This is the 6th chapter. I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
The Ticket Master
One morning at Sweet Apple Acres, Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and Comet Stardust were helping Applejack out on the farm. Though, it was Comet's first time picking up apples and bucking the apple trees since he's not used to the farm work, but he got help from Mario and Applejack since they're teaching him. Twilight also got him to practice more of levitation magic since he can gather more than one apple. Spike however, was simply enjoying a comfy ride along Twilight's back, entertaining himself by separating the apples.
"No, nope, nope..." Spike muttered, tossing the apples from Twilight's basket.
"Thank you kindly, Twilight, Mario, and Comet, for helpin' me out." Applejack thanked them. "Ah bet Big Macintosh that Ah could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If Ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one Granny's girdles."
Hearing that idea made Applejack chuckle, also Mario cracked up as he pictured his brother walking around town in one of Granny's girdles played in his head. He's been through some family squabbles from time-to-time at Sweet Apple Acres, and not to get in the middle of it while keeping his siblings out of trouble. But he also smacks them in the head for the most part whenever he's annoyed, or things got out of hoof.
"Boy, I'll tell you what." Mario chuckled. "I'd pay every bit in my saddlebag to see that."
"Why would you made a bet?" Comet asks curiously, earned Applejacks attention.
"It's just for the fun of it, sugarcube." Applejack said with a smile. "We usually get into a scuffle, but we settle it by bettin'. Mario does that to me too, but he usually smack me in the head when Ah try to make a bet with him."
Comet couldn't help but chuckle, remembered the show he used to watch.
"That does remind me of Agent Gibbs smacking DiNozzo in the head." Comet said, but left them confused. "It's the name of the characters from the series of NCIS. I used to watch them back in my old world."
"What's it about?" Twilight inquires.
"It's a crime series combined with military drama and police procedural genres, where the special agents have to solve the cases." Comet explains. "Mostly it's homicidal which it's basically murder cases."
"Does it also have the head slap thing?" Mario questions.
"Yep, Agent Gibbs mostly slaps Agent DiNozzo for being childish, but he sometimes slaps either Agent McGee or Agent David." Comet told him, leaving them chuckled.
"Sounds about right, considering it's also a weird coincidence." Mario states, earned a nod from Applejack and Twilight.
"Anyway, no problem at all, Applejack." Twilight said, changing the subject. "I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry."
"I know, right?" Spike asked.
However, a tossed apple hits Twilight in the head, causing her to turn around along with Mario, glaring at the baby dragon. Spike smiles apologetically.
"Puh-lease, Spike." Twilight groans with annoyance. "You've been lounging on my back all morning while we worked!"
"Also, you've also tossed apples and wasted them from time-to-time!" Mario adds.
"Exactly!" Spike said, missing their point. "You four were taking so long, I missed snack time."
However, Mario Star then smacked Spike in the head, making him grunt while rubbing his sore head. Twilight was about to retort when her stomach growled loudly along with Comet's. She just laughed nervously.
"Eh, I guess we better get some food." Twilight replied as Spike kept digging into her basket, searching for a good apple.
"Nope...Worm..." Spike mumbled, until he pulled out a large sparkling red apple. "A-ha!"
Twilight could feel her mouth water at the sight of the apple in Spike's claws.
"Oh Spike, that looks delicious." Twilight said, eager to bite.
Suddenly, Spike devoured the whole fruit into his mouth, much to Twilight's and Mario's shock.
"Spike!" Twilight and Mario shouts, annoyed and disappoints.
"What?" Spike asks innocently.
Just then, he let out a large belch. Twilight ducked as the green flame left his mouth and a rolled-up scroll appears before the two mares, Mario, and Comet.
"It's a letter from Princess Celestia." Twilight states with a gasp.
"I wonder what's this about?" Comet asks.
"We'll have to find out." Mario told him.
Spike cleared his throat shortly before opening it.
"Hear ye, Here ye." Spike reads. "Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and one guest."
Applejack and Twilight then gasped and smiled excitedly.
"The Grand Galloping Gala!"
Mario however, wasn't that too excited as he groaned with annoyance before face-hoofed himself. Comet was curious of what the Grand Galloping Gala means.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
My Little Pony
Do you know all you're my best friends?
Mario Star groans with annoyance while the two girls bounced up and down excitedly, Spike looks indignant as Mario. Comet then spoke.
"Um, what's the Grand Galloping Gala?" Comet asks which it got their attention, but remembered that he's not from around here.
"The Grand Galloping Gala is an annual royal ball held to celebrate in Canterlot after Equestria was founded." Twilight explains with a smile.
"Canterlot?" Comet repeats, tilting his head.
"What's wrong?" Mario inquires.
"Nothing, it almost sounded like Camelot from my old world." Comet said.
"Camelot, what in tarnation is that?" Applejack questions, skeptically.
"It's the name of the kingdom, founded by Arthur Pendragon and it's located in the United Kingdom." Comet explains. "You see, the United Kingdom is a continent that is very far from northeast. But, Camelot is also based on a book."
"And what is the name of the book?" Twilight asks.
"It's called, 'King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.' It's story about King Arthur lifting the sword called Excalibur, became the ruler of England, and founded the kingdom called, Camelot, and how he died and taken to Avalon. This story is also a retelling legend." Comet explains.
"Wow, that name 'Camelot' does sound like 'Canterlot', but also some weird coincidence." Twilight said, placed her hoof under her chin. "There might be some other links from your world to ours."
"Though, we might tell the princesses about it." Mario suggests.
Twilight nods with an agreement, but Spike burped again as three golden tickets floats down.
"Look, three tickets!" Spike said, showing the tickets.
"Wow, great!" Twilight said. "I've never been to the Gala. Have you, Spike?"
"No, and I plan to keep it that way." Spike said, refuses. "I don't want any of that girly frou-frou nonsense."
"Aw, come on, Spike. A dance would be nice." Twilight said, but turns to Mario. "What do you think, Mario? Would you like to dance?"
"I don't think I'd be that interested in dancing." Mario said, feeling unsure.
"Well, of course you would." Twilight said, still smiling and not seeing the problem. "You're my friend. I'd be happy to dance with you."
Mario Star couldn't help but chuckle nervously while blushed a bit. Applejack had just silently snickered when she overheard their conversation, but Twilight turns to Comet.
"What about you, sweetheart? Would you like to come to the Gala?" Twilight offers.
"I don't know, I'm just not use to this...um...Gran...what was that name again?" Comet asks.
"Grand Galloping Gala?" Twilight guessed, earns a nod from Comet. "I understand, but a dance would be nice."
Applejack and Mario then smiled warmly at Comet, noticed it's his first time hearing the Grand Galloping Gala which it'll be easier for him to go there and try to get to know a few more of the ponies.
"Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice." Applejack said with an excitement. "I'd love to go. Land sakes, if I had apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business Ah can drum up for Sweet Apple Acres?"
And sure enough as Applejack spoke, a dream sequence displayed a long line of Canterlot ponies as far as the eye could see. They all came with a bag of bits, more than enough to purchase all the apples and various apple goods she can sell.
"You could make a bank, as the old term goes." Mario answered.
"Exactly." Applejack said. "Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Macintosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip."
Visions on run-down items instantly became brand new, a roof that made the whole farmhouse in solid shape and a plow as shiny and clean. Then, there was Granny Smith, walking with a stretcher, until 'POOF!' her mane is fixed up, her expression is energetic, and with a swish of her newly replaced hip, she starts dancing and bucking like a young school filly again.
"Why, Ah'd give my left hind leg to go to that Gala." Applejack finished.
Both Twilight and Mario exchanged quick smiles to each other, before nodding with an approval.
"Oh, well in that case." Twilight began. "Would you like to-"
"Whoa!"
"Huh? Whoa!"
Mario Star turned before grabbing Comet Stardust and jumped out of the way just when Twilight was about to ask Applejack to go with them, Rainbow Dash, from out of the blue, crashed upon two ponies. That impact knocked all the apples Applejack and Twilight had in their baskets onto the ground.
"Rainbow Dash, don't you have anything better to do besides crashed into us?" Mario demands with a glare he shot at her. "And also, you almost crashed into Comet!?"
"Ugh." Rainbow Dash groans, but noticed Comet was grabbed by Mario, let's out a nervous chuckle. "Sorry."
Though, it didn't take long for Rainbow Dash to quickly hop back into the air, while the other two mares were still crouching onto the ground.
"Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash asks excitedly.
"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack snapped, rising to her hooves. "You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you been doin'? Spyin'?"
"No, I busy napping." Rainbow Dash replied.
It was then Mario and Comet noticed a pillow and blanket was conveniently on a nearby tree branch. How that was there and how they never noticed was beyond him as Mario rolled his eyes with annoyance.
"And I just happened to hear that you two have an extra ticket?" Rainbow Dash finished.
"Yeah, but-"
"YES!" Rainbow Dash cut off Twilight. "This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now..."
A picture in her mind showed Rainbow Dash in her moment of glory. A Wonderbolts display was just underway when the audience gasped. Before their very eyes, Rainbow Dash appears from the sky.
"Everyone would be watching the sky." Rainbow Dash explained between scenes. "Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly, Rainbow Dash!"
Over the cheering crowd, Rainbow Dash performs one of her signature maneuvers before the eyes of the ponies.
"I would draw their attention with my Super-Speed Strut." Rainbow Dash continued. "Then I would mesmerize'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for me grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze!"
In her fantasy, Rainbow Dash perform all those maneuvers perfectly, though the Buccaneer Blaze is not seen. Still, the ponies cheered for he wildly and even the three Wonderbolts' jaws dropped.
"The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member."
By the end of her fantasy, Rainbow shakes hooves with all three Wonderbolts. Before long, she soon donned her very own Wonderbolt uniform, flying and racing with them into the clear blue sky.
By the time, the thought across Mario Star's mind made his eyes roll. True, he supported her dream and to the point that he'd wanted to see her make the team someday. But the downside is that she needed some work on those signature moves of hers and less crashing on him, Comet, and Twilight. Not to mention her bragging will get her into a lot of trouble, which she needs to stop being a braggard.
"Don't you see, guys?" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly. "This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You've gotta take me!"
Rainbow Dash was suddenly interrupted by a tug against her tail, which brought her down to the ground.
"Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here!" Applejack said with a hard spit. "Ah asked for that ticket first!"
"So? That doesn't mean you own it." Rainbow Dash shot back.
"Oh yeah?" Applejack retorts. "Well Ah challenge you to a hoof-wrestle! Winner gets the ticket."
The two mares found a nearby tree stump and began to groan loudly trying to outstretch each other. This didn't go long when Twilight shoved them apart.
"Girls, these are my...Er...our...tickets." Twilight said firmly. "We'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?"
Twilight Sparkle turned to Mario Star and Comet Stardust in that last sentence.
"Sounds reasonable." Mario Star nods with a smile. "Alright girls, what's your proposal?"
"Drummin' up business for the farm?" Applejack proposed.
"A chance of audition for the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash proposed.
"Money t' fix Grannies hip." Applejack adds.
"Living the dream." Rainbow Dash adds.
Hearing all those reasons at once, both Twilight and Mario just exchanged nervous looks while Comet is hiding underneath her. Twilight noticed the colt hiding, gently rubbing his mane with a smile.
"Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, weren't they?" Twilight concludes, turning to Mario.
"I'll say." Mario replied slowly.
Just then, their stomachs start to rumble. The three unicorns chuckle toward each other.
"Listen to that, I am starving." Twilight said as Spike climbed on her back. "And Mario and Comet appears to be hungry as well, aren't you?"
"Yes! Comet and I didn't have any breakfast." Mario nods when Comet also nods with an agreement.
"I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach." Twilight said.
"Agreed, I can think better with a full stomach." Mario agrees. "So, we'll, uh, think about it over lunch, and get to you two, okay?"
"Okay." Applejack and Rainbow Dash replied sadly.
Once Mario, Comet, and Twilight left the farm, Applejack and Rainbow Dash glared at each other. Not wasting a second, they began to hoof wrestle once more, determined to win for the ticket. But then, Mario arrived quickly and slammed their heads against each other, which made them grunt as they rubbed their sore heads.
"No fighting with each other!" Mario added sternly before running off to catch up with Twilight, Comet, and Spike.
"Ow, geez, I hate it when he does that!" Rainbow Dash grunts, rubbing his sore head.
Meanwhile, the three unicorns and Spike had made it back to town contemplating on the matter at hoof. They were just near the building called 'Sugarcube Corner'.
"So, who are you gonna give the ticket too, you guys?" Spike asks.
"I don't know, Spike." Twilight admits. "I was planning to give the ticket to Comet, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?"
"Well." Mario pondered. "If I remember correctly when I have a discussion with Mayor Mare just the other day, there is a sweet little cafe just down the..."
CRASH!
Suddenly, something only Mario can describe as 'pink blur' barreled into them at high speed. The quick impact made the tickets float from Spike's hand and landed right on Pinkie Pie's nose.
"GAH!" Pinkie Pie shouts, dashing about. "Bats! Bats on my face! Help!"
In the midst of her excitement, Pinkie Pie stopped when she noticed the front of the tickets, looking very closely.
"Wait, these aren't...tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!" Pinkie Pie exclaims excitedly with starry eyes.
It causes Mario Star to roll his eyes with annoyance, had a feeling that Pinkie Pie had a reason to go.
