* She's not only a meanie mean-pants, she's also a thief!
Pinkie said this a little angry before shaking it away.
Pinkie Pie: No, no, no, no, no, she might give it back. It's just a joke.
(Y/N) raised his eyebrow at that statement.
(Y/N): How is she suppose to give that back from her stomach?
(Y/N) and Pinkie then notice Fluttershy walk by while guiding a mother and father ducks and their ducklings through town.
Fluttershy: All right little ones, this way, this way. Mama duck, you're free and clear.
Fluttershy walks backwards to keep an eye on the ducks so they would follow her, but she failed to notice Gilda behind her and accidentally bumps into the griffon and looks at her.
Gilda: Hey!
Fluttershy: Please, excuse me.
Gilda: I'm walkin' here.
Fluttershy: Oh, um, I'm sorry. I-I-I was just trying to. . .
Gilda: *mocking* I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Why don't you just watch where you're going, doofus?
(Y/N) was shocked by Gilda's attitude towards Fluttershy before he got an angry look.
(Y/N): (Thoughts) Okay! That's the last straw! No one picks on any of my friends! Especially not Fluttershy!
(Y/N) then flies in between the two and glares at Gilda.
(Y/N): HEY! Leave her alone!
Gilda: And who the heck are you?
(Y/N): A friend of hers! She said she was sorry, so leave Fluttershy alone!
Gilda: *scoffs* Or else what?
(Y/N): You're going to wish you never asked that.
(Y/N) spread his wings out and made his horn glow both shocking and scaring Gilda a little bit.
Gilda: F-Fine. I didn't want to bother her anyways. *mumbles* Stupid ponies.
Gilda then flies away off to somewhere else and (Y/N) retracted his wings and stopped his horn glowing. Ponies around Ponyville then started clapping for (Y/N) which made him smile before turning to Fluttershy.
(Y/N): Fluttershy, are you okay?
Fluttershy said nothing as she just quickly hugs (Y/N) tight while sobbing a little and (Y/N) returns the hug.
Fluttershy: Th-Thank you (Y/N).
(Y/N): You're welcome Fluttershy. Don't worry I won't let anybody hurt your feelings like that again.
Pinkie then walks up to both of them.
Pinkie Pie: That was amazing (Y/N)!
(Y/N): It wasn't a problem. Anyways though, I guess we misjudged Gilda.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, she's a grump, a thief, and a bully! The meanest kind of mean meanie-pants there is! This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style!
(Y/N): What do you mean? What do you have in mind?
Pinkie Pie: Isn't it obvious? I'm going to throw her a PARTY!
(Y/N) and Fluttershy looked at each other confused before looking back at Pinkie.
(Y/N): How is a party supposed to work?
Pinkie Pie: We've just got to change Gilda's attitude right? What's more better to make anyone happy than a party?!
(Y/N): I. . . guess it could work. What do you think Fluttershy?
Fluttershy: I don't know. She seemed very mean, I don't know if she'll even be nice to others.
(Y/N): Still, it wouldn't hurt to try? Okay then Pinkie, when's the party?
Pinkie Pie: Yay! It'll be at Sugarcube Corner later. I'll go tell Rainbow Dash about it.
Pinkie then runs off to go and find Rainbow Dash leaving (Y/N) with Fluttershy.
(Y/N): Do you want me help with the ducks you who guiding earlier Fluttershy?
Fluttershy just blushes and nods and they both do that to buy some time before the party is ready for Gilda.
Later in the afternoon, the party was ready as Pinkie is seen welcoming guests coming into the door of Sugarcube Corner for Gilda's welcoming party. Two of those guests include Applejack and Rarity who are talking together.
Applejack: Who's this Gilda I've heard nothing about?
Rarity: I hear she's an old friend of Rainbow Dash. A griffon, so rare.
Meanwhile, (Y/N), Fluttershy, and Twilight were talking to each other.
