Chapter 4:
The Ticket Master

It had been about a week since the purification of the little sister, and everything was going great. Ash, Apple Jack, and Twilight Sparkle had gotten done with apple picking and was heading back to the farm. “Ash, Twilight thank you kindly for helping me out. I bet Big Macintosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunch time. If I win he’s gonna walk up Stir-up street in one of granny’s girdles.” Apple Jack explained and ended it with a chuckle.

“No problem at all, Apple Jack.” Ash answered back as he brought up the rear; walking around the apples Spike was tossing out of his sister’s baskets.

“I’m just grateful the goal is lunch time. All this work is making me hungry.” Twilight said while knowing what her scaly chum was doing on her back.

“I know. Right.” The dragon said after tossing an apple and it hit his ride on the head causing him to give her an innocent smile, and pray that she buys it. The Magic user decides to point something out to the tag-along.

“Please Spike, you’ve been lounging on my back all morning long while we worked.” She stated, but the dragon was ready with a reply of his own.

“Exactly. You three were taking so long I missed snack time.” Spike told them as they continued on their way to the barn. Ketchum did have to chuckle because the dragon’s comment was something he would say since he too was almost always hungry, but at the moment he focused on their duty.

“I guess we better get some food.” The purple pony stated as she heard her stomach rumbling, but then there was a second rumble. “What was?” She asked before seeing the monster tamer blush so she had a feeling that it came from him.

“Nope. Worm. Ah-ha!” The reptile exclaimed as he yanked out fifteen not good ones, but on the sixteenth shot he found just the one he was looking for.

“Spike, that looks delicious!” The helper said after seeing the shiny red apple in his claws, and believed he picked it for her, but in a second it was already in his stomach. “Spike.” She shouted at him out of anger.

“What?” The dragon questioned since he believed to have done nothing wrong. As soon as it was down something else came up.

“It’s a letter from Princess Celestia.” The student said as she and the others watched the scroll slowly come down to the ground. The messenger decided to do his thing.

“Hear ye. Hear ye. Her grand royal Highness Princess Celestia of Equestria is pleased to announce that the Grand Galloping Galle to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot on the 21st day of…yadda, yadda, yadda. Cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.” Spike informed while skipping over some useless information. The two gals heard this and instantly became giddy with joy.

“The Grand Galloping Gale.” The two of them said while looking at one another with smiles on their faces. The tall one of the group wondered what was so special about the GGG. “The Grand Galloping Gale.” The two said again as they pranced in placed to either side of their male companions.

‘Gag me.’ Spike thought as he had his mouth open and his right forefinger in his mouth. At that moment the items in question came out with a burp. “Look, two tickets.” He said after taking them from the air.

“Wow, great! I’ve never been to the Gale. Have you, Spike?” Twilight stated and questioned to the dragon before her.

“No. And I plan to keep it that way. I don’t want any of that girly-girl frou-frou nonsense.” He said to her and meant every word…at least a part of him did. Ketchum was still confused about this whole thing.

“Oh, come on, Spike. A dance would be nice.” The studious one stated and wondered if her ‘little brother’ said that because as a dragon he views himself an outsider to ponies.

“Nice?! It’s a heap of more then just nice. I’d love to go.” Apple Jack said to her friend before explaining the why, “Land sakes! If I had an apple stand set up. Ponies would be charmed by the taste of it till the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres. Why, with all that money we can do a heap a fixin up around here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big Macintosh could replace that rusty old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, I’d give my left hind leg to go to that Gale.” The honesty holder said as she envisioned a line as far as they eye could see at her little stand along with the changes she spoke of.

“Oh, in that case would you…” The guest was about to go for the plus one until they all heard a shout of sorts. Before the hero could save them a blue blur fell on top of both girls.

“Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gale?” The blue pony of their party questioned while still lying on top of them. The two knew that voice and one of them was not pleased to hear her.

“Rainbow Dash.” The farm girl said before standing up, and continued with, “You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing - spying?” The friend was insulted by that claim and decided to come clean.

“No, I was busy - napping.” The speed factor said, and it was then Ash saw a pillow and cover hanging on a tree branch.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have called Pidgeot back.’ The mortal thought since he knew that the speedy one saw his speedy flier as a competitor to keep her on her hooves.

“And I just happen to hear that you have an extra ticket.” The female flier said as she flew upside down in front of the ticket holder with a smile on her face. This caused the student some minor discomfort since she had a feeling that this was going to get worse before it got better.

“Yeah, but…” She replied but was cut off before she could finish.