And the worst-case scenario, they were all drawn into Pinkie Pie's mind as she imagined the Grand Galloping Gala as one big party, with all the wonderful things she could imagine.
"It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always, always, always wanted to go!"
And with that, Pinkie Pie starts singing.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Hip hip
Hooray!
It's the best place for me,
For Pinkie...
And Pinkie Pie kept ranting between lyrics, just as she normally would:
"With the decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and pinatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sumbeams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony!"
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me!
'Cause it's the most galarrific superbly-terrific gala ever
In the whole galaxy!
Whee!
Mario just stared blankly towards Pinkie Pie during that whole number while Comet pulls himself up, walking next to him and Twilight.
"Oh, thank you Twilight and Mario." Pinkie Pie thanked them happily. "It's the most wonderful-est gift ever!"
She then nudged herself to Mario.
"And you can be my date, handsome!" Pinkie Pie said to him.
"Wait...What?!" Mario exclaims, stunned with shock when Pinkie noticed Comet was hiding under his legs.
"Hi, Comet. You don't have to hide from me." Pinkie Pie said softly to the colt, rubbing his mane.
"Um, actually-" Twilight tried to explain when Spike picked up the tickets.
"GASP!"
A pony startled Spike from behind. He turns to see it was Rarity who had gasped.
"Are these what I think they are?" Rarity asked.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Pinkie Pie answered. "Twilight and Mario are taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot. And Mario is going to be my date."
Mario is now left stuttered while Comet came out as he walk next Twilight, it got her noticed as she rubs his mane.
"The Gala!?" Rarity exclaims excitedly. "I design ensembles for the Gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him."
That last word Rarity spoke with a rather dreamy tone.
"Him!" Pinkie Pie copied her tone, but appeared puzzled. "Who?"
"Rarity, who are you talking about?" Comet asks in confusion.
"Him..."
Rarity soon imagined herself at the Gala, all eyes from every pony were upon Rarity, in a beautiful yellow dress. She slowly marches down the aisle, approaching Princess Celestia in all her glory.
"I would stroll through the Gala, and everyone would wonder, 'Who is that mysterious mare?'. They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville."
Before the Princess, Rarity bows before her and she seems quite pleased with her display.
"Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an attendance with Princess Celestia herself." Rarity continued. "And the Princess would be so taken by the style and elegance that she would introduce me to 'him', her nephew: The most handsome eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot."
As Princess Celesita steps aside, there beside her was the 'most eligible unicorn stallion.' With light brilliant arctic blue eyes, his perfectly combed light amber mane and tail that's feathered and lethal, with the front of a tux with a white flower and a matching bow tie along with light gray coat. His cutie mark was a compass rose. With the way he posed and the way he smiled, he looked like a fairy tale prince come to life.
The two unicorns soon dance regally together amidst the sea of high-class ponies in attendance. This goes on until he bends on one knee, offering her the most beautiful diamond ring ever crafted for a mare.
"Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt." Rarity said dreamily. "Our courtship would be 'magnificent'! He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!'"
The last scene shows Rarity and the stallion upon the alter, all the ponies in Equestria gathering to bear witness the holy matrimony. The perfect wedding for the perfect bride and the perfect groom.
"We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is..." Rarity giggled. "...What I would become of marrying 'him', the stallion of my dreams."
"Oh please." Mario mumbled with annoyance, under his breath. "Blueblood's not that amazing."
"You know who she's talking about?" Twilight asks, overheard him.
"Who's Blueblood?" Comet questions.
"Prince Blueblood is the 'great-great nephew' on Celestia's and Luna's mother side, 52 times removed, roughly speaking..." Mario explains. "I know that self-centered, pompous jerk."
"What did he do that was so bad?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Well...at first, it's nothing." Mario explains. "I only met him once when Princess Celestia asked him to play with me for a few minutes. And let's just say he and I don't get along. I was too busy practicing martial arts when Blueblood tried to get me to play fetch after he grabbed the stick. I want no part of it, but I did give him a black eye when he tried to pick a fight."
Twilight, Comet, and Spike winced when Mario told them the last part of his backstory.
"Well, I'm sure he was just teasing, darling." Rarity assured.
"Am I?" Mario asks, glaring at her.
"But Mario, Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can...party and prevent me for meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph."
Rarity then turned her head with huff. Before Twilight and Mario could answer, Spike noticed a white bunny come up and snatch the tickets from his claws.
"Hey!" Spike called out.
But the bunny had already dashed away, straight towards...Fluttershy. He climbs upon her head, presenting the tickets from above which made her 'GASP'.
"Angel, these are perfect." Fluttershy replied softly.
Meanwhile, Rarity and Pinkie Pie shot dirty glares at each other. Mostly Rarity, as Pinkie Pie bounced about like a bouncing ball.
"Uh, listen guys." Twilight said. "We haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to."
"You haven't?!" Rarity and Pinkie Pie retorted together.
"And believe me when I tell you this, Rarity." Mario warned. "You're better off marrying an Oni than that stuck-up Blueblood."
Rarity gasped loudly, looking quite offended by his remark. Before she could retort, however, Fluttershy approached them slowly. She proceeds to come into view between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.
"Um, excuse me, Twilight, Mario." Fluttershy said gently. "I would just ask, I mean, if it would be alright, if you haven't given it to someone else..."
"You?!" Rarity exclaims, knowing what Fluttershy was asking. "You want to go to the Gala?"
"Oh, no." Fluttershy replied.
That answer received a swift jab from Angel, insisting on Fluttershy to go on.
"I mean, yes, or actually, kind of, you see..."
A sigh escapes Mario's lips.
A vision of Fluttershy in a beautiful garden takes the scene. An abundance of colorful flowers not often seen by the ponies beyond the castle. And the assortment of wondrous animals that appeared and gathered all around Fluttershy.
"...It's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala, as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance." Fluttershy explains. "The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom...And that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays, and pink flamingos!"
The scene shifts back as Fluttershy hover happily before Mario, Comet, and Twilight, as cuddled Angel in her arms.
"Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds...beautiful...?" Twilight asked, feeling unsure.
"Actually, the gardens are beautiful." Mario replied. "I'd go there a few times when I needed a study break."
"You've been there before?" Comet asks, earned a nod from him.
"Oh! Do you know if everything I said is there?" Fluttershy asked excitedly.
"The flora, yes. But all the fauna...Well..."
"Wait, just a minute!"
A familiar raspy voice made Twilight, Comet, and Mario look up, as Rainbow Dash stared down at them from the rooftop of a nearby house.
"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight retorted angrily, as Rainbow Dash flew towards them.
"Have you been following us?" Mario questions with the same tone.