Twilight Sparkle: So I've heard that Gilda's a long time friend of Rainbow Dash right? What's she like?
Fluttershy and (Y/N) both looked at each other with conflicted looks before looking back at Twilight.
(Y/N): I'll be blunt. She's kind of a self-absorbed griffon. She was kind of mean to Fluttershy earlier.
Twilight Sparkle: Really?! Is that true Fluttershy?
Fluttershy: Yes. But (Y/N) stepped in and stood up for me before Gilda could do anything else.
(Y/N): If you want more details then you should ask Pinkie.
Pinkie then appeared up on the ceiling out of nowhere hanging on it like a bat while facing Twilight.
Pinkie Pie: Yep, everything (Y/N) said is true. Which is why I thought that we should throw this party for her to make her a nicer griffon.
Twilight Sparkle: Does Rainbow Dash know about any of this?
Pinkie Pie: I don't know, but she's here to help with the party and (Y/N), Rainbow Dash said she wants to talk with you.
(Y/N): Alright then, I'll be right back.
(Y/N) walked through the bakery to Rainbow Dash and she's that she has a not so happy look on her face.
Rainbow Dash: Care to explain?
(Y/N): Explain what?
Rainbow Dash got a little angry at that question.
Rainbow Dash: You know what I mean! Gilda told me that an alicorn stallion was giving her trouble at the market earlier.
(Y/N): What? Okay let me explain-
Rainbow Dash: I don't want to hear it! Gilda's my friend from childhood and she's been through a tough time after hearing how much you were a bully to her earlier.
(Y/N): Me? Bully? Dash, you know I would never bully anybody?
Rainbow Dash: Then, what? Gilda lied about everything that she said about you picking on her earlier.
(Y/N): Pretty much.
Rainbow Dash glares at (Y/N) and she thought for a second before she just sighs.
Rainbow Dash: Fine! Let's see how this plays out. If you are lying, I'm not going to ever forgive you or even forget that my new friend is nothing, but a bully to my other friends.
(Y/N): Trust me, I would never lie to you about something like this.
Rainbow Dash: Hmph. We'll see about that.
Then Pinkie yelled that Gilda arrived which got both of (Y/N)'s and Rainbow Dash's attention.
Pinkie Pie: Gilda! I'm so honored to throw you one of my signature Pinkie Pie parties, and I really, truly, sincerely, hope you feel welcome here amongst all us pony folk.
Pinkie held her hoof out to greet Gilda which she reluctantly took and as she did she felt a shock in her body and fell to the floor. Pinkie had just pranked Gilda by using a shake-buzzer on her hoof.
Rainbow Dash: *laughs* Oh Pinkie Pie, the old hoof-shake buzzer. You are a scream.
Gilda: Yeah. *chuckles nervously* Uh, good one, Pinkie Pie.
Rainbow Dash: Come on G, I'll introduce you to some of my other friends.
Gilda: Right behind you, Dash!
Gilda then glares at Pinkie Pie.
Gilda: I know what you're up to.
Pinkie Pie: Great.
Gilda: Rrrh. I know what you're planning.
Pinkie Pie: *giggles* Well, I hope so. This wasn't supposed to be a surprise party.
Gilda: I mean, I've got my eye on you.
Pinkie then get's up to Gilda's face which surprises her.
Pinkie Pie: And I got my eye on you. Everyone, I'd like you all to meet Gilda, a long-time, dear friend of Rainbow Dash. Let's honor her and welcome her to Ponyville.
Everypony cheers except for (Y/N) as he's reluctant to accept Gilda to Ponyville just yet. Pinkie then introduces Gilda to the food table which had some lemon drops.
Pinkie Pie: Please help yourself.
Gilda: Vanilla lemon drops. Don't mind if I do.
Gilda eats one of the lemon drops and she then felt something burning inside of her mouth as she breathes a stream of fire and Pinkie roasts a marshmallow on it.
Gilda: HOT!