“YES!” Rainbow exclaimed happily before she explained why she was so happy. “This is so awesome! The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Galle every year. I can see it now - everyone would be watching the skies. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly - Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then I would mesmerize them with my amazing Philley flash, and for my grand finale the buccaneer blaze. The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated in their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member.” The others could see what she was talking about, but the monster tamer saw a flaw in her plan, but decided to stay quiet about it. “Don’t you see Twilight, this could be my one chance to show `em my stuff.” She offered while flying a bit into the air and flexing her upper leg biceps. “You’ve got to take me!” She exclaimed before feeling a familiar feeling in her tail.

“Hold on just one pony picking minute, here.” The farm girl said with a mouth full of tail before spitting it out and continued with, “I asked for that ticket first.” She pointed out but the loyal one decided to point out a fact about that.

“So? That doesn’t mean you own it.” She answered back, but her friend was ready with a comment of her own.

“Oh yeah? I challenge you to a hoof wrastle. Winner gets the ticket.” AJ offered causing the two to go to the nearest tree stump, lock hooves and start their match.

‘I wonder who will win?’ Ketchum thought as he felt his competitive side getting excited about seeing this contest. Before a winner could be decided a voice stopped them.

“Girls!” Twilight shouted while pushing them away from one another. “These are my tickets. I will decide who gets it; thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket. Don‘t you think?” She added after separating them.

‘Good call.’ Ash thought as he watched the two of them stand shoulder to shoulder with one another.

“Drumming up business for the farm?” AJ offered after taking a step forward.

“A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?” RD offered after taking a step in front of his fellow Harmony Holder.

“Money to fix Granny’s hip?” AJ offered after taking point again.

“Livin the dream?” RD offered after taking point again. The kind hearted duo now realized that this may have been a bad idea after hearing their reasons to go.

“Oh my. Those are all pretty good reasons, aren’t they?” The purple pony said to them before hearing her and Ash’s stomach rumbling. “Listen to that. I am starving. I don’t know about you, but I can’t make important decisions on an empty stomach. So, uh, I’ll think about it over Lunch, and get back to you two, okay?” Twilight offered while Spike got back on her back and the two walked off.

“Okay.” Honesty and Loyalty answered back with disappointment in their voices before going back to hoof wrestling. Ash saw the two scenes, and knew what to do about them.

“Bulbasaur, Bayleef, Primape - come on out!” Ash shouted out after throwing three Poke`balls into the air. Once they were out he added, “Listen guys, I’m going to head into town, but I need you three to take these apples to Sweet Apple Acres barn. That is - if your up to it?” The human offered to his partners.

“No problem.” The three answered as one before picking up the apples, and with the aid of vines and boxing gloves to carry the cargo the three were off.

“Come into town after your done, and no eating the produce on the way.” Ash hollered out to them before setting off into town since he believed that things were only going to get worse for his new friend. Once he got into town the Electrical Enforcer walked up to him.

“How was the apple picking?” The rodent questioned with a smile since he was hoping for a bite. Even though he knew his partner never did a good did for any kind of reward, but because it’s the right thing to do; still it never hurt to hope.

“Not bad. Have you seen Twilight pass by here?” Ash asked and after pointing the way Ketchum picked up his first Pokemon, and followed her.

“So, who you going to give the ticket to, Twilight?” Spike questioned as he held onto the items in question. She wished he didn’t say that, but she still answered him.

“I don’t know, Spike, but I really can’t think straight when I’m hungry. So, where should we eat?” The sister said, and could have sworn she heard galloping, but ignored it which was a bad move since she was quickly body checked by the happy-go-lucky pony.

“Aah! Aah! Bats! Bats on my face! Help!” Pinkie shouted out after seeing something on her nose. Ash, who heard the cry for help, hurried in that direction, and was about to explain her situation, but she figured it out on her own. “Wait! These aren’t…tickets to the Grand Galloping Gale!” She shouted in excitement.

‘Another pony for Twilight to consider. That’s great.’ Ash thought and felt even more sorry for his new friend’s plight.

“It’s the most amazing, incredible, tremendous, super, wonderful, terrifically wonderful party in all of Equestria. I’ve always, always wanted to go.” The happy one said before singing about her reasons to go, “Oh, the Grand Galloping Gale is the best place for me! Oh, the Grand Galloping Gale is the best place for me! Hip-Hip Hooray! It’s the best place for me! For Pinkie! With decorations of streamers, and fairy lights, and pinwheels, and pinatas, and pincushion. With goodies likes Sugar Cubes, and sugar canes, sundaes, and sun beams, and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favoritest of favorite fantabulous games like Pine the tail on the Pony. Oh, the Grand Galloping Gale is the best place for me! Oh, the Grand Galloping Gale is the best place for me! Cause it’s the most galloping super-terrific Gale ever! In the whole Galaxy! Whee!” Ash heard it all, and could only chuckle about it.