"No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe..." Rainbow Dash stumbled. "Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a couple of goody-four-shoes like you two giving that ticket away to just anybody."
"Wait just another minute." Applejack called out, approaching Twilight and Comet, who's hiding underneath her.
"Applejack." Twilight replied sternly. "Were you following us too?"
"No, Ah was followin' this one." Applejack replied, motioned to Rainbow Dash. "To make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still tryin' to take mah ticket."
"Your ticket?!" Rainbow Dash retorted.
"But Twilight and Mario are taking me!" Pinkie Pie shot back. "And Mario is gonna be my date!"
Mario couldn't help but sighed with annoyance. Before Mario or Twilight could protest, all the other ponies started arguing each other and Comet is starting to grow scared. Their voices grew louder and louder, nearly smothering the two unicorns before Twilight and Mario finally had enough.
"QUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!" Twilight and Mario screamed as they stood in their hind legs.
"And then I said, 'Oatmeal, are you craz-"
"Pinkie!" Mario shouted angrily.
Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped once she realized that the arguing had stopped.
"Oh..." Pinkie Pie said sheepishly.
"Girls, there's no use in arguing." Twilight points out.
"And your argument is scaring Comet." Mario adds, motioned to Comet.
"But Twilight, Mario..." Rarity tried to protest.
"Zip it!" Mario replied, holding a hoof to her mouth. "This is our decision; we're gonna make it on our own."
"And we certainly can't think straight with all this noise..." Twilight adds when hers, Comet's and Mario's stomachs growled loudly. "Not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo!"
"And like I told Applejack and Rainbow Dash, no fighting with each other!" Mario added.
The five mares either walked or flew away, grumbling to themselves while Comet comes out.
"And don't worry, we'll figure something out..." Twilight adds, but the mares had already disappeared, leaving Spike, Comet, and Mario alone. "...Somehow."
He turns toward Twilight, who looked rather upset. Mario gives her a side hug.
"Come on." Mario ushered. "Let's go grab some lunch, my treat."
Twilight just gave a small smile, turns to Comet, who's upset with his godmothers argued about the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.
"Comet, what's the matter?" Twilight asks, worried.
"Why were they arguing over for the tickets?" Comet asks. "It's just not right."
"Well, to be fair, we didn't expect this to happen, either." Twilight told him. "I mean, sure, they had reasons for going to the Grand Galloping Gala, but it's not easy for us to make a decision."
"But why couldn't all of them go with you?" Comet questions. "Would it be easy enough and so they won't fight over those tickets?"
"If only it was that simple, Comet." Mario said with a sigh. "We only have an extra ticket for the Gala."
"But Mario, Twilight, it's just not fair when they try to fight it over." Comet protests.
"I know, but not every pony can be as lucky as we are. We all wanted our friends to go with us." Mario told him with smile, but Comet sighs sadly as he placed his hoof under his chin, getting him to look at him. "But the world isn't perfect, I just want you to know that we'll always be friends if we either take one of them or you to the Grand Galloping Gala."
Comet just look down sadly, which both Twilight and Mario can tell he won't like where this is going. Twilight then comes up with an idea.
"I'll tell you what, if it makes you feel better, we'll send a letter to Princess Celestia and ask her about adding more tickets for the Gala. That way, they won't have to fight over for the tickets." Twilight offers which it got Comet smiled a little, as the colt walk towards her and hugs her.
Mario then guides both Twilight and Comet...And Spike, who had caught up and was about to climb upon Twilight.
"Take my back for a change, Spike." Mario offers. "Twi needs to rest."
Spike shrugged his shoulders, as he did just so as they headed towards the cafe Mario recommended.
Upon their arrival, Comet, Twilight, and Mario are relaxing a bit, after making a suggestion for the colt. Comet is looking at menu which he noticed it was a little different in his old world, Mario, Twilight, and Spike noticed him looking at the menu.
"Can't decide?" Twilight asks, earned a nod from the colt. "It may look different in your world, but I can promise you, it'll be good if you try something since, you're in this current form."
"She's right. I know you're new to this and try to adjust, but we're here to help in a way we can." Mario adds with a smile.
Then, their stomachs growled again. Mario took out his ticket and look at it for a moment before their waiter approached the table.
"Have you made your decision?" He asked with a French accent.
"I'll have a daffodil and daisy sandwich." Twilight replied.
"I'll take the toasted hay burger on a sourdough, please." Mario requested.
"Um...I'll have what Twilight is having." Comet replied.
"Do you have any rubies?" Spike asked, but only get an indignant glare respond from the waiter. "No? Okay...I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy."
When Spike tossed the menu, the waiter walked away and went back inside.
"Why rubies? I thought dragons eat meat." Comet states.
"We do, but we refer gems better." Spike replied. "Don't get me wrong, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?"
"Spike, only you can eat gemstones." Mario points out. "Ponies can't, it would break their teeth. They prefer them currency...and in Rarity's case...a fine couture..."
"Like dresses and jewelry?" Comet inquires, earned a nod from Twilight.
"Rarity uses the gems for her own design of fashions." Twilight explains. "She got me wearing a dress after fixing my mane before the Summer Set Celebration and before you were reborn."
Comet nods with an understanding as Twilight turns to Mario, who's keeping an eye on the ticket with an annoyed expression.
"Mario, you've been staring at the ticket for a while. Is there something you want to tell me?" Twilight asks curiously.
Mario looked at her for a bit before answering.
"I'm not really much into a fancy parties or any of the royal events, okay?" Mario said.
It got both Twilight and Spike surprised a little.
"What?" Spike asked.
"The Grand Galloping Gala is just horrible, okay?!" Mario replied back, angrily. "Every time I go to that place, chaos starts to erupt around every part of Canterlot and I can't stand it anymore. Just because I want to go to Canterlot, doesn't mean I want to go to the event. I'd rather much go to the martial arts dojo and practice martial arts with Master Wu."
Twilight looked at him for a moment as if he just said something about the Grand Galloping Gala being horrible until she heard him practice martial arts with his teacher. Then she smiled as he just wanted some time alone practicing martial arts. Just then, the waiter reappeared with their order.
"Ah, your food." He replied, setting the plates on the table.
Spike was already munching away, while Twilight, Comet, and Mario smiled at their food.
"Thank you." Mario thanked him.
"Thank you." Twilight thanked him. "I'm sure everything will be clear once we eat."
The three unicorns use their magic to lift their sandwiches to their mouths when the other ponies galloped passed them and into the indoor section of the cafe. The three unicorns drop their sandwiches back to their plates, in confusion.
"Em, madam, monsieur?" The waiter replied, raised his eyebrow. "Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?"
"It's not raining..." Twilight replied.
BOOM!
A thunderclap caused the four to look around, noticed how everywhere, minus the table, was getting a large downpour.
"What's going on?" Twilight asked.