Rainbow Dash: G, the punch!
Gilda runs over to try to drink some of the fruit punch in the glasses, but as she does the punch spills all over her instead as she drank out of a dribble cup. Everypony in the room laughs at the funny prank.
Pinkie Pie: Well, whaddya know, pepper in the vanilla lemon drops, and the punch served in a dribble glass!
Rainbow Dash: Ha! Priceless, priceless *laughs*
Gilda then drinks out of a normal cup to cure the spiciness of the pepper and she rolls her eyes.
Gilda: *sarcastically* Yeah, hilarious.
(Y/N): (Thoughts) Was that sarcasm in her voice.
Rainbow Dash: Hey G, look! Presents!
Gilda runs over and smiles at all of the presents laid out for her. She opened one of them and a bunch of spitting snakes came out of it bewildering Gilda while everypony else laughs.
Applejack: Spittin' snakes. Hah, somepony pulled that prank on me last month.
Gilda: Ha ha. I bet I know who that was.
Pinkie Pie: You do?
Later as everypony was chatting across the room, Pinkie came back with a cake.
Pinkie Pie: Cake time everypony!
Spike: Hey, can I blow out the candles?
Twilight Sparkle: Why don't we let Gilda blow out the candles, Spike?
(Y/N): Yeah, she is the guest of honor here after all.
Gilda then elbows both (Y/N) and Spike to the side and smirks.
Gilda: Exactly!
(Y/N) get's up off the ground and glares at Gilda.
(Y/N): *sarcastically* Ow!
(Y/N) then turns to Rainbow Dash frowning while she just shrugs her shoulders. Gilda then inhales and blows hard to try to blow out the candles, but they were relighted instantly which confused Gilda so she tries to blow out the candles again. The candles were relighted once again as everypony laughs at the prank. Gilda tried over and over to blow out the candles, but they wouldn't stay permanently blown.
Spike: *laughs* Re-lighting birthday candles, I love that prank! What a classic.
Pinkie Pie: Now, I wonder who could've done that.
Gilda: *sarcastically* Yeah, I wonder.
Spike: Mmm, who cares.
Spike digs inside the cake and bursts of the top of it munching on it.
Spike: This cake is amazing.
Twilight Sparkle: Spike!
Spike: What? It's great, try some.
Gilda just had an angry look on her face as Rainbow Dash approaches her.
Rainbow Dash: Hey G, you're not upset about some silly candles, are you?
Gilda: No way, Dash. Like I said, I'm down with a good prank.
Rainbow Dash: Come on then, let's have some cake.
(Y/N): Psst.
Rainbow Dash turns to (Y/N) and walks over to him.
(Y/N): I'm telling you, she's not liking this at all.
Rainbow Dash: Oh, please. She's just trying to adapt to how us ponies are.
Applejack: Hey y'all, it's pin the tail on the pony. Let's play.
Rarity: Oh, my favorite game. Can I go first? Can I have the purple tail?
When Rarity was about to pick up the purple tail, Gilda snatches it away.
Gilda: Well, I am the guest of honor, and I'll have the purple tail.
Pinkie Pie: Yeah, Gilda should definitely go first. Let's get you blindfolded.
Spike then proceeds to put a blindfold Gilda blinding her vision.
Gilda: Hey what, ugh, what are you doing? Rrrah!
Pinkie then spins Gilda around quickly until she stops and Pinkie guides her towards the poster.
Pinkie Pie: We're spinning you around and around and then you can pin the tail on the pony. Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail.
Gilda: *mocking* Now just walk straight ahead and pin the tail. Hmph, yeah, right. This is another prank, isn't it? I'm going this way.
Gilda walks in the opposite direction Pinkie was guiding her.
Pinkie Pie: Wait. The poster is this-
Gilda then slips a piece of cake that was on the floor and crashes into another room while yelling. Gilda recovered from her fall and when she came out of the room, the tail that she had ended up on her face like a mustache.