“You got to love her enthusiasm, eh pal?” Ketchum questioned his rodent friend who only shrugged since he still didn’t know what to think of that one.

“Oh, thank you, Twilight. It’s the most wonderfullest gift ever!” Pinkie exclaimed while hopping around, and stopped with a face to face meeting with the ticket bearer as she sported a big grin to show how happy she was.

“Um, actually…” The book-smart one started to speak, but drifted because she didn’t know how to put her thoughts into words for her happy-go-lucky friend.

“Ash!” Pikachu shouted as he pointed over to where Spike was, and even though the rodent didn’t know what exactly was going on he knew that it had something to do with those shiny pieces of paper in the young dragon’s claw.

“Oh brother.” The Pallet Town protector muttered as he saw yet another factor to the Elements of Harmony right behind the green/purple beast.

“Are these what I think they are?” Rarity questioned after a gasp of surprise which caused the dragon to turn and face his crush.

“Yes! Yes! Yes! Twilight is taking me to the Grand Galloping Gale in Canterlot!” Laughter shouted out to Generosity which caused the white/purple pony to explain her reason to go to the event.

“The Gale? I design ensembles for the Gale every year, but I’ve never had the opportunity to attend. Oh the society, the culture, the glamor. It’s where I truly belong, and where I’m destined to meet…him!” Rarity explained her part in the party which the others did find fascinating, but not as fascinating as the last word in her last sentence.

“Him!…who?” Pinkie questioned since she knew everyone in town, so the person her friend was talking about had to be a native of Canterlot.

“Him. I would stroll to the Gale, and everyone would wonder ‘who is that mysterious mare.’ They would never guess that I was a simple pony from little old Ponyville. I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an honor with Princess Celestia herself, and the Princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to - him. Her nephew - the most hansom, eligible, unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt, our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say - YES! We would have a royal wedding befitting a princess which is what I would become upon marrying him: the stallion of my dreams.” She explained to them before coming to reality and added, “Twilight, I simply cannot believe that you would invite Pinkie Pie so that she would party, and prevent me from marrying my true love.” This put further strain on the ticket holder.

‘She barely knows the guy, so how does she know that?’ Ash thought and had a gut feeling that the white unicorn was in for a big disappointment.

“How could you?” The fashion expert said before turning her back on her pal with a ’humph’. While all this was going on a creature sped over to Spike, grabbed the tickets, and sped off to another factor of the Elements of Harmony.

“Angel, these are perfect.” Kindness said to the bunny hanging onto her mane while showing off what was in her mouth. The Magic factor decided to explain one simple thing to the two before her.

“Uh…listen guys, I haven’t decided who to give the extra ticket to.” She informed which caught both of their attention.

“You haven’t?!” Rarity and Pinkie Pie said as one, but before either of them could probe the subject any further a voice spoke from behind them.

“Um…excuse me, Twilight. I would just like to ask. I mean, if it would be alright…if you haven’t given it to someone else…” FS said while finding it hard to come right out and ask the sixth member of their little group, but they got the gist of her statement.

“You?!” R questioned to FS and added, “You want to go to the Gale?” She was curious of that because the timid one never struck her as a party goer.

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy answered back since she believed to have missed her chance, and was planning on leaving it at that until she felt a rapid tapping on her upper left leg so she continued with, “I mean, yes, or actually kinda. You see - it’s not so much the Grand Galloping Galle as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful most fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gale, and that night alone will they all be in bloom. And that’s just the flora don’t get me started on the fauna. There’s Loons, tucanns, bidens, oh-my. Humming birds that really hum, and buzzards that really buzz. There’s blue-jays, and red-jays, green-jays, pink-jays, and Pink Flamingos.” She was such in a happy place that she was flying in place and holding her bunny at the same time.

“Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds…beautiful.” TS said back and meant it since it all sounded great. Her decision was put at a halt again thanks to a familiar voice.

“Wait just a minute!” The speed factor, who gave up on the hoof wrestle, shouted down from her rooftop spot.

“Rainbow Dash. Were you following me?” The student asked as the flyer landed before her.

“No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn’t matter. I couldn’t risk a goody four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just any body.” The speed factor said after being tongue tied at first, but was able to recover at the end.