"Okay, which weather-pony goofed and brought this over here?" Mario demanded.
It was then, in a small hole in the clouds, a certain pegasus, Rainbow Dash, appeared. The moment he saw her, Mario glared at her.
"Hi there, best friends forever I've ever had!" Rainbow Dash said sweetly. "Enjoying the sunny weather?"
"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" Twilight asked suspiciously.
"Whaddya mean?" Rainbow Dash replied innocently. "I just saw the smartest, most generous ponies about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep them dry so they could dine in peace, that's all."
Mario and Twilight shifted looks from Rainbow Dash, the surrounding rain, their food, to each other, and at Rainbow Dash once more. Comet had a feeling that Rainbow Dash was just doing this for the ticket.
"Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing extra special favors, are you?" Twilight asks.
"You're not the type to swallow your pride like that." Mario added slowly.
"Me?" Rainbow Dash chuckled. "No-no-no, of course not."
"Uh-huh." Twilight said.
"Sure." Mario added which he, Comet, and Twilight aren't convinced.
"Seriously, I'd do it for anypony." Rainbow Dash added.
However, the other ponies were running to find cover and failing miserably. The three unicorns look toward Rainbow Dash, clearly seeing that the scene exposed her bluff. Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously, but gulped.
"Rainbow Dash, we're not comfortable accepting unwanted favors." Mario told her.
"So, I'd appreciate it if you closed up that rain cloud right now." Twilight added.
"Ugh, fine." Rainbow Dash said as she zipped the hole. Mario just groaned and looked at Twilight indignantly. Comet was able to finish his sandwich before the rain.
"That's better." Twilight said, pleased of herself.
Two seconds later, Mario, Twilight, and their sandwiches were soaked from the downpour. Both Mario and Twilight just groaned in irritation. Spike covered his mouth, trying not to laugh and having already finished his food. Just then, Rarity arrived carrying a large purple umbrella.
"Twilight! Mario! Comet! It's raining." Rarity said plainly.
"You think?" Comet asked with sarcasm.
"No, really?" Twilight retorted sarcastically.
"And we thought somepony was dumping the world's largest bucket of water all over us." Mario added, in the same tone.
"Come with me before you catch a cold." Rarity said.
Rarity then pulled Twilight away while Mario and Comet watched them leave before they went after them.
As soon they went inside of the Carousel Boutique, Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and Comet Stardust shook the water off their coats and mane. Once they're dry, they looked sharp as ever...Except Rarity, who got soaked to the bone from all the shaking about and glared at the three.
"Heh-heh, oops, sorry." Twilight apologizes nervously.
"Yeah, sorry." Comet apologizes as well.
"Yeah..." Mario chuckled timidly. "We probably should've just asked for a towel."
"Oh no, it's alright." Rarity replied. "After all, we are..."
For some reason, Rarity was completely dry and nuzzled Twilight's side.
"...The best of friends, are we not? And you know what best friends do?"
"Uh..."
Based on their expression, both Twilight and Mario were afraid to find out.
"Makeover!" Rarity exclaimed.
Rarity shoved a dressing screen in front of her and Twilight, knocking Mario and Spike, except Comet who teleported, aside as Rarity roughly dressed up Twilight.
"Ugh, Rarity, ow!" Twilight groaned. "This really fixing it. I mean, thank you, but, ooh, that's too tight!"
As the screen was removed, Twilight was fitting in a glittery little dress.
"There." Rarity said. "Oh, you're simply darling."
"Uh, yeah, it is kinda pretty, isn't it?" Twilight replied, then turns to Mario. "Do you like it, Mario?"
"Well, you do look pretty in it." Mario replied with a sly smile.
Twilight just blushed and smile back. Spike made a face, sticking his tongue in his finger. Rarity rushed into him, causing him to stick his entire claw inside his mouth.
"And you." Rarity exclaims. "Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent."
She then turns to Mario.
"I didn't forget you, handsome." Rarity said, but noticed someone is missing. "Wait, where's Comet?"
Rarity then noticed Comet came out of the dressing room.
"There you are!" Rarity exclaims, causing Comet to jump. "I didn't forget about the sweet little colt."
That got Comet hiding back inside of the dressing room, but Rarity quickly went inside while tried to catch him. Comet manage to slip away from her, but Rarity quickly caught him and pulled the colt back inside. However, Comet teleported out of the dressing room and hid behind Twilight's legs. Rarity then came out of the dressing room, looking for Comet, but manage to find him. Rarity was about to get him into the screen, but Mario decided to stop her by smacking her in the back of her head.
"You've done enough, Rarity." Mario said, glared as her. "Can't you see you're scaring him?"
Rarity shot a glare at Mario, but turns to Comet for a few seconds, noticed he was scared of her when Twilight rubs his mane, tried to calm him down, which it got her to chuckle nervously. She then moves the screen behind Spike.
"D-ah, ow, oh, hey, wow, watch it, whoa!" Spike yelped.
Once the screen had moved, Spike was dressed in a very traditional renaissance style blue suit with a blonde wing. He looked indignant and embarrassed.
"Oh, Spike." Twilight said with a giggle when Rarity turned to Mario.
"I know that you're upset at me for chasing after Comet, and I deeply apologize for that." Rarity said. "But I do have something for you."
Mario glared at her before she placed the stallion in a nice tuxedo. This surprised him a bit before he looked at it with a smile.
"Wow, Rarity. Not bad." Mario said when Twilight giggled again.
"You look so cute in that tuxedo, Mario." Twilight remarked with a sly smirk, causing Mario to smile sheepishly and blushed a bit.
"And Comet, I do apologize for what I did." Rarity said, smiled at the colt. "Please come out."
Comet can tell that Rarity is being sincere, came out when she placed the colt in a tuxedo as well. That surprised him a bit before he looked at it.
"You look very nice, sweetie." Twilight said with a smile.
"You think so?" Comet asks when he turns to her, earned a nod from Twilight.
"Now you just need a hat, Spike." Rarity said, plopping it on Spike's head.
"Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk." Spike whined. "See you back at the library!"
Spike quickly dashed right out of the attire and out of the boutique.
"Oh, who needs him anyway." Rarity said with a laugh.
As Rarity brought a mirror, Twilight just looked at herself contently while Mario looked at himself with a smirk as he admired it. Comet was feeling annoyed while looking at them when they're looking at themselves at the mirror, not wanting to be in the middle of it.
"This is all about you, and how fabulous you three will look at the Grand Galloping Gala."
Mario, Comet, and Twilight blinked at one another in realization.
"Wait, the Grand-"
"And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence!" Rarity exclaims.
The way she went on, Twilight, Mario, and Comet knew exactly what Rarity was trying to do.
"I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches Twilight to a T..."
