Chapter 4: Peaceful Reign

Twilight Sparkle rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Good morning, Spike.” She said, rolling out of bed.

“Good morning, Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” Spike said with playful respect.

“Spike, I already told you. You don’t have to use that title every time you talk to me.” Twilight said with a smile.

“I know, but it is your name.” Spike protested. “By the way, Pinkie Pie is outside waiting for you. Something about a surprise or something.”

Twilight made her way to the door. Even though she had lived there for a while, the castle still seemed large and unfamiliar. She wasn’t quite at home in it yet.

She opened the door and was greeted by a bouncing pink pony.

“Twilight!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly. “You know what tomorrow is, right?”

Twilight pretended to think very hard. “Uh…Thursday?”

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “Sure, but do you know why this particular Thursday is extra super-duper special?”

Twilight strained.

“It’s Applejack’s birthday, Twilight!” Pinkie blurted. “I can’t BELIEVE you would forget such a thing!”

Twilight giggled. “I didn’t forget, Pinkie. So, what big extravaganza do you have planned this time around?”

Pinkie took in a deep breath. “Well, we’re all going to Sweet Apple Acres SUPER early tomorrow morning and surprising Applejack when she gets up to do her chores! Of course we’ll need to prepare by setting everything up secretly in the barn. We’ll need cake and streamers and lots and lots of apples!”

“Sounds like you have quite the event planned.” Twilight beamed. “I’m sure you will need some help, right?”

Pinkie was still rambling on about her plans. Twilight shook her head. “How about Rainbow and I keep Applejack busy today while the rest of you get the barn ready, sound good?”

Pinkie nodded. “Okie dokie lokie!” She said, bounding off.

“Looks like you’ve got your day plans.” Spike said.

“Yep. Better get started.”

“Hey, Applejack!” Rainbow Dash called from above.

The orange pony had been selling some apples in town and was headed home for the day. Twilight had just joined her in her walk. She looked up. “Oh, howdy Rainbow. Somethin’ wrong?”

“Nah, just wanted to say hey.” Rainbow said, laying on a small cloud. “Do anything exciting today?”

“Just sold some fresh apples and apple goods. Nearly emptied my cart!” Applejack replied proudly.

“Sounds exciting.” Rainbow replied, not really caring.

“Hey, I just thought of something.” Twilight butt in. “How about you two have a race?”

“A race?” Applejack questioned.

“Come to think of it.” Rainbow began. “We haven’t had any sort of competition in a long time. And in the Running of the Leaves, we both tied…For last place!”

“I suppose that’s true.” Applejack agreed. “Alright, sure. When should we race?”

“There’s no better time than the present!” Twilight said cheerily.

“Right now?” Applejack repeated. “Oh, I don’t know…I gotta get home and help-“

“Aw, come on!” Rainbow interrupted. “Take the afternoon off and have a little fun!”

“Well…” Applejack said.

“Come on, Applejack. It’s not harvest season or anything. I’m sure missing one day to have some fun is alright.” Twilight reassured her.

“Alright.” Applejack said with a nod. “Let’s race!”