“Wait just another minute.” The other half of the hoof wrestle shouted out causing the ticket holder to turn to her right.

“Apple Jack, were you following me too?” Twilight questioned and prayed not. Ketchum wondered about his friends before feeling a tapping going on to his back.

“Sorry, boss. They were gone by the time we put the apples up.” The pig monkey said as he and the two grass types walked up to him.

“It’s okay. I should have known they wouldn’t have stayed there.” The taller creature answered back before listening to the rest of the conversation.

“No. I was following this one. To make sure she didn’t try any funny business. Still tryin to take my ticket.” Apple Jack said which caused the Pegasus to become a little miffed.

“Your ticket?!” Dash shouted but before she could add anything Laughter spoke out.
“But Twilight’s taking me!” The pink one called out which started a chain reaction with the others. Their comments soon blended themselves together so well that not even the rodent could tell them apart.

“We better stop this. Pikachu, if you would be so kind?” The monster tamer stated which the creature in question was about to do just that until they all heard a voice scream above the others.

“QUIET!!!!” Twilight shouted as loud as she could that made even Ash and his friends silent.

“And I said - Oatmeal, are you craz…” Pinkie said but stopped when she didn’t hear any one else talk. This caused the ticket bearer to become the center of attention again.

“Girls, there’s no use in arguing.” TS explained to them, and the generous one decided begging again.

“But Twili---.” R whined, but was stopped.

“Eh!” She shouted while stopping Rarity, and continued with, “This is my decision, and I’m gonna make it on my own. And I certainly can’t think straight with all this noise…” A moment of stalling when a familiar rumbling sounded off. “Not to mention hunger.” She said after hearing her stomach rumble and added, “Now go on. Shoo!” She saw them leave and grumble about the situation. “And don’t worry I’ll figure this out….somehow.” She said as the group was leaving, and prayed that they weren’t too mad at her.

“That went well.” Ash said as he and the others walked over to the ticket holder. “Come on. Let’s get some chow.” He said after giving her a friendly noogie, and recalling the three others. The group of four, Spike rejoined them after realizing she meant the ‘shoo’ comment to just the other ponies, sat down on some piles of straw at a restaurant.

“Oh, guys what am I going to do? All five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the Gale. Apple Jack or Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy. Rarity. Oh, who should go with me.” TS said while magically picking petals of the flower in front of her, and even licked them up when her stomach rumbled.

“Have you made your decision?” The waiter questioned to the pony he was serving, and waited patiently for an answer.

“I can’t decide!” She shouted back in anger.

“Sorry about this Twilight, but all he wanted to know was our order.” Ketchum commented causing the ticket holder to become embarrassed of her outburst, but quickly recovered.

“Oh, I would love a daffodil n daisy sandwich.” She said politely after collecting herself.

“What she said.” Ash commend while thumbing to Twilight.

“Plain hay.” The rodent stated.

“Do you have any rubies?” Spike questioned the waiter who did not answer. “No? Okay. I’ll have the hay fries.” He continued after realizing that shiny rocks were not on the menu.

“What do you think, Spike?” The sister asked the brother since she had a feeling the warrior and his old friend wouldn’t have a straight answer for her.

“I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones.” The brother answered back as he was still focusing on his stomach.

“I mean the Galle, the ticket, and who I should take.” Twilight explained to try to keep the rest of the table focused on the subject at hand.

“Oh, your still on that?” The scaly one stated back while pinching the brim of his nose with his left claw. Again her strain over this situation caused another lash-out.

“Spike, listen.” She shouted out while slamming her front hooves on the table which startled all three males at the table. In that state Ash saw rain clouds coming, so he went to work. “How do I choose, and when I do choose will the other four be mad at me.” She said before adding her own plan, “I mean - I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I…” Her ramble was cut short due to the waiter.

“Ah, your food.” He said while handing out the four different orders.

“Oh, thank you. This looks so good. I’m sure everything will be much clearer once I eat.” Twilight said before a stampede of ponies rushed past them which peaked her curiosity.

“Madam, are you going to eat your food in ze rain?” Their waiter questioned after giving the other ponies a chance to get into the building.

“It’s not raining.” She answered back and all of a sudden it was storming everywhere else except right at their table. “What’s going on?” She questioned while looking up, and as she did that Ketchum put his plan into action since he had already eaten his sandwich.

“Hi there best friend forever I’ve ever, ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?” The weather manipulator stated and questioned through the only hole in the stormy sky.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” The student questioned since she already had a feeling that this was a bribe of sorts. Still she at least decided to give the speed demon a chance to explain herself.

“What do you mean?” The blue one questioned sweetly before adding, “I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I’d kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so that she could dine in peace. That’s all.” The comment was heard, and now the ticket holder was certain of her guess.

“Rainbow, your not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by giving me extra special favors, are you.” Twilight stated back while glaring right at her friend for a straight answer.

“Me? No. No. No. Of course not.” RD answered back with a smile on her face and a wave of the hoof.

“Uh-huh.” The sixth member said back in a disbelieving tone. She was so focused on the conversation that she did not feel the item on her back.

“Seriously. I’d do it for any pony.” Rainbow answered back which caused the four to look and see several ponies that were not as lucky as them. Seeing what they were seeing caused RD to chuckle nervously since she knew that her chance had been blown.

“Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favors so I would appreciated if you close up that rain cloud right now.” TS insisted to the weather controller.

“Ugh, fine!” Dash answered back before zipping up the hole she made for her friend.

“That’s better.” She said and was about to eat until she saw that her sandwich had become uneatable. ‘How is this wet while I’m dry?’ She thought before suddenly feeling something on her back and realized it was Ash’s jacket; she also saw Spike had his hat.

“Hope that helps.” Ash said with a smile on his face despite the fact that he was getting soaked. Before she could give him an answer a factor to the Elements of Harmony spoke.

“Twilight, it’s raining.” R pointed out to TS as she stood in the rain with an umbrella saddle.

“No. Really.” The sorceress stated back, and was grateful that the tall man gave her some protection.

“Come with me before you catch a cold.” The beauty based one said as she grabbed her new friend and dragged her back to her place with the three males traveling right behind.

“I’m just going to stay out here.” Ash said as he let Spike take his backpack in. As soon as the rodent heard the sound of toenail on tile he unzipped the pack on his end and got out.

‘Sure hope he’s okay out there.’ The electric mouse thought before turning to face this bribe strategy with his own two eyes.

“Oops. Sorry.” Twilight said as she shook the jacket off, and it landed right on top of Rarity - still soaking wet.

“Oh, it’s quit alright. After all…we are the best of friends are we not.” The fashion expert said as she too tossed the jacket aside and nuzzled her head on the ticket holder’s neck. “And you know what the best of friends do…make-overs.” Rarity said as she answered her own question before summoning her blind which knocked the two smaller males away.

‘This is going to get worse before it gets better.’ Pikachu thought as he heard some commotion going on the other side of the blind. After a few moments the blind was moved away and the two saw that their friend was styling in a different saddle.

“There. Oh, your simply darling.” Generosity said as she examined her work on her friend.

“Uh, yeah. It is kinda pretty, isn’t it?” The student questioned as she looked at her outfit which Spike sported a gag-me pose which was stopped by the fashion designer.

“And you two. Oh, Spike, Pikachu, I have just the outfits for the dashing gents.” Rarity said before summoning the blind again and after a few moments of struggling the blind was moved to reveal the two in traditional eighteenth century clothing.

“Oh, you two.” Twilight said to the small creatures in their new outfits.

“Now all you need is a hat.” Rarity said as she placed two new hats on the mouse and dragon. Neither of them were very happy over what they were wearing.

“I told you I don’t want any part of this girly Gala gunk. See you back at the Library. Come on Pikachu.” Spike said as he sped off and left his outfit behind. The electrical one on the other hand walked over to pick up the two fallen articles of clothing with his mouth, waved to the two, and then was on his way.

“Good. You were able to get my things back, Pikachu.” Ash said as he saw his jacket and hat, so he took them and tossed the both of them into the air along with two Poke`balls. “Infernape - Ember. Squirtle - Water Gun.” The hero called out, and the monkey and turtles attack hit each other and not the clothes.

‘Wow. He used the power of steam to dry out his clothes - smart…which is odd.” The first Pokemon thought as he watched the steam vapors clean up his gear. He put it back on, and was amazed of how good it felt.

“Come on. We better follow Spike’s advice, and head out to the library. She might need some emotional support when she gets home.” Ash said to them, and with that decided the four headed off not knowing that there was another scheme on its way over.

“Oh, who needs them anyways. This is all about you.” Rarity said as she pulled a mirror to truly show her ticket holding friend what she looked like in that saddle. “And how fabulous you’ll look at the Grand Galloping Gale.” She added, and it was then she realized the real reason for this gift.

“Wait. The Grand--.” TS tried to speak, but was cut off by a gasp of acted alarm.

“And, oh, my goodness. What a coincidence. I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a ‘T’.” Generosity said as she stood by a mannequin wearing a duplicate of Twilight’s outfit. “We will be the bells of the ball - you and I. Everyone will be clamoring for our attention. All eyes will be on us, and everyone will finally know the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is - Rarity the Unicorn.” She said after putting TS in a headlock, but after realizing her blunder she quickly added, “And Twilight Sparkle of course.” Her save was denied by the other.

“I see what’s going on. Your just buttering me up, so I give you the extra ticket. Well, it’s not gonna work. You’re going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve been trying all day just to get some Lunch.” Twilight said while removing the saddle and storming out the door only to be cut off by the yellow/orange one.

“Did some-pony say - Lunch?” Apple Jack questioned before pulling the ticket holder out of the tailor’s building, and over to her haul.

“You’ve got to be kidding me?!” The student questioned as she saw all the food in the simple wooden wagon, and knew that they were all for her.

“I’ve got: apple pie, apple fritters, apple tarts, apple dumplins, apple crisps, apple crumblers, and apple brown betty.” AJ said before clarifying and asking, “Uh, the dessert; not my auntie. What so you say there, best friend?” She was about to answer, but her stomach beat her mouth. “Is that a ‘yes’?” She questioned and it was then the purple knew that this was a bribe as well.

“No. No! I don’t know who I’m giving the ticket to, and all these favors isn’t making it easier to decide. In fact - I’m less sure now then I was this morning.” Magic said to Honesty before letting out a frustrated groan, and galloped away.

“So, that’s a maybe.” Apple Jack questioned as she was unfazed by what her friend just said to her. The ticket holder on the other hand decided to go to the one place in Ponyville she thought she would be safe.

“I never thought being showered with favors would be so aggravating.” Twilight said as she neared her home, but just as she was about to enchant the handles to the door she saw the Trainer, and his best friend sitting on the stoop.

“You don’t want to go in there.” Ash informed her before adding, “It’s not pretty.” TS heard AK, but could only picture creatures like Muk and Snorlax in her library, so she ignored his warning, opened the door, and went in.

“You did warn her.” The electric mouse said as the door closed behind her. The studious one saw that it was clean, but mostly because of Kindness and some of her friends.

“Fluttershy, not you too.” The ticket holder stated in disbelief since she seemed the last of the chosen six to pull something like this.

“Oh! Well, hello, Twilight. I hope you don’t mind, but we’re all doing a little Spring Cleaning.” Kindness said to Magic as her cover for wanting the extra ticket.

“It’s Summer.” TS pointed out in an irritated tone since this cycle was starting to get old.

“Oh! Well…better late than never, right?” FS questioned with a smile and a blush since she had a feeling that her reason for doing this has been exposed. “It was Angel’s idea.” She added to shift the conversation to someone else which caused the white rabbit, who was tossing a salad, to salute to the ticket holder which did not mess up the chef hat he was wearing.

“You’re not doing this for the ticket, are you?” Twilight questioned, and prayed for once today that the answer would be ‘no’.

“Oh, no. I’m doing this because you’re my very, best friend. Right, Angel?” The winged one informed while flapping down to the ground, and looked over at the long earred one for reassurance.

‘Seriously?’ The bunny thought with paws on his hips.

“Oh! Yes, we are just doing this for the ticket.” Flutter corrected herself before watching the helper to zip to the student with the freshly tossed salad in hand.

“No! No! No!” Twilight shouted as she heard her stomach rumble, and did not give the two any false hope. “Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I’m not accepting any extra favors until I have made my final decision. So, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Twilight said as she opened the door, and pointed them out before the Laughter factor gave it a shot.

“Surprise!” Several ponies shouted outside her home causing the pink one to grab the purple one, and take her outside to see what she had done.

“Twilight is my bestest friend. Whoopee! Whoopee!” Pinkie shouted as four ponies tossed the ticket handler into the air.

“Pinkie.” She called out in a calm tone.

“She’s the cutest, smartest, over all best pony…pony.” PP continued to sing before the group tossed her up again.

“Pinkie.” TS said with a bit more force in her voice.

“I bet if I throw her an extra super-duper party; party.” The party goer said as they threw her into the air again.

“Pinkie.” The student said in a board tone.
“I bet she’ll give her extra ticket to the Gale to me. To me.” PP continued to sing, and it was at this moment the purple one has had enough.

“PINKIE!!!” Twilight shouted as loud as she could which caused the tossers to back away from her out of fear which in turn caused her to fall on her back.

“Yes, Twilight?” The party animal questioned with fluttering eyes.

“At least the other ponies tried to be subtle about the ticket.” The studious one said as she rose to a sitting position not knowing that she had just jinxed herself.

“Wait. What ticket?” A citizen questioned since this sounded important.

“Oh, you didn’t know. Twilight has an extra ticket to the Grand Galloping Gale.” Pinkie Pie informed the group around them. Ash, who had went to the other side of the big tree to sleep, heard the info, and knew that TS’s luck was about to go south in a hurry.

‘I better help her.’ The Trainer thought before rising to his feet, and walked over to the front of the tree. By the time he got there the citizens were crowding her with overlaying compliments, and even though Spike went out to try to help his sister the dragon really didn’t have a plan.

“What are we going to do?” The dragon questioned since he was hoping that her big brain had prepared for this.

“We’re gonna…” She started to speak, and stalled because she honestly had no idea until the form of the monster tamer was racing at them. “RUN!” She shouted before jumping up and landing on his back with the scaly one in his arms.

‘Behind that wagon.’ Ash thought and did so, but were spotted by two.

“Babies in a stroller.” Twilight whispered after seeing an empty stroller just sitting there. Ash put on a poncho and swapped his hat for an older one, Twilight wore a formal cloak and hood that was with the stroller. Pikachu and Spike were in baby apparel that was already in the wheeled object.

‘Can’t believe that worked.’ The babies thought after hearing the stampede rush past them, but the team dumped that idea, and went for something else.

“Over there!” A citizen shouted after seeing the ticket holder running away from them. The group ran over a bridge not knowing that their targets were under it. The smaller of the four fell into the river.

‘The clothing store.’ Pikachu thought and ran to said building where TS dressed as a clown mannequin, Spike - hula girl, Pikachu - jester, Ash, removed his hat, jacket, and shirt to make - The Thinker. The crowd ran past the window causing the four to run, and kept running until they were cornered in an alley.

“Don’t worry. I got just the thing to deal with these groupies.” Ash said as he pulled a Poke`ball from his pocket, but before he could even enlarge it Twilight unknowingly teleported the four of them back to the library.

“Warn us next time you do that.” Spike stated as he, Twilight, Ash, and Pikachu were a bit scorched because of the teleportation.

“I didn’t even know it was going to happen!” She shouted back to her brother as the four dusted themselves off. “Now, quick lock the doors.” She ordered before racing off.

‘That’s a little painful for a teleportation.’ Pikachu thought before sensing something, and saw what he sensed. “Guys.” The small rodent stated, but the three others were already on a mission. Twilight blew out the outdoor candles, Spike shut the doors, and Ash raced around and turned off all the lights.

‘It’s always good to turn off lights when you leave a room.’ Ash thought before joining up with the other two. The three sighed in relief since now seemed as though they had a moment of rest. All of a sudden the room they were in lights came on. “Pikachu, what are you…” The partner questioned only to see the Electric type point to something which the others followed it, and saw what he did earlier.

“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! I can’t decide! I just can’t decide! It’s important to all of you, and I just can’t disappoint any of you! And giving me gifts and doing me favors won’t make any different because you are all my friends, and I want to make you all happy, and I can’t! I just can’t!” Twilight shouted to the five as she was getting all of this off her chest, and the others were getting that they were only putting more strain on her by doing those things.

“Twilight, sugar, I didn’t mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps - I don’t want the ticket anymore.” Honesty said after walking over to the sixth one and put a compassionate hoof on her head. “You can give it to some-pony else. I won’t feel bad. I promise.” She added with a sincere tone.

“Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful.” Kindness said after gliding from the ledge to where Twilight was.

“And me too. It’s no fun upsetting your friends.” Laughter commented to Fluttershy’s statement.

“Twilight, it was unfair of me to force you as I did.” Generosity stated which was her style of an apology.

“Yes! That means the ticket is mine! I got the ticket. I got the ticket.” Loyalty said while flying in place - feeling great about this news until she saw that four Elements of Harmony, Spike, and Ash were giving her a disappointed look. What really got her was the mouse with sparks coming from his red cheeks, and from what Pidgeot told her - flying types that came across that brother were in serious pain before they knew what hit them. “You know…I haven’t perfected my signature moves for the Wonder Bolts anyway. I don’t need that ticket either.” She added which seemed to be what they wanted to hear.

“Good call.” Pikachu whispered before looking over at the keeper of the tickets.

“We all got so gung-ho about going to the Gale that we couldn’t see how un-gung-ho we were making you.” Apple Jack said as to help express just how sorry they were about the whole thing.

:We’re sorry, Twilight.” The others said in a meaningful tone.

“Spike, take down a note.” TS said as she was feeling much better about this whole thing. The dragon found a paper and quill, and stood ready.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I have learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there are not enough blessings to go around having more for your friends could feel kind of awful. So, though I appreciate the invitations I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gale.” Twilight said which caused a slight alarm.

“What!” The five others shouted in alarm, but the student stayed focused on the letter.

“If my friends can’t all go. I don’t want to go either.” She added while turning to face her friends.

“Twilight, you don’t have to do that.” AJ said to her even though she knew that she was wasting her breath.

“Nope. I made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now.” TS stated and watched the messenger walk over and opened a window before sending the letter on its way with the two tickets enclosed.

“Now, you won’t get to go to the Gale either.” Fluttershy pointed out.
“It’s okay, girls. I couldn’t possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me.” Twilight answered back causing the five to feel really pleased with that, and gathered around her. “So, I’d rather not go at all.” She added while seeing Ash and Pikachu nod to what she said.

“Well, wallop my withers pike. Isn’t that just like a boy: Can’t handle the least bit of sentiment. Whoa nelly!” Apple Jack said as she saw the dragon gagging on what was said, but dodged a flame that shot from his mouth.

“A letter from the Princess. That was fast.” Twilight said as she saw the familiar C stamp on the scroll before them. Spike took the message from the air, and read it to them:

“My faithful student Twilight,

Why didn’t you say so in the first place.” An update on her earlier offer came forth.

“Six tickets to the Grand Galloping Gale!” Spike exclaimed before showing them off to the Elements of Harmony.

“Now we can all go.” TS said to the rest of them causing cheering to be heard throughout the tree along with another noise.

“Allow us to treat you to dinner.” Rarity commented, and with that Spike held the door open along with the tickets.

“What a great way to apologize.” RD said as a ticket floated up to her as she TS and R were out the door.

“And to celebrate.” Pinkie said while another ticket went to her. “Come on, everyone, the cupcakes are on me.” She said as FS claimed her ticket. The dragon walked off with the last until it flew over to AJ on her way out.

“How come I don’t get a ticket to the Gale?” Spike questioned once his claws were bare before belching up another scroll which gave him one as well. He walked out with great joy…until another sister figure - Apple Jack stood and stared at him. “I mean, gross. I have to go too.” He tried to cover, but after a while the two laughed while catching up to the others.

“Come on. Let’s go home.” Ash said as he closed up for the seven, and once that was done he and Pikachu headed for home.

“Guess the Princess forgot about us.” Pikachu said as they entered their temporary home.

“Don’t say that, Pika-pal. Remember us and royalty never go well together.” Ash said as they were heading for bed. The aura warrior could see his friend’s questionable face, so he specified what he meant. “The Togepi kingdom had an evil dictator that we had to stop. Around the Cameron Palace we were forced to relive the legend.” The creature understood that, but he knew what to counter with.

“What about Princess Silvia. Nothing bad happened there.” Pikachu pointed out to the hero.

“Maybe, but one out of three isn’t a good outcome.” The monster tamer stated, and it was then the two heard a tapping on one of the windows, and saw that it was Gliscor.

“Boss, I have something for you.” The ground/flying type said through his side of the window. Ash walked over and opened the window for him, and once inside the human saw something on the flier’s tail.

“That looks like the same thing those Pidgey Parcel Protagonists use.” Ketchum commented as he removed the lid of the metal container. Within was a note:

“To the new hero - Ash Ketchum,

Most likely you know of the Grand Galloping Galle, and that Twilight, Spike, and their friends are going. To show my gratitude of your help to bring my sister back to the path of good I will invite you and six of your Pokemon to the party. I would have offered more, but I am not sure how the ponies of Canterlot view your Pokemon.” The note said causing seven tickets to come out of the paper.

“I guess the choices are up to me. I’ll get on it…in the morning.” Ash said before collapsing on his bed. Exhausted over what went down with Twilight, and only wanting sleep.

“I sure hope this isn’t a repeat of the Indigo League when Ash left his training at the last minute, and didn’t have time for it since it was the day of the competition.” The lightning themed one muttered to himself before going to bed himself.

Copy Rights:
Ash Ketchum, and the others, are owned by Gamefreak/Nintendo and Cartoon Network.
My Little Pony, and the others, are owned by Hasbro and the Hub.