Rarity soon held Twilight close as they gazed into the mirror before she took full dominance of the reflection.
"We would be the bells of the ball, you and I...Everyone would be clamoring our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone will finally know who, the most beautiful, the most talented, the most sophisticated in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn!"
Rarity had stars in her eyes, until she turned toward Twilight, Mario, and Comet, giving her death glares.
"Ah." Rarity laughed nervously. "And Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and Comet Stardust, of course."
"Rarity." Mario said sternly. "You may be talented at making fashions, but this has gotta be the most foolish way to give us what you want!"
"We see what's going on." Twilight agrees with Mario. "You're just buttering us up, so we'd give you an extra ticket! Well, it's not going to work!"
The three unicorns tossed the offered clothes back to Rarity, resuming their normal appearance.
"You're going to have to wait for our decision just like everyone else. Now if you'll excuse us, we've been trying all day just to get some lunch." Twilight said firmly.
They just turned to the open-door Spike left though, when suddenly.
"Did somepony say lunch?"
Some pony grabbed Twilight, Mario, and Comet and dragged them out. They soon landed in front of a wagon loaded with various apple treats.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" Twilight exclaims.
"It's day one in Ponyville all over again!" Mario grimaced.
It was then their culprit appeared before them: Applejack.
"I got apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplings, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple brown betty." Applejack listed, showing off the apple brown betty. "The dessert, not my Auntie. What do you say there, best friends?"
Mario and Twilight's stomachs growled, as they could feel their tempers slip.
"Is that a yes?" Applejack asked.
"No, no!" Twilight snapped, making Applejack dropped the apple brown betty. "We don't know who we're giving the ticket to. And all these favors aren't making it any easier to decide! In fact...We're less sure now than this morning!"
And with that, Twilight groaned and high-tail out of here, leaving Applejack stunned as she took off.
"So, that's a maybe?" Applejack asked, but earned a smack in the back of the head by Mario. "Ow! What in tarnation was that for?"
"For pressuring me and Twilight." Mario told her without looking at his sister, as Comet used his magic to levitate the apple and Mario used his magic to levitate the apple fritter and leave.
In a short while, Mario and Comet caught up with Twilight while had a moment to calm down, enough to get back to the Golden Oak Library. But it was clear that the two unicorns, except Comet, were frustrated and stressed out after a long day.
"Ugh! I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating!" Twilight retorted angrily.
Comet and Mario nodded with an agreement, as Twilight opened the door. Before her eyes, various animals dusted and cleaned the interior of the library. They heard a familiar Fluttershy humming a sweet tune, as she dusted the bookshelves.
"Seriously?!" Mario said aloud.
"Fluttershy, not you too?" Twilight gasped.
"Oh, well, hello Twilight." Fluttershy greeted. "I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you."
"It's summer." Twilight, Mario, and Comet said, matter-of-factly.
"Oh, well, better late than never, right?" Fluttershy replied with a nervous blush. "It was Angel's idea."
Angel smiled, continuing to toss a salad nearby.
"You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?" Twilight asked, getting to the point.
"Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friends." Fluttershy assured, lands on the ground. "Right Angel?"
Angel just gives her a glare, which said otherwise.
"Oh yes, we are just doing this for the ticket."
Mario just smack his face in greater annoyance as Angel offered them salad.
"Unbelievable!" Mario remarked.
"No, no, no!" Twilight said firmly. "Well, this was all very nice for you and Angel, but we're not accepting any extra favors until we've made a final decision, so we're going to have to ask you to leave."
Twilight opened the door when a huge burst of confetti blasted through the door.
"SURPRISE!"
Between the shouts from the ponies and the trumpets blowing outside, Twilight and Mario were both whisked away and tossed up and down by a bunch of random ponies, while Pinkie Pie began to sing...again.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
Twilight and Mario are my bestest friends
Whoopie, whoopie!
"Pinkie..." Mario and Twilight said together.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They're the cutest, smartest, all around best ponies, ponies!
"Pinkie..." They repeated.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
I bet if I throw a super-duper fun party, party!
"Pinkie!" They said louder
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
They'll give their extra ticket to the Gala to me!
"PIIIIIINKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!"
The two unicorns shouted so loudly, the ponies broke away and sent them landing hard on the ground.
"Yes, Twilight? Mario?" Pinkie Pie asked, batting her eyes.
"At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket." Twilight said as she sat up with Mario.
"Wait, what ticket?" The pony named Drizzle asked. "What Gala?"
"Oh, you didn't know?" Pinkie Pie replied. "Twilight and Mario have an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala!"
"The Grand Galloping Gala?!" The ponies exclaimed.
Mario and Twilight suddenly looked uneasy as they were swamped by dozens of ponies. Ironically, they were all mares.
"Have I ever told you how much I love your mane?!"
"I'll wash your dishes!"
Soon they began suggesting favors left-and-right, as Spike managed to swoop in and help the two unicorns slip out of the crowd. Unfortunately, they were stopped by some pony named 'Daisy'.
"Would you like help with your gardening?"
"We don't have one!" Mario said.
"They tried to get away again before they were stopped by a pony named 'Shoeshine'.
"I have a cartload of extra carrots."
Soon the crowd had swamped the two again, shouting favor after favor.
"What are we gonna do?" Spike asked.
Their personal space began to dwindle rapidly, Mario and Twilight found themselves ready to panic.
"We're...Gonna...RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!" Mario and Twilight shouted when they jumped high in the air, dashing away at top speed with the mob in hot pursuit.
Comet was left behind and watching Mario, Twilight, and Spike ran away from the mob, hoping they'll be okay. Fluttershy then walks up to Comet along with Pinkie Pie.
"Comet, you've been around with Twilight and Mario all day." Fluttershy said. "Did she ask you to go to the Gala with them and tell us about it?"
"Well, yes she did ask me, but I'm just not sure about it." Comet told her.
"Not sure?!" Pinkie Pie exclaims, shockingly. "Comet, this is the Grand Galloping Gala! It's the most-"
Comet silenced Pinkie Pie by using his magic to close her mouth.
"Wonderful event is all of Equestria, I know." Comet cuts in. "You all have been saying that all day. However after what Mario have told me, I'm starting to have second thoughts about going."
Comet then walks into the library to find that Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity were also inside.
"What are you girls doing here?" Comet asks.
"We're trying to get Twilight to give me the extra ticket." Rainbow Dash answered.
"Your ticket?!" Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie shouts.
"Ah'll have to know that ya intervened before ah could get mah ticket, Rainbow Dash." Applejack said with a glare.
"You snooze, you lose, AJ!" Rainbow Dash taunts.
"Clearly girls, this is my ticket." Rarity said, clearing her throat. "And my one and only chance to meet my prince."
"It's also my only chance to have the best amount of fun I've ever had and to date with Mario!" Pinkie Pie said. "So, I should have the ticket!"
"I've done cleaning for Twilight, so I think it's best to assume that she'll give me the ticket." Fluttershy said.
Soon all of the ponies started arguing which irritated Comet as he lost it and used his magic to scream louder, like a Banshee, causing the ponies to cover their ears of that loud scream. Soon as Comet stop screaming, he then used his magic to separate the ponies from each other.
"What the hay was that for? Are you trying to scream our ears out?" Rainbow Dash asks with a glare, rubbing her ear.
"This coming from a pegasus who tried desperately to get the ticket for unwanted favors." Comet shot back with a glare, causing Rainbow Dash to flinch. "Have any of you not realize it yet? Twilight and Mario have been declining your favors because of how selfish all of you are for the ticket!"
"Darling, I'm sure she's just wanting for who has the best reason." Rarity states.
"Listen, I'll admit all of you had a very good reason and I'm happy that you all wanted this in your life." Comet said. "But have any of you ever thought that it's not okay to just bluntly do something for your friend just so you can get what you want?! Seriously, it's like your foals fighting over a toy!"
The mares looked at each other for a second before catching onto what Comet's saying. They all looked to the ground with the look of shame on their faces. Comet sighed with relief and seeing them have learn their lesson.
"Look, I know you mean well, and I know none of you meant any harm to Twilight and Mario, but still this is their decision and you can't force them just to get what you want." Comet told them. "Seeing all of you doing this to them, it comes to show that your actually being a bad friend to them."
"Gee, Ah never thought of it that way." Applejack said sadly. "Ah guess we were being a little selfish now that Ah think 'bout it."
"Indeed Applejack, I feel so ashamed for bothering Twilight and Mario like that." Rarity agrees.
"I guess that explains why they kept refusing our favors." Rainbow Dash said.
"Oh, I hope Twilight and Mario doesn't hate us for it." Fluttershy said.
"It's not that they don't hate any of you at all, it's more about why they couldn't give any of you the ticket." Comet points out.
"Really, what?" Pinkie Pie asks.
"All of you were Twilight and Mario's friends and all of you want to see them happy, and they feel the same way." Comet told her. "The main reason they couldn't decide was because neither of them didn't want to choose one over the other."
The mares then had shocked looks on their faces when Comet said that.
"I can tell because it was written all over their faces and I was upset when I watched you fight over the ticket. I just want all of you go to the Gala with Twilight and Mario." Comet said. "So, they were about to ask Princess Celestia about having more tickets for each of you and you won't have to fight over it."
The mares had surprised looks before smiled when Rainbow Dash walked up to Comet.
"Are you sure you're a kid, Comet?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"I am, why?" Comet asks.
"The truth is, you're very insightful for your age." Rainbow Dash told him, hugged him.
"Yeah, you're a great friend to us, Comet." Pinkie Pie adds, hugging him.
"But there's somethin' off about you and Twilight, sugarcube. Ah know because she's startin' to look at you more often when we're buckin' some apples." Applejack points out. "And Ah can tell you've been with her the entire time."
"Now that you mention, Comet did hide under Twilight when I tried to have him wear the attire." Rarity said. "Comet, is there something going on between the two of you?"
Comet had shocked look on his face before sighed, decided to come clean.
"It's just for some reason...I'm starting to see Twilight more than a friend...I'm seeing her as a mother." Comet told them, making them shocked. "Ever since she gave birth and my spirit is reborn, I'm starting to see Twilight as a mom. And all of you, including Mario, are more than my friends, I'm seeing you five as my godmothers, and Mario...my godfather."
The five mares then confirmed their suspicions and catching on: Comet is seeing them as family. Ever since they helped Twilight gave birth to Comet because of the Maternity Flower, Comet is growing close to her, Mario, and the five mares and starts seeing Twilight as a mother, Mario as a godfather, and Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie as godmothers.
"But I can't accept it right away, I've only been here in Equestria for a few days and I already missed my parents and my friends." Comet said sadly.
"Ah understand, we know ya miss your parents. But sugarcube, ya will always miss them." Applejack said with smile, side hugged him. "But they'll always be with ya as long as you remember the things they taught ya. In a way, you'll never be apart. For you are still apart of each other."
The words that Applejack spoke of were slowly mending the break in Comet's heart.
"And I'm sure they want you to be happy, and they probably want what's best for you." Rarity adds.
"Also, we'll be there to help Twilight make sure you'll get a good life and make sure you have friends, since Apple Bloom cared about you." Rainbow Dash adds. "And so do we."
The mares then pulled Comet in for a group hug with a caring smile, leaving him in tears and in a breakdown since he couldn't believe what he was hearing. The girls knew that he couldn't deal with it and having an emotional breakdown as they comfort the colt. After a few minutes, Comet finally calms down as he turns to them.
"Thank you, I really needed that." Comet thanked them with sincere as he wipe his tears from his eyes, earned a nod from his godmothers. "Now, how about we all apologize to Twilight and Mario when they get back."
"Sounds good." Rainbow Dash agrees while the four mares nodded with an agreement.
Then, Twilight and Mario teleported and got their attention and Spike was covered in slight marks of soot.
"Ugh...Warn me next you two are gonna do that." Spike groaned dizzily.
"I didn't even know it was gonna happen." Twilight protests.
"That's the trouble with magical surges." Mario added. "You never know when they happen or what they'll do. They just trigger under moments of extreme stress."
"Never mind the lesson." Twilight snapped, standing upright with her arms spread out. "Now quick, lock the doors!"
Mario nodded as the three quickly closed all the doors, locking the bolts, and turn all the light off. They breathed a sigh of relief, slumping to the floor after finishing the job. Mario and Twilight even shook their hooves up and down. Suddenly, a light came back on...They look up...
And their five best friends and Comet stared down at them, all smiles on their faces, near a high window. Mario and Twilight couldn't take it anymore.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!?" Twilight and Mario yelled screamed.
"I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!?" Mario said as he was now going crazy.
"We can't decide!" Twilight retorted frantically. "We just can't decide!"
"We know it's important to all of you and we can't stand disappointing any of you!" Mario adds. "And giving us gifts and doing us favors won't make any difference!"
"Because you're all our friends and we wanna make you all happy and we can't! WE JUST CAN'T!" Twilight and Mario said together.
The two unicorns crunch into the floor, their front hooves covering their heads. The five mares already knew how upset Mario and Twilight are because of Comet as Applejack walked up to them. She pats a forehoof on Twilight's back, but still spoke to the both of them.
"Twilight, Mario, sugars." Applejack said gently. "Ah didn't much to put so much pressure on ya, and if it helps, Ah don't want the ticket anymore. Ya can give it to somepony else. Ah won't feel bad, Ah promise."
"Me too." Fluttershy added. "I just feel awful that I made you feel so awful."
"And me too." Pinkie Pie cuts in. "It's no fun upsetting your friends."
"Twilight, Mario." Rarity joined in. "It was unfair of me to try and force you as I did."
"Yes! That means the ticket is mine. Ha-ha!" Rainbow Dash said, before singing and dancing in midair. "I got the ticket; I got the ticket-"
Rainbow soon stopped when Applejack, Fluttershy, Spike, Comet, and especially Mario shot a dirty look. Twilight just looked up. Yet the two unicorns were still crouched and their forehooves still covered their heads.
"You know." Rainbow Dash said sheepishly. "I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need the ticket anyway."
"Twilight, Mario, I really wanted to experience the event of the Gala you two told me about, but if I said 'yes', then I would feel guilty for upsetting them." Comet told them. "But I'm starting to have second thoughts after what you told me that the Grand Galloping Gala was horrible."
"We got all so gun-ho 'bout goin' to the Gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you." Applejack points out.
"We're sorry, Twilight and Mario." They six said with an apology.
Mario and Twilight, slightly better, exchanged smiles and a single nod.
"Spike, take down a note." Twilight instructed as Spike grabs a sheet of paper and quill.
Twilight proceeds to speak aloud, as she picked up the three tickets with her magic.
Dear Princess Celestia,
We've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though we appreciate the invitation, we will be returning all three tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.
"WHAT?!" The six ponies exclaims with shock.
"If our friends can't all go." Mario concluded for Twilight. "We don't wanna go, either."
"Mario, Twilight, ya don't have ta do that." Applejack protested.
"Nope, we've made up our mind." Twilight said, as Mario gives a confirm nod. "Spike, you can send the letter now."
Spike released a green flame that ate up the letter, sending it to Canterlot.
"Now you won't get to go to the Gala, either." Fluttershy said sadly.
"It's okay, everypony." Twilight assured. "We couldn't possibly enjoy ourselves without our best friends there with us."
"So, we would rather not go at all." Mario added with a smile.
The five mares then shared a group hug together around Twilight and Mario, chuckling with each other. Applejack gives her brother a one-on-one hug, leaning against his ear.
"I know yer just thinkin' 'bout us, sugarcube." Applejack said to him. "But Ah know yer disappointed ya won't take Twilight to the Gala as yer date."
Hearing her say this, made Mario's eyes widen as a mad blush formed on his cheeks.
"What are you talking about?" Mario asked with his eyebrow raised.
"Aw c'mon, sugarcube." Applejack giggled. "Ah've seen the way y'all look at Twilight after ya lost touch with Moon Dancer. Ah knew it was only a matter of time before y'all would've asked her."
Mario stared at her for a moment before he glared at her. Suddenly...
POW!
"Whooooaa! OOF!" Applejack crashed into the bookshelf after Mario sent her flying in the library before she landed on her stomach. Applejack then looked at the annoyed stallion with a nervous smile.
"Uh, Ah guess ah struck a nerve, huh?" Applejack asked with a nervous laugh.
Mario just stared her down as he closed his eyes before he sat in the middle. The girls and Comet just looked at him with worry.
"Mario."
Mario opened his eyes to Twilight and Comet looking at him with gentle eyes as they stood next to his sitting form.
"I'm sorry, AJ." Mario apologizes to his sister as she rubbed her sore cheek he punched on, who just smiled back in reply as she accepts his apology. "I guess I've been having a hard day after losing touch with Moon Dancer and all of this craziness and I just hoped I would want to meet up with my teacher. Look, I'm not much into fancy parties and the Grand Galloping Gala is no different. It's horrible."
"Well, that's just plum crazy, big brother." Applejack retorted.
"No, Mario told us about this when we were at the cafe that all he wanted to do is not going to the Grand Galloping Gala." Comet confirmed as Twilight patted Mario's back in comfort. "He said it was horrible with chaos and such there, he'd rather see his teacher instead."
"Well, don't worry, Mario." Fluttershy said gently as she came to Mario's other side. "I'm sure you'll see him again."
Spike couldn't help but stick his tongue in his finger, but starts holding his stomach.
"Well wallop mah withers, Spike." Applejack said, approaching the dragon. "Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment."
"I'd duck if I were you." Mario warned her.
BURP!
"Whoa Nelly!" Applejack exclaimed.
She barely missed getting burned by the green flame Spike spat out between her mane and her Stetson hat. The flame turned into another letter.
"A letter from the princess?" Twilight said surprisingly. "That was fast."
"Guess Princess Celestia must have had time to sort the mail today." Mario replied.
"What does it say?" Comet asks.
Spike proceeds to open the letter and reads the contents aloud.
My faithful students, Twilight and Mario, why didn't you say so in the first place?
And then, a familiar sight met their eyes...eight tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala is revealed.
"Eight tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Spike announced.
All the ponies, except Comet, in the room gasped, excitedly.
"Now we can all go." Twilight declared happily, as she then turned to Mario which she noticed Pinkie smiled and batted her eyelashes at Mario, making him annoyed. "And Mario can be my date for the Gala."
Mario then turned to Twilight with a smile, nods and it got him blushed. Twilight also smiled and blushed when she looked at him. Though, Pinkie Pie blinked before smiling again.
"That's okay." Pinkie Pie replied and leaned into his face with a smile. "Someday Mario, you'll be mine."
She then bounced away. Mario shook his head, feeling annoyed of Pinkie Pie tried to have her way with him. Just then, his, Comet, and Twilight's stomachs growled which it got them laugh nervously.
"Allow us to treat you three to dinner." Rarity offered.
"What a great way to apologize." Rainbow Dash declared.
Each ponies collected their tickets, the lot of them hovering above their heads as they left the house.
"And to celebrate!" Pinkie Pie added, while exiting. "Come on everyone, the cupcakes are one me!"
As the girls, Mario, and Comet exits the library, Spike held on to one extra ticket excitedly, until Applejack left. The ticket departed from Spike's hand and floated above hers.
"How come I don't get a ticket to the Gala?" Spike asked sadly.
HURK! BURP!
Applejack stopped moving when she heard the belch, as a green glow appeared behind her, and she turned back. Apparently, Spike received another letter from Princess Celestia.
And one for you, Spike.
Soon as Spike reads, the ticket appeared as he left with a giggle. Just then, he spots Applejack, standing casually with a sly smirk on her face. Spike froze for a second, before making a face.
"I mean, gross, I have to go too?" Spike remarked.
Eventually, Spike dashed away giggling again. Applejack merely chuckled as she went to catch up with the rest of her friends. Comet however, isn't too happy about going to the Grand Galloping Gala since he heard of what Mario told him and the event is only a few months away.
That's it for the 6th chapter.