Pinkie Pie: Uh, Gilda? You pinned the tail on the wrong end.
Everypony laughs including (Y/N) who was cracking up from it. Gilda was shocked and angered by this as that was the last straw and she let's out a huge roar which startles everypony.
Gilda: This is your idea of a good time? I've never met a lamer bunch of dweebs in all my life! And Pinkie Pie, you! You are queen lame-o with your weak little party pranks! Did you really think you could make me lose my cool? And it not just you who a lame-o!
Gilda then glares at (Y/N) who just looked at Gilda with the same glare as well.
Gilda: I thought I recognized you! You're that lame-o that humiliated me earlier making me look all weak and not cool at all! Well newsflash here, Dash and I have ten times as much cool as the rest of you put together! Come on Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene.
Rainbow Dash doesn't follow Gilda as she just glares at her.
Gilda: Come on, Rainbow Dash! I said, we're leaving.
Rainbow Dash: You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party.
When Rainbow Dash revealed this, (Y/N) was surprised at this.
(Y/N): You set up all of the pranks?!
Rainbow Dash: Yep, you got it! So Gilda, I guess I'm queen lame-o.
Gilda: Come on, Dash, you're joshing me.
Rainbow Dash: They weren't all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off.
Pinkie Pie: I should've known, that dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it.
Gilda: No way, i-it was Pinkie Pie! She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me.
Pinkie Pie: Me? I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down.
Rainbow Dash: And you sure didn't need any help making a fool of yourself. You know, this is not how I thought my old friends would treat my new friends. And another thing, you lied to me when you said that my friend (Y/N) here picked on you earlier.
(Y/N) smiled at Rainbow Dash and she smiled back at him.
Rainbow Dash: If I know him, he never ever bullies any of my friends, he makes them feel better like Pinkie Pie does! If being cool is all you care about, maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else.
Gilda growled at this and she glares at Rainbow Dash for renouncing her as a friend.
Gilda: Rrgh. . . yeah? Well you, you. . . you are such a, a flip-flop, cool one minute and lame the next. When you decide not to be lame anymore, gimme a call.
Gilda storms out of Sugarcube Corner closing the door behind her.
Rainbow Dash: Not cool.
Spike: Wow, talk about a party pooper.
Twilight Sparkle: Wow, what was that about?
Many of the ponies talked amongst themselves about the situation they just saw.
Rainbow Dash: I'm sorry everypony, for bringing Gilda here. I didn't know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie, I'm really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her.
Pinkie Pie: Hey, if you want to hang out with party poopers, that's your business.
Rainbow Dash: I'd rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?
Pinkie Pie: No hard feelings.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie tried to shake each other hooves, but they both fell for the same prank they had to each other as they both had hoof-shake buzzers. They then both laugh before Rainbow Dash walks up to (Y/N) with a look of guilt on her face.
Rainbow Dash: I'm sorry I accused you of being a bully (Y/N). You were definitely right about Gilda all along.
(Y/N) then hugs Rainbow Dash which surprises her as she blushes and returns it.
(Y/N): It would take more than just a dumb accusation to lose me as your friend Dash. I'm glad you would rather stay with us than Gilda.
Rainbow Dash: Me too.
Once they both break the hug, Twilight approaches them.
Twilight Sparkle: You two think Princess Celestia should know about this?
(Y/N): Definitely, right it down Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: Dearest Princess Celestia, Today I learned that it's hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who's not so nice. Though it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who's true will surely come to light. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
Meanwhile in Canterlot. . .
Princess Celestia was sitting on a rug reading what Twilight wrote to her before preparing to send a letter back as she got some ink and a quill.
Princess Celestia: Dear Twilight Sparkle, my most faithful student. . .
Princess Celestia then noticed that she accidentally used some invisible ink as she chuckles.
Princess Celestia: Oh! Heh, wrong ink.
Chapter 6